Guidance Needed on my 1964 1/2 Conv Mustang

All,

Have a 1964 1/2 Convertible, Automatic, 6 cylinders (170), no Power Steering, 4 bolts wheels and would like to make a few improvements but need help prioritizing the tasks. They work will NOT be done all at once but one task at a time to continue to enjoy the car not to mention the affordability ($$$$).

1. Swap to disk brakes
2. Swap Engine to 347
3. Power Steering
4. Improve front suspension

My main concern is the sequence in which the above task should be performed.  Want to writing a plan that will prevent double work or wasting unnecessary money.

Can anyone provide some guidance…please if you have any idea that will help my driver be more enjoyable, please send it my way.

Thanks in advance!!

Bill from Valrico, FL  

If it was mine, I would first upgrade the suspension, and go ahead and put the disk brakes on at the same time while I had it torn down.  The next thing is to take the engine out and upgrade to power steering. You don't really have to, but it will make it a hellava lot easier.  Then the last is to upgrade to the 347.
The reason for the suspension first, is because you are going to need to replace that weak 6 banger suspension before loading a heavy V8 in that engine bay.  Now, be sure you understand that the transmission you currently have in there will not work with the V8.  Neither will the rear end.  So, plan accordingly.  Get the money together to replace the engine, transmission and rear end at the same time before you take that 6 banger out.  Here is a ton of information you can refer to as you approach each project.  You will need to copy and paste this into your browser search engine to view it, and add it to your favorites.  
http://www.mustangv8.com/forum/classic-mustang-technical-forum/classic-mustang-faq/  

Thanks for recommendations!!  Didn't know that I have to change the Tranny y rear end.  I want to be able to drive as I work on my project.  Thanks again!

Bill  

Regarding the brake modiifcation, if you're only planning on frt disks, the rear brakes will need to be upgraded to handle the V8 car. There's several ways to do this from getting a complete rear end, drum to drum to upgrading to rear disks as well.
JLG  

no matter what ...god this is killing me ..but soaring is right...upgrade the suspension and brake system before doing anything else. i dont knnow about power steering but i wopuld put a power boaster on it for power brakes once you've swapped to disc also upgrade to a dual bowl master cyl. sounds like this is a daily driver so the master cyl. is for safety nothing more. and again like soaring says once you swap the engine you'll need a tranny and a rearend that;ll handle the power. ooh dont forget when you do that swap you'll have to change the drive shaft as they are different lengths.  if it was my car and at this time...leave the 6 banger..gas is coasting to much right now just my thought. also take measurments to make sure that big of an engine will fit in the engine bay...347 is a pretty big motor i'm not even sure it will fit without doing some cutting. grrr ask soaring and mechanicguy...they'll probably know better...i swapped my 6 to an 8 but it's a 289 that i knew would fit. also when you swap brakes going to disc you might need bigger rims...the originals drag on the new calipers and i had to go an inch bigger rim. good luck  

Are you guys sure he needs a different tranny?

Isn't the 6 banger auto a C4 just like the 289?  

Yeah its a C4 but it has a six cylinder torque convertor and smaller clutches and different shift points. It might last awhile behind the V8 if you had the right convertor, but a heck of a lot better if you upgrade to a V8 setup.  

I just reread there ,,,, and your putting in a 347, same external dimensions so dont worry but I would get that C4 beefed up. They are capable of taking up to 1000 hp if you had it beefed up for that. But I would definitely have a good shop put in the right parts on that C4 and swap it in the same time you swap motors like soaring said. The 6 cyl rear end is marginal even for the 6 cylinder so dont expect to use it for the V8 even for a short time, it uses smaller universals as well so you might as well change it all at once. Your probably seeing $ signs about now ,,,but a complete 8 inch rearend is not too bad and pick up the driveshaft too. I would look for a Mustang V8 in the junkyard and strip it for parts. Remember the 64 1/2 thru 66 was narrower then later years.  

Thanks to all, great insight!  I was reading that due to the shortage of 289 blocks, numerous companies are producing the 347 as a replacement engine for the 289.  The block size is the same which will make the swap easier, however it has more HP. The other option is to go with a 5.0 with a Tranny to go with it.

