19 Nov 2024 - Possible 351 windsor acquisition

On the 18th Nov 2024, I found a listing for a 351w short block.  Responded to the the listing, and if it works out I will pickbup the engine.

The goal is to setup the engine for use in the cougar.  The 351w can use some of the 302 parts, which will expedite installation.

The exhaust manifolds are a concern.

Cylinder heads will have to be purchased.

The intake manifold will have to be purchased. 

The distributor will have to be purchased.  The ignition system will not be an MSD CDI.  I will put something else in that is cheaper and easier to replace. 

A flexplate will need to be purchased, 28 oz imbalance. 

A harmonic balancer will need to be purchased, 28 imbalance. 

A low/lower profile air cleaner may need to be purchased.

A mechanical fuel pump may need to be purchased.

Valve covers may need to be purchased.

Oil pan may need to be purchased.

16 Nov 2024 - Thermostat

Replaced the 180 degree thermostat  with a 195 degree unit.  Did a test drive and no leaks so far.

 The 195 degree thermostat is a  Murry brand.  I will continue to drive the Cougar using this 195 degree unit.  If it runs well I will keep it installed otherwise I will install a 180 degree unit.

Still need to install the fan shroud assembly.

11 NOV 2024 - Parts n stuff

 

West Coast Classic Cougars

 

Drive Shaft - C4 or 3 / 4 Speed - Small Block - 2-3/4 Inch - 1 Piece - Used
Used C4 Drive Shaft 1967 1968 Mercury Cougar
Item #: 27529 

Leaf Springs - 289 - 4 Spd - Coupe - No A/C - Competition Handling - PAIR - Repro
Item #: 43010

10 NOV 2024 - Tools I might need soon...

 Harbor Freight

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-brushless-cordless-3-in-cut-off-tool-tool-only-58629.html

From Amazon:

 Allstar Performance ALL11081 Koul Tool Kit for -6 AN to -10 AN Fitting/Hose

 

 

10 NOV 2024 - Radiator replaced

 Today, the radiator was replaced with a stock unit that I happened to have on hand.  Hopefully it will last.

Today the coolant level was filled and run tested in the garage, through three sessions.  Each session was 20 minutes of warm up and topping the coolant level in the radiator.  The third session didnt require any coolant.  Checked for leaks and currently everything looks good for a test drive.

I still need to purchase parts to install the aluminum radiator.  I have the radiator transmission line fittings.  They are 1/8" NPSM to AN6.

I need to determine the length of the braided hoses to use for the transmission.  I will have to cut the steel lines that connect from the transmission to the radiator.

I will need to use a thinner water pump fan spacer.  The stock one is too thick.

Parts on hand:

 

Earl's Performance Plumbing 

 

Transmission steel line to radiator transmission cooler in radiator

AT165056erl

6 AN, 5/16 in., AN6 to steel line fitting

 

Radiator to transmission

AT981662erl

-6 AN, 1/8 in. NPT, 

Parts to obtain:

AN6 female both ends, 12" braided hose

AN6 female both ends, 16" braided hose

 

AN6 female both ends, 18" braided hose

 

AN6 female both ends, 20" braided hose

 

AN6 female both ends, 22" braided hose

 

AN6 female both ends, 24" braided hose

 

water pump fan spacer - thickness determined by radiator thickness after installation 

 Summit Racing

 

10", straight, -6an,  female ends
6026-1-1-10BL

12", straight, -6an,  female ends
6026-1-1-12BL

16", straight, -6an,  female ends
6026-1-1-16BL

20", straight, -6an,  female ends
6026-1-1-20BL

24", straight, -6an,  female ends
6026-1-1-24BL

 

C4 to radiator transmission lines

https://www.lyonsperformance.com/ford-trans-cooler-line-p-544.html

23 Sept. 2023 - Replacement radiator has arrived.

Ordered a replacement radiator from Jegs, three days ago and it arrived today.  It is supposed to be a heavy duty version and a drop in replacement.  Since the radiator is at least 1" thicker, a shorter fan spacer will be used.  Need to order/buy replacement upper hose, lower hose, bypass hose, engine coolant and transmission fluid.

10 Sept., 2023 - Radiator woes...

While looking through the engine bay, noticed coolant leaking from the radiator.  Started the process of replacing the unit.  Once removed I will take it to a repair shop for an estimate.