3.8 to 5.0 engine swap September 30, 2008, 05:06:45 PM Ok, I have a 1988 thunderbird that has a 3.8 in it. I want to swap it out for a 5.0, but before i do that, I want to know what all I will need. Will i need the computer out of the car that the 5.0 came from... or will the 3.8 computer work? What all will i need for the swap? Quote Selected
3.8 to 5.0 engine swap Reply #1 – September 30, 2008, 05:12:55 PM What did the engine come out of? I never did the swap but If I were to guess I'd say you need the complete wiring harness and computer from a 87-88 tbird/cougar. Lets see what others have to say. Quote Selected
3.8 to 5.0 engine swap Reply #2 – September 30, 2008, 05:17:29 PM the motor is going to probably come out of an 88 mustang unless I can find an 88tbird with a 5.0 Quote Selected
3.8 to 5.0 engine swap Reply #3 – September 30, 2008, 05:32:47 PM For a plug and play swap, you'll need a 1988 only 5.0 Thunderbird/Cougar harness and computer form the engine you are using... A HO 5.0 from the Stang would use it's computer, but you'll still need a 5.0 Thunderbird harness... Other 5.0 harnesses can be used, but you'll need to do some modifying and/or repining..The Bird engine is only 150Hp, the '87-'93 Stang HO is 225('93 was rated less still same engine)... You can also use a 5.0 HO from a '86-'92 LSC Lincoln, with the '88-'92 engine being the preferred... The '86-'87 is 200Hp(as is the '86 Stang), the '88-'92 225Hp... The '91-'93 Birds and Cougs also use the 5.0 HO, but it has many differences... Not a big deal to swap front covers and other parts from a Bird/Stang/LSC 5.0 but in your case you're starting with a 3.8 and nothing swaps from it... IF the engine is using mass air, you have to do some wiring changes to the '88 Bird harness... Quote Selected
3.8 to 5.0 engine swap Reply #4 – October 01, 2008, 05:44:08 PM ok,thanks for the help, but i have another questions. Will i need a new transmission or will the stock one out of the 3.8 work? Quote Selected
3.8 to 5.0 engine swap Reply #5 – October 01, 2008, 05:51:26 PM This has been discussed quite a bit. Moving now to proper forum... Quote Selected
3.8 to 5.0 engine swap Reply #6 – October 01, 2008, 10:20:20 PM Where are you from? I'm doing the same swap, we may be albe to help one another. Quote Selected
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