3.8 - 5.0 swapout

[Thunderhawk]

I have a '86 with a 3.8 I want to swap to a 5.0. Have found a '88 with 5.0. Has anyone out there got any rcommendations on the ease of the swap? Alos found a '94 with a 4.6. I think this one would be more complicated. I plan on doing the work myself. Any/all helpful advice is appreciated.

[jonmark1985]

I should be a straight forward swap, I'd reccomend getting exhaust for a mustang (headers and H pipe at least)

The 4.6 could be done, but would entail abit more work! You'll have have to figure out an induction and ignition system, get a specail pan to fit, and make your own headers.

[fomoco71]

Doesn't each engine have it's own specific cradle,especially the 4.6?

[jonmark1985]

Tthe 4.6 does use a different engine crossmember( or cradle, whatever, you know what I'm talking about ), several companies make a tubular crossmember for putting a 4.6 in a fox body.

I'm almost certain (95%) that the 3.8 and 5.0 use the same engine crossmember, and the transmission's bellhousing is the same.

[Camertbird]

This is a good swap. (I completed the exact same thing last winter) The advantage that you have is that you have a 88 5.0L Tbird Parts car. The K-members are different on the 86-88 thunderbirds than the 5.0 Mustangs or earlier Tbirds. You will need the motormounts from the 5.0L car. I did not have a parts car and thus ended up making my own mounts. Good luck and have fun.

[Thunderhawk]

Was there any surprises to this swap Camertbird? I have little experience on Fords. Most of my work has been on other brands. Did you keep injection, or go with carb?

[Thunderhawk]

Well. I didn't get the 88 bird. Instead, I bouhgt a 89 Mustang with 5.0 to use as donor. Hopefully I'll get garage clewnaed up so I can have working room for this swap during the springtime. I'm sure I'll be asking questions or posting updates. I've been told the wiring can be a headache on this swap, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.......