The motor I was thinking of would be a '97-98 Mark-VIII. I'd seen them on Ebay for around $700 or so, which is the only reason I even entertained the idea in the first place. I also thought of getting my hands on a 4R70W, or even a 4R75W transmission since both were used in the Marauder which uses the same engine. I also tossed around the idea of sticking the Turbo Coupe's rear end in for the bigger wheels, LS diff, and discs at the back. Assuming I keep it fairly cheap and service an Ebay engine and just sort out the suspension, fuel system, mounting, drive train, exhaust, ECU, and having the thing properly calibrated so I actually DO get 290HP or near it, what are the realistic costs here? Thanks for the responses guys, I do appreciate it.
Also a quick aside, let me know if any of you guys know much about putting the later OHC 4.6 from the Crown Vic (just before and a little after 2010) into a 2001 Grand Marquis. I thought about the 4V DOHC in there to sort of make it a Marauder, but not quite sure what else I'd have to do. Just new front springs? I know it's wider than the standard 4.6 OHC. I tried joining crownvic.com but my user profile has been pending for a year now and they have no E-mail for contacting the admins. Dad can't even access his profile anymore. Site's gone down the tubes man.
I like the DOHC because it gets pretty good power, and I'm a real nerd for DOHC efficiency. Plus naturally aspirated, that engine in that size car would likely get good mileage. I'm hoping better than what the V6 gets at around 25 MPG. Also I'm kind of afraid of the costs and complications with doing ports etc with the 5.0 Windsor, especially if it'll kill my MPGs. If I had the money and resources I'd put in the Duratec 3.7 V6 with the Mustang 6-speed tranny. 305 HP and 31 MPG rather impresses me. Anyway I'd like to at least look at a couple comprehensive write ups for swapping the Mark VIII motor, just to see what I'd need to do as far as the suspension and fuel system and mounting brackets etc. Google just hasn't been so kind. Found a video from a guy who did the swap in his '97, but no details or schematics etc. Even if I eventually decide to abandon the project and just fix the current engine and rebuild the transmission, I really want to at least get the info. I was thinking stick in the axles from a Turbo Coupe and interior from a 5.0 with a floor shifter. Otherwise sticking in a 5.0, especially going simple with stock would give me nearly identical power to the V6 but leaden the handling with the extra weight and probably lose some MPGs.
I'm not looking for huge power, but a Mark VIII was actually what I was thinking. They're not too expensive on E-bay, though Modesto isn't exactly the best place to find local junk yards, plus I don't have a pickup truck or other suitably large cargo type transport vehicle. And good job on spotting my usage of the Queen's English, I'm an Aussie transplant. I figured the Mark VIII engine would be a decent bet, I'm just nervous of what I'd have to do to the fuel system, brake and front suspension. Then there's the drive shaft, transmission. Gives me the horrors. Honestly if I had my druthers I'd put in a 3.7 Duratec V6 with the matching 6-speed transmission which goes with it, but I'm not made of money. Shame, I'd like 305 HP with 35 MPG highway.
To start I'm really sorry if this is in the wrong section, couldn't spot an AC etc section, but I am new here. Is there a comprehensive guide somewhere for taking apart the dash to get to the heater matrix to replace it? Right now mine is so bad that after a little while driving the pen 15pit becomes an '80s music video, not at all safe. The '97 Cougar hasn't been driven for 2 years because Dad is STILL sorting things out after having the dash out to replace the one in that. Seriously, don't get me started. Feeling homicidal as it is. Anyway any and all info on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys, James.
Hi folks, I'm hardly the first person in here to talk about this, but I'm rather keep to try shoving a 4.6 DOHC under the bonnet of my 1988 Thunderbird. It currently has the 3.8 V6 and I'd love to try something new in there. It's hard finding info on just what I'd have to do, what mods I'd have to make to the brakes and front suspension etc, so I'd like to get some info and be pointed int eh right direction. Has anyone successfully done this? I'd appreciate any info on this. Thanks guys, James.
