I RECENTLY PURCHASED A SWEET 1963 FORD FAIRLANE. IT HAS A BLOWN 6 CYLINDER IN IT NOW. I HAVE A 1985 302 H.O. MOTOR WITH A C-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH MOUNTS TO CHANGE AND WHERE TO GET THEM. AND... ANYTHING ELSE THAT I MIGHT NEED TO DO TO MAKE THIS SWAP.

 

Unibody frame ties might help. I'm not sure if Advance adapters sells kits like that - but motor might set in with stock mounts from 302?

 

Don't forget you'll probably need to change the driveshaft length too.

 

The1963 was available with the original "WINDSOR" family V8. This consisted of the 221 and 260 CID V-8. The bore was punched out to 4" creating the 289 which became available mid-year. The 302 is a stroked version of the 289. Thus you should haveminimum problems putting in the 302.

 

Only this is a 6 cylinder to 289 (302) conversion.

 

You're right, it is a straight 6 to a V8 conversion. I just mentioned the above to let him know that the 63 Fairlane was available with the V8 so that they would be aware that no major body/frame modifications would be needed.Try http://www.dearbornclassics.comfor parts availability.

 

I just mentioned what I said because you didn't mention that some 6 cylinder motors can't easily be changed over. Many cars that come with a 6 and V-8 use different transmission tunnel and unibody clearancesand so on from the alternate transmissions - but what's weird is most Fords I've seen you can change between a straight 6 and V-8 engines pretty universally as long as you use the motor mounts that came with the engine going in and they're the same type to match the frame bracket. The main problems really are fitting a bigger transmission and cutting and rebalancing driveshafts properly to as not to cause an accident by crashing out the tailhousing in a differenttransmission. Also some cars filp-flop sides with the speedometer and require a special cable to adapt. You must also watch crossmembers and clearances and remember not to try any stupid stunts like I saw one guy do - cutting the unibody rails to fit the transmission in. That's a bad idea from the start unless you're a pro and know how to go about re-supporting the structure and welding new stuff in (cutting the frame rails and welding is also illegal in some areas without a license- though not enforced unless you crash because of it). Also the rear end should be replaced with a higher gearset like a 9 inch axle. If you're too low geared you could end up driving with your front wheels off the ground.

 

And you know as well as I do the 302 is a 6-bolt transmission flange - the early 289 was 5-bolt.

 

Therefore the more rare stock V-8 transmission (that fits around the upper unibody rail) won't bolt up without a special bellhousing (advance adapters?) or a lot of experience with what transmission fits.

 

And while we're on it...If you're not going to take your time and do it right, then you should not do it at all. Research, Patience and Tme always makes a better outcome. I personally wouldput ina 289 as it's the right V8 for the model/year, do amild build and sell the 302 to help off set the cost. Let us know how everything works out.