Engine Swap Questions???????

[shwebo]

I Have: 1980 Ford Fairmont Wagon. 3.3l 6cyl engine w/3spOD man. tranny.

I have two options, I can use a 302 or and old 300cid straight 6 from a truck... I would like to know what I will need to do (just basic stuff) to swap out my old 200cid. I am sure it will require some work as far as mounts & frame... but not sure what.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

~Brian

[Heep]

I can't help you directly as I'm not familiar with these cars in detail, but I'd say the 302 would be a better option. A V-8 is shorter front to back than a straight six, so it would most likely fit better. Also, the 5.0L (302) was factory installed in some Fairmonts, so this tells us it will already fit with no real problems. Engine swaps in older cars are usually fairly straight forward, but I can almost guarantee that you'll need a new tranny and wiring as well. Best bet would be to find a junked 302 Fairmont in a junkyard and use parts from it.

[HillbilySailor]

Keep away from that I-6! lol The 302 swap should be a slam dunk if you have the V-6. If memory serves me correctly, the 302 and your V-6 share the same motor mounts. You'll need to upgrade the front end to handle the extra weight (new springs and shocks for starters). You'll also need a beefier tranny to handle the 302's power. Also consider swapping out the rear end. if you have the weak rear end I thnk you do, you' ll want to upgrade to the 8 inch out of a Mustang. See my reply in your other post as a reference.