2.3 to 3.8 swap

lilgreenstang · March 11th, 2008, 11:21 PM

Was throwing around the idea of putting a 96-98 3.8 V6 in my '92 hatch since my 4-banger seems like it's going to take a sh1t. How complicated would this swap be? I know I need motor mounts, computer, wire harness, transmission, bellhousing, have the speedometer recalibrated, etc. Since everyone and their mother has a 5.0, I want to do something different and do a V6 swap. Is it worth it?

emgjsdk1 · March 11th, 2008, 11:28 PM

wow
i wouldnt know but why not look into the 99+ 3.8s
split port intake manifold would be a little more worth it than the pre 99s

itschristorres8 · March 11th, 2008, 11:34 PM

i'd do a 99-04 motor instead

emgjsdk1 · March 11th, 2008, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by itschristorres8

i'd do a 99-04 motor instead

1+

Onemanzu · March 11th, 2008, 11:46 PM

... you might have to grab a 5.0 K member though the 2.3 one might work... the only thing with doing a 99 and up is they have a lot of computer tech in them and they have the PATs and shit like that going on, you might have to redo the dash... or grab an ecu out of a 97 or 96 and make that work

Blainestang · March 12th, 2008, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by Onemanzu

... you might have to grab a 5.0 K member though the 2.3 one might work... the only thing with doing a 99 and up is they have a lot of computer tech in them and they have the PATs and shit like that going on, you might have to redo the dash... or grab an ecu out of a 97 or 96 and make that work

No, you're right... the 2.3L and 5.0L can mount to the same K, but the 3.8 was different.

Super Six has a split port 3.8 in a Fox Hatch that runs 11's N/A... so maybe ask them.

Onemanzu · March 12th, 2008, 10:27 AM

the 3.8 uses the same K member as the 5.0 though... so that the thing i don't know if it would need a new one... i think its only the 4.6 that has a different K member

whitemustang02 · March 12th, 2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Onemanzu

... you might have to grab a 5.0 K member though the 2.3 one might work... the only thing with doing a 99 and up is they have a lot of computer tech in them and they have the PATs and shit like that going on, you might have to redo the dash... or grab an ecu out of a 97 or 96 and make that work

The other idea that may be a good one if u want to make more power is grab a 96-98 3.8 and then do a split port swap with netter heads a nice cam, and better intake set up, be it windstar, P&P stock one, or a cut and weld one.

justinsstang · March 12th, 2008, 11:37 AM

with all the money ull be spendin just buy like a 94 6er i think.

be around same price, i got my 98 w/ 74k miles for 4000 (salvage tho)

whitemustang02 · March 12th, 2008, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by justinsstang

with all the money ull be spendin just buy like a 94 6er i think.

be around same price, i got my 98 w/ 74k miles for 4000 (salvage tho)

ya but a fox is lighter so same power = faster car
and there arnt many 3.8 foxes so it is Unique

justinsstang · March 12th, 2008, 11:50 AM

hah true

Blainestang · March 12th, 2008, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Onemanzu

the 3.8 uses the same K member as the 5.0 though... so that the thing i don't know if it would need a new one... i think its only the 4.6 that has a different K member

It's something to look into for sure. I know that on the Foxes, you don't need a new K-member to swap a 5.0 into a 2.3, but you DO if it's a 3.8.

shadow5403 · March 12th, 2008, 01:21 PM

back when ford was making the 94/95 5.0, that and the 3.8 shared the same k-member to save money. In 96 when the 4.6 came out...the gt got a new k-member, but the v6 kept using the same one. I already remember reading this on this site before.....actually i think it was an OMZ post.

Onemanzu · March 12th, 2008, 02:25 PM

thats what happened in 94... so i don't know if the older ones had different K members... motor mounts might be the only thing you need to switch

Blainestang · March 12th, 2008, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Onemanzu

thats what happened in 94... so i don't know if the older ones had different K members... motor mounts might be the only thing you need to switch

Like I said, when swapping a 5.0 into a 2.3, you can retain the same K, but if you're swapping a 5.0 into a 3.8 FOX, you need a new K.

Onemanzu · March 12th, 2008, 03:05 PM

i just don't find that to be 100% if you can get some pics man i would believe you in a heart beat but it just doesn't make sense to me, why can the 5.0 fit in the 3.8 K member but not vice versa?

Blainestang · March 12th, 2008, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by Onemanzu

i just don't find that to be 100% if you can get some pics man i would believe you in a heart beat but it just doesn't make sense to me, why can the 5.0 fit in the 3.8 K member but not vice versa?

Yeah, it made the most sense that if they're interchangeable on the 94+ cars, that they would be interchangeable on Foxes, too.

So, I looked around a little. I can still find people who say you need a new one to go from 3.8->5.0, but I've also found a couple that say the following:

K-member: The only k-member that is not compatible with a V8 is the straight 6 (200-cid) k-member. It only appears in '83 and earlier cars.

So, it may be that the 3.8/5.0 K-member difference is just a rumor based on the old I-6. I can't say for sure... but like I've said all along, it's something you'll want to look into closely before you do the swap... or, check with someone who's got a new 3.8 in a Fox... like SSM.

ByPopularDemand · March 12th, 2008, 06:01 PM

I know this is the sixer section and all, but for all the trouble and cost of a motor swap, why not put a V8 in there

RavensChild · March 12th, 2008, 06:22 PM

*hits self on head* coulda had a v8

Lt_Crazy · March 12th, 2008, 06:25 PM

^^^^ ?!?!!? ya why not........it seems like a logical question?!?!?

