302 & T-5 in 1957 Ranchero

[kens65fb]

How will a late model (carburated) 302, and a Mustang T-5 fit in a 1957 Ranchero with PS.
How will the shifter location be in the vehicle.
Any tips or problem areas to be addressed.
Thanks
Ken

[KidKourier]

Ken,   Most info on this can be found in forum topic section but I'll touch on a few, some of the members can chime in on motor mounts for a small block they used! OK---#1-your combo fits with plenty of room to spare--#2-change wiring from generator to altenator #3-if 6 cyl. radiator change to V-8 if V-8 it will cool the 302 if in good shape #4-modify Z-bar to fit to 302 block to work clutch #5 modify trans cross member for T-5(lengthen  stock mount) #6-shorten driveshaft and change front yoke to T-5 yoke('57 will fit but is to long and will knock out trans rear seal) #7-will need to change speedo gear to one for T-5(will need to know rearend gear ratio)there are several available #8-shifter location-if bucket seats no problem as shifter moves back towards seats--if bench seat is moved all the way back the shifter may still hit seat(some change the trans tailshaft to one from a Chevy S-10---T-5 which moves the shifter forward allowing clearance for bench seat) #9-you may need to calculate your gear ratio in overdrive to be sure your RPM is at a good range for the motor and not lugging it. Anything I've forgotten jump in and add or correct if mistaken! KID

[Frankenstein57]

Ken/Kid, I'm curious what motor mount you used. I used the fox body mustang 302 mounts with a T-5 trans and a mustang bellhousing, when I set the body back on the frame ,the trans and yoke hit the tunnel . I am using a 351 Windsor which I believe has about 3/4" taller deck height, but I don't think the 351W would affect the drive train measurements. I read where someone said the ford factory headers that come on the mustangs& explorers would work on the 57, not with the taller windsor motor.Maybe with the 302. Looks like you could lower the engine with a different mount, but you see alot of 57's with this engine. Shoud be a good fit. Mark

[KidKourier]

    Check in "engine swap" section and see what Frankenstein 57,57chero,and J Potter said about engine mounts. Also 57 Agin has a 351 W in his Custom300 and Rob Haerr was installing a 302 in his '57 Wagon,what engine mounts are you guys using?  KID

[57 Ford Kustom]

My son has a 351W in his 57 we used mid 60's 260 mounts, plus a 1" spacer between the mount and engine. His engine and automatic came out of a 69 Couger.


TOM

[JPotter57]

I used a '70 Maverick transmission mount on mine.  The Mustang mount wouldnt work. tail too high like you said.