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

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

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 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

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.

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

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

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?   

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.

[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

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.