Ford Mustang engine mated to T90 in an M38A1 - is that bad?

kenc80 · Post by **kenc80** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:07 am

Hi guys,

So I'm still hunting an A1 and have found one near me with an early 60's Ford Mustang engine mated straight to the T90. The seller says this was a typical swap in the 60s and works perfectly because the bell housings matched? I'm heading up to see it in action this week but wanted to see if anyone here has any quick thoughts or warnings on this kind of arrangement. Its a .200 cubic inch straight six (that somehow fits). He says it runs like a dream and will go north of 50mph.

I'd like a daily/weekly driver (no offroading) with a period look but probably not motor pool/parade level.

I dont have a picture gallery so I threw a few shots up on image shack. I'd be obliged if anyone took a look at it.

Thank you in advance for your time and talents,

Ken

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/j73x.jpg/ - view of engine

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/e7x3.jpg/ - 2nd view of eng

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/855/syqm.jpg/ - view of front

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/ap8p.jpg/ - view of back

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:37 am

Looks like they cut the firewall to get it to fit.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 3:00 pm

I seem to remember the GM "Iron Duke" 4cyl, and to a lesser
degree the Ford Pinto 4cyls to be the preferred swaps due to the
similar displacement to the stock L and F-134 engines.
No firewall or fender cutting with the 4 banger swaps..

The "Dauntless" 225 C.I. V-6 is extremely popular as well..

oldgreentrucks · Post by **oldgreentrucks** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:16 pm

I had that same Ford 200 I6 -T90 combination in an M38. Like all conversions the devil is in the details. Solid? good radiator/cooliing? reliable charging system? A tidy conversion can provide plenty of enjoyment. Years past engine swaps were very common...heck the Pontiac ohc 6 -4spd into a Jaguar E type was spectacular! Not much resale today...
Obtain as much information as you can about year of engine for filters, rebuild kits etc...
Different strokes...
Jim

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:17 pm

Looks like they primed over the rust to make it look better. That's a big red flag.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 6:18 pm

The main issue I have with this sort of thing is that the drive train was engineered for that engine etc and loading in more HP or torque can break things.

frankthecrank58 · Post by **frankthecrank58** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:22 pm

back in the mid 70's I had a '47 cj2a with the 225 buick and an overdrive. perfect combo. 150 hp and no challenge for the stock drivetrain. my best friend had a '42 mb with a warmed over 283 sb. dana 44 in the back. everything else was stock. again, no challenges. had other friends with similar drivetrain/engine combos with no serious challenges. aaahhh to be 18 again

kenc80 · Post by **kenc80** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:51 pm

Thanks guys, going to let this one pass me by. I appreciate all the input.

The search continues!

gianjeep · Post by **gianjeep** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 2:58 am

this engine remaind to me amc 232 Isix from renegade 1 kaiser era.,1971,72

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 6:01 am

When I got mine it had a 327 in it, that is a rather is engine for this. One of the synchros was cracked and the rear end had many teeth ripped off. Again that was a large V8 though, and from other signs in the transmission he was hard on the gears.