[jeleighlover]

i have a 1994 tbird with the 3.8 it has 190,000 miles on it....i want to swap in a v8... not sure if i should go with a 4.6 or a 5.0......... what will i need to do these swaps... i can get ahold of these 2 motors very easily.... what do i have to switch so swap these in??? are there complete kits to do so???

 

[tinman_72]

The 4.6 swap is going to be a nightmare. You are looking at swapping virtually all the wiring from inside the dash to the front of the motor. It is not impossible but you will need a donor car.
A 5.0 fuel injected swap is going to be the same story.
A carburated windsor motor is going to be the easiest. There are several who have done it and there is much information here.

 

[tinman_72]

Oh, yeah... don't forget to look into upgrading the rest of your drivetrain. Transmission, driveshaft, rear end and axles.

 

[Melon]

Probably not a complete kit anywhere. And other than the EEC for either motor and the wiring harness to go with, and probably motor mounts - I'm not sure what else you'd need. You will probably haveta do something with the transmission as well. Maybe not right away, but at some point. And while your at it - an 8.8 rear end wouldn't hurt either - that is if you have the 7.5 I'm not sure how long the 7.5 was put in the MN12.

And maybe different front springs for the heavier engine? Though mine weren't changed when mine went from the 3.8L N/A to the 3.8L SC.

-Melon

 

[mn12sc35th]

My brother did a 3.8 to 4.6 SOHC swap in his mustang, and did have to put new springs in the front. But, if you're talking an aluminum 4.6 (DOHC from a 96-03 cobra or a 93-98 Mark VIII) that may not require them. The weight difference between a 3.8 and 3.8 SC isn't quite as wide as between the 3.8 and an iron V8

 

[twin turbo 281]

why not just buy a V8 bird you can get them so dirt cheap. WIth 190,000 miles your also needing to consider the condition of the whole car. Also before considering a carbed motor think emmissions. I don't know if there manditory where you live but if emmissions pops the hood to see a 4 barrel there going to be asking questions depending on the type of inspection?

 

[mn12sc35th]

You do make one hell of a point. I know my V6 bird pushing 160-170k is in need of a lot of body work (the roof leaks, and I'm pretty sure the chassis is bent or twisted). You would end up spending a whole lot less to just buy a V8 bird.

Of course, I've been told the same thing....

At least around here, I could pull off a carb'ed small block... but I'd rather go with something injected.

 

[jeleighlover]

why not just buy a V8 bird you can get them so dirt cheap. WIth 190,000 miles your also needing to consider the condition of the whole car. Also before considering a carbed motor think emmissions. I don't know if there manditory where you live but if emmissions pops the hood to see a 4 barrel there going to be asking questions depending on the type of inspection?

the car has 193,451 now on it....i'm a carb kinda guy...emissions arnt that strict in jersey... my uncle owns a shop that does vehical inspections..... i get free stickers.... so i dont have to worry about passing or not...( hope the cops dont cum after me...) the car is pretty much in great condition... has all new bushings, shocks, springs, joints, new steering components, list goes on.... car is sound....its just a slug & fuel injection is kool but i like the adjustability of a carb better... i can jus turn a screw & go... i dont need a computer to tell me whats wrong... i've always wanted a 90's tbird... love the body style but fuel injection isnt my thing...

 

[Blue LS]

I felt the same way about my old 3.8 at first. But, it is a reliable DD mine had just under 370,000 and ran great. If your going to swap to an 8 you have to upgrade the trans to a V-8 one, and the diff, the 7.5 and V6 trans will last only so long behind a 5.0.

Oh, and with EEC-IV you dont need a comp to tell you whats wrong, just a paper clip and your eyes

 

[jk69cat]

so are we going to post in every forum , and still have the same answers?

 

[jeleighlover]

i got a deal on a 96' 5.o motor, tranny, driveshaft, wireing harness & computer & 8.8 rear end.... so i'll have all parts to swap in... with the 5.0 harness & tranny can i jus swap those in, or do i have to do custom stuff??? if it a simple swap & plug & play kinda deal then i'll keep the efi setup...

 

[Blue LS]

What is it out of? The 5.0 was not in the MN-12 in 96.

 

[jk69cat]

hes right . 96 was not a car motor , its either a explorer or a fseries/bronco

 

[95SilverLX]

the 302 is weak as balls, its the same as the 4.6s but just more dead weight thats why ford went back to the 289 (4.6)

 

[jk69cat]

the 302 is weak as balls, its the same as the 4.6s but just more dead weight thats why ford went back to the 289 (4.6)

now now, both engines have thier good and bad, longevity wise and maintenace wise , give me a 302 /351 ,

 

[master486]

the 302 is weak as balls, its the same as the 4.6s but just more dead weight thats why ford went back to the 289 (4.6)

Close, but not quite. The 4.6L is a 281. The 289 was classified as a 4.7L.

 

[big mike]

the 302 is weak as balls, its the same as the 4.6s but just more dead weight thats why ford went back to the 289 (4.6)

no, your 3.8 is weak as balls.

imo, ill take a 5.0 factoring in the ease of working on them and the cheaper aftermarket, but 4.6s do sound great with the right exhaust. the 5.0 and 4.6 are NOT the same, except the number of cylinders.

 

[jk69cat]

good call mike, i missed the the part where he said there were the same

 

[jeleighlover]

the motor is out of a tbird the guy said.... its a 5.0..... idk i'll have to call him.....

 

[jeleighlover]

how hard is it to swap this in ???