New guy with some ???s about a '71 '72 '73

[sharpshot]

Hey everybody, im new here and i was looking through the posts, and it seems that there are some pretty smart people here to help me out. I just bought a '71 Mustang Convertible with a 302. It runs pretty good but the body is going to need some attention this winter. With that i also got two coupes. A '72 and a '73. From looking at other posts about the 351s, the '73 has the 351 C, and if what the guy told me was right, the '72 should have a 351 W.  I have the 73 at home, but i havent gone to pick up the 72 yet. They have both been sitting a shed for 10 years or more. The body is pretty rusted out on the 73, but i was told the engine should be pretty good. I think the body might have been a little better on the 72. RIght now i dont really have any plans to restore the two coupes. I want to get the convertible fixed up nice before i start working on the other two. What is the best engine of the three. would i be best off staying with the 302 in the convertible for now,  or would it be good to drop one of the 351s in.  My dad has a mechanic working for him that would be able to help me switching the engines, and also tearing apart one of the 351s to make sure it is good.  I have heard that you can get more power from the 302 then the 351s, is that true, if so how would you do that, and what kind of money would a guy be looking at spending? thanks for your help, any input would be greatly appreaciated.

[racedraper]

here is a trivia question that should help with your mind.
out of the 3 boss motors 302,351,429 which has the most horsepower and is the fastest in the quarter mile.......





the 351 BOSS. which is a cleveland (well of sort).
you can get more hp out of a cleveland and torq,thats if money is mo question. . But I like the power and torq of a cleveland plus alot of people still like them. just find some australian heads for it. Also I talked to a guy who is a wizz on clevelands and he said dont bother with the 4v heads he can get more out of a 2v or auzzy heads,I have the clevelnad with 2 barrel heads I recently ugraded with a new edelbrock manifold and a new edelbrock 600cfm card. it was only 400 bucks for both.by the way you are fixing up the hardest to find parts in all the mustangs ,trust me Im there,lol and make you to post pics and see my 73 in the rider ride section and welcome to the club.

[sharpshot]

That looks like a great project. Maybe instead of junking the '73 coupe that is like the one you have, maybe i should get the Convertable fixed up to have some fun in. Then start working on the Coupe just like you are. The panels are pretty rusted out by the back wheels. I will also be picking up a '72. Im not sure how the panals are on that. I will have to take a look and maybe fix up the '73. Looks like you are doing a great job. Thanks for the advice.

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I just picked up the '72 coupe, and it is in great shape.... well at least the body is where it matters. Its not rusted out at all. The interior is all ripped apart and mouse eaten, but its better then the body being rotten. It doenst have a good motor, but im goin to take the 351 Clevland out of the 73 and put it in the 72. Right now i am in the process of taking the fenders and quarterpanels off to make sure it is as good as it looks. If everything goes as planned i will be able to sell the convertible and have gotten a coupe for almost free. Does anybody know how hard, and how much $$$ it would take to convert from the stock automatic tranny, a manual if there are any manual tranny's that would fit. My dad has a mechanic working for him that would be able to help me. Also if there are any good exhaust systems for that car and engine.

[racedraper]

It all depends on what type of tranny you want ,top loadder, 5 speed, but yes you can do it,get a bell housing and go from there, but the biggest problem you will face is finding the pedal assymbly. its easier to from stick to auto then the  other way, it can be done .
 as for rust  make  sure you take the trim off around the back window. I thought the body was good untill I found the trim hiding rust under it and it is a prime area for rust .mine was gone 2 inches wide all the way across.post pics of the bad boy

[sharpshot]

Hey im just wondering if this tranny would fit in my '72. T-5 tranny on e-bay