Engine swap?

Topic: Engine swap? (Read 1427 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine swap?

August 19, 2005, 05:49:17 PM

Well I have to get an engine from the junkyard for my 88 sport coupe so my dad called and they said $250. Well my dilemma is: Should i get a HO out of a newer car and then have to get the ECU to swap also? or should i just get a regular SO and do a direct swap and wait to do the HO conversion later? Thanks for any help

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #1 – August 19, 2005, 07:37:14 PM

do you get the wireing harness with both of the motors ? if so, i would see if they will give you some kind of a discount for the computer with the HO ?

Z

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #2 – August 19, 2005, 09:35:49 PM

I dont think the harness comes with the engine. I already have a 5.0 in the T-bird but i blew the head gaskets and probably warped the heads because it overheated to the point where it would run anymore about 10 times. So i am looking to replace the engine. and just use the harness that is in the car already.

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #3 – August 19, 2005, 10:38:39 PM

the ho swap is plug and play in the 88 sports. id get the HO and the speed density HO computer man. you dont need the harness.... you can use your stock manifolds and exaust but id highly recomend using the HO headers stock or otherwise and an h pipe...

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #4 – August 19, 2005, 10:49:01 PM

You shouldn't have to change your harness. There really shouldn't be any changes if you get a motor out of a mustang. If you go the route of a lincoln motor, I think there are a few minor wiring complications. If you get the H.O. motor, it should come complete with the intake manifold etc. All you have to do is get a computer from a speed density H.O. car and plug it in to your existing harness.
Just as shame302 said, its plug and play.
You can then go ahead and do exhaust work if you wish or just use your existing exhaust. No need to change it immediately. This was the route I went since I couldn't afford it at the time and had no problems. When I did change the exhaust, there really was a difference so if you can go ahead and do that now as well.

Go ahead and do the H.O. swap now. It shouldn't really cost much if any more than putting an S.O. back in it. Besides what's the point of spending the money to put an S.O. in it now just to spend the same amount again to put the H.O. in.

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #5 – August 20, 2005, 04:48:12 PM

Ho all the way man.
Easy swap.

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #6 – August 20, 2005, 06:38:57 PM

all of this HO talk makes me want one in my TC but with gas prices I think I am doing just fine with my 2.3

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #7 – August 21, 2005, 12:59:20 AM

The HO definitely is a plug and play deal. My car went from running 16.45's with the SO, stock exhaust, timing at 10 degrees and a K&N air filter to running 15.2's with no other changes other than an off-road h-pipe to compliment the HO headers and dynomax super turbo lers with dumps. My car has run a best of 14.90's with perfect conditions(keep in mind i was running junkyard plug wires still, SO plugs in the HO engine and a clogged fuel filter).

The only way I would disagree with the others is to get a MAF computer and order a conversion harness(no more than $80, some as low as $40)...another plug and play deal and it's cheap enough. Also, get a Mustang k-member and control arms, that way you can run 'stang motor mounts and not have any headers clearance issues. The t-bird mounts just aren't designed to handle that kind of power. The speed density(MAP system) is sufficient for a stock HO, but once you start modding it in any way, you'll need to upgrade to the MAF set up or you'll deal with some serious idle lope issues. If you have any other questions you can feel free to PM me.

Good luck!
Don

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #8 – August 21, 2005, 09:06:00 AM

Well basically I'm lazy... So why do do it twice??? HO all the way...

Or at least if you get a SO, go ahead and stick a HO cam in it and use the HO EEC and injectors. Be a lot easier with the engine out of the car..

Re: Engine swap?

Reply #9 – August 21, 2005, 12:29:19 PM

Disagree man,mustang k member is to much work and not at all nesessary.
As far as maf converting,not nesessary again for his eng swap as all he needs to do is replace the blown eng.
Maf can be done at any time as it is no easier with eng in or out.