5.0 swap ?? and general disussion and advice

Ok, I need some advice about a possible 5.0 swap, among other things, and I figured I'd throw some stuff out here to get some discussion going and give me some ideas and/or inspiration.....I'm dying to get my Maverick on the road, and everyone here seems to love to talk cars and projects, so here's a few things I'm considering....let me know what you think.

I've been shopping around for a good late model 5.0 EFI engine and trans combo, and have found a couple that are both close, and affordable.

One is an 87 from a Mustang with a 5-spd, the other, a 92 out of a Lincoln with an AOD.

Now, I'm not particular about either a 5-spd or auto, I've got a couple of clutch pedal assemblies (including one already in the car), but only 6 cyl. linkage.

Honestly, I love the idea of rowing throught the gears, but alas, I'm getting old and lazy, and the car is going to be, if not a "daily" driver, a regular cruiser, and since others in my family (wife, sons) aren't keen on sticks, an automatic would be fine with me too.

Anyways, anyone who's done the swap, or has any "been there, done that" adivce or info regarding what's needed, or even just steer me to past threads dealing with some of the swap issues like electronics, wiring, fitment, and any inherant problems I might run into, I'd sure appreciate it. I've also got an 87 T-Bird I could use the 5.0 in if I decide to pass on doing the Maverick.

A few notes. I'm leaning more to the 92 Lincoln motor with the AOD. I was told that the Lincoln TC AOD's had a longer tailshaft.....I have access to another AOD ('87 out of my V-6 T-Bird) but would rather keep the 92 engine trans combo together.

My Maverick is a 69.5, and I've heard there's some issues with a smaller trans tunnels on the pre-70's cars.

Finally, I've actually got TWO Mavericks to work with, the 69.5 and a 70. The 69.5 has already been converted to 5-lugs with front disks (non-power) and I have a rear disk set-up I bought on ebay on the way I could use for the rearend. The rear is an 8" with a spool and a radical set of gears (going to pull the spool, look for a posi, and find some more streetable gears) The body is rust free, has some minor dings and scrapes, and needs paint badly. interior is fair, complete and workable.

The 70 is a 6-auto car, 4-lug drums, and even though it looks better than the 69.5, it has rust issues behind the wheels on all 4 quarters (through in one spot, bubbled and ready to go in the other three) Interior is fair (was nice 'til some bonehead tried to paint it, and did a bad job) and aside from the rust, the body is super straight.

I also have a 71 or 2 4-door parts car. 5-lug drums all around, that I was going to use to convert the 70 to 5-lug. it's got good front fenders, except for trim holes, good front bumper (they ALL have good front bumpers.....don't have a decent rear bumper between all three! )

The 69.5 has a good title, the 70 doesn't, but I'll be able to apply for a new one......

I've also got 3 motors, the running 302 2-bbl in the parts car(w/a C-4), and a running mid-70's 351W I recenly bought from a friends slavage yard (w/an FMX?) I could run either one in the 69.5 until I get everything I need for a 5.0 swap ready....the 302 will eventually likely end up in the 70 or the 69.5 if I don't do the 5.0 swap

I've also got a 71 460 and C-6,.....but that doesn't really apply to Mavericks!, and my 64 Galaxie has dibs on it anyway (and the Galaxie presently has it's original decent running 289 and Cruise-o-matic trans, so there's a 4th motor)

Anyways, that's where I'm at and what I've got. If you think a late model 5.0 swap is more trouble than it's worth, and I'd be better off going old-school with one of the other motors, say so. I can always do the 5.0 in my 88 T-Bird project.....just figured I'd get some advice, opinions, ideas.....if nothing else, start a good discussion.

I've got a butt-load of ingredients here, and I'm ready to cook something up.

 

I'd say it depends on how much time/money/heartache you wanna spend on going EFI. Mine is (finally) up and running,but my original wiring had issues. There are other guys on here who have put the EFI in without a hitch.

These guys are probably in the 'advanced' category - I don't know how advance you are so "your results may vary".

Also, I like the idea of going automatic for your intended useage (that statement is going to start a debate - but to each their own).

Keep using that 'Search' button up top and you'll eventually find what you need. If you get stuck, post up. Someone here will help guide you through it.

Good luck either way you go.

 

Here's my completely biased, stubborn opinion. EFI is neat, but you can make more power for less money, time and effort and have broader aftermarket support if you stick with carburetion, not to mention being able to remedy almost any problem that arises with a flathead screwdriver, a paper clip and a few bread ties.
That said, EFI is really neat and if I were starting a new project from the ground up, it would be very tempting.
Now that I've made sure to be vague enough to further confuse the matter, I'll be on my way.

 

No, you both make good points. For years, I was anti-electronic fuel injection....way too pricey for the advantages, and I'm still mainly a carb and handtools kind of guy, but I felt that a stock EFI on a factory performance motor would be cool in an older ride.....but, yes, budget is a big factor....I wouldn't even be considering it if the 92 5.0 and trans didn't come with all the wiring, sensors and computer junk included. A few months ago, I was going the opposite direction,....putting the carb'd 351 in my 87 T-Bird, older motor/newer car thing....who knows, might still.


