Ok, after riding in my friend's Z28 with an LT1 today, I was bit by the pushrod bug. I recently bought my 1985 RX-7, with a blown engine. The previous owner was prepping for a 302 swap. Instead of pieceing it back together with a rotary, I would like to get a V8. I want to do the easiest swap possible, either with the 302 or a 350, with a manual transmission. What do i need? Where do I look for information? I used the search but with no avail. Thanks for all the advice. Also, for further clarification, it is a 1985 RX-7 S.

 

Grannysspeedshop seems to have the FB's down pretty good, I would start there. I have heard lots of good stuff about them and some not so good, but the not so good was mainly with 3rd gen LS1 stuff. I don't recall any negative about 1st gen kits.

www.grannysspeedshop.com

hope this helps.
Later,
Bill

 

gracias but im unsure which engine, 302 or 350? Carb'd or FI? I definately want to keep it simple, but maybe an LT-1 would be cool.

 

also visit torquecentral.com

 

I'm going with the 302.

 

FI 302's are plentiful out of late 80's mustangs and make decent power with lots of room for more power. That should be pretty cost effective, also I believe they are lighter than small block chevy's. I'm just partial to chevy's but if a sbf fell into my lap along with all the pcm and harness and trans, well I would have no problem putting one of those in.

As my die-hard mopar buddy said once: The LSx engines are the best bang for the buck!! Too bad they are so hard to put in an FB(From what I have read).

Just take the time, research the info, and check out other peoples rides. Granny's and Torquecentral both have lots of people with pics of their cars, etc.


Later,
Bill

 

Is it possible to get a 302 HO out of a lincoln? I'm not a ford guy (read: brought home when i was born in a FIREBIRD, grew up in all Chevrolet's) but I think the Mark VII's have them?

 

you can get a 302 HO out of late 80's lincoln but it maybe harder to find thrn a mustang. you can also get the 302 HO from a cougar, t bird, expolder (i mean explorer). if you are planing on getting the motor rebuilt before you swap it save your self a bunch of money and get a regular 302. thd differences between the HO and regular 302 are not worth it if you are planing on swaping heads, uim/lim and getting new pistons. just an idea

 

also i have been using allfordmustangs.com and mustangforums.com as a great resource on the 5.0l. like everyone else has said read up on the swap from people who have done it and get ready for an adventure

 

A diehard Ford guy at work told me that the Mercury Mountainer's 302's came with GT40 heads and were a stronger motor. Any truth to that??

Later,
Bill

 

Not sure, never heard of it!
but as stated, i chose the 302. I found a carburated one with 45,xxx on it for $700, out of an 85 mustang. I know i need engine, trans, driveshaft but what else do i need? I hear something about a new fuel pump? I'm lost.

 

The explorer heads are GT40P's, which aren't the same as the GT40 heads.. they are better than the stock e7's, though.