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Originally Posted by SL428
Hello from new member.
I am installing a 1968 Ford 428 engine and four speed transmission in my 1982 SL. The old 380 and auto trans was sold on craigslist and the project has begun. I have stripped all the wiring and computer/automated stuff from the car and cleaned the engine bay. The 428 engine and trans has been mocked-up for fitment - I hope within the week. I finished installing the clutch assembly/master cylinder from an Euro 280 SL today and it was faily easy. I will construct a bracket for the slave cylinder on the ford bell housing after I see where the transmission will sit. I will use the 428 mechanical fuel pump and A/C compressor, install mechanical gauges, mechanical heater/AC controls and etc.
My initial concerns are the clearance around the stearing box and the idle arm/drag link. The engine came out of a mustang and the original castiron headers are tucked in very close to the engine so the exhaust may be OK. Not sure wheather I will use MB power steering pump or ford pump. The engine has a front oil pan sump so I hope very little trimming of the subframe will be required.
Another concern is the rear end ratio. I have not crossed that bridge yet but plan to use biscuit type transmission adaptor at the shorten drive shaft. I will post pictures as soon as I figure out how to do that.
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Good luck to you. The project should be fascinating. A heavy engine though. Which version of the 428 are we talking, 2bl, 4bl, CJ, SCJ etc. Where are you from. My main concern would be the width of the engine. This is where I would expect to find things tight with a 428. Do you have cast iron manifold or cast iron headers. I've only seen the cast iron headers on the Ford 427 never the 428, trust me they may fit on the engine but not in the car.
You are starting out with a 380SL so you will have to upgrade your rear end. The 560SL rear may bolt right in or may need some slight mods. At worst case you can get a 560SL subframe to support a 560SL rear. I just ordered a 560SL rear subframe for $160.00 delivered.
If you maintain stock power from the 428, the stock 560SL rear will be fine. If you plan on modifying the engine you might want to consider a 129 rear from an SL500/600. This will require significant subframe mods and shortened cv axles but not nearly as much as putting in a vett rear or something like that. I am currently getting ready to purchase custom CV axles shafts. So if you are interested in that keep me posted. Buying 4 is cheaper than buying 2.
You should ask the moderator to re post this in performance paddock.