thunderbird
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The 351 will bolt up to the trans but it will need help in the form of a shift kit to have any chance of surviving for very long, that is because the 351 generates nearly twice as much tq and it does it at much lower rpms. If you have an OD trans in the car you should also change the rear axle gear ratio if it's anything less than 3.55, this will also take some load off the transmission. I'm not sure what trans is in that car but I'm thinking it's probably the AOD, if it is make sure you get the TV cable connected to the throttle linkage on the V8 and also make sure it is set properly, this is critical to correct transmission operation and life. Also make double sure you install the correct flexplate with the motor, you will need a 28oz AOD flexplate and no others, the transmission will be instantly destroyed the moment you fire the engine if you don't use the right flexplate.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Medicine Hat, AB, Canada
What year is the t bird?
I'm doing the same swap in my cougar as soon as my truck is on the road.
Also another thing is the rear end in general, if it has a 7.5 I would recommend putting in an 8.8
I'm doing the same swap in my cougar as soon as my truck is on the road.
Also another thing is the rear end in general, if it has a 7.5 I would recommend putting in an 8.8
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
What previous posters said. First thing is it a fox body chassis or the mn12. If its the fox body chances are its either a c5 or aod, neither last very long, the c5 is almost a c4 and shares a lot of components so a c4 will bold in easily, if its an aod I'm not sure about driveshaft length but I doubt it will work. As well as rear end, if its a fox then any fox body 8.8 will bolt in no problem. If its an mn12 then you can find an 8.8 centre section to throw in. The problem a lot of guys run into on the mn12 chassis is the oil pan clearance and you need to relocate steering shafts. Headers are a hard fit as well.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
