[LA2003]

Ok everybody I have a few questions. Please keep in mind I am new to cars and engine building. I have been rock crawling my whole life and I am wanting to go another direction. I have a 97 3.8 Auto mustang and I'm wanting to swap the V6 to a V8. I'm definately leaning toward a 302. I also want to get away from the automatic tranny and get a manual. T-56, T-45, T-5 don't really know yet. Also I am going to need to swap the rear end to an 8.8.

First question: How hard will it be to actually get the 302 to bolt into my engine bay? Is it as simple as buying V8 motor mounts or am I going to have to move the mounts all together? I'm not worried about wiring or anything like that, just the motor mounts.

Second question: Which tranny do you guys suggest? I know the T-56 is a six speed, which I like, and a strong tranny but if I'm not going over 500hp, is it worth the extra cash? T-45 seems to be strong too from what I've heard and alot cheaper.

Third question: The axle swap...direct bolt on??? If not, what needs to be changed?

Any input will be greatly appreciated. I'm just trying to figure out if its worth the effort or if it would be better to buy a V8 car from the get go, pull the engine, and build it. Its just that this car is paid for and in great shape. Thanks for anything you can help me with.

[330CubeGt]

Originally Posted by LA2003 Ok everybody I have a few questions. Please keep in mind I am new to cars and engine building. I have been rock crawling my whole life and I am wanting to go another direction. I have a 97 3.8 Auto mustang and I'm wanting to swap the V6 to a V8. I'm definately leaning toward a 302. I also want to get away from the automatic tranny and get a manual. T-56, T-45, T-5 don't really know yet. Also I am going to need to swap the rear end to an 8.8. First question: How hard will it be to actually get the 302 to bolt into my engine bay? Is it as simple as buying V8 motor mounts or am I going to have to move the mounts all together? I'm not worried about wiring or anything like that, just the motor mounts. Second question: Which tranny do you guys suggest? I know the T-56 is a six speed, which I like, and a strong tranny but if I'm not going over 500hp, is it worth the extra cash? T-45 seems to be strong too from what I've heard and alot cheaper. Third question: The axle swap...direct bolt on??? If not, what needs to be changed? Any input will be greatly appreciated. I'm just trying to figure out if its worth the effort or if it would be better to buy a V8 car from the get go, pull the engine, and build it. Its just that this car is paid for and in great shape. Thanks for anything you can help me with.

If you change your mind i have a 4.6 Shortblock and the majority of the parts to put it back together and a T45 That needs to be rebuilt all for sale

And as far as the V8 Swap its not as hard as you might think it is.You can make anything fit anything as long as you have a good idea of how to do it.

But as far as mustangs go almot anything is interchangable.