[nikbait]

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Hello everyone. First off, I wanted to say this is a great site! Lots of info, great stuff
Now, I am the proud owner of a 95 V6 3.8L Mustang. I love her to death, problem is, she's got 179,500 miles on the original engine. I am tossing the idea around to swap out that ol' 3.8L V6 and put in a 5.0L V8, BUT have been told that it isn't worth it. Has anyone on this board done this, and if so, did u have any troubles with the swap? What all do I need besides the engine, tranny, wires, sensors, harnesses?
If someone could help, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!


tammy smith
kuna, idaho

[C MY 4D]

Its well worth it.... What are you expecting the finished product to be? That will help us tell you exactly what you'll need.

[nikbait]

FINALLY!! Someone who hasn't shot down the idea of an engine swap! THANK U! I am looking to mod the finished product to where I can have a really nice car. I am brand new at this stuff, so I have no clue where to start...something that is street legal yet fast I want to have dual exhaust, with a throaty sound. That's about all I know right now....

[C MY 4D]

Originally Posted by nikbait FINALLY!! Someone who hasn't shot down the idea of an engine swap! THANK U! I am looking to mod the finished product to where I can have a really nice car. I am brand new at this stuff, so I have no clue where to start...something that is street legal yet fast I want to have dual exhaust, with a throaty sound. That's about all I know right now....

Have any friends that have any experience?
The best thing to do would be to A: find a donor car and strip it of the parts you'll need or B: just buy a GT. As for the other parts you'll need the driveshaft, rearend, exhaust, fuel system.

To be honest it may not be worth it to swap it to a stockish 5.0. It'll would be well worth it if you were building a complete aftermarket car. It will probably be cheaper to just buy a GT. But thats entirely up to you. GL with the swap. Make sure you read up and familiarize yourself with the car before taking on the task.

[nikbait]

I wasn't wanting to make a stock GT out of my car I'm wanting to mod it pretty good, but didn't know how. I just am trying to get a feel for what would be best...sell the dang car I've got and buy another car I don't know anything about or swap mine and make it a sweet ride

[C MY 4D]

Originally Posted by nikbait I wasn't wanting to make a stock GT out of my car I'm wanting to mod it pretty good, but didn't know how. I just am trying to get a feel for what would be best...sell the dang car I've got and buy another car I don't know anything about or swap mine and make it a sweet ride

With your experience your best bet would be to buy a new car and mod slowly as you learn. Swapping from a 3.8 to a modded 5.0 would be way over your head, considering your just starting out in the hobby. Trust me you'll thank me later.

[nikbait]

Ok thanks for the assistance I just wish I could find a halfway decent car out here, have not found one yet.

[neverfastenough1]

Yeah, its not like throwing a 5.0 in where a 2.3 was. You would need to switch k-members too. If its possible I would trade it on a v8 like C My 4D said, but I think if you have the time and patience, you could get it done with some friends. If it were something like a Notch, I would say go for it because they are harder to find at a decent price.

[nikbait]

Well, sounds to me the concensus is just sell the V6 for what I can get out of it, and find me a good 5.0.

[nikbait]

Its too bad tho, cuz I love my car, I just want to upgrade

[Hunt_chevs]

c my 4d makes very valid points.. Since you are new to the tuning world,. jumping in head 1st mite not be the best way to start simply due to the lack of knowledge (which you would pick up as time goes on). If you dont have anyone familiar with these cars that could lend you a hand, i mite be best you familiarize yourself with the vehicles motor/parts etc so you can have a better understanding of what makes em tick

[trueblue01]

It's a straight forward easy swap. The V6 K member works fine. No real fab work, basic bolt and play. I have a 95 with a carbed 5.0 that my daughter races and drives on the street. I have pictures loaded in the "Garage / gallery" section. Side note, she helped with the swap. Ya gotta start somewhere.