Had a chat with my mechanic today about the engine and tranny for my project car, the 82 L. It seems that the engine is not a Cleveland but a 351w out of a 79 Thunderbird. It also is not a manual transmission but an automatic. Now comes the crucial choice, do I go with the automatic when the L is already a standard, or trade the automatic for a C6 provided I can find one. Anyone have suggestions on what would be the better way to go?
Thanks
Jim

 

Why not go with a tremec 5 speed?
Was wondering why you would go with the C6, and not a C4? The C4 can be made to handle some good hp. The C6 is larger, and heavier. Besides, i would imagine finding a small bellhousing C6 trans will be hard to come by these days.

 

It does make more sense for the c4, you are right. Would the tremec bolt up to the 79 engine easily?
Thanks.
Jim

 

as a toy/hobby I would go stick myself

 

I am leaning that way myself. Now if I can find somebody to trade the automatic for a standard tranny I will be off to the races.LOL
Jim

 

It will, all you need is the bell housing for the 302/351.

 

I think you need a new mechanic if that engine was an original out of a 79 Thunderbird, because it's not a Cleveland or a Windsor. It's actually a Modified, and imo one of the worst V8's ford built. It pretty close to the 400 I believe, which isn't one of my favourites either. Make sure you check into this, I maybe wrong, but don't think so!

 

According to muscle mustangs, and fast fords, the 400 can be built to be a real monster. They did one a few years back i believe. I have the issue, but don't remember when it came out, but i do remember they built one.
But on a side not, the 351 windsor, aswell as 302's were option in that boat of a car.

PRODUCTION NUMBERS
INTRODUCTION DATE: October 6, 1978
TOTAL PRODUCTION: 284,141
Chicago: 208,248 (G)
Los Angeles: 75,893 (J)
Canada: 1,752 (144 built during calendar year 1978)
TOP LINE: BODY CODE/MODEL NAME/BASE PRICE
BOTTOM LINE: WEIGHT/PRODUCTION
Model 87/Style 60H Thunderbird $5,999
Weight: 4,082 Built: 352,751
Model 87/Style 60H Town Landau $8,994
Weight: 4,104 Built: (incl. above)
Model 87/Style 60H Heritage $10,815
Weight: 4,200 Built: 18,994
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE CODE ENGINE DETAILS
1. F

Optional:

2. H (351 Windsor - 5 valve cover bolts)

3. H (351 M - 7 valve cover bolts)

Note: 5.8L (351 CID) required in California or with High Altitude Emissions System
1. 5.0L (302 CID) 2V V-8
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 in.
Compression Ratio: 8.4:1
Brake Horsepower: 134 @ 3400 rpm
Torque: 248 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2V

Optional:

2. 5.8 L (351 CID) 2V V-8 (Windsor)
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 in.
Compression Ratio: 8.3:1
Horsepower: 145 @ 3400 rpm
Torque: 277 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2V

3. 5.8L (351 CID) 2V V-8
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 in.
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Horsepower: 152 @ 3600 rpm
Torque: 278 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
Carburetor: Motorcraft 2150 2V
TRANSMISSION CODE TRANSMISSION DESCRIPTION
U
X SelectShift XPL Automatic
FMX Automatic
REAR AXLE CODE REAR AXLE RATIO
1
B
C
J
6
O 2.50:1
2.47:1
2.47:1 Traction-Lok
2.50:1 Traction-Lok
3.00:1 (400 V-8 only)
3:00:1 (400 V-8/Traction-Lok)
TIRE SIZE BRAKES
HR 78 x 15 Steel Belted Radial Blackwall
Wheels: 15 x 6.5" Front: Power Disc
Rear: Power Drum
Total swept area: 372.3 sq. in.
WHEELBASE DIMENSIONS
114.0 inches
Front Tread: 63.2"
Rear Tread: 63.1"
Steering ratio: 21.9:1
Turning diameter: 43.1 ft.
Weight distribution: 57/43 Length: 215.5"
Width: 78.5"
Height: 53.0"
Trunk: 15.6 cu. ft. (16.8 with Inflatable Spare tire)
Front headroom: 37.3"
Front legroom: 42.1"
Rear headroom: 36.2"
Rear legroom: 32.6"
CAPACITIES
Fuel Tank: 21.0 gals. (22.0 on standard 351 V-8 California model, 27.5 with Extended Range option)
Cooling System: --
SPECIAL NOTES
- 1979 would be the final year for the Ford LTD II-based mid-sized Thunderbird.

- 955,032 Thunderbirds were built during the three year cycle of this body style, making it the most popular in the history of the line. 1. Spoiler added under front bumper to improve engine cooling and fuel economy.

2. Standard interior upgraded to include fold-down center armrest for front flight bench seat.

3. Electronic voltage regulator introduced as standard equipment.

4. Door and ignition locks modified to improve theft protection.

5. Carburetor on base 302 CID V-8 modified to provide better performance and fuel economy.

6. Lower Bodyside Protection option introduced that added a clear vinyl decal along bottom of car (on top of paint finish) to better protect against paint chips and rust.

 

Wow, two differing opinions on the T-Bird engine. I think it is time I have the mechanic show me just what I bought for my $5oo bucks, either way it's going into the Mustang.
Thanks guys for the info on the 1979 T-Bird engines.
Jim

 

Strange, I knew the 302 was an option, as my old man ordered one brand new, but at the time he was told the 351 modified was the only 351 available. Very interesting....