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Do you want more power from your Classic Mustang? Many are choosing to convert their 6 cylinder engine and suspension to a V-8 engine and suspension to enhance performance. But what kind of donor car will you need to find that will yield the best parts for your conversion? This guide will give some recommendations of what to look for in searching for your donor car. Please remember to indicate below if this guide is helpful to you!
LOCATING THE MOST SUITABLE DONOR CAR FOR YOUR 1965-1970 MUSTANG V8 CONVERSION
1965-1966 V8 Conversion Ideal Donor Cars:
- 1970-1977 Maverick or Mercury Bobcat with a V8 engine
1970 - 1977 Mavericks and Bobcats have an excellent front disc brake setup along with the V8 engine and transmission needed to perform the conversion. The rear end housing on these vehicles will fit right in a 1965 or 1966 Mustang. Donor cars with 6 cylinder engines still have the same suspension and rear end as a V8 car does. Ideally, however, you will want to find a donor car with a V8, since you will have the proper parts for both the V8 engine and the transmission.
Your 6 cylinder Mustang transmission cross-member is the same as a V8 cross-member, thus you will not need to replace it.
If you would like additional information on converting your 1965-1966 Mustang to power disc brakes, please see our 1965 and 1966 Mustang Power Disc Brake Conversion Guide.
1967-1970 V8 Conversion Ideal Donor Cars:
- 1975-1979 Ford Granada or Mercury Monarch with a V8 engine
- 1970-1977 Maverick or Mercury Bobcat with a V8 engine.
1970-1977 Mavericks and Bobcats will also work, but the rear end housing is a little narrower than the 1975-1979 Granadas and Monarchs.
Donor cars with 6 cylinder engines still have the same suspension and rear end as a V8 car does. Ideally, however, you will want to find a donor car with a V8, since you will have the proper parts for both the V8 engine and the transmission.
Your 6 cylinder Mustang transmission cross-member is the same as a V8 cross-member, thus you will not need to replace it.
How to find Donor Cars:
Search local newspaper car ads, internet websites, auction websites (eBay!) and automotive salvage yards or wrecking yards. I happen to find a lot of my donor cars by simply keeping my eyes open when driving around. I have found some donor cars in alleys, alongside garages and in back yards! Then, I simply ask the owner if he/she is willing to sell the car.These donor cars are often inexpensive and a good value, given the fact that their parts can be used on your Classic Mustang V-8 conversion. Good luck hunting for your donor car!
Thank you for reading our guide. If you found these tips to be informative or helpful, please indicate so below by voting "YES" to the guide.
Be sure to check out our other Mustang Guides for additional restoration information and helpful tips.
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