1982 Mustang L Project
Had a chat with my mechanic today about the engine and tranny for my project car, the 82 L. It seems that the engine is not a Cleveland but a 351w out of a 79 Thunderbird. It also is not a manual transmission but an automatic. Now comes the crucial choice, do I go with the automatic when the L is already a standard, or trade the automatic for a C6 provided I can find one. Anyone have suggestions on what would be the better way to go?
Thanks Jim :banghead::banghead: |
Why not go with a tremec 5 speed?
Was wondering why you would go with the C6, and not a C4? The C4 can be made to handle some good hp. The C6 is larger, and heavier. Besides, i would imagine finding a small bellhousing C6 trans will be hard to come by these days. |
It does make more sense for the c4, you are right. Would the tremec bolt up to the 79 engine easily?
Thanks. Jim |
as a toy/hobby I would go stick myself
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I am leaning that way myself. Now if I can find somebody to trade the automatic for a standard tranny I will be off to the races.LOL
Jim |
Originally Posted by MustangGTJim
(Post 175116)
It does make more sense for the c4, you are right. Would the tremec bolt up to the 79 engine easily?
Thanks. Jim |
Originally Posted by MustangGTJim
(Post 175087)
Had a chat with my mechanic today about the engine and tranny for my project car, the 82 L. It seems that the engine is not a Cleveland but a 351w out of a 79 Thunderbird. It also is not a manual transmission but an automatic. Now comes the crucial choice, do I go with the automatic when the L is already a standard, or trade the automatic for a C6 provided I can find one. Anyone have suggestions on what would be the better way to go?
Thanks Jim :banghead::banghead: |
Originally Posted by DublDee
(Post 175353)
I think you need a new mechanic if that engine was an original out of a 79 Thunderbird, because it's not a Cleveland or a Windsor. It's actually a Modified, and imo one of the worst V8's ford built. It pretty close to the 400 I believe, which isn't one of my favourites either. Make sure you check into this, I maybe wrong, but don't think so!
But on a side not, the 351 windsor, aswell as 302's were option in that boat of a car. :wink: PRODUCTION NUMBERS INTRODUCTION DATE: October 6, 1978 TOTAL PRODUCTION: 284,141 Chicago: 208,248 (G) Los Angeles: 75,893 (J) Canada: 1,752 (144 built during calendar year 1978) TOP LINE: BODY CODE/MODEL NAME/BASE PRICE BOTTOM LINE: WEIGHT/PRODUCTION Model 87/Style 60H Thunderbird $5,999 Weight: 4,082 Built: 352,751 Model 87/Style 60H Town Landau $8,994 Weight: 4,104 Built: (incl. above) Model 87/Style 60H Heritage $10,815 Weight: 4,200 Built: 18,994 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE CODE ENGINE DETAILS 1. F Optional: 2. H (351 Windsor - 5 valve cover bolts) 3. H (351 M - 7 valve cover bolts) Note: 5.8L (351 CID) required in California or with High Altitude Emissions System 1. 5.0L (302 CID) 2V V-8 Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 in. Compression Ratio: 8.4:1 Brake Horsepower: 134 @ 3400 rpm Torque: 248 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2V Optional: 2. 5.8 L (351 CID) 2V V-8 (Windsor) Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 in. Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 Horsepower: 145 @ 3400 rpm Torque: 277 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2V 3. 5.8L (351 CID) 2V V-8 Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 in. Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 Horsepower: 152 @ 3600 rpm Torque: 278 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2V TRANSMISSION CODE TRANSMISSION DESCRIPTION U X SelectShift XPL Automatic FMX Automatic REAR AXLE CODE REAR AXLE RATIO 1 B C J 6 O 2.50:1 2.47:1 2.47:1 Traction-Lok 2.50:1 Traction-Lok 3.00:1 (400 V-8 only) 3:00:1 (400 V-8/Traction-Lok) TIRE SIZE BRAKES HR 78 x 15 Steel Belted Radial Blackwall Wheels: 15 x 6.5" Front: Power Disc Rear: Power Drum Total swept area: 372.3 sq. in. WHEELBASE DIMENSIONS 114.0 inches Front Tread: 63.2" Rear Tread: 63.1" Steering ratio: 21.9:1 Turning diameter: 43.1 ft. Weight distribution: 57/43 Length: 215.5" Width: 78.5" Height: 53.0" Trunk: 15.6 cu. ft. (16.8 with Inflatable Spare tire) Front headroom: 37.3" Front legroom: 42.1" Rear headroom: 36.2" Rear legroom: 32.6" CAPACITIES Fuel Tank: 21.0 gals. (22.0 on standard 351 V-8 California model, 27.5 with Extended Range option) Cooling System: -- SPECIAL NOTES - 1979 would be the final year for the Ford LTD II-based mid-sized Thunderbird. - 955,032 Thunderbirds were built during the three year cycle of this body style, making it the most popular in the history of the line. 1. Spoiler added under front bumper to improve engine cooling and fuel economy. 2. Standard interior upgraded to include fold-down center armrest for front flight bench seat. 3. Electronic voltage regulator introduced as standard equipment. 4. Door and ignition locks modified to improve theft protection. 5. Carburetor on base 302 CID V-8 modified to provide better performance and fuel economy. 6. Lower Bodyside Protection option introduced that added a clear vinyl decal along bottom of car (on top of paint finish) to better protect against paint chips and rust. |
Wow, two differing opinions on the T-Bird engine. I think it is time I have the mechanic show me just what I bought for my $5oo bucks, either way it's going into the Mustang.
Thanks guys for the info on the 1979 T-Bird engines. Jim |
Strange, I knew the 302 was an option, as my old man ordered one brand new, but at the time he was told the 351 modified was the only 351 available. Very interesting....
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