280i Ford 302 Conversion

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Apr 8, 2008

• #1

I am getting towards the end of this conversion. Would anyone like a “how to” guide on doing this conversion, or would I be wasting my time typing it up? Since I have done the hard part in trial and error fabrication, it would be an easy conversion for someone to do. The conversion does consist of the removal of 2 pieces of tube and the addition of 3 mounting plates. Everything ells came off the shelf. If I get some real interest I will look into posting a link to detailed instructions.

This will also work on a 289/302/351w

 

GoBritBaby

Senior Member

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• Apr 8, 2008

• #2

It would make for an interesting article in the TVR Times. You should consider submitting it.

 

M

mrtvr

Jedi Trainee

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• Apr 8, 2008

• #3

Yes, I fully agree, and I would welcome the submission and applicable photos for a future TVR TIMES issue.
Marshall

 

V

valenciamidget

Member

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• Apr 9, 2008

• #4

i would be very interested to read whatever you have to write and see some step by step pictures too! i am considering the possiblility of a similar swap in the future if i buy the TVR i am looking at.

 

T

tvr280

Freshman Member

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• Apr 14, 2008

• #5

I would be very very interested in a how to. It would probably give me the push I need to get going and would be much appreciated.

 

G

Grady

Member

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• Apr 16, 2008

• #6

If you do write it up, I hope you could share a final parts list and the templates for the above mentioned plates.

Too often these good conversions stories say "well, none of these parts worked but I finally found one from a (fill in the blank) that did" without giving away the secret part number or enough info to save reinventing the wheel.

Thanks Grady

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Apr 21, 2008

• #7

I will do PDF's of the frame mods, and mounting plates and I will give all part numbers and manufactures. I am only going to list the parts for the conversion. I think that I will have the car finished by the Smokey Mtn Show May 12 if anyone wants to put their eyes on it. I just need to find time to finish this. I am expecting this car to have better performance than a 400 or 420. 0-60 around 5.0 and a top speed around 160 mph. A Panoz Esperante is getting 5.1 and 155 mph with the same drivetrain and 900 more pounds. But we will see….

 

M

mrtvr

Jedi Trainee

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• Apr 21, 2008

• #8

I look forward to seeing the finished project at Springtime in the Smokies in a few weeks. I'll have my "barn find" 280i there as well.

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Apr 21, 2008

• #9

Ill give it about a 75% chance of getting there...

There was a very good tvr turn out there last year, I think there were 7. I think the TVR guys that were there were more intrested in "The Dragon" than the show.

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• May 1, 2008

• #10

FYI

I have not touched the car since my last post... Therefore it will not be ready by May 12th.

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Jul 10, 2008

• #11

The car is alive….

It has just been the little things that have been so much trouble. I hope to get the slave cylinder on this weekend and then it will be time for the muffler shop. If anyone is trying this at home or is doing a t5 conversion. Make sure you get a t5 from a 94 or newer mustang. A vw slave is a direct bolt in to the bell housing and to the existing line. But in a 95 you have to build a mounting bracket. If I did this again I would buy a entire 88 mustang and then let the junkyard have what’s left after I am done. I am also playing with a cold air intake for the Holly.

 

G

Guest

Guest

Guest

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• Jul 10, 2008

• #12

I'm only nitpicking because I'm interested:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Make sure you get a t5 from a 94 or newer mustang[/QUOTE]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]If I did this again I would buy a entire 88 mustang and then let the junkyard have what’s left after I am done[/QUOTE]


On the face of it, these two seem mutually exclusive.
Which is it?
Or am I having a senior moment?

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Jul 11, 2008

• #13

Sorry t5 from a 94 or older..... In 95 they updated the t5 in 96 they went to the cobra 4.6 engine. That makes a 95 5.0 a odd bird. Odd starter and odd bellhouseing.

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Dec 26, 2008

• #14

For some reason I could not make any power. It felt like my 302 was a 4 cyl. I started unplugging plug wires and found that I had 4 dead cylinders. So I revisited the firing order of a 302, and I was hooked up right. Just for the fun of it I looked up the firing order on a 351. Then redid my wires. WOW, I HAVE A 351! The head sits a little higher in a 351 and that explains why my exhaust was sooooo hard to fit. But now it is in and everything is looking better. So now I guess instead of a 280i I have a 580?

 

A

aztvr

Member

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• Dec 26, 2008

• #15

I'll bet that was a tricky thing to figure out !!!! I've read that you can get aftermarket cams in either firing order and they fit in both engines, so, you could have even have a 302 engine with a cam that was made with a 351 firing order. Not being a follower of American iron, I would never have guessed that.
Isn't working on cars fun ?!!

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Jan 27, 2009

• #16

By the time I push my foot all the way to the floor I have hit 5000+ rpms. My left foot cannot keep up with my right foot (so I have to hold back). And the rear wheels could spin at any rpm even in 3rd gear at 3000 rpm on a straight dry road. And I have 245/45/17... I am still working out some electrical bugs.

 

jfslenes

Senior Member

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• Apr 20, 2009

• #17

There is no substitute for cubic inches (maybe cubic dollars). Used to have a Griffith. Assume yours will blow by the old HiPo289 in a heart beat. Awesome endeavor!

 

OP

tr7andtvr

Jedi Hopeful

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• Apr 24, 2009

• #18

The Griff is a little lighter isn't it? Its a big sound out of a small car. The engine conversion is done now I am trying to get a top and some carpet in it before a local May show. I also need to redo the brake master.

 

mailbox

Jedi Knight

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• Apr 25, 2009

• #19

I would be VERY interested in seeing and reading what you have done. I believe I could use some of your tips for my own languishing project.

 

M

MatthewsTVR

Freshman Member

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• Aug 10, 2011

• #20

Any list you may compile would honestly be great to look at. I am considering one of these conversions on my 1985 280i and a parts list would be outstanding, just so I can get an idea of how much it may cost.

P.S. I really think that weber idf carbs would look great on a 302 conversion 280i.

Matt