update on ATX to MTX swap

[rktmn]

After not being able to work on my tansmission swap for about 3 weeks, I finally spent this week-end on it. I installed the clutch pedal and brake assembly, (a great deal of jiggling, but otherwise straight forward). Reconnected steering rack. Cut hole in floor board and installed shifter. Again very staight forward. Ford even marks the floor board tunnel with dimples where the bolt holes are supposed to go.

Will probably have to change the cat back exhaust, since it interferes with the rod shifting linkage.

Began dressing the 3.2 engine with the 3.0 accessories. Used the 3.2 oil pump. I will close the small opening by the power steering pump with a small aluminum bracket. Swapped the rear panel behind the cam sprockets from the 3.0. which supports the plastic timing belt cover.

Used a hacksaw (and a little WD-40) to cut off the nub on the 3.2 head which interferes with the
3.0 alternator. This took about 15 minutes to accomplish. Installed the 3.0 water pump, the 3.0 motor mounts and the 3.2 a/c compressor. It is exactly as the 3.0, except for the hoses, which match the possition on my 3.2 body. The 3.2 a/c pulley lines up with the 3.0 alternantor and the idler.

Also, I installed the front covers. Everything looks fine.

This is just a dress rehersal, since I still have to take it all of to do the 60K on my 64,000 mi. 3.2.

I will be posting the photos on my crappy web page this week when I have a little time.

 

[93nighthawk]

Glad to hear it is comming along. thumbs_u

Eric

 

[FordLover]

I'm very currious as to how this goes... I'm awaiting the failure of the ATX in my 95. When this happens, I'm gonna drop the subframe out, and put the 3.2 back in along with the subframe and other assorted running gear from my 93 MTX. I'm just hoping it goes smoothly.

Can you tell me what's been the worst/most difficult part of the swap so far?
-Martin

 

[rktmn]

Martin,

The toughest part so far was keeping the peace with my wife when I showed up with the rear ended donor MTX SHO and informed her of the project.

So far every thing has been very straight forward. I dismantled the donor car completely down to the dashboard and wiring. I pulled the engine out the top, and I dropped the subframe, driveshafts and transmission as one piece from the bottom. I paced the subframe assembly on a piece of plywood to move it around.

I repeated the same process with the ATX car. I then slipped the MTX subframe with the complete transmission under the ATX car and bolted it up.

I will now have to drop the MTX again, since I am planning to install a quaife lsd. I ordered the how to Video from Mark Nunnally, and after I watch it I will decide weather I can do it or not.

Once I commit myself, there is no turning back, but it is a labor intesive job, since I had to dismantle one car completely, pull the engine and transmission out of the other, and do the 60K on the 3.2 and put everthing back in. Eventually I will also replace the complete interior, since the donor's car is in better shape than mine.

I am doing all the work by myself, so sometimes I have to use some ingenuity to move the heavy parts around.

There is a great deal of wrenching involved. It is not feasable to pay someone to do it, but in the long run I will end up with a hot car which will be in great shape and is paid off.

 

[rktmn]

I posted the new photos of my progress on the transmission swap on my webpage.

http://groups.msn.com/joseafernandez

 

[Blast7]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing this project with us. Will you be the first person who has officially done this?

 

[FordLover]

This is very encouraging news. My 95 is a really nice vehicle, both inside and out, and has all the options. I'd love for it to be a MTX, But I have a limited amount of down time that I can handle. One week would be bad enough, and it seems like you've spent nearly a month or more, tho not continously working on the project.
-Martin