3.8 to a 4.0L V6? Is it possible?

leane95 · September 2nd, 2010, 10:44 PM

I have a '95' 3.8L mustang and the crankshaft appears to be going bad I have just found out. So I am REAL happy about this.... Anyways, I am curious to know if you can upgrade a 3.8L to a 4.0L at a reasonable price under $3,000. I hate the 3.8, its a shitty engine (head gaskets go in them, and they are not durable) and I want to upgrade IF I can to something better. How much of a hassle is it going to be , and is the conversion easier since there is (from what my dad told me) not too much of a difference between the engines?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! =)

southfour! · September 2nd, 2010, 11:08 PM

If you mean the 4.0 found in the 05+ stangs then they are completely different motors.

Codeman · September 2nd, 2010, 11:28 PM

IDK what 3.8 your talking about. These 3.8s don't have any problems with head gaskets, and are one of the most durable motors out there. Honestly these motors can run strong and last for high mileage. And why swap to a 4.0 it would be insane, you would need a different k member, and all the computer everything and I am sure a ton more. Those motors like southfor said are completely different. Just look for a used 3.8 or 4.2l from an f150

Codeman · September 2nd, 2010, 11:37 PM

Sorry for being an ass on above ^

But IDK if it would fit. I have never heard of anyone doing it. I don't think ford 3.8s have a problem with head gaskets, I think it is GM. I may be wrong. And if your motor is shot and you want more go, swap in a split port 3.8l or 4.2l. They will have almost 50 more hp than yours. And with a simple tune you can fix that.

So again sorry on the ahole post above.

Welcome to the forum.

BlueScreaM · September 3rd, 2010, 12:27 AM

i vote F-150 4.2 just buy the cam at the same time and tune it accordingly

p.s. As far as performance the 3.8 and 4.0 aren't that different in terms of peak hp.

leane95 · September 3rd, 2010, 10:41 AM

Yeah its cool. I am not usually offended easily. Anyways, thank you everyone who replied to this post. I have some research to do, perhaps I could try a 4.2L instead, if it is possible.
Yes the 3.8L V6 engine has always had head gasket problems. My mechanic told me that straight up, and now I kinda regret getting the car. But I have it now so I will have to make the best of it. If you wanna do some light reading: Ford 3.8L Head Gasket Trouble | The Center for Autosafety
Thanks again to all of those who replied , this helped a lot.
Have a good day.
LeeAnn

ESG-642T · September 3rd, 2010, 11:22 AM

Yep hg issues all day....

But then again a HG isn't all that hard to fix either if you really had to.

2000stallion · September 3rd, 2010, 12:01 PM

im pretty sure you can take a 4.0 out of an explorer and drop it right into the mustang...

September 2nd, 2010, 10:44 PM	#1
leane95 Newbie 1995 Mustang 3.8L V6 haha yea... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kent Posts: 2 iTrader: 0 reviews	3.8 to a 4.0L V6? Is it possible? I have a '95' 3.8L mustang and the crankshaft appears to be going bad I have just found out. So I am REAL happy about this.... Anyways, I am curious to know if you can upgrade a 3.8L to a 4.0L at a reasonable price under $3,000. I hate the 3.8, its a shitty engine (head gaskets go in them, and they are not durable) and I want to upgrade IF I can to something better. How much of a hassle is it going to be , and is the conversion easier since there is (from what my dad told me) not too much of a difference between the engines? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! =)

September 2nd, 2010, 11:08 PM	#2
southfour! Not Banned 2000 Mustang V6 2000 Silverado 1500 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 4,550 iTrader: 3 reviews	If you mean the 4.0 found in the 05+ stangs then they are completely different motors. __________________ H/C/I V6 BMC Member: 12521 Cam Video My Build Thread

September 2nd, 2010, 11:28 PM	#3
Codeman Hardcore Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Dakota Posts: 2,933 iTrader: 1 reviews	IDK what 3.8 your talking about. These 3.8s don't have any problems with head gaskets, and are one of the most durable motors out there. Honestly these motors can run strong and last for high mileage. And why swap to a 4.0 it would be insane, you would need a different k member, and all the computer everything and I am sure a ton more. Those motors like southfor said are completely different. Just look for a used 3.8 or 4.2l from an f150 __________________ UDP, CAI, True Duals, LTs, 91 Tune from TT, 3.73 gears, Tlok,Windstar upper, GT TB, Ported lower, Comp 218/226 cam, FRPP C Springs, J&M LCA, Tokico Blue shocks and struts, and J&M Full Length Subframe Connectors

September 2nd, 2010, 11:37 PM	#4
Codeman Hardcore Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Dakota Posts: 2,933 iTrader: 1 reviews	Sorry for being an ass on above ^ But IDK if it would fit. I have never heard of anyone doing it. I don't think ford 3.8s have a problem with head gaskets, I think it is GM. I may be wrong. And if your motor is shot and you want more go, swap in a split port 3.8l or 4.2l. They will have almost 50 more hp than yours. And with a simple tune you can fix that. So again sorry on the ahole post above. Welcome to the forum. __________________ UDP, CAI, True Duals, LTs, 91 Tune from TT, 3.73 gears, Tlok,Windstar upper, GT TB, Ported lower, Comp 218/226 cam, FRPP C Springs, J&M LCA, Tokico Blue shocks and struts, and J&M Full Length Subframe Connectors

September 3rd, 2010, 12:27 AM	#5
BlueScreaM MM Fanatic Better than ONLYaUNCfan's 2012@lightspeed Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 3,368 iTrader: 0 reviews	i vote F-150 4.2 just buy the cam at the same time and tune it accordingly p.s. As far as performance the 3.8 and 4.0 aren't that different in terms of peak hp. __________________ Formerly, AhobosCheese and Cheddars. Last edited by BlueScreaM; September 3rd, 2010 at 12:31 AM.

September 3rd, 2010, 10:41 AM	#6
leane95 Newbie 1995 Mustang 3.8L V6 haha yea... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kent Posts: 2 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yeah its cool. I am not usually offended easily. Anyways, thank you everyone who replied to this post. I have some research to do, perhaps I could try a 4.2L instead, if it is possible. Yes the 3.8L V6 engine has always had head gasket problems. My mechanic told me that straight up, and now I kinda regret getting the car. But I have it now so I will have to make the best of it. If you wanna do some light reading: Ford 3.8L Head Gasket Trouble \| The Center for Autosafety Thanks again to all of those who replied , this helped a lot. Have a good day. LeeAnn

September 3rd, 2010, 11:22 AM	#7
ESG-642T [8MINUS2] 2002, Ford, v6 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TEXAS Posts: 12,319 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yep hg issues all day.... But then again a HG isn't all that hard to fix either if you really had to. __________________ Hi, You can call me Kyle Random ESG fact: Had a prochamber on his v6 before it was popular. WTB: v6 BBK valve covers

September 3rd, 2010, 12:01 PM	#8
2000stallion Hardcore Enthusiast 2000 Mustang slow@slow Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 2,000 iTrader: 1 reviews	im pretty sure you can take a 4.0 out of an explorer and drop it right into the mustang... __________________ For Sale: 99-04 smoked tail light covers 2000stallions Build Thread

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