Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: 87' Cougar - Few Random Questions (Read 1509 times) previous topic - next topic

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

I found a fairly cheap 302 out of a 94' GT, would it go into the Cougar without a fuss? Are there any differences between the SN95 block and one out of a fox? If so, what would have to be changed in order to use it in my 87' Cougar? I think the accessories may use different brackets, but I'm not sure. Any info would be greatly appriciated.

EDIT: Decided against the SN95 engine even though it'd fit. Still have a few question though, refer to my newest post....
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #1 –
The SN95 Block is the same as the one used in the Fox. The front accessory brackets are definitely different, but should fit no problem. You might have to do custom A/C hose and P/S lines or just switch it over to Fox front accessory drive. Intake Man is lower than Fox and has 45deg bend to Throttle body, but should fit no problem.
1988 Thunderbird
306 HO w/ A9P processor
AOD w/ Transgo Reprogrammer
Full Digital Dash w/ twin Cyberdyne A-pillar gauges 
245/50/16 Tires on Snowflakes
Engine swap - CA smog compliant

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #2 –
Just swap all of your current accessories and brackets onto the new engine.You'll also need a computer for it.I'd imagine if the engine is stock,just get a Speed Density computer from a Stang or Mark VII and plug it in.Use all of the current harnesses and intake (although a Stang intake (upper,throttlebody) would be better.If the engine is complete,you'll have the 19# injectors.If not,you'll need a set.use the fuel rail and everything from your car's current engine.In a nutshell....

Only swap the engine.Take everything from your current engine and bolt it to the new engine.Re-use all of your stock fuel lines (fuel rail) and harnesses.You should upgrade the exhaust if you haven't already.Grab a computer.They're cheap on Ebay.
'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..

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #3 –
I would use the newer front acessories if it were me. The upper intake is just about the only thing really different on the engine. I have some e7 heads off of a 91 cougar. The 91-93 cougar/birds with the 5.0 is (almost) the same as the 94-95 mustang intake. The mustang uses a better alt and could be wires up pretty easy. The 94-95 mustangs use electric fans if I remember right, so you will need to use your old water pump pulley.
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

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #4 –
SN-95 engine bay for reference:

-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #5 –
I like the SN 95 accessories as well,but as far as a/c,and preventing having to plumb new lines,I'd keep the original stuff.The water pump is different as well isn't it?
'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..

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #6 –
Water pump and Timing cover are shorter.  In fact all of the front accessories sit closer to the motor than on fox 5.0's.
One 88

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #7 –
Well my plan was to use everything off of my motor, just use the long block from the SN95. I was also planning on grabbing fox HO stuff that I'll need to go along with it.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #8 –
As long as you have a plan ;)

Nice sig BTW!
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #9 –
Quote from: FloridaCougar;257724
Well my plan was to use everything off of my motor, just use the long block from the SN95. I was also planning on grabbing fox HO stuff that I'll need to go along with it.

no point in buying a longblock, if you're going to get HO parts. sn95 302's made less HP than the fox version. plus they have cast pistons. best bet, is to keep your eye out for a HO fox motor.
1979 Ford Fairmont
[/B]
5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #10 –
Quote from: V8Demon;257751
As long as you have a plan ;)

Nice sig BTW!


I always plan ahead for everything, but things never go the way you plan so it's kind of pointless. Here's hoping for the best.

Quote from: 32VFoxBird;257763
no point in buying a longblock, if you're going to get HO parts. sn95 302's made less HP than the fox version. plus they have cast pistons. best bet, is to keep your eye out for a HO fox motor.


I'm pretty sure the horsepower change was due to Ford's changing the way they rated them. The SN95's were rated with the accessories driven, pre-94 (possibly 93) cars were rated without the accessories driven. The hypers wouldn't be a problem for me either as I don't want anything too outrageous, just a justifiable upgrade from stock. The biggest thing I'd be eliminating is fly-cutting the pistons so I can use a decent cam. While a forged pre-93 short block would be nice I think the 200 bucks for a long block and AOD is well worth the price!


[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #11 –
There's a longblock by me right now with forged slugs and 80K on it for $100.....If I can arrange transportation to my house, I'm on it!
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #12 –
I was in Hawaii nabbing GT-40 P motors for $300 a pop, but a forged Fox motor and tranny for $100 is too sweet. Save your other money for a re-ring or spray can rebuild and viola....a fresh motor for less than $300. Lucky you!!

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #13 –
Quote from: V8Demon;257780
There's a longblock by me right now with forged slugs and 80K on it for $100.....If I can arrange transportation to my house, I'm on it!


Lucky you - s yards around here think motors are made of gold, nearest one that has decent prices is around 100 miles away. I really want the forged engine so I think I may hold off on the SN95 engine+tranny.
Since I'm waiting I guess I could throw in the random thought of a T-5. How much work is that? Column shift AOD to a T-5 I mean. I almost have the right mind to sell the 20th to someone that'll keep it original and buy a XR7 or similar. I knew nothing about these cars when I bought it and I bought it with the intentions of modding it. Now that I know more about the 20th it doesn't feel right modding it, does that make any sense?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

87' Cougar - Few Random Questions

Reply #14 –
Unless you plan on spraying or blowing it, there's nothing wrong with cast pistons...

Swap the front accessories, timing cover, etc, use a earlier HO upper and '87-'88 Stang SD or '88-'92 LSC EEC and you are good to go...