March 11th, 2008, 11:21 PM	#1
lilgreenstang Newbie 1992 Ford Mustang LX 2.3 18 sec ...yeah it's pathetic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Redneckville, IL Posts: 45 iTrader: 0 reviews	2.3 to 3.8 swap Was throwing around the idea of putting a 96-98 3.8 V6 in my '92 hatch since my 4-banger seems like it's going to take a sh1t. How complicated would this swap be? I know I need motor mounts, computer, wire harness, transmission, bellhousing, have the speedometer recalibrated, etc. Since everyone and their mother has a 5.0, I want to do something different and do a V6 swap. Is it worth it? __________________ ]1992 Emerald Green 2.3L Hatchback My current modifications include: T5 swap, 17x9 Cobra R wheels, Tint, clear headlights, Custom CAI, MAC strut brace, K&N filter, EGR delete, and Magnaflow exhaust.

March 11th, 2008, 11:28 PM	#2
emgjsdk1 Banned 2002 gt vert ? Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SVA Posts: 808 iTrader: 0 reviews	wow i wouldnt know but why not look into the 99+ 3.8s split port intake manifold would be a little more worth it than the pre 99s __________________ 2002 mustang gt vert. 18' bullitts k&n drop in air filter flowmaster mufflers soon to have mac off road x pipe and steeda udp pullies

March 11th, 2008, 11:34 PM	#3
itschristorres8 Banned 00 V6 & 09 GT 13.37@104.4mph--BONE stock GT Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: south florida Posts: 15,806 iTrader: 2 reviews	i'd do a 99-04 motor instead __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Acmillr loves me

March 11th, 2008, 11:46 PM	#5
Onemanzu ¡ʇsnq ɹo uʍop ǝpısdn Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Looking for free hand jobs in poland springs nebraska... silly gooses Posts: 12,551 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	... you might have to grab a 5.0 K member though the 2.3 one might work... the only thing with doing a 99 and up is they have a lot of computer tech in them and they have the PATs and shit like that going on, you might have to redo the dash... or grab an ecu out of a 97 or 96 and make that work __________________ My Foz

March 12th, 2008, 10:27 AM	#7
Onemanzu ¡ʇsnq ɹo uʍop ǝpısdn Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Looking for free hand jobs in poland springs nebraska... silly gooses Posts: 12,551 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	the 3.8 uses the same K member as the 5.0 though... so that the thing i don't know if it would need a new one... i think its only the 4.6 that has a different K member __________________ My Foz

March 12th, 2008, 11:37 AM	#9
justinsstang Enthusiast 1998 Mustang v6 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Poplar Bluff, Missouri Posts: 862 iTrader: 0 reviews	with all the money ull be spendin just buy like a 94 6er i think. be around same price, i got my 98 w/ 74k miles for 4000 (salvage tho) __________________ Red '98 Mustang. Custom Dual Exhaust w/ fabbed X pipe. CAI. 17in Black Rims w/ Aluminum Lip. Alpine Head Unit and Type-S speakers in doors and decklid. 600w Bridged BOSS amp to two 12" Audio Bahn Blue Flame Series Subs.

March 12th, 2008, 11:50 AM	#11
justinsstang Enthusiast 1998 Mustang v6 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Poplar Bluff, Missouri Posts: 862 iTrader: 0 reviews	hah true __________________ Red '98 Mustang. Custom Dual Exhaust w/ fabbed X pipe. CAI. 17in Black Rims w/ Aluminum Lip. Alpine Head Unit and Type-S speakers in doors and decklid. 600w Bridged BOSS amp to two 12" Audio Bahn Blue Flame Series Subs.

March 12th, 2008, 01:21 PM	#13
shadow5403 Hardcore Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PA Posts: 2,037 iTrader: 0 reviews	back when ford was making the 94/95 5.0, that and the 3.8 shared the same k-member to save money. In 96 when the 4.6 came out...the gt got a new k-member, but the v6 kept using the same one. I already remember reading this on this site before.....actually i think it was an OMZ post. __________________

March 12th, 2008, 02:25 PM	#14
Onemanzu ¡ʇsnq ɹo uʍop ǝpısdn Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Looking for free hand jobs in poland springs nebraska... silly gooses Posts: 12,551 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	thats what happened in 94... so i don't know if the older ones had different K members... motor mounts might be the only thing you need to switch __________________ My Foz

March 12th, 2008, 03:05 PM	#16
Onemanzu ¡ʇsnq ɹo uʍop ǝpısdn Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Looking for free hand jobs in poland springs nebraska... silly gooses Posts: 12,551 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	i just don't find that to be 100% if you can get some pics man i would believe you in a heart beat but it just doesn't make sense to me, why can the 5.0 fit in the 3.8 K member but not vice versa? __________________ My Foz

March 12th, 2008, 06:01 PM	#18
ByPopularDemand Hardcore Enthusiast 2000 V6 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,666 iTrader: 0 reviews	I know this is the sixer section and all, but for all the trouble and cost of a motor swap, why not put a V8 in there __________________ 2000 V6 vert Mac LT headers, Mac O/R H-pipe, Mac CAI, ASP 25% underdrive pulley(r.i.p), SCT tune, 8.8 rear and 4.10 gears.

March 12th, 2008, 06:25 PM	#20
Lt_Crazy Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 856 iTrader: 0 reviews	^^^^ ?!?!!? ya why not........it seems like a logical question?!?!? __________________ The difference between Fiction and Reality??? Fiction has to make sense. -Tom Clancy

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