I have two questions for the experts:

1.  Which will be a better choice 347 or 5.0?

2.  Which Tranny is the best for the V8?

3.  From what year Mustang would be the best to pull the rear-end ?  I guess I'll have to cut it since the earlier models are narrower as you stated.

Thanks for your support in making my first Mustang project a success.  This vehicle is my retirement car after over 22 years defending the Nation (US Army) thus I want to make the upgrade or improvement process enjoyable...there is not short timetable to get it done because the vehicle runs like a champ.

Best regards,

Bill  

The 347 is just a stroked and bored 302 which is what a 5.0 is also(302). People talk about it being different but its really not. A few small changes in the block is all the difference from that original 289. So find an engine you can afford with the power you are happy with. As far as rear end, if you go over 350 hp , then look for a nine inch rear end. I have never had any problems with the 8 inch Ford. It all depends on your bank roll here. As far as a tranny I like the C4 but the newer AOD has an overdrive and really saves you money as well as toning down the noise. If you like a manual then go to the T-5 which is an easy swap and has been talked about here a zillion times. If you go with one of the overdrive tranny's you can go with a lower(higher numerically) rear gear like a 3.8:1. If you stay with a non overdrive trans then dont go higher then 3.5:1 because the noise will be wayyyy too much.  

Yeah, the 347 is just a stroked 302.  It will drop right in if you have a plug of tobacco in your right cheek and chomp on it just as you drop the cherry picker and holler "Sheeeeeeut."   Ya gotta have a stronger C4 and a stronger rear to handle that V8 power though. It's actually cheaper to get a V8 Mustang and go from there.  Sorry bud...  

I know I'm seeing $$!  

Gentlemen,
I truly appreciate all the information and recommendations you provided.  I found a 302 crate engine with a brand new Holley 650, a brand new Edelbrock “Performer” intake, new water pump, Aluminum Edelbrock head covers, etc (almost 90%).  This engine was put in the vehicle…Zero Miles. The young man was trying to restore a 1966 Mustang and lack of money, work and College forced him to sell it.   I hit gold!!! Got it really cheap.  

Based on your recommendations, I guess I need to upgrade the Tranny y rearend to have a great combo from front to rear.  

Any recommendations on Tranny parts upgrade material list and sellers.

To ensure I understood, the best course of action is to find a V8 1965 – 66 and pull out the rearend…that’s going to be difficult. What other vehicle would make a good donor for the rearend, I read somewhere that an older Lincoln would be great.  I ordered the V8 front suspension and the front disk / power brakes yesterday.   I’m not sure after some research that I’ll upgrade to power steering…$$$$$.

Again thank you so much for your assistance and  

Hey Roldan , good to hear you scored a nice engine. As for a rear end you can go with a Ford nine inch or an 8 inch rear. Named for the size of the ring gear. There are plenty of both in wrecking yards or swap meets. Your 64 1/2 will take the same size as 65 and 66 mustangs or falcons, comets. The early stang 8" rear is 52 1/4 inch flange to flange(housing flange not axle flange. Axle flange is about 57"). As long as its not a posi unit you will find them fairly cheap and reliable. You will need springs and drive shaft also. have you decided whether you want to go with and automatic or manual?  

Thanks for the info.  Currently she has an automatic Tranny and I would like to keep it that way.  However, based on some research is probably better to upgrade to an AOD from 1980 – 89 Ford.  I’m still researching what’s the best course of action; put in an AOD or beef up the one that’s in.  Keeping the one that’s currently in, I’ll have to also change the bell-housing because is a 5-bolt and the new 302 is 6 bolt. Looking for perhaps and adaptor from 5 to 6 bolt.  I understand and was planning on upgrading the rearend and suspension.  Also, understood the shaft adjustment required.  

My questions:

1. What would be the best tranny course of action, keep the old or go with AOD?
2. What year AOD would make the swap painless?
3. Where or who sells the 5 to 6 bolt bell-housing adaptor, in case I'll keep in old tranny?

Thanks again…you can’t image how grateful I’m for all your input/feedback.

Bill