Club Cobra - GT40 Crate Engine Questions

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GT40 Crate Engine Questions

Hi All,
I'm fairly new hear and have been enjoying reading through all the information on this site. I am about to order a kit from Hurricane and I have to decide on an engine/trans combo. I am planning on using a T5 transmission, World Class with 2.95 first gear. I have been looking into various crate engines, thinking of building myself and so on. I have been looking at the GT40 - 345HP engine from Ford. I'm not up to date on the Ford stuff and was wondering if anyone could provide any info on the GT40/T5 combo? I am mainly looking for info on what it will take to get this engine in and running. Can the front cover/water pump/balancer be used as is? What type of pulley system? Can it take a mechanical fuel pump or do I need to go with an electric pump? Oil pan usable as is? Does the flywheel that comes with it work with the T5? Stock (aftermarket HP replacement) Mustang clutch work. Bellhousing? Will the intake/carb distributor from the earlier 289/302 engines bolt right up? I guess to sum it up, what is going to take to use this engine? Also, if anyone has any pros or cons on this combo, I'd like to hear about it. Thanks in advance for your responses. I appreciate any info you can provide.

Mike

I just put this exact engine into my '87 Mustang.
To answer your questions for a Cobra:
The front cover is ok unless you want to use a mechanical pump, then you'll have to change to an older style.
The water pump is a Mustang serpentine reverse-flow type. You'll need to change that.
No pulleys come w/this engine. The balancer is std '82-up small block 50-oz imbalance. Put on your pulleys and go.
The oil pan should work. It's a std Fox Mustang rear sump with a left (driver's) side dipstick.
The flywheel should work fine and a std Mustang clutch will fit.
Bellhousing can be late Mustang or aftermarket scatter shield.
Intake/carb will fit. Distributor must have a bronze gear to fit the roller cam.
This is a great little engine for the price. Make sure you get the latest version that has the roller rockers and aluminum valve covers.

Thanks Doug,
I appreciate the info. Its good to know you installed one in your Mustang and like it. I have noticed that some places are selling the older version at a discounted price. If you didn't know any better or not paying attention you could easily end up eith an older one. Thanks for the heads up on getting the newer version.

Mike

One exception to what DougD said. You must have a steel gear for the distributor as this engine has a roller cam. The bronze gear will last just about long enough to the start the engine up, then you will be tearing it down. I have this same engine in my FFR and it's a fun engine on the street and strong on the track.

I am planning the same build ford Crate Gt-40, with a Hurricane. I am planning to use efi. What else do I need to purchase? Are these parts available used?

Jack

Hi Jack,
I asked the original question on the GT-40 engine. After it was all said and done I ended up with an engine from a local builder. I think the responses above sum up most of it. As for using EFI, I wouldn't have any idea what might be needed. I went with a carb'ed engine in mine. If you don't get a response on this thread you might try starting a new one specifically on the EFI or try the FFR forum as a lot of those guys are running EFI in thier cars. Good Luck.

Mike