[97_vstang]

hello everyone i have a quick question, will a 98 3.8 engine work on a 97?

[2000ranger]

yes im pretty sure it will

[Cricket]

yep. Only difference was the cam if I'm not mistaken. 98 has 10 more hp than the 97.

[97_vstang]

Originally Posted by Cricket yep. Only difference was the cam if I'm not mistaken. 98 has 10 more hp than the 97.

cool thanks, i ask this because theirs a 98 v6 at pick n pull and the engine is complete but the cars is all messed up, and i wanted to now if i would work

[Onemanzu]

the fuel systems are different, you will have to transfer yours over to it, as yours is a return style and the 98's and up, even though its the same body style, don't have returns.

[97_vstang]

Originally Posted by Onemanzu the fuel systems are different, you will have to transfer yours over to it, as yours is a return style and the 98's and up, even though its the same body style, don't have returns.

alright thanks but im goin to put the 98 in my 97 so i dnt need to transfer fuel system right?

[Onemanzu]

the 97 fuel rail needs to go on the 98.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Onemanzu the fuel systems are different, you will have to transfer yours over to it, as yours is a return style and the 98's and up, even though its the same body style, don't have returns.

Some were returnless where as others weren't. My 98 was a return style.

[97_vstang]

just about got her ready for tomorrows engine swap will update with pics as soon as i progress

[Onemanzu]

im surprised you aren't doing a split port swap or a 4.2 truck engine swap too. just a straight up 98 engine into your 97

[6stang]

I just did the exact same swap to my '97 V6 Mustang! There should be no major problems. I think if I remember correctly the alternator might use a different style plug/ connection. You could just use the wiring from the '98 engine though to solve that issue. As for the 4.2 idea: depends on the application of the car. Commuter/ daily driver: 3.8. Weekend cruiser/ track toy: 4.2 (or 4.6 for that matter). but I wish I could go back and do the 04 heads on mine. Oh well, maybe someday...
Good luck,

[Onemanzu]

Originally Posted by 6stang I just did the exact same swap to my '97 V6 Mustang! There should be no major problems. I think if I remember correctly the alternator might use a different style plug/ connection. You could just use the wiring from the '98 engine though to solve that issue. As for the 4.2 idea: depends on the application of the car. Commuter/ daily driver: 3.8. Weekend cruiser/ track toy: 4.2 (or 4.6 for that matter). but I wish I could go back and do the 04 heads on mine. Oh well, maybe someday... Good luck,

whats wrong with using a 4.2 essex V6 engine out of an f150? it would give you more power, about the equal gas millage and would be a down right better engine for everyone. then put the split port heads on it and you will have a bad ass junkyard engine going.

[6stang]

Usually higher displacment means more fuel consumtion.... 4.2 > 3.8

[2000ranger]

Not really because the 3.8 works harder and there isnt much difference in the 4.2 displacement wise.

[2000ranger]

Originally Posted by 97_vstang just about got her ready for tomorrows engine swap will update with pics as soon as i progress

I get sad looking at this reminds me how small my motor is.

[97_vstang]

i got the new engine installed, ill post pics tomorow, man it was a pain putting the bolts that hold the engine to the tranny

[6stang]

Make sure to post some pictures of the whole car. I think we have pretty much the exact same car now! If you've got a few minutes you could set up a profile in your garage so people can check out your car! That top right hand tranny bolt is a friggin' nightmare!

You can check mine out here:
6stang's 1997 Ford Mustang
From what I can see in your pictures; It looks like we have the same color and everything!

[97_vstang]

ur right we do have the same car, im loving ur hood, were did u get it??

[6stang]

Some punk ass ritch kid with a Pacific Green '97 Cobra was talkin' trash so I bet him my car over his hood that I could beat him in a point to point race through town.