The Crying GameIt is a crying shame that this will be the third letter we've sent asking you for information about our car. We've even sent self-addressed envelopes each time, but still nothing.
I know you probably get hundreds of letters, so this will be our last letter. All we want to know is if an SVO motor will work in a '91 Mustang. What would we have to do to make it work? Please don't throw away our letters.Connie and Robert LangleySocial Circle, GA
Your letter is a bit vague, as we aren't sure what you mean by SVO. Do you mean a 2.3 turbo from an SVO Mustang or an SVO (Ford Racing Performance Parts) crate motor? In either instance, the answer will be yes, but we don't understand your meaning of "work." Yes, it will fit-but you didn't ask about wiring or fuel systems-only "will it work" in your '91 Mustang. We would love to answer your question more thoroughly, but we must have more detailed information, such as do you want to fuel-inject it or is your '91 a 2.3 or a 5.0 now? This is a perfect example of why we suggest e-mail addresses or telephone numbers-so that we can obtain more information to help you and our readers. Sorry we can't help you more, but feel free to write a more detailed letter with your contact information, and send it to us at the address located at the end of this column.
Duke Of WindsorI am planning on installing a 351 Windsor into a '94-'98 Mustang and would like to know if it will bolt up to either a 4.6 or 5.0 standard transmission bellhousing and clutch. Also, what did Ford do differently on the '98 to eliminate the need for a strut tower brace? Thanks for all the great help you guys have provided throughout the years.John HillWichita, KS
The 351 Windsor shares the same bellhousing bolt pattern as other Ford small-blocks but not that of the 4.6 modular-series engines. Using an aftermarket transmission or a stock '94-'95 five-speed transmission will work behind your 351. The T45 used behind the modular engines has a different bellhousing bolt pattern (as do T56 six-speeds la Firebirds/Camaros). We heartily recommend an aftermarket transmission, such as the Tremec five-speed or other transmission capable of handling the torque a Windsor can put out.
As far as we know, the strut tower brace (or Schimmell bar as Ford called it-named after its designer, Chassis Engineer Robert Schimmell) was removed in 1996 when the modular engines began appearing in the Mustang. If you install a 351 in an SN-95 or a Fox-4 platform, you can still make use of a stock or aftermarket brace.
Was Not Was, A GT?I recently purchased an '82 5.0 Mustang. I've done some research, and the VIN (1FABP16F2CF144033) comes up as a GT, but there are no ground effects, it has a three-spoke steering wheel versus four, and there is no rear spoiler.
However, it has Recaro seats; it is a four-speed; it has a nonfunctional hoodscoop; and it has black-out trim, including all exterior moldings, trim, door handles, mirrors, and an antenna. It also has a sunroof, power windows and door locks, a Traction-Lok rearend, TRX wheels and tires, and a TRX handling and suspension package, among other things. The car is two-tone blue and black, and I read that GTs came in only solid colors. It has an Indianapolis 500 badge above the glovebox door.
Can you tell me if this is an aftermarket or a factory badge? Any information on my car would be greatly appreciated. I am a first-time Mustang owner, and I am trying to learn as much as I can about Mustangs.Stacy Lewisvia the Internet