make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Topic: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected (Read 1948 times) previous topic - next topic

make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

March 17, 2005, 04:58:11 PM

can i take the parts from a newer 3.8(HO?) and put them on my 87 3.8, yes it is carbed and yes its stock.

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #1 – March 17, 2005, 05:46:15 PM

Maybe, but I think it would be much, much easier to swap a newer engine in.
I don't know what you are calling the (HO) engines; my guess is the split port (190hp) engines. Earlier engines had 145 hp.
The following link shows the many differences between the various iterations of the Ford 3.8.
http://www.babpen 15s.com/editorial/ar/ar90134.htm
To upgrade to the split port, you'd need new heads, intakes, exhaust manifolds, computer, wiring harness, and other misc. goodies. You still wouldn't have the balance shaft.
It's been said before, the CFI/Carb. 3.8 isn't worth messing with for performance. I don't say this with any malice, as I have two 3.8s.

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #2 – March 18, 2005, 08:53:41 AM

The 87 3.8 is rated at 120 HP while the later splitports are rated at 195 as stated. Might have a hard time finding a later one that is RWD. The FWD has a different bellhousing pattern and it would be rather expensive to custom fab one up to mount to a RWD AOD, C-4, C-6, T-5 etc.....Best bet is to find a wrecked Mustang in a salvage yard that was whacked in the back. Keep in mind to run a later mustang motor you would need to swap the wiring harness and computer as weel. It's just as much work as a 5.0 swap.
My advice: If your set on an engine swap, do the V8, but if your heart is set on getting more out of your V6: http://www.moranav6racing.com/parts2.html
http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/PDF/SSM2005catalogrev1.pdf

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #3 – March 18, 2005, 04:30:08 PM

Quote from: 87kid

can i take the parts from a newer 3.8(HO?) and put them on my 87 3.8, yes it is carbed and yes its stock.

Could you possibly clarify things? I understand that you want to upgrade your injection setup, not swap to a new motor, right? Are you sure that you've got a carb setup? If it's stock, you've got CFI, a glorified carburetor injection system, but not actually a carb.

To answer your question about swapping injection: it's possible, but not worth the time and money. Your best option is to install a throttle body from a 5.0 CFI. It's quite easy and not nearly as expensive or cumbersome. Sure, it won't be a huge improvement, but it's your best bet without swapping your motor out.

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #4 – March 18, 2005, 05:13:33 PM

Quote from: amooset

If it's stock, you've got CFI, a glorified carburetor injection system, but not actually a carb.

Eh?

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #5 – March 18, 2005, 05:42:15 PM

I don't usually do research on those who ask questions. I just assume 87 cats/birds with the 3.8 got the CFI

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #6 – March 18, 2005, 07:10:41 PM

Quote from: amooset

I don't usually do research on those who ask questions. I just assume 87 cats/birds with the 3.8 got the CFI

Yep.... U R correct

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #7 – March 18, 2005, 07:24:28 PM

Quote from: TurboCoupe50

Yep.... U R correct

Unless it was born in Canada.

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #8 – March 18, 2005, 09:14:07 PM

yes, cars from Canadia got carbs, unless they ordered CFI

as for converting to the EFI system, you need the entire top end, heads, intake manifold, fuel rail, throttle, cruise, and TV cables, a fuel pump, possibly lines, honestly, it really is more work than its worth to get the little hp gain youd get out of it

if you want easier gains, work on another carb, open up the exhaust, and eliminate all youre emmissions BS unless you have inspections

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #9 – March 19, 2005, 12:34:29 AM

Quote from: JeremyB

Unless it was born in Canada.

Thru '86 was carbed in Canada, I'm fairly sure the '87 was CFI. Unlike '86, there is no service info for a carbed 3.8 in the '87 Emissions Diagonstics Manual.

Anyway to the best of my Knowledge, ALL Fox Tbirds/Cougs were born in Lorain OHIO. How 'bout you CDN Guys check the door jamb and see if it says US or Canada...

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #10 – March 19, 2005, 02:06:10 AM

in 87, CFI was an option as far as i know

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #11 – March 20, 2005, 12:30:11 PM

i was gonna reply but im still not sure what is meant by "the parts"

Re: make a 3.8 carbed into the newer injected

Reply #12 – March 21, 2005, 01:28:32 PM

You'd need the computer/harness as well I believe, it would probably be simplier to just swap a efi motor in then attempt to retrofit a cfi motor.