Engine swap help

[annisfamily]

I have purchased a 1968 fairlady and a 1965 fairlady 1500 I am putting the engine from the 68 to the 65 but I believe the transmission will not line up with the current holes in the 65 body can this be done and do I have to cut a new hole for transmission shift everything seems to be the same and the brakes drums on the 65 1500 310 are 13 inch but the 68 has 14 inch rims but the tear ends differential seem the same is it safe to switch them. Thanks for any help I have removed the body and started it full restoration this is first time to do anything but love the body style of the 65 flat dash. Again thanks for any insight because I am a rookie at this

[notoptoy]

Welcome! We have plenty of 1500 experts that can weigh in on the specifics of this. First question is what is the 68, is it a 1600 or a 2000? And which transmission is it a four-speed or a 5-speed. The answer is different for each of the above. But To be sure, you will have to make some modifications to put a nonstock motor into a 1500. Also the rear end gearing will be different based on the motor and transmission combination, I am not sure if the overall width and mounting points are the same but do not think that a newer unit will just bolt in.

[Gregs672000]

Welcome, we're happy to have you here! As said, you're not on your own here, so stand by as others who have dug into this help guide you!

[spl310]

Have you considered swapping the body? The transmission on the 65 is different as you have found. The rear axle on the 1500 is wider and has a weaker ring gear. It would be easier to swap the body onto the 68 chassis for what you are trying to do.