Need Mustang Opinion (SBG - I know your opinion.....)

[DanStokes]

I've been doing shakedown runs to get Stanger back on the road after his 14 year sleep. Sadly, I did find something significant after a few runs that looked OK. The right head gasket has taken the proverbial dump after all that sitting - guess I can't blame it. Pic:

After pulling the starter.....





I was hoping maybe it was something dripping down there but after pulling the upper intake so I can see that does not seem to be the case. I've never pulled the heads off a 5.8 (351ish) in a Fox chassis.

So my question:

Can I pull the heads in chassis or do I have to pull the engine to do it? Remember, this engine is (IIRC) about 1 3/4" taller than a 5.0 so everything is tighter.

Input?

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Remember the motto: A job worth doing is worth overdoing! I have no idea if you can pull the heads off in the chassis. I just had to say it...

[Dan Barlow]

Time to LS it .

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Time to LS it .

Or at least a big block Chevy! Or maybe a 460 big block Ford...

[Dan Barlow]

Or as Dan might say , a 215 or a BBB .

[Russell]

What fluid is that? Is anything mixing? I would assume if you can get the headers and valve covers off you can get the heads off with the block in the car. Which is easier working over the fender or pulling the engine that's a tough one. When I had the Capri taking the engine and transmission out together was not a big deal, it didn't have heat or A/C. I would remove the carb, headers, power steering pump alternator. Transmission cross member, clutch cable, engine mount bolts, radiator hoses starter power wire and it almost jumped out.

I look at the engine in the mustang now and I hope it doesn't break

[DanStokes]

Thinking of leaving the trans if I do pop the engine out. With the AOD it doesn't have to come forward very far to clear. The right bank is really packed in to the firewall so I'm leaning toward pulling the engine which would also let me detail the engine bay which needs it. Back and forth given that I have an MGB waiting for me.

[Russell]

For some reason I always convinced myself that pulling the transmission was easier than getting to the bell housing bolts. On the lift with the right extensions and swivel it might not be too bad.

[SuperBuickGuy]

I have minions and they answered for me

[DanStokes]

For some reason I always convinced myself that pulling the transmission was easier than getting to the bell housing bolts. On the lift with the right extensions and swivel it might not be too bad.

Toss of the coin. I'll have to look again to see how tight that is.

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Pull it and detail the engine bay. Anything less than that and I'd be disappointed...

I like making work plans for friends!

[DanStokes]

I continued pulling stuff today (linkages AIR tubes, etc.) and I'm planning to pull the engine. The left head is RIGHT up against the firewall so while possibly possible it'll be a horror show if I leave it in. I'm going to try leaving the trans but if it too much of a PITA I can change course on that.

[silver_bullet]

Time for a stroker kit.... more cubes is a good thing.... cam it up and stainless headers...

https://cnc-motorsports.com/engine-parts/performance-rotating-assemblies/sb-ford-427-434w-kits

[BBR]

Should be able to get the heads off no problem. I r&r'd the heads on the 545 in the 83GT with no issues.

[tardis454]

353 Detroit 2-Stroke. You've already got Mutt.., call the Mustang Mongrel.

(I was gonna mention something similar in Aaron's Blazer thread, 6v71 Detroit w/air start... in the Blazer )