Topic: 10-STEP Simple 302 Install. No cutting neccisary!!

[beegle55]

Here are the steps to an easy 302 swap using a setup from a Mustang II (front sump oil pan, Pinto-compatible headers, MII bell-housing, C4 or similar trans, MII engine mounts)

1.) Remove old engine components and clean out engine bay.
2.) Remove top of the radiator support, radiator, grill, etc parts in the front of the engine bay.
3.) Bolt engine to transmission, headers to engine, starter to engine, MOTOR MOUNTS TO ENGINE
4.) Lift setup with engine hoist.
5.) Slide the engine/trans into the bay
6.) With careful maneuvering, headers fit right in, bell housing bolts sit right on the firewall edge.
7.) Lower and bolt down motor mounts to the car.
8.) Hook up shifter, trans cables, fuel lines, etc.
9.) Replace the front engine bay components removed in step 2.
10.) Final check and bolt-ups, electronics, fuel lines, etc and you are ready to start and enjoy with the final button up.

Used on our 1978 Ford Pinto drag car. Makes engine install/removal a ten-step breeze. Enjoy!

    -beegle55

[popbumper]

Aw, Beegle, you are making me angry! The more I read about you guys and your V8 setups, the more I want to do it. Now, wouldn't a 302 look really sweet on my cleaned up front end? Where does this nutty stuff end?

>>>>arggghhh...... .

Chris

[beegle55]

Aw, Beegle, you are making me angry! The more I read about you guys and your V8 setups, the more I want to do it. Now, wouldn't a 302 look really sweet on my cleaned up front end? Where does this nutty stuff end?

>>>>arggghhh...... .

Chris

We, in the business of Pintos, thrive off of nuttiness or else we wouldn't own these great little cars to begin with  And a shiny 302 would be a great add to your wagon, especially if you continue to carry out your attention to detail and great work! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will come out looking good in the end!

   -beegle

[popbumper]

I'm glad to know ya! You understand what it's "all about". I may just go V8 yet. In the meantime, with my front end complete, I have an 8" rear end swap to think about - with the same attention to detail!!


Chris

[beegle55]

Well if you go ahead with the 8" swap while considering a V8, at least you will be sitting pretty if and when the V8 lands itself into your wagon. Even if it doesn't happen, you will still be sittin' pretty! 

    -beegle55

[Carolina Boy]

OK, I'll play dumb. Where do you get MII motor mounts or is there something similar to use? That is my only hold back. Some pictures would be nice also.

[beegle55]

Good question. I would say maybe look around on eBay to see if any come up. As for any aftermarket manufactures, I'm not aware of any. I'm not sure if a Maverick V8 motor mount would be the same or not; that's the only car I could think of that might have similar mounts. Someone may be able to help the thread out by giving some sources of motor mounts. I have a MII donor car hopefully lined up so I will be able to get everything I need for the swap and maybe a console and rallye wheel as well, but only if the stars align. Sorry I couldn't help more... I will post pictures tonight.

    -beegle55

[popbumper]

Well if you go ahead with the 8" swap while considering a V8, at least you will be sitting pretty if and when the V8 lands itself into your wagon. Even if it doesn't happen, you will still be sittin' pretty! 

    -beegle55

Good news is, I already HAVE the rear end - as time and money allows (more a matter of TIME, the dang front end ate up a lot of time and I need to recoup some family time before I get in any more trouble  ), so I'll probably get it on the car this Fall. I really need to find a good block and start building a motor on the side.

Chris

[smallfryefarm]

Nice list i wish my 71 was this simple. My ten steps had about 10 steps inside the 10 steps, one of which involved pulling out my hair. But little at a time i gotter in their.

[Carolina Boy]

Beegle, get a good close up of the mount with a ruler, the ear spacing is the stickler, Right? I too am researching substitue mounts. I have ideas in my head that are hard to explain. I will try to put them on paper and post later.

