how to measure bolt patterns?

OK after wrapping up some other projects I'm back on here.
I can finally start on my dream that has been sitting in my garage collecting dust for 6 yrs.
I have a 1972 ford mustang coupe. " I know it's not the most desirable by most ppl"
but I like big classic cars I love the body lines on this thing and the large flat recessed front grill. plus it was the first car I bought ($900.00)
so the logic in my thinking is big car? ok I need big block power.

" i swear the engine bay for this thing was built to fit a big block even tho i know ford never put one in em off the assembly line"

I want to keep it all ford, except maybe some aluminum heads and some minor modifications here n there.

the motor in it is (302) and is out of an 1989 fox body
and the automatic transmission in it has been replaced also the body is in need of some repair. so not much of it is original anymore.

I'm not shooting for LOTS of power just some thing I can cruise in on weekends that has some kick (500-600hp) my question is
I found a 4spd top-loader for it on ebay (link is listed below) and i need to know how to measure bolt patterns?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180533983381&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

if this helps my motor castings are

1969 ford 460 block (C9VE-B)
1972 heads (D3VE-B)

I just need to know how to look up/measure my bolt pattern
and what type of input shaft is required
will i need to do anything to the tranny so it will handle 500 hp?
From what I've found I', needing one with a 31 spline "I'm not sure tho"
are these trannys as stout as they say they where?
i know this is a tranny question but I'm hoping someone out there knows a bit about this.

If you going to put that in a 72 mustang you will have to do alot of mods.That 4 speed came out of a 3/4 or 1 ton truck the 1st gear in it will be super low you will not be able to shift it quick enough out of 1st gear if you get on it with 500 to 600 hp engine.That trans you will turn 6000 rpm about 15 mph in 1st you need a different trans than that for a car.But one thing you could pull a log truck with it.

Jim

Thats HIlarious

LOL and now i know not to buy that one...
any suggestions for a 4spd manual to mate up to the 460?

onezaner! check this out...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130442529979&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

you will need something like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Toploader-4-speed-transmission-mustang-cougar-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3c9990b78dQQitemZ260274435981QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

thanks guys
those look like good suggestions..

If you go to ebay just type in ford 4 speed transmission and it will pull up all the 4 speed ford trans

" i swear the engine bay for this thing was built to fit a big block even tho i know ford never put one in em off the assembly line"

Uh, actually, they did.................

oh yea i forgot about the machs