351W in a 68

[Harleydave]

I am about to put a 351 Windsor in my 68 Fastback, and could use some advise from anyone who has done this. I am using a 157 tooth flywheel and a toploader 4 speed transmission. My question is regarding the clutch linkage. The 68 didn't have the 351 as an option, so should I use 68 linkage or 69?

[stephanorf]

Does your car already have a manual transmission, or are you changing from automatic to manual?

[Harleydave]

The car was a factory automatic, however I bought it without any engine or transmission.

[frontshadow]

I see everything there except the inside pedal assembly, brake switch, etc. Also there may be a difference in the Master cylinder between an automatic and manual. Depending if you are using stock exhaust manifolds or headders, there could be a difference in Z bars. I switched my 67 from stock manifolds to the 289 HIPO cast iron headders and had to change the Z bar.

[Harleydave]

I think i'm all set with the brakes, master cyllinder and pedals. I'm concerned with the clearance and fit of the clutch linkage with the manifolds/headers.

[22GT]

If you are using the 157T wheel, use the 67-68 stuff.

[GT289]

Use a '69 351w equalizer bar, with the original 68 upper linkage going to the clutch pedal and the 69 lower linkage going to the clutch fork. You can use the "standard" clutch release
fork, nothing particular there.....
65-70 "frame" rails are in the same place, but as I recall, the 351W block is wider?.....
hence the z-bar choice.

[Hawthorne]

I think a '68 z bar will work, that's what i used on my '68 with a 351C . They use the same bell housing as a 302/351W

[lpeltier]

Originally Posted by frontshadow

I switched my 67 from stock manifolds to the 289 HIPO cast iron headders and had to change the Z bar.

Which z-bar did you use with the hipo manifolds on your 67 ?

[1313]

Hey Harleydave, I have a 68 j coup. Ultimately I'd like to have a 351w as well as a top loader. Rough ballpark what Would I be expecting to pay for this setup? Did you get a crate? I see a lot of 80's broncos on Craigslist pretty cheap.

[frontshadow]

The Zbar used with the HIPO cast iron headders is different from the one for the standard exhaust manifold. Just look for ones for the FOMOCO HIPO cast iron hedders

[frdnut]

I am running the 69 style Z bar in my car.That is what hooker specified I must use with my headers for the necessary clearance...I never tried the 68 Z bar but I think it should work as well.What type of manifolds or headers are you running?

[ajzride]

289, 302, 351w all use the same z-bar. 351w is wider, but only at the top. In general the 1969 z-bar has better header clearance than the 1968. If you have headers picked out, call the manufacturer and ask them what they recommend.

[Al Newman]

+1 on Ajzride. The 69 =izr bar is for sure stronger than the 67-68 style. Any time I was confronted with the 67-68 =izr on a performance setup, I had to weld gussets on the bar's arms to keep them from bending. I have not done this, but would certainly look into installing either a cable or a hydraulic clutch at this early point in the build. Properly done, hydraulics are SWEET.
Best,
Al

[Harleydave]

I have not make a final decision, but am leaning toward FPA headers. Thanks for all the info guys.