Installing the 406

A few things need to be installed on the 406 before it's ready for installation.

I had to relocate the oil pressure sender to the top of the block and use a 90 degree fitting along with some extenders to get it to fit without interferring with anything else.

The water temperature sensor required a reducer (1/2 inch to 3/8 inch pipe thread) to fit into the older cylinder head.

I used the old thermostat housing (fresh POR-15) but installed a new Robertshaw 180 degree thermostat. I also had to put a pipe plug in one of the unused holes in the manifold.

It's just about ready.

All it needs is a fuel line and the power steering pump and it'll be time to bolt on the tranny and drop her in.

The tranny's all cleaned, painted and ready to re-attach.

This was my Father's Day gift from my oldest son, Colin. No, not the tranny filter, his help in putting the motor in. I couldn't have had a better gift.

Before we put the tranny back in, we changed the filter and checked the accumulator springs. They were fine.

Then we chained up the 406 and prepared to bolt up the transmission.

We used a creeper to slide the trans into position. This made it a lot easier to bolt it up.

Here's Colin as we're taking a photo break. I don't know how he managed to get thru the day without covering that shirt in grease. Maybe because I did the "under-car" stuff...ya think?

Say "Ahhhh". Installing the headers first worked out fine and although it was a little tight, it slid right into place with just a little bit of re-positioning. All in all, not too bad.

There. It's in and the motor mount bolts are in. Now all we have to do is connect a couple of hoses and it'll be time to go Mustang hunting.

While I was under the car, I noticed that it could use a little painting. So out came the POR-15 and the rear end, suspension arms and mufflers all got a coat. Then the gas tank looked a little neglected so it got a coat of silver engine enamel.

You know, there are a lot of hoses and wires and other stuff connected to this motor. If it weren't for the color of the block, you'd hardly know that it wasn't the old 305.

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