3.0 Vulcan engine swap question

[headlayoutman1]

I have a genuine Ford replacment engine (new old stock) 1987 Vulcan 3.0 intended for use in 87' Taurus / Sable applications.
My 1998 Sable has its original 3.0 vulcan but has very low oil pressure and bearing material present in the oil.
What I need to know is : Will the parts and components from my 98' bolt on to the 87' long block.
Some of the parts I need to swap are:
1. cam postition sensor
2. oil pan
3. valve covers
4. front timing chain cover
5. complete upper & lower intake system
6. at least one exhaust maifold, maybe both
7. harmonic balancer w/ crank position sensor ring
8. misc. alternator , power steering , and AC brackets & mounts
9. motor mounts.

I have not been able to find many differences in the long block assemblies of these two model years according to specifications .
Can anyone tell me if this swap is possible ? Any comments or replys will be helpful .

[Skyhawk]

Compare intake gaskets and that should tell you if those parts should fit. The same for the valve covers and timing chain cover. The sensor I would replace. As for the other parts you could do a comparison of the OEM part numbers. If the part numbers are the same the parts will fit. Watch out for the reengineered or upgraded parts and part numbers, that is the part number could be changed but the part will fit. As for the mounting brackets you need to determine if the mounting locations are the same and whether or not the attaching holes are cast in the same location and pattern, say the A/C mounting bracket. Very often a parts book will tell you the part number will fit year X to year Y. Compare belt diagrams for the two motors and vehicles and that should give you an idea of whether the brackets will bolt in the same positions. If the brackets are in the same positions then the chances are good that the casting has not been changed (the mounting holes are likely to have been drilled in the same place and pattern). Have fun and good luck.

[arkrider]

it is very possible but the 98 is a roller cam where the87 is not but block wise it the same block
i done research because im doin a swap of my own
a 94 3.0 into an 86 escort

[Pablo-UA]

I used to swap engines of different years too. I had mount problems. Some holes were not drilled and threaded. Really it is not so difficult job to do it, but be ready to drill and thread holes.

From the other view point in some states it is not legal to swap engine with old ones. It is emission thing. But you are to have '98 fuel, perfomance and emission parts on '87 engine. As I understand swaping complite engine and engine controll system from old trucks/cars to new of newer emission standard vehicles is not legal. In EU you may loose TUV ore your emission standard will be downgrated from Euro-4 to Euro-2 for example and you will pay more taxes.

[bigdaddyii]

I dont know about going that far back with a longblock . 87 was non roller cam and had head cracking issues . As far as rest of swap the gasket sets have dates that interchange . The front timing chain cover and intake have to be swapped . I just finished a 98 taurus that i swapped in a 95 taurus motor and it worked out great . You can find these cars cheap with bad transmissions and if you take your time in scrapping if you have means can come out with free motor and new gaskets . Scrap everything individually cats , aluminum wheels , old intake radiator and A/C cooler and such . After the last one I scrapped I came out with about $450 on a $275 investment and had good motor .

[theoldwizard]

To answer the original question, based on the list of parts you mentioned, I would says you have a very high probability that everything will swap. I can't be 100% certain, but I would gues at least 95%.

The Vulcan was a very popular engine. I don't recall that they ever put a roller cam in it. The things I would be most concerned about are mounting bosses for the cam and crank position sensors.

[Skyhawk]

If you use the electronics and sensors from the newer model there should not be any emmissions issues.