Any Mustang Experts

StreetSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 06:53 PM

Everyone has been so helpful with technical questions on the Cobra and I was hoping for some help on a mustang question.

I have a 1968 mustang convertible that I am getting ready to restore. I am hoping to put a 4.6 modular in and was wondering if the shock towers on the mustangs are all the same or if they are different depending on which engine it came with. This one I have used to have a 6 cyl. Thanks for your help in advance.

ENTDOC · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 07:49 PM

all the same. A 4.6 will need the towers removed or at least widened. Probably need to go with a mustang 11 front end or a strut system.

Cashburn · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 07:53 PM

Engine can go in and keep the towers. Best source for the 4.6 installs in the early cars is http://www.dvsrestorations.com/

mrmustang · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetSnake

Everyone has been so helpful with technical questions on the Cobra and I was hoping for some help on a mustang question.

I have a 1968 mustang convertible that I am getting ready to restore. I am hoping to put a 4.6 modular in and was wondering if the shock towers on the mustangs are all the same or if they are different depending on which engine it came with. This one I have used to have a 6 cyl. Thanks for your help in advance.

Well, to answer your question, is it possible, yes, it is. Are all shock towers the same, not quite, but again since you are a post 1966 chassis, by using the link that CB posted you can install the 4.6L modular motor in your chassis.

Now, with that said, I suggest that before you do the installation, you install a set of lower shock tower wrap around supports as the 6cyl cars did not always come with them (depends on which plant your car was built in and what time of the year). After that an upgrade to the 6cyl suspension will be in order, shocks, springs, upper and lower control arms, brakes (I suggest a set of front disk brakes be installed prior to motor installation), brake lines, all for starters. next consider what the rear end is going to be like, since you are rebuilding the front end already, might as well do the rear end at the same time. If your budget allows, the late model IRS kits out there work great, if not, then I suggest a Magnum rebuild kit from Mustangs Plus in California.......Tons of smaller items need to be addressed, but those are all going to be build specific, so get your plans in order, your credit card in hand, and go for it. Don't forget to take a ton of pictures along the way and start a build thread here for the rest of us to follow along.

Sincerely,

Bill S.

StreetSnake · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 06:54 AM

Thanks guys. You never disappoint.

Powershift1038 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 08:52 AM

You planning a 4.6 DOHC... or the 2V motor? I would go with the DOHC if possible. MUCH better engine.

PFSlim · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 09:09 AM

I have a 68 Mustang California Special but all my pictures are too large to post on the site. Sorry about that. We completely restored the car from complete junk to a very nice show car in 2005.

New to the site. Currently building a cobra replica and have enjoyed lurking on the site the past few weeks.

Paul

StreetSnake · #8 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 06:34 PM

I'm going with a 4.6 DOHC. I wanted a 5.4, but I don't think I can make it fit. I plan on going with a kenne bell supercharger. Hoping on 700HP at rear wheels, we'll see.

Joe Wicked · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 06:42 PM

YearOne put a 4.6 DOHC, and full suspension from an 03 Cobra in a 65/66 fastback. I know they had to fabricate some parts for the suspension to fit, but they claim everything is available to order.

ENTDOC · #10 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 06:43 PM

are you guys sure that DVS keeps the towers? they definitely look modified to me. They probably use struts and cut the towers down.

Powershift1038 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetSnake

I'm going with a 4.6 DOHC. I wanted a 5.4, but I don't think I can make it fit. I plan on going with a kenne bell supercharger. Hoping on 700HP at rear wheels, we'll see.

I have a 2003 Cobra with a 2.3L Whipple (and a ton of other mods). Putting down 700 rwhp is not easy. 600-650 isn't too tough though. Even with all 4 stock cats still in place I'm putting down 570 rwhp. With my cats off.. it's over 600 rwhp. I'm making a bit over 18lbs of boost.