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Topic: engine swap (Read 4449 times) previous topic - next topic

engine swap

I have a 3.8 in my bird currently. I have a 5.0 H.O. out of a 93 Mustang that is going in. The auto tranny that is in now is also being replaced with a rebuilt aped-out T5 out of an 88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.  The Mustang motors always had a special computer, correct? I need to get a computer conversion harness that will get my car and the new motor to talk, correct?
1988 T-Bird. 347 Stroker, Ported & polished Pro Comp heads, C-4 with 2800 RPM Stall Converter and the rear end isn't done yet.....:flame:

engine swap

Reply #1 –
this topic has been discussed many times use the search function and you will find all of the info you will need.  oh and Welcome Friend :D

engine swap

Reply #2 –
Get the main harness (and associated under hood pieces like the O2 and injector harnesses)from an '88 Thunderbird/Cougar with the 5.0,a Speed Density H.O computer and go from there.You don't have to have Mass Air for that engine unless you plan on swapping the cam for something bigger.You'll probably need to do something about the fuel lines as well,and motor mounts,exhaust,etc.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

engine swap

Reply #3 –
You probably do not want to use the 4 cylinder t-5 either, unless you've swapped the parts that make it a 4 banger tranny.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

engine swap

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Haystack;323071
You probably do not want to use the 4 cylinder t-5 either, unless you've swapped the parts that make it a 4 banger tranny.

Not possible, the cases are different... The half motor T-5 uses a larger input bearing, so the 5.0 bearing retainer doesn't fit...

engine swap

Reply #5 –
If it were up to me, I'd try to find a Stang T5....much more usable first gear.

The TC T5 had the lower ration gear, it'll be pretty useless with a V8, especially if you have anything deeper than 2.73 out back.

Here's another thing to consider...if I was to do my swap/conversion over again, I'd have stayed with an AOD, built of course.

But, welcome, and good luck.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

engine swap

Reply #6 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;323258
If it were up to me, I'd try to find a Stang T5....much more usable first gear.

The TC T5 had the lower ration gear, it'll be pretty useless with a V8, especially if you have anything deeper than 2.73 out back.

Here's another thing to consider...if I was to do my swap/conversion over again, I'd have stayed with an AOD, built of course.

But, welcome, and good luck.

I sorta miss my aod to. But I like the 5spd also,wish it could be both.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

engine swap

Reply #7 –
To the OP:
If you can, find a wrecked or otherwise not roadworthy, but mostly complete parts car, preferably the same year as yours.

The engine harness, as mentioned, will be needed, and there's several differences in the fuel lines as well. The 3.8's lines CAN be used, but you'll have to mod the ends, as the 5.0 cars come up from the bottom of the engine bay, instead of through the inner fender like on the 3.8 (this is for '88, I have no idea on the '87 fuel line layout..)


You'll also need to find the rare engine mount brackets for a '86-'87-'88 Tbird/Cougar 5.0, as these will be non-existent on a 3.8 car. Or email ChuckW, he sells a fine mount that does away with this bracket altogether.

There's a coupla other minor things, but the fuel lines, mounts, and the engine harness are the biggest (and most sought-after) things you'll need.

I had 2 different '88 3.8 cars that I wanted to swap a 5.0 into...never got it done.

Ended up buying a Sport, and transplanting an HO into it.

There's a lot of info and people here who've done it, and if you can't find something pertinent in your quest for 2 more cylinders underhood, just ask away ;)
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

T5's still in the crate....

Reply #8 –
Thanks guys.  Left the T 5 in the crate for now. Went with a C-4. Now I have progressed onto finding the right rear end for her. Looking at an 8.8 from a 93 Mark VIII or a 4.10 8.8 from a 97 Ranger.
1988 T-Bird. 347 Stroker, Ported & polished Pro Comp heads, C-4 with 2800 RPM Stall Converter and the rear end isn't done yet.....:flame:

engine swap

Reply #9 –
Looking for gears from a Mark 8 or the complete diff? Mark 8 is a IRS. If you are looking for gears then you can look at IRS explorers too.
1988 Thunderbird Sport. Work in Progress
5.8L swap w/fitech efi, 4R70W swap w/quick 4 controller, 2003 GT rear diff, 5 Lug swap

Bought this car back as an old project car.

:burnout:
 

engine swap

Reply #10 –
Neither of those rear end assemblies will come anywhere close to working in a fox-bird without seriously extensive modification.  Just get a TC rear and call it done...cheapest, easiest way to get a stronger rear with a traction-lok, gears and disc brakes.

Good luck,
Don
Project 3G: Grandpa Grocery Getter-'85 Crown Vic LTD 2-door, 351W with heavily ported/polished GT40 heads, heavily ported/polished Typhoon Power Plus upper & lower intake, Comp Cams 265DEH retarded 1*, FAST EZ-EFI, HD T5, 8.8" 3.73 trac lock with extra clutches, 3G alt. swap, '99 CVPI front brakes, '09 CVPI rear disc brakes, '00 CVPI booster&m/c + wilwood adj prop valve.

Parted & Gone-'88 T-bird Sport, 351W swap, ported GT40 heads