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Topic: 3.8 Question (Read 636 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 Question

I've got a good one for somebody.  Don't laugh.  What would be necessary to put an '83 carbed 3.8 (that runs great) in a '96 'Bird with a blown SEFI 3.8?  I know it's a huge step backward, but I've got the motor and I'm looking at a nice '96 that only needs a motor.  I'm assuming that it will fit physically (same block and motor mounts, exhaust?).  Thanks for any pointers.

Fordman3

3.8 Question

Reply #1 –
Easy, but stupid.
One 88

3.8 Question

Reply #2 –
I would think itd be a better idea to rebuild the engine thats blown and use it if youre going to use a 3.8 after all a 96 has 13 years of trial and error and design flaws fixed over the 83 I would think anyway not only that but in 96 werent they built so they could be supercharged for like in the supercoupes?
87 T-bird two tone diarrhea color. 5.0 converted with AOD.  GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
 
94 Lincoln Towncar, Dark Metallic Green, 4.6L AOD
SOLD!!!!
 
99 Mercury Cougar. V6 MTX75 Trans. CURRENT PROJECT DAILY DRIVER.

3.8 Question

Reply #3 –
no the blocks are diffrent, between a super coupe and what not. If it has a blown engine, and you have a good one, why not just get the old 83 engine and convert it over to sefi and throw it in? I dont see any reason why not, just the accesories that are diffrent I think.
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

3.8 Question

Reply #4 –
I'd just bolt the SEFI top end onto the older block. The older one doesn't have provisions for a balance shaft, and it might even be a flat tappet (instead of roller, but I'm not sure) but I think the heads/intakes/accessories will bolt on.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

3.8 Question

Reply #5 –
It is definatly flat tappet.

The only issue i can think of, is if you put the SEFI heads on the 83 block, there might be some coolant jacket issues, because in 95, all the 3.8L's got revised.

Is the engine blown, or the headgaskets?
It's Gumby's fault.

3.8 Question

Reply #6 –
Thanks for all the comments.  The guy said it spun a bearing because it was run without oil, due to a non-vehicular oriented person (I didn't say wife).  He's apparently junked the motor, so assume there's nothing left.  I learned that the '96 has the 4R70W tranny (fully electronic), so it doesn't even know how to shift unless an ECU tells it to.  Then a question is, would the AOD mount up under the '96, and then could it be adapted to work with the '96's floor shifter?

I wouldn't even remotely consider this, except the car looks like it might sell VERY cheap, and I've already got the motor.  Yeah, it's a huge backward step, but if it worked, I'd have a nice looking 'Bird that might still get decent mileage (which is still my goal now as gas heads north of $3/gallon).  Hey, it's worth a try, or is it?  Keep the suggestions coming.  Thanks.

Fordman3