I'll admit, a good ole naturally aspirated built 302 and a toploader or even a C-4 is tempting....and more time and budget friendly.

Right now, I'm fitting a set of 2002 Mustang Bullitt wheels on the 69.5, but they could just as easily go on the 'Bird, and I've got plenty of other wheel/tire combos to go on the Mav.....so, old school or modern tech.....I can go either way.

My biggest worry 'bout the 5.0 swap is adapting all the wiring and electronics.

 

I'd go mixed.......late 5.0 changed to aluminum intake and 4 barrell, c4 tranny. easy bolt in, dependability of the newer motor, less money right now. you could always do the efi at a later date. I would put all this in the 69.5, if it has the best body, the interior is easily changed later, also. just my

 

that brings up another question....do early model/late model engines and trannys hook up together? An older 302 with a T-5 would be a good combo, as would an AOD with an older motor.

An overdrive (if it fits in the trans tunnel) would give a milage advantage, along with being able to run "stouter" rear gears for some street fun

 

Yep, you can hook a T-5 or AOD to any 302 you want.

The thing you have to watch out for is getting a flywheel that has the correct balance. I believe sometime in the early 80's is when they changed the balance. There are plenty of guys here that could help you with that.

 

That's really the only tough part. the mechanicals are a bolt in if you use a c4 transmission. I guess it really just comes down to how much time you want this project to take and how comfortable you are with electronics.

Remember. a big project wil always cost twice as much and take three times as long as you plan. Don't try to figure that in though or the same rule will apply to the new figures. Have fun and come up with a cool car!

 

Automatics RULE...

 

I have a 70 with a 94 motor and a t-5 and i love it,(carb) there is alot more power in the late balanced, roller motors, flywheels are the only thing you have to watch, and you can buy any of them new now, I also built a 65 mustang for my wife with a 5.0 efi, did it myself with a 89 mustang harness and it wasnt that bad, in stock form they're very costly, some of the high performance parts are however, but its definitely worth doing, I have all my notes if anyone needs any help, i'd be glad to help

 

i believe the balance for the fly wheel changed mid 85 the new ones are 50 ounce and the old ones are 28 ounce. i also agre with 84 stepside a mix with old and new would be the best for time and budget but it is your car so its whatever you want dont build it any other way than you want it
ps you cant mix up the flywheels the crank bolt pattern is diffrent

 

Efi

Bum steer, I just wrote a long message about EFI and the computer dumped it right before I hit the submit button. To make a long story short, the EFI is certainly cool and it can be done. It is substantially more expensive and it will not make the car any faster than the same motor with a carb! I'm currently running an EFI and I have seriously considered going back to a carb for simplicity and less expense. If you have the expertise and resources go for it but your money is likely better spent on a good set of heads on a nice roller block with headers and a carb. http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0307_ford// Go to this website and you will see what I'm talking about. Watch out for some of the lincoln motors as they come with pistons that have no valve reliefs! I believe the 28 to 50 OZ imbalance occured in mid 81. Good luck.

 

I hate it when that happens!

I like the idea of a newer motor converted to carb, and that Car Craft build up was impressive. (how much do those AFR heads go for?)

I'm still considering the AOD or T-5, but again, not sure about the fit in a 69.5 tunnel. C-4's are fine, as are 4-speed manuals, but I like the idea of an overdrive...I confirmed the rear gears are 4:11's, which I can live with if I had an overdrive or 5th gear....the spool will have to go though. (Anyone want to trade a posi for a spool? LOL)

I'm likely going to pull the 302/C-4 out of the 4-door, clean it up, new gaskets, oil pump, maybe cam and lifter kit and a 4-bbl. and drop it all into the 69.5 and drive it while doing body and paint prep, and interior restoration.
Might go ahead with a late model motor build on the side for a later install after the cosmetics and suspension are done.

 

Ok, got an interchage question.....



V-8 clutch linkage for the Maverick... rods, bell crank, etc......evidently rare items. Does linkage from any other models interchange? Mustang, Falcon, etc.?

 

I went with the T-5 behind my 302. I converted to cable clutch ($170) But dont reccomend it unless you are handy at modifying things. It wasnt that hard but if I could do it again I'd go hydrolic. http://www.autoworks.cc/65-70%20ford_hydraulic_clutch_kits.htm I will install it anyway soon because the cable comes really close to my headder collector. I run a 3.70 Traction lok in my 9" and in 5th at 70 MPH it turns about 2500 RPMs. Plus the 3.35 first gear really gets the car out of the hole hard when compared to the C-4s 2.50 first. I had onely one tranny tunnel problem. The top of the T-5 touched the support rib that is in the top of the tunnel. We banged it flat with a hammer to get a better driveline angle. We still debate on weather we should cut and raise the tunnel an inch or two but the car has had no problems and has been on several long distance trips. The engine is really old (33 years 130K miles), heavily modded and over cammed and still got 16 MPG. Also, The driveline out of any late model Fox mustang is exactly the right length if you run a 9" in the rear. I think the 8" is the same too but dont know for sure. All you need is U-joints that adapt the 5.0 line to the 9". I had no problem finding them. I think this works with the AOD too but I dont know for sure. Hope that helped you. Good luck.


-Aaron