[stan_doe]

Ok here we go I have a 88 lx coupe i want to convert to a 5.0....here my list of parts i do have 5.0 from a thunderbird, WCt-5, 89lx Engine wire Harness from computer to the injectors, A9L comp, 140mph gauges, pro-m mass air 30lbs., rear end posi from 93 gt, ranger axels, brake booster sn95, cobra calipers, sn95 spindles, stock h pipe for 5.0, flows......what else do i need?????

[ReverendDexter]

Okay, I saw axles and posi, do you have an 8.8" axle housing to put them in? 4 cylinder cars had the 7.5" You're also gonna need motor mounts (the k-member is the same). Do you have the entire power steering setup from a 5.0? I've heard that mixing and matching between 2.3L and 5.0L power steering pumps and racks is VERY BAD.

Also, the transmissions are different, if you're running an automatic, the 4 cylinder has an A4LD verus the 5.0's AODE. A4LD'S ARE JUNK. I killed mine twice in a year under normal driving behind a stock 2.3L. If you're running a T-5, the 2.3L and 5.0L versions are different. Besides a bellhousing, the 2.3L tranny is weaker, and you will destroy it with a stock 5.0 My personal opinion is that the stock T5 behind the 5.0 isn't even strong enough,and if you have the chance, upgrading it or replacing it with something stonger would certainly be worth doing.

I also didn't see anything about shocks/springs. If you're just gonna go drag race, the 4 cylinder setup should be fine, but if you intend to take any corners, I'd go to GT-spec springs, and if you're stepping up the spring rate, you'll need to go to proper shocks at the same time

I think I saw brakes in there, which is good. Mustang brakes suck ass as it is, so you'll need all the stopping power you can get. The stock 14" wheels from a 4 cylinder car won't fit over the new brakes, so you'll need to track down some bigger wheels. If you're going SN95, the cheapest avenue there will be some stock 94-98 GT wheels.

I'm sure there's more than that, but I hope that gives you some idea! And good luck with the project! I'm in the middle of converting my '87 LX from 2.3 auto to 5.0 5-speed, best advice I can give is TAKE PICTURES OF EVERYTHING. And do it from multiple angles. I didn't, and I'm kicking myself.

[ReverendDexter]

Oh- I remembered the other thing; Brake and fuel lines! The 2.3L, being single exhaust, routes the brake/fuel lines right were one of the exhuast pipes goes. You'll need to make sure those are moved to the proper location for dual exhaust.

Oh, and do you have the double-hump crossmember? You'll need that for dual exhaust.

Again, hope that helps!

[cobraetti]

what if someone did a swap and left the 7.5 RE and just changed the gears?

[ReverendDexter]

Well, the early 80's foxes were all 7.5" REs, so it would probably work fine for a while. But I wouldn't trust it behind much more than a stock motor -- I've seen a bone stock 200 straight-6 break the axle in a Ford 9".

[G-Man]

I had the 7.5 axle and snapped it after about 500 miles. I literaly tore or broke every gear inside of it. It is fine for a temporay amount of time. But you should change it over to the v8 8.8 rear axle. as for the brakes all you have to do is this

on the passanger side in the rear wear the break line goes from a line to the house it bolts to the body in the location wear the v8 muffler mount shold go. it you unscreew the brakeline bracket there you can put the muffler bracket in and then put the brake bracket back on. Jst make shure your tailpipes don't rub upagainst it

I know it sounds confusing but if you look at it you will know what i am talking about

[G-Man]

oh if you want to put the brake lines in the center , wich is were they go on a V8 , then you will have to get the V8 rear axle. Because there is a metal piece with a hole drilled through it to support the brake line.

Ya you also need the double hump transmisstion bar regardless if you want to put duals or not