ricktjr: I removed the front sway bar for better weight transfer, but it still doesn't handle too bad. It leans a bit if you take a corner fast, but not too bad, not a corner burner though!! I have aluminium heads and intake so the weight should be close to the 302.
masscougarxr7: If you install subframe connectors (weld in), the car should handle a bunch of power with out any problems, a 6 or 8 point cage will offer some more insurance but can be a pain for getting in and out! Our '83 T-Bird is pushing 525HP and 565TQ without sub frame connectors, but the street tires don't offer much bite:burnout: , connectors are coming this winter.
People can't believe I fit all that engine in there. But they fit better than some think.
The spark plugs are eisier to change on this than my 1972 Mach1 with the 351 Cleveland. The K member spacers make a big difference too, I can even run an engine driven fan.
For drag racing most guys run the 4cyl mustang springs, I still have the 5.0 springs with one coil cut. The car sits very nice and level.
I have also done 3 fox/460 swaps. One was a 1978 Fairmont, the other a 1985 Mustang and the latest is a 1983 Thunderbird.
I used the Ford motorsports oil pan and motor mounts with 1 1/2" K member spacers on the stock K member. Unfortunately I used the Hooker headers too, I second they suck! I would look at D+D Automotive Specialties in Ohio. They have complete kits with pan, mounts and headers. Bob (the owner) is a great guy to work with.
If you use a power brake booster from a 1993 Mustang Cobra, it will clear the valve covers or you can go manual.
Mine had the 7.5" diff in it so I upgraded to an 8.8. And had a custom 3" driveshaft made.
The huge torque of the BBF is great and really freaks people out!!
I actually made the hood-scoop myself. I used the stock steel hood, but cut all the bracing out from underneath as the steel scoop adds the stucture.
I started out with 1/4" round stock and welded up a skeleton of how I wanted it to look. Then I just welded on the body metal over it. A bit of bondo and there it is!!
With the aluminium heads and intake, it sits about the same as with the 302. I took the sway bar out too for 1/4 so it wouldn't do too good in autocross!
The engine has the whole Edelbrock Performer RPM package - heads, cam, intake. The .030 over sealed power pistons and eagle rods have been balanced and I ground all of the flash and rough surfaces on the crank and block. Hooker headers, 2 1/2" X pipe and full duals.
I rebuilt the C-6 trans myself, wow that was a chalenge!! It has a TCI shift kit too.
It has an 8.8 diff from a 93 Mustang with 3.55 gears and Trac-Loc.
The interior is stock with the addition of the B+M Pro Stick shifter and Autometer gauges.
I put the quick flat black paint on it just to get it out on the road. It was supposed to a "just for now" deal but its kinda growing on me, it looks pretty stealthy!!
