I recently bought a RWD 1979 F-150 Ranger rolling chassis in very good condition. My plan is to build a nice 460 to put in it, but while I do that, I want to put in a smaller motor to putter around town in.

I happen have a 289 that came out of a 1965 Mustang , as well as a small block C6 that came out if a RWD 1977 F 150 behind a 302.

I know that 289s and 302s are virtually identical, so, theoretically, the 289 should bolt up to the C6, even though this motor/tranny combo never existed in production.

I think that's why I'm having a little trouble finding info for this swap. I also need to buy a flexplate for the 289, and since 289s only came in front of C4s, I'm worried about a stock Mustang flexplate being compatible with the C6. I also wonder if stock F150 302 flexplate would be the correct balance for the older 289.

Is what I'm planning possible? Or am I missing some insurmountable incompatibility that will doom my plan to failure?

 

I know in the 80's the trucks and broncos came with 302 and a C6 trans. but I think the older 289 might have a different balance for the flex plate

 

Yeah, that's my #1 concern. If the stock '65 Mustang flexplate bolts up to the C6, I'll be golden. If not, I'll have a whole can of worms to contend with.

 

The first thing to check is the bellhousing bolt pattern. In mid -year 1965,Ford changed from a 5 bolt bellhousing to a 6 bolt. As long as you have a 6 bolt block the c-6 will bolt up. As for the flywheel I'm not sure if the 65 will bolt to the c-6, the bolt pattern of the converter studs may be different. If it is, the one for the 77 should work. I know Ford changed the balance on the 302,but I think it was in the mid 80's. Also, measure the pilot diameter of the converter and crank and make sure they are the same. The 65 could have had a c-4, or a cruise-o-matic,which was like an FMX.

 

302/C6 introduced in 1978 F100/150, but the 302/C4 was also available. C6 uses as different flexplate than C4.

No such thing as FMX until 1969. 1964/68 Galaxie 289 could have a C4 or FX Cruise-O-Matic, all other cars with 289's only available with C4.

 

Yeah, that's my error, this 77 C6 was behind a 351W, not a 302 (when I said I "have" the tranny, I meant it's sitting in my father's pole barn).

The six bolt Windsor pattern should still bolt up, and from the responses here and a little more digging, I think I could mate the two if I put a C6 flexplate from a 302/351W, with the matching torque converter bolt pattern, and a 28oz imbalance on the 289.

The only thing left I think is needing either a 164 or 157 tooth wheel. Have to get the transmission and do some research.

Thanks for the great responses so far.