I just picked up quite the project in a 1969 Cougar last weekend. The doors had been swapped out but I was told it was originally a 351W/4 Speed Toploader car. It now has a 302.
So, after pulling the motor and trans last night, I started questioning whether the car was an original 4 speed car. When I removed the trans crossmember, it had two metal tabs welded to it in order to move the trans mounting holes approx 3 inches forward (which did line up with the current 4 speed mounting studs. The crossmember is the type with three mounting “ears”, two on the passenger side and one on the driver side. Looking online this appears to be an automatic crossmember.
The trans tag says “RUG E 2” which seems to mean it’s from a 1968 289 car.
The engine has intake manifold markings identifying, at least the manifold, as an early 80’s mustang 5.0. (I didn’t separate engine from trans just yet to see other markings).
I don’t really care if the car was originally a 4 speed or not, I’m going to keep it a 4 speed but I was hoping someone could explain the 3 inch mounting hole spacing difference and if all it will take is the proper crossmember to line up the mounting holes correctly. Also, would the shifter hole require expansion or relocation?
Yes, sounds like you have a AT X member. The proper X member should get the trans mount to bolt up - as long as the tailshaft on the TL is the right one for the car, should be if the tail is correct for an RUG-E2. A Ford or Hurst Comp Plus shifter should work with the stock tunnel opening, which is the same for an AT or MT.
Thanks for the help guys. It definitely seems like that other x-member would locate the holes correctly for the 4-spd.
So taking into account I’m not looking to necessarily make this car period correct or anything, how does everyone feel about using a t-bird or similar 429 in my car (they’re A LOT cheaper than 428s, lol)? I think I’d have to change out the front end, right? Would it handle horribly with that much weight up front or with the appropriate upgrades would it be ok? Also, would I be able to beef up my 4 speed to handle the 429?
Any tips for fixing the sheet metal lip around the rear window while I’ve got your attention? I see a bead roller and lots of welding in my future, haha.
I’m originally from Long Island, NY. Live in Melbourne, FL now. Thanks for the warm welcome!
Melbourne. I lived there just outside downtown for a few years. Had 4 Cougars at the time. My daily driver was a 70 XR-7 that had a mild 460. Sometimes I miss driving year round.
If you want big cubes and don’t want the weight in the front (producing a “boat”), consider building a 351 stroker (Windsor or gasp Cleveland). But to answer your question, a Lima engine will go into your car. A tight fit but one or two people here have done the swap.
Thank you for the resources. There’s a 390 out of a truck available locally that I can pick up relatively cheap, I was wondering what’s involved in making that fit?
FYI- I’ll probably start a thread for the body work soon, which has been my main concentration so far.
The 390 was an available engine option for 1969 so with the right parts it will bolt right in. Being a truck engine though it may not have the correct oil pan and pick up tube, front sump vs rear sump. If the truck engine was not from manual transmission vehicle then you will need to find a proper flywheel and starter. You will need to change your Z bar and some linkage. The 4 speed you currently have should be a small spline unit, I am not sure that will work with the 390, big block cars usually had the large spline. You will probably also need to change your radiator.
