FYI FORD MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum / FINALLY getting the engine back in my 66

**Posted by MS** 4/02/2018 8:30 PM

Today I put the 427 stroker and TKO600 back in the 66 fastback, all as one assembly. It was not necessary to remove the Shelby export brace. I do not know if that works with the stock firewall/shock tower braces, but those are super easy to remove if in the way. I did have to remove the valve covers. Not sure if that is required with a 289.

To get the extreme angle, I tied a rope around the shifter and routed it under the R&P and sway bar to the front of the car. Pulling the rope helped get the tail low enough to drop in. I had a wheeled floor jack under the lift to catch the tranny and raise it up a bit. Once I had it high enough in the rear, a scissor jack on the lift's jacking tray was used to replace the floor jack. Then I raised the engine hoist about 2" at a time, each time followed by raising the lift until I could get it to the first locking position. This took four "lifts" to get the engine/car/lift platform high enough so I could get under it with my creeper. No way would I get under there until the latches on the lift kicked into position. Then used the engine hoist to lift the engine up high enough to install the motor and tranny mounts, just enough to support the assembly. Tomorrow, I will put the car up high and install all the bolts and all the "under car" stuff.

**Posted by BillyC** 4/02/2018 8:49 PM

The stuff you have to come up with when you're working solo and determined not to let it beat you. Im impressed!

**Posted by Bolted to Floor** 4/03/2018 4:19 AM

Looking good Steve

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 4/03/2018 7:37 AM

We had the same problem...hanging the engine/trans nearly vertical...with the Falcon only we have no lift. In the end they went in as separate units.
I'm sure glad to see that it's going back together. That's a car that really should not be setting dormant. I sure hope it will now give you years of good times.

BB

**Posted by rpm** 4/03/2018 8:24 AM

Nice job. I did that once by myself. Without a lift I had to raise the rear of the car to get angles right.

**Posted by DC** 4/03/2018 11:57 AM

Now I remember why I removed the top of the radiator support and made a bolt in one. That along with making the radiator opening very wide for my very wide radiator means I can slide the engine tranny assembly in and out even with the hood on. I also modified the grill assembly for quick removal and eliminated the hood catch since I have hood pins. Oh yea, and even with the headers on since I don't have shock towers.

Last edited by DC (4/03/2018 11:59 AM)

**Posted by 6sally6** 4/03/2018 3:21 PM

I like DC's modification(as usual!). Shouldn't be too hard to "clip" the rad. support top piece and make it a bolt in. Especially when filling-the-engine-compartment-up with engine.
I had to stand my engine/tranny almost straight up too. I had an old creeper under the tailshaft so it would not scrubb on the concrete. Modifying the radiator support sounds wayyy EZ'er.
6sal6

**Posted by MS** 4/03/2018 3:29 PM

I thought of modifyling the core support to have a removable top. But, wanted to keep the body original, and it's not like I pull the engine all the time. I'm sure some careful cutting and welding etc could be done to make it where it is actually stronger than stock and barely noticeable.
Sure would make the process easier, though!

**Posted by Chaplin** 4/03/2018 7:39 PM

Very creative way to install. I may do the same when it's time to drop mine in.

**Posted by Gaba** 4/04/2018 9:56 AM

did you make a post here as to what went wrong with it?

**Posted by MS** 4/04/2018 9:38 PM

Gaba wrote:
did you make a post here as to what went wrong with it?

Someone has not been vigilant reading FYIFORD.

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 4/05/2018 9:51 AM

Gotta cut him some slack, MS. He's got a wife, a new bambino...and a job. Those of us who are totally retarded need to make allowances.

BB

**Posted by Steve-G** 4/05/2018 7:03 PM

What lifters did you use this time?

**Posted by Michael H.** 4/06/2018 2:33 PM

Steve-G wrote:
What lifters did you use this time?

I was curious about this too... Inquiring minds want to know.
Also, did you have to sleeve the lifter bore?

**Posted by MS** 4/07/2018 4:42 PM

Ford Racing performance lifters. Probably the same ones that were in it.

Like in the Forrest Gump movie where the plane crashed into the house. I’ll take it!! What are the chances that will happen again?

I had to deburr the bottom of the lifter hole, but it should be ok.

**Posted by daily driver** 4/10/2018 2:26 PM

1983 with a come-along up in an oak tree and pushing the car back and forth by myself. I was 23.

Sorry. I'm still checking to see if the photo will upload if I press submit. LOL

Last edited by daily driver (4/10/2018 2:41 PM)

**Posted by daily driver** 4/10/2018 3:06 PM

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**Posted by Steve-G** 4/10/2018 5:35 PM

Nope. I used to be able to post pictures but can't any more.

**Posted by Ozblitz** 4/10/2018 6:30 PM

I bet it's nice to have that thing back in place!

**Posted by Gaba** 4/11/2018 10:51 AM

Bullet Bob wrote:
Gotta cut him some slack, MS. He's got a wife, a new bambino...and a job. Those of us who are totally retarded need to make allowances.

BB

thanks Bob .. appreciate that!! and its two bambinos lol :D hahaha.. cant wait to see everyone this bash though!!

**Posted by rpm** 4/11/2018 3:39 PM

Gaba wrote:
thanks Bob .. appreciate that!! and its two bambinos lol :D hahaha.. cant wait to see everyone this bash though!!

Oh, you won't see everyone. BB weaseled out of the Bash this year with some lame couple of years anniversary excuse.

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 4/11/2018 9:35 PM

Happy wife...Happy life...

BB

**Posted by Michael H.** 4/13/2018 3:49 PM

Bullet Bob wrote:
Happy wife...Happy life...

BB

True Story!

**Posted by Steve-G** 4/13/2018 6:03 PM

Going to miss you BB.

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 4/14/2018 7:15 AM

Thanks Steve, I'll miss Donna and you also...along with MOST everyone else. Good to see that SOME PEOPLE know how things really work. LOL.

BB