Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Swapping => Topic started by: Budderigs on October 27, 2007, 10:43:16 AM

Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 27, 2007, 10:43:16 AM
I have a 1983 cougar with a 3.8 and an auto.  I know what is needed for the engine swap but what do I need the convert it to 5sp.

will mustang pedals fit?  t-coupe pedals are getting harder to find.

has anyone done this swap?  what kind of delays did you run in to, what should I look for.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Chuck W on October 27, 2007, 11:12:22 AM
Before you just start randomly asking questions, take the time to use the search function. 
If you can't find what you need, then ask.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 27, 2007, 11:20:44 AM
I have tryed the search function I dont see any info for the 5sp swap...


is there a filter that is not allowing me to search?
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: CougarSE on October 27, 2007, 11:32:39 AM
Fox Mustang pedals fit just fine.  Then after cutting a hole in your tunnel for the shifter, everything falls into place like it was designed too.  (pretty much was.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 27, 2007, 11:36:16 AM
sweet thanks.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Beau on October 27, 2007, 01:05:47 PM
and to add/amend what Claude said, the TC in '87-'88 used hydraulic clutch, earlier years were cable, as is Mustang, but you might know this already.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 27, 2007, 01:27:51 PM
ya I knew that.  I am thinking about going a diferent route with my mustang and I want to take the forged 306 5sp and 8.8 out of it and install it in my cougar.  I am a member of tcstangs.com and no one over there knew if the t5 would fit with out serios modifications. some of them thought I needed t-coupe pedals to make it work so that was my biggest concern.  I dont think there will be any other concerns but if you or any one thinks of one let me know. if not I will find out about them soon enough.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: CougarSE on October 27, 2007, 02:37:20 PM
I did the swap behind a 3.8 in a Cougar.  Everything bolted right in.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 27, 2007, 03:02:32 PM
which year cougar did you do?  I have been told that the newer cougars (84 and up) are very different although they are the same, until the mn12 body.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Chuck W on October 27, 2007, 03:34:51 PM
Everything will bolt in.....the 83's are no different than the rest of the 80-88 Tbirds/Cougars
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 28, 2007, 03:52:14 PM
Quote from: Chuck W;184879
Everything will bolt in.....the 83's are no different than the rest of the 80-88 Tbirds/Cougars


You forgot about the unique '86-'88 K member and motor mounts...

Of course they don't apply to a '83, so yes every thing is bolt in...
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Chuck W on October 29, 2007, 10:12:09 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;185065
You forgot about the unique '86-'88 K member and motor mounts...

Of course they don't apply to a '83, so yes every thing is bolt in...


Like I would forget about motor mounts.... ;)
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: screaming306 on October 29, 2007, 11:05:35 PM
turbocoupe50, was that photo of your white tbird taken at mobile international speedway????  sorry about being out of subject..
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: screaming306 on October 29, 2007, 11:34:48 PM
I did my swap from a 3.8 c-5 to a 306 c-4 with no problems. I used the mustangs 1991 convertable 5.0 engine mounts. again "No problems" even reused the 3.8 driveshaft.....with a turbocoupe rear end for 4 Wheel disc brakes.  good luck, sounds like you are doing your homework on this project.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 30, 2007, 11:14:45 PM
trying to at least...

I havent decided whether I will or wont do it yet.  the cougar is no slouch right now...  but its setup to rev higher rpms then this engine or parts can handle... it keeps breacking water pumps and poping heater lines, headgaskets, and just about anything else you can imagine...  I think a mild v8 would be more reliable.

and if I decide to go hog wild on the stang why take apart a brand new 306 with 3000 miles on it to get more power. a junk yard engine is only 200 bucks... yaknow....
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Budderigs on October 30, 2007, 11:16:10 PM
take a look at this...  this is the third water pump in 2 years...

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/budderigs/IM000795.jpg)
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Chooglin on March 13, 2008, 04:34:56 PM
Just a update on my 302. I recieved some pics from the builder today and thought I would post a few pics.

I will be picking it up on march 28 ..........I cant wait
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Chooglin on March 13, 2008, 04:35:25 PM
1 more
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Chooglin on March 13, 2008, 05:22:27 PM
I just realized I put this in the wrong thread...............doh

could someone move it here please

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=15990&highlight=3.8+302 (http://"http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=15990&highlight=3.8+302")
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 13, 2008, 06:35:36 PM
Verry birdie.Looks good.Going carb I see.
Title: 3.8 auto to 302 5 sp.
Post by: FLSTCI71 on March 24, 2008, 11:16:30 PM
Quote from: Budderigs;184834
t-coupe pedals are getting harder to find.

If you think you want TC pedals, we've got an assembly for $50. No shipping either, you could just swing over sometime and pick them up. We've got TC bells for $25 too. Either way, good luck!