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FE Power Forums => Member Projects => Topic started by: Dan859 on May 13, 2019, 03:06:53 AM

Title: 66 Fairlane, 427 engine swap
Post by: Dan859 on May 13, 2019, 03:06:53 AM

Hi everyone,
I recently bought a 66 Fairlane, 6 cylinder, 3 speed standard transmission.  I want to swap in my 482 FE (Engine info and specs are posted in the dyno section) , a 4 speed toploader trans., and a 9" rear end.  For this post, I just want to deal with the engine swap questions.  I hope it won't be too complicated, as the 427 was an engine option.  For the engine swap, I know I'll need a set of engine mounts, which I can get from Crites.  Is it worth my time to buy their complete kit, and cut back the shock towers before I put in the new engine?  I plan on using FPA headers and I'll attach them before I stick the engine and tranny in.  Same with the starter, I'll install that before, also.  For the radiator, should I try it first with the original radiator, or just figure on replacing it?
Next, should I leave the front suspension alone for now, or again, just plan on installing new springs?  Finally, for the engine swap aspects, what am I overlooking or forgetting, also any useful suggestions and previous experiences that anyone can offer? 
Thanks in advance,
Dan

Title: Re: 66 Fairlane, 427 engine swap
Post by: cattleFEeder on May 13, 2019, 06:43:33 AM

I just finished up a swap like this last year.
If you are going to do any front suspension up grades do it with the motor out, you can not get to the upper control arm bolts with an Fe and headers. I am currently replacing mine with a control freak coil over shock and I kick myself for not doing it with the motor out.
I dont think you will have cut back the shock towers to put aFe in there, crites also makes a radiator kit with a shroud it works well and mine is making 700 hp.

Title: Re: 66 Fairlane, 427 engine swap
Post by: JamesonRacing on May 13, 2019, 04:48:20 PM

I like these mounts for Fairlane/FEs as they don't occupy as much space on the side of the engine and they hold the engine in place quite well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-FAIRLANE-CYCLONE-COMET-GT-390-427-SIDE-OILER-428-SCJ-RACING-MOTOR-MOUNTS-FE/293079558553?hash=item443ce72999:g:EcQAAOSwll1W1KNy

Title: Re: 66 Fairlane, 427 engine swap
Post by: Dan859 on May 14, 2019, 02:52:07 AM

Thanks for the advice.  I'll be getting those motor mounts, they look really good.