Ford produced millions of Mustangs during the vintage production years (1965-73), and millions of those came from the factory with inline 6 cylinder engines---mostly 200 cubic inches of displacement, though Ford also used 170 cid engines in early models.
But a large percentage of the people who are now buying and restoring Mustangs today want V8s---with displacements of 289, 302, 351, and up.
A popular solution to the increasingly mismatched supply/demand situation is to buy a 6-cylinder car and swap engines.
There are no structural differences between a 6 and 8-cylinder car, which means you can easily drop a 289 or a 302 into the engine bay and bolt it right up. (If you go any bigger in an early Mustang---1965 or 66---you may have to do some structural modifications to the engine bay to make it fit.)
But there are significant differences in the drive train, suspension, and braking systems. These all have to be upgraded in order to produce a safe, drivable car.
These modifications are discussed in detail in the FAQ topic i6 to v8 swap---what's involved.
But there are other alternatives, as well; see the FAQ topic How Can I Enhance Performance of my 6-cylinder Engine?
See also the Vintage Mustang Forum discussion Is it worth it? ( 200cid ).
submitted by a65ragtop
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