Thread: 32 firewall with 302 block

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I'm in the planning stages of building my 32 three window. I want to put a 5.0 L HO mustang engine in with a T5 tranny in it. How much firewall recess will I need to make that block fit in a glass 32 body with a stock style frame? I was told the 302 block will not fit without a firewall recess , is this true?

What body we talking, steel or glass??? A bit of recess is going to be better so you can get more engine set back. This will help the handling and traction some, as well as free up room on the front for fans, radiators, coolers, etc.

I am going to buy either a coast to coast body or a Ravon glass body. The Ravon I can order with a 3 " recess but the coast to coast only seems to have a slight recess. Check out this link

http://www.39ford.com/Ford%2032/gal_32.html

Will that be enough room for the 302 block or will I have to recess the firewall more?

The price on the 2 bodies is about the same but I would have to import and broker the Ravon body to Canada whereas the coast to coast is already in Canada and only would have to pat about $ 400 for the shipping.

Call these guys and ask if they have a short water pump for the 5.0 motor. They make a short pump for the 302, same motor except pump drive.
http://www.snowwhiteltd.com/index.htm

Not familiar with a Ravon body, but when combined with the water pump Tech directed you too, a 3" recess should provide more than adequate room for a 302, especially a Blue Oval motor with the distributor on the front where it belongs. Thanks for the link on the pump, Tech. Forgot about those guys.

I haven't decided what to put in my glass 32, have got a 350 chevy auto, 302 lincoln auto, and mustang 5.0 ho 5 speed, settin in a corner of the shop. MY buddy has a 2" stretched frame with the longer hood and a 5.0. The oil filter can be tight depending on the type of steering ( vega with the I beam) they make shorter oil filters i think for capri or little ranger pickups that fit.

If I order a TCI frame stage III they should know where to set the motor mounts so the water pump should have enough space correct?

You might want to check out the V8 explorer waterpump and timing chain cover as it looks real short compared to the usual waterpumps.

I'd get the biggest recess you can get probably a 3 inch would work and tuck the motor back as close as you can. My dad has a 31 ford with a 302 in it and a bitchin small block firewall. The frame was made by pete and jakes and they put the motor mounts to far forward and its a pain to get all the sheetmetal to fit and find the parts needed for a Ford to cram it all in there. My dad is currently running a short waterpump and electric fan because he can't fit a mechanical fan in there. There is hardly any room for the fan he has in there now. Pete and Jakes did the same thing on my 37. I believe they set it up for a SBC because the fuel line was run on the wrong side. To get the front sheetmetal to fit on the car we had to cut the motor mounts and move the motor back a couple inches to get it to fit. If you thought getting a 302 to fit, imagine cramming a 351C in there. You can't get any of the special short accessory brackets and pumps for them.

Thanks for the info. I might end up going for a Bear body even though its more pricey but those guys claim no problem with their GM recessed firewall which looks like about 1 1/2 inches recess over stock . I am going to talk to a guy I know that is a Mustang 5.0 guy and see if the 5.0 has a longer water pump or different timing cover versus the regular 302 block. Either way I'll make it happen. I had a Mustang GT for 16 years but sold it to buy my 28 coupe. The coupe is nice but I miss my GT so I am going to build my mustang back under a 32 which is my dream car ( body wise )