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9/13/2018 6:48 PM  #1


1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

My 65 Mustang originally came with a 289 and C4 auto. I've swapped in a 1990 5.0 and had planned to use a T5 manual but due to health reasons I can't operate the clutch. Will the flex plate, bell housing, and torque converter from the 289/C4 bolt up to the 5.0 without issues?
thank you

 

9/13/2018 8:51 PM  #2


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

The 289 has 28 OZ imbalance and the 5.0 uses 50 oz. The flex plate  will need to be replaced with a 50 oz imbalance and 157 tooth ring gear. This is the same thing I went through on my car. You can get it from Summit racing. The block plate and converter you have will work.


Good, fast or cheap. Pick any two...
 

9/14/2018 11:22 AM  #3


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

In addition to the different flexplate, because you had a '65, the 5-bolt bellhousing and block plate will need to be replaced with one that has 6 bolts, I believe.  But otherwise, it'll work great!

Because of the higher power of the 5.0, you might consider putting in a shift kit and some better servos to help keep your bands from slipping though, while it's out.  And doing the rear main seal is a great idea, unless you know yours is in great shape.

All of the shift kits I know of will change your 1965 Green-Dot shift pattern to the simpler PRND21 pattern too, which is often a good thing.

I know you wanted the T5, but having this setup in my car, I can tell you the C4 is a great little transmission too.  I don't think you will feel too cheated!  Catching the 2-1 kickdown if you're going about 30-35 mph is flat out exciting. =)

Best wishes!


"Whatever you are, be a good one." - Abraham Lincoln
 

9/14/2018 3:45 PM  #4


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

shelb94,  before you go buying a new engine block plate and bellhousing, take the block plate you have and see if it fits the 5.0.....if it does, you're golden....

 

9/14/2018 5:08 PM  #5


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

^  +1
Not all 65s were 5 bolt.
You'll also need to decide on front accessories, if keeping the original pulleys, you'll need a 50oz conversion balancer.


"Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
 

9/14/2018 5:41 PM  #6


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

I'm planning on using stock 5.0 serpentine belt pulleys (water pump, crank, power steering, & alternator)

     Thread Starter
 

9/14/2018 6:04 PM  #7


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

Then,"you're golden".


"Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
 

9/14/2018 7:50 PM  #8


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

shelb94 wrote:

I'm planning on using stock 5.0 serpentine belt pulleys (water pump, crank, power steering, & alternator)

Is the serp set up you have from a Foxbody 5.0 or something else?  

 

9/16/2018 9:03 AM  #9


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

yes, from a foxbody 5.0

     Thread Starter
 

9/16/2018 11:30 AM  #10


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

Still golden then.


"Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
 

9/16/2018 9:07 PM  #11


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

Don't forget on the fox body the oil dipstick is on the drivers side on the 289 set up its in the front timing cover. If you are installing the 289 timing cover you have to add fuel pump eccentric and plug the hole in the side of the block. If you stay with the 5.0 timing cover you will have to get creative and route the dipstick and drill the timing cover if you are using the serpentine belt set up and plug the old dipstick hole on the drivers side . The first time you fill it with oil check the stick if its wrong mark it. And of course you have to change the oil pan. 

 

9/17/2018 6:27 AM  #12


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

Coupedaddy wrote:

Don't forget on the fox body the oil dipstick is on the drivers side on the 289 set up its in the front timing cover. If you are installing the 289 timing cover you have to add fuel pump eccentric and plug the hole in the side of the block. If you stay with the 5.0 timing cover you will have to get creative and route the dipstick and drill the timing cover if you are using the serpentine belt set up and plug the old dipstick hole on the drivers side . The first time you fill it with oil check the stick if its wrong mark it. And of course you have to change the oil pan. 

+1 on what coupe said.
Another thing to keep in mind is the radiator and fan you'll need but, before we inundate you with "what if's", let us know what your plan is on this build.  I'm running the same set up with a carb and mechanical fuel pump....your set up may be different.  Be glad to provide you with the details on what I did on my build as a means to help you.....

 

9/17/2018 12:01 PM  #13


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

I've owned the 65 since 1990 and used to drive it until I decided to tear it apart for a restoration around 93. Then I purchased an 87 Mustang GT that i drove til it was just a rust bucket. I scrapped the 87 but I kept the engine & tranny to install in the 65. I purchased a MAF, an A9L, and a wiring harness from Windsor-Fox to switch from Speed Density to Mass Air. When the car is finished I'd like it to be a cruiser, to be able to drive anywhere and everywhere. I had also purchased a radiator from Windsor-Fox and because of it's thickness I'll need to buy an electric fan.

     Thread Starter
 

9/17/2018 1:19 PM  #14


Re: 1965 Mustang with 1990 5.0 and C4 transmission question

Get a SPAL 30102082.  Awesome fan and it will keep the car cool under all conditions.  I built my own controller for it, also fairly easy. 

 

Board footera


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