Mustang II V8 Starter Compatibility

I have answered the following question a dozen times or more about Mustang II V8 Starters. I'm now posting it here.

Background: The Mustang II in Canada and the USA were built by Ford at the Dearborn and San Jose factories. The USA built Mustang II was launched in 1974 without a V8 engine. In 1975 the V8 engine 302 / 5.0L was re-introduced. In order to make the C4 Automatic transmission fit the tight transmission tunnel several unique parts were developed for the 1975 model year.

the unique parts developed for 1975 were:

• Cast iron exhaust manifolds
• Converter case (like a bellhousing - but for the C4 automatic 'case fill' transmission)
• Torque converter
• Flex plate with a 28 oz-inch counterweight
• Motor mounts / frame brackets
• V8 oil pan and oil pump pick-up
• Water pump ( this is not related to the starter but will be discussed in a separate post )
• Radiator
• Header Panel
• Hood

For 1975 Mustang II my ford parts book lists starter number

• FORD part number D4OZ 11002-A
  ** IDENTIFIED BY D5OF 11001-BA
• Motorcraft starter part number SA-660-A
  ** Replaced by D6OZ 11002-A

This starter is also used by

• 1975 Granada, Maverick with the 250 CID engine
• 1975 LTD II with the 351W
• 1975 Mustang II, Granada, Maverick with the 302
• 1975 Bronco with the 302 and the automatic transmission

In 1976 the V8 engine 302 / 5.0L was available with a Light duty RAD-4 4-speed manual transmission. In order to make the manual transmission fit the tight transmission tunnel new parts were developed for the 1976 model year.

the unique parts developed for 1976 were:

• V8 (302/5.0L) RAD-4 Bellhousing with a unique clutch fork placement
• Pressure plate ( for a 10" clutch disc)
• Flywheel 28 oz-inch counterweight

For 1976 Mustang II my ford parts book lists starter number

• FORD part number D6OZ 11002-A
  ** IDENTIFIED BY D6OF 11001-AA
• Motorcraft starter part number SA-709
  ** Replaced by D7OZ 11002-A

This starter is also used by

• 1976 Granada, Maverick with the 250 CID engine
• 1976 Granada, LTD II with the 351W
• 1976 Mustang II, Granada, Maverick with the 302
• 1976 Bronco with the 302 and the automatic transmission

In 1977 the same starter is listed for Mustang II Before February 1, 1977.

• FORD part number D6OZ 11002-A
  ** IDENTIFIED BY D6OF 11001-AA
• Motorcraft starter part number SA-709
  ** Replaced by D7OZ 11002-A

This starter is also used by

• 1977 Granada, Maverick with the 250 CID engine - Before 2/1/77
• 1977 Torino, Mustang II, Granada, Maverick, Thunderbird with the 302 - Before 2/1/77
• 1977 Bronco with the 302 and the automatic transmission - Before 2/1/77
• 1977 Ford (full size), LTD II, Granada, Thunderbird with the 351W - Before 2/1/77

In Late 1977 the same starter is listed for Mustang II From February 1, 1977.

• FORD part number D7OZ 11002-A
  ** IDENTIFIED BY D8OF 11001-AA
• Motorcraft starter part number SA-709-A
  ** Replaced by E1AZ 11002-B

This starter is also used by

• 1977 Granada, Maverick with the 250 CID engine - From 2/1/77
• 1977 Ford (full size), Torino, Mustang II, Granada, Maverick, Thunderbird with the 302 - From 2/1/77
• 1977 Bronco with the 302 and the automatic transmission - From 2/1/77
• 1977 Ford (full size), LTD II, Granada, Thunderbird with the 351W - From 2/1/77

The 1978 is the same starter as the late 1977 starter.

In 1979 the Fox mustang with the 302/5.0L the uses the same starter listed in 1978 and late 1977.

In all cases the Mustang II uses the same starter for the v8/302/5.0L whether the car has the specialized C4 automatic or the specialized RAD-4 4 speed transmission.

If and when you need a starter and you are rattling off make, model, year, engine size etc. and a parts house asks you "manual or automatic transmission" be advised:

• tell them 'automatic'
• ask for part numbers for both starters (for both the manual and automatic transmissions)
• or, walk out on them.

The starter for the Bronco or Maverick has often been accidentally included or introduced to the Mustang II parts list that parts houses use to look up your starter. Mustang II and Fox-body Mustangs use the same starter for the v8/255/4.2L/302/5.0L whether it has a manual or an automatic transmission.

The UPSIDE here is all the fox body 3.8 v6, 5.0 v8 (and SN95 3.8 V6/5.0 V8 - and many MN12) mini-starters bolt right in. I have done this several times and only once, on a friend's car with a new Art Carr flex-plate was it a problem. There is a small wiring change. This will be covered in another blog post.

Because of the compact engine bay and transmission tunnel this starter is more challenging to change than the starter on most rear wheel drive cars. I will post advice/instruction on changing starters on your v8 Mustang II on another post.

Of course the standard disclaimer apples - I'm not responsible for any DIY efforts on your part. I've done this - it worked for me.