Special 302 humped oil pan to fit 78' Fairmont??

[mikes65gal]

My brother and I are considering replacing the 6 that is in his 78' Fairmont with a 302. In just casual conversation with local rodders and cruisers at our local weekly cruise-in, they tell us of our needing a specially humped oil pan. Would anyone happen to know if this special oil pan is indeed necessary and where we could possibly locate one?....either stock or aftermarket. Thanks!

[Itoldyouso]

If there was a straight 6 in there you might have some differences from a normal V8 crossmember. There is a pan called a double hump that is used in Mustangs in about the mid 80's, and I believe this pan was used in other cars too. I had a Lincoln Continental with a 302, and it had a similar pan. You will also need the corresponding oil pickup and perhaps the stud/bolt that goes on the center main bearing to support the pickup tube in the rear position.

I have also used a Bronco rear sump pan in some swaps, but they are like hens teeth any more. I hope someone can take you a little further on this than I have, but this might get you started.

Don

[mikes65gal]

What your saying Itoldyouso sounds similar to what was previously expained to us. We assumed that with a pan of this shape and dimension, we would need a special pick-up. However, the stud/bolt on the center main is a new twist for us. We have yet to remove the straight six from the car, and are going to wait while we gather info. I don't want to get in over my/our heads. Thanks, and I hope we can get addtional feedback.

[Itoldyouso]

In the deep recesses of my memory ( ) I sorta remember that straight six cars were somehow different to swap a V8 into. I did some googling for you and here is an excellent article I found that might shed some light on it:

http://www.geocities.com/stymeesmont/Infoandtech.html

Don

[417strokers]

The mounts on the K Member are not the same for a in line 6 as what is used in the 4 v6 or 8 . You would have to go to the auto wreckers and have the mounts cut off a car that match your engine . A 4 ,v6 or v8 can use the same mount but the in line 6 has a taller mount that won't match your 302 engine. The oil pan for a mustang t-bird of fairmont 255or 302 will work Canton Moroso and Milodon all sell a deep pan for that application . A Crown Vic of from the 80's will would have a 351 Windsor with the right pan to fit your chassis .

[Mr Blue]

Everything said correct. The straight six crossmember is the only different one of the pack. 4, v6 and v8 all share the same crossmember in the fox bodies. They are cheap and plentful in wrecking yards or you can get a trick tubular crossmember from various fox body mustang suppliers (lighter to be sure)

Also you will need a special crank maincap bolt to use a "double hump" mustang, crown vic oil pan and pick up. I just went through this recently on the tbucket when I was going to use a ford motorsports double hump pan. Thankfully pop had a maincap bolt in his stash of prized items (along with naked pictures of bee arthur from golden girls)

ONE WORD OF CAUTION. DO NOT BUY A SUMMIT RACING PICKUP FOR THE DOUBLE HUMP PAN! I ordered one thinking it would be a quality product and it was from china (no surprise) but would not even bolt up properly to my engine! I went to discount auto and got a melling for $20 that was perfect.

Good luck! Don Jr.

[mikes65gal]

Alright Don Jr., 417stroker and Itoldyouso.....the straight 6 will begin to get pulled the weekend after Thanksgiving....were not going to lie to anyone in that we are a little intimidated by the process that lie ahead of us. However, I'm pretty sure when those duel exhausts are humming from the headers of the 302 in our Fairmont.....I'm sure it will be all worthwhile. Thanks to everyone for the professional advice and encouragement as we prepare for our first ever engine swap undertaking.