So I've got a 302 HO EFI I'm rebuilding, and nothing to put it in...

[Dschinghis Kahn]

I would think that converting any FWD car to RWD would be a pretty massive undertaking. Is the Taurus really that different? Heck, there's a guy who put Corvette running gear in a Civic ffs!

[loudsho92]

Originally Posted by Prismatic

The block is currently in the machine shop. It's a stock rebuild to refresh the motor, so it's not going to lay down 500 horses on the dyno.

I'm pretty sure the 302 would physically fit into the engine bay, and with some creative butchering at a local JY I could get some proper floor pans and drive train materials to convert it to rear wheel...

How wild would that be? Imagine a full 302 V8 Taurus (that's not nascar)

1 person did it with a SHO using a T-Bird rear end and got it to run and drive only to have a weld snap, loose control and total the car.

It would be cool but a lot of work. I do not know if the 302 will fit. That will be the first hurdle.

Originally Posted by Prismatic

I do have welding experience and access to all the tools I'd need, including lifts.

The more I think about it the more I want to do it...

Last I checked on that you need to show proof of residence and a PO box will not work.

[JIMMER]

I love ideas that are truly original. Just make sure you have a complete start-to-finish plan of everything you need and how much it will cost. Would hate to see the job get half done and then scrapped due to budget. Good luck.

[Roach]

I'll give you my full support for this man. I always dreamed if I had the engine and a completely gutted spare Taurus, I'd do something of this caliber.

It's a hell load of work and research, but remember, research. Don't jump into it too soon.

Good luck man.

[Lgbpop]

What will you use for steering hardware? Volvo components might fit.

[JW657]

I'm thinking you might end up going with OBD1 electronics to run the engine, I don't think Ford has a stock OBD2 computer with a manual transmission for that engine, I don't know that for sure though. If you went back to OBD1, you would likely want to be using a 1993 and previous foxbody computer and wiring. Ford even sells the wiring kit for engine swaps. I don't know what kind of trouble you'll end up with when you do that, you have pats and such. It might take some research to figure out how you want to do this. Most people that mod SBFs use OBD1 stuff. If you want to have a stock OBD2 engine from Ford, you might want to look at either the modular engines or an essex RWD from a mustang.

I did some measurements a long time ago, but I can't really remember my findings. I think the firewall clearance might have been an issue, but I can't remember. You really need to grab a tape measure and start writing down measurements to see what will work. You probably have enough side clearance.

The exhaust will have to be rerouted and that seems like it might be a headache.

I had this planned out to some degree. I was thinking of adapting the Pinto/Mustang II IFS suspension and ditching the subframe. It is one of the most popular suspension swaps out there, mainly because:

1) Massive parts aftermarket, like big brake kits, drop kits, etc...
2) Very compact and easy to install
3) Double wishbone design
4) Cost effective, for what you get

The crossmember that it is based around would add a lot of the structural rigidity back to the front end, seeing as there wouldn't be a subframe. You can buy a universal kit for less than $300 on ebay, then you need to buy every component for it, which should probably be under $1,000 to over $3,000, depending on how far you want to go with it, like chromed parts and such. You can also buy complete kits, but they are usually for specific cars.

I'm thinking it would be best to have a column shift Taurus, because the new transmission tunnel will not clear the stock floor shift/dash setup very well.

I would look at either buying a complete low profile serpentine kit or put something together yourself. Install a Saginaw TC steering pump (aka GM Type II, Ford CIII), don't go with the stock CII pump, that thing is pathetic.

Does anyone know how much capacity a stock Taurus radiator has? Will it cool a stock 5.0L V8?

[Breeves002]

I truly doubt the cooling... I mean, look at the radiators in the ford modula v8's much bigger than the taurus IIRC.

[JIMMER]

With regards to the computer, it would likely be better to go with a full stand alone. Something like the AEM SERIES II or INFINITY. Though, if you need to pass e-tests where you are, you would have to find one of those shops that will do you one on the down-low. *LOL*

[Prismatic]

Originally Posted by JIMMER

With regards to the computer, it would likely be better to go with a full stand alone. Something like the AEM SERIES II or INFINITY. Though, if you need to pass e-tests where you are, you would have to find one of those shops that will do you one on the down-low. *LOL*

I've got a local shop I use... I've never had a smog issue there

[caseitman]

I think that would be an awesome project, combining the reliable ford 302 engine into a car that is lighter than a brick might be the next kind of drag car ha ha ha. Good luck and keep us updated on the progress