351w

[fmfgnarly]

Ok I know that this question or one like it is asked about ten times a day but I want to know some specifics. First off, how easy would a 351w fit into 1986 Bird ? Mine, after my fuel/stalling problem, I picked up a 1990 mustang, and the bird has just been sitting there unused. The other night, my dad and me started talking crap to each other about how our cars (his 1970 cuda, and my 1967-69 mustang-when we get and build them) will be faster. Them we came to the t-bird and decided to drop in a 351w, to have a HELLA SICK (<inside joke) t-bird, and for a learning opportunity.

Second, I know that it will take a bit of money, and so does he, but we wont to do it right, so I wanted to know what any of you guys have done and/or what the best parts would be and about how much they cost. We don’t want to make the motor the project; the whole car is, so we are just going to get a crate engine. As far as motors go what’s the best that you guys have seen/used. Also, I want to know about carbs, headers, ignition, exhaust, radiator, brakes, suspension, tranny, and anything else that can be thought of . I know I’m asking a lot but I know enough to know that I don’t know much, but a lot of you do know, like hiflow, gtstang, 351wstang, thunderbird muscle, and many others, and I’m asking for your help . Any info is appreciated, thanx

[INNES]

351w should bolt right up to you car after all the 5.0 is a winsor motor anything is possible its what do you want to spend. just remember to check you states emmisions.

[thunderbird muscle]

How much power are you looking for in this car? Did this car come with the V8 or V6?
If it came with the V6 You might need to upgrade the suspension.

[fmfgnarly]

It came with a v6, so the suspension will have to be changed. Wouldnt the brakes also have to go? Power wise, prob around 450ish, its not going to be a daily driver.

[thunderbird muscle]

I would definetly upgrade the breaks. Are you going NA or Forced Induction? What kind of work do you plan on doing to the tranny or do you plan on swapping it I would beef it up or what is better in my opinion swap to a manual.

[fmfgnarly]

We havnt talked about if we want to go forced induction yet, but for the tranny, I know that the power gets to the ground a lot better with a stick, but we were talking about putting in some sort of racing auto w/ shift kit. We live im washington, so its a bit wet a lot of the time. Also, with how much power we were talking about, an auto would be a bit more manageable (more so for me). Its not going to be an all out race car just a weekend/sunday driver with power to spare. That would be cool to have a big ol' blower sticken out of the hood though. LoL

[snoplow]

My 88 with the 5.0 L. has the "two compartment oil pan"to allow for enough "head room" for the V8, I don't know if the 86 used that solution or not, but if it did, I would check to see if the 351 was comfortable with that pan configuration.

[INNES]

i believe from 83 to 88 the cars are pretty much the same i here of guys doing this alot.
a web site that sprcializes in 83-88 birds and cats is
www.foxthundercats.com

[tbirdtess]

Originally Posted by fmfgnarly

Ok I know that this question or one like it is asked about ten times a day but I want to know some specifics. First off, how easy would a 351w fit into 1986 Bird ? Mine, after my fuel/stalling problem, I picked up a 1990 mustang, and the bird has just been sitting there unused. The other night, my dad and me started talking crap to each other about how our cars (his 1970 cuda, and my 1967-69 mustang-when we get and build them) will be faster. Them we came to the t-bird and decided to drop in a 351w, to have a HELLA SICK (<inside joke) t-bird, and for a learning opportunity.

Second, I know that it will take a bit of money, and so does he, but we wont to do it right, so I wanted to know what any of you guys have done and/or what the best parts would be and about how much they cost. We don’t want to make the motor the project; the whole car is, so we are just going to get a crate engine. As far as motors go what’s the best that you guys have seen/used. Also, I want to know about carbs, headers, ignition, exhaust, radiator, brakes, suspension, tranny, and anything else that can be thought of . I know I’m asking a lot but I know enough to know that I don’t know much, but a lot of you do know, like hiflow, gtstang, 351wstang, thunderbird muscle, and many others, and I’m asking for your help . Any info is appreciated, thanx

The 351W will fit were the 302 wil go. Weight will be a problem. Any 351W kit for A 1980 up mustang swap kit will fit your car. Yes they do sell A double hump Oil pan to fit this car. Induction is all yours, mine has A carb. you should up grade the transmission & Rear end. Small breaks only good for On Track Drag Racing only!
I currently race A 1990 T-bird on A 1/2 mile Asphalt Oval with A 351W & FMX Trany, Rolling the dice with the stock 7.5 rear with 3.73 gears (less rotating weight).
GOOD LUCK
PAUL