Your post is great and valued!!! It is only that the mounts are hard to find or way over priced, even used. I only want to make life simpler if I can for all of us.

[beegle55]

Nice list i wish my 71 was this simple. My ten steps had about 10 steps inside the 10 steps, one of which involved pulling out my hair. But little at a time i gotter in their.

Now that I think about it, this would probably only work in a Pinto of a later year, '76 onward because they could accomidate the V6 and may be better suited for a V8 install using my method. I know it works on a '78.

    -beegle55

[75bobcatv6]

it works on 75 and up

[dholvrsn]

At least those park bench bumper and square headlight Pintos are good for something! 

[Carolina Boy]

Hey now, be nice!!! :lol:

[turbo74pinto]

works back to 74.  the 71-3 had less room at the core support, fire wall, and tranny tunnel.  but it also depends on what engine the car came with from the factory.  the 1.6, 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8s all have different frame mounts for the engine.  im not 100% sure about the 1.6 and 2.0s though. if i remember right, the factory 2.3 cars will drop right in.  i dont know about the 1.6 or 2.0 cars. i think when i did the v8 swap in my 2.8 wagon, i had to move and/or modify the mounts on the frame.  it also depends on what headers you use.  the factory miis will drop right in.  the hooker pro comps i had needed the rear 2 primaries to be run through the inner fender.  i dont know about any other aftermarket headers.

bob

ps, doesnt the core support need to be cut?   

[popbumper]

Yes, please tell us - I am confused about the core support, too! Looks like everything is welded in place; how does it come out without cutting?

Chris

[pintoguy76]

I'd like to know that too. And what headers did you use that didnt require any cutting? I'd drop in a V8 in my 74 2.3 wagon probably if I didnt have to do any cutting and welding. I'll stick to 2.3 turbo's, otherwise.

[71hotrodpinto]

You big time funny guy! Ha ha ..
 
 What headers?? The only thing that comes close outside of the hooker swap headers are the old school Mustang II headers. And if you'd like (at least in the 71-73 cars) to have the carb and the dist below the hood line (I'm exaggerating a little) then you have to do something about the steering shaft header interference.

I lowered my steering rack 2 in and then modified (near made from scratch LOL) my mustang II Cyclone/Blackjack headers to snake over the steering shaft and then point out straight along the transmission.


Also what bell housing and trans are we talking about?

 You have to remember that the newbies (like myself when i did mine) need to be told all the little details that they may come across that can make their life hell.
 Right smallfryefarm?
Still though have to admire your candor :lol:

[turbo74pinto]

[And if you'd like (at least in the 71-73 cars) to have the carb and the dist below the hood line (I'm exaggerating a little) then you have to do something about the steering shaft header interference.

from what i remember in my 76, everything fit under the hood...but not with an air cleaner.  although i think i had to do some reshaping of the oil pan around the rack if i remember correct. i may have also lowered the mounts on the frame

Also what bell housing and trans are we talking about?

small flywheel mustangii bell and c4 is what i used and it still needed a little work in the firewall area.

not as easy as it is played out to be...although is anything?

bob

[71pintoracer]

[And if you'd like (at least in the 71-73 cars) to have the carb and the dist below the hood line (I'm exaggerating a little) then you have to do something about the steering shaft header interference.

What the hell, let it stick out! If ya got it, flaunt it! :lol:

[75bobcatv6]

What the hell, let it stick out! If ya got it, flaunt it! :lol:

This is why no one wants to race you eh ? Course i would have anyways just to have fun.

[smallfryefarm]

You have to remember that the newbies (like myself when i did mine) need to be told all the little details that they may come across that can make their life hell.
 Right smallfryefarm?
 

AMEN 71hotrodpinto.
i came into my project thinking with all my brilliant know how and expert ability that i would have it done and looking good in two months. And now i sit here very humble 7 months later still finishing up loose ends. I look back and think S.O.B. that was quite painfull