drop a 460 in a 61tbird

Does anyone know if you can shoe horn a 460 into a 61 tbird that has a factory 390? Any help would be great. Thanks

 

I've seen it done, can't tell you how though!

 

Does anyone also know if the motor mounts will be in the same location or would I have to buy an adapter?

 

I can't tell you directly, but the 430 MEL was an optional motor.
It should fit - the MEL is pretty big, it's the ancestor of the 385 series.

 

Size is not the issue ( In this case!) The early FE's had a different block casting position for the motor mounts. I don't think it is to hard to adapt a 385 motor to it. I just don't know if anyone makes a ready made mount for that application. Crites makes a 460 kit for Galaxies and Mercs that would probably use a similar mount.

I saw this car in Carlisle 2004 if anyone knows this fella here, he put a 460 in it. His name is Irv Klair from Wilmington DE. He could tell you how.

 

Does anyone know what trannys will bolt up to the 390 besides the cruise-o-matic?

 

A C6 designed for an FE will.

 

I put a 460/C6 in my '59 Edsel wagon without alot of trouble. You use a 390 motor mount turned about 30 degrees and make some spacers to raise the engine up about 1/2" to 5/8" between the stud and frame mount. If you are going to use stock style manifolds, you have to mis match them to fit. The drivers side is a generic Lincoln, Merc, LTD. The pass. side is a little more trouble to find, its a mid 70's Ford van pass side manifold. Thats the ONLY one that will clear the upper a-frame mounts without cutting. I have pics of the manifolds if you need to see them. Theres a couple of companies that make headers for this application but they are VERY expensive. Not bad...but you really have to want a 460 like I did.

Later,
Kevin
Ooltewah Speed Shop
www.kevkographics.com