[daveguy3]

Help!!!

I'm trying to fit a set of Patriot tri-y headers on the car (an early 65 mustang) and I can not get them to bolt up to the passenger side (they are hitting the shock tower). The mechanic unbolted the motor to move it a little,but they still don't fit.

I have been told that if I switch to a 66 style motor mount that the engine will be a little higher and I will get more clearance. Is that true?

If I switch to the 66 style mount do I need to get different brackets to bolt on the frame? One mustang part shop says yes ($130), another says no the brackets are already there since the car was originally a v8. Who is right?

Unfortunately, the car is at my mechanics now, and I can't just take a look (closed all weekend). Does anybody know. I've been #$%^&^&& with this for the past 3 weeks and I want to drive.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[dennis112]

Most header companies specify 66' or newer motor mounts be used with their headers. 65' and 66' V8 brackets and motor mounts are entirely different and the parts are not interchangeable with each other. You can bolt the 66"-70" motor mounts in your car with the appropriate brackets, as the Mustang shop said. Yes, the 66"-70" brackets will raise your engine higher, approximatly 1".

Here is an easy and cheap solution that should work. Take some metal stock about 3/4" high and 6-7" long and have spacers made that will fit between the block and the 65's motor mount. You will have to have 2 holes drilled through each spacer and use 3/4" longer bolts in order to attach the motor mount and spacer to the block.

By the way, I use 65' motor mounts with my 393 stroker and 1 3/4" headers. I needed to make only a 1/8" spacer for a nice fit.

_________________
Dennis

65' Stang

393 stroker, Toploader 4 spd, 3:50 rear.

Victor Jr. knockoff heads, 282S cam, Stealth intake, Bigs Stage 5 750DP, Accufab headers, Scattershield, Caltracs.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: dennis111 on 4/23/06 12:27am ]</font>

 

[mustangboy]

I put a set of tri-ys on a 66 mustang this summer and there was tons of room between the engine and shock towers.They were by far the easiest headers I've ever put on.I used the later 66 and up style mounts but I can't imagine the earlier style would have caused me any trouble as I had so much clearance.Is it possible your shock towers have collapsed inwards a bit?...Also be careful with the spacers above the motor mounts.The engine that I took out of this car had some spacers to lift the engine over the six cylinder steering(don't ask) and the bolts had come a little loose and broke the block around the mounting holes.Its a shame as its a good early 302 block but now the motor mount holes are broken so its pretty much junk!