So a few months ago I acquired a 1995 sn95, auto trans mustang that was swapped from a 3.8 v6. Through a series of trades I have very little money into the car, maybe $500 at most. The conversion was done by someone else and the car runs and sounds pretty good (at least before I removed intake and manifold). Was told it needed a head gasket so I started tearing apart the top end. Overall the car seems in good condition and there is no rust and interior is good other than a few minor things. It also has GT40p heads and came with a matching GT40 intake from a explorer thy needs to be installed. Exhaust is fairly new and has H pipe. A/C was deleted.
I gave up on Facebook groups because most people gave smart ass answers that were of no use like “sell and buy a real car” or “get rid of it and start with the right vehicle”. Well, being I own this for virtually no money and my son wants to get involved in a project, it’s what I’ve got to work with unless it is 1000% the wrong move. I know it’s not that uncommon to do. I can always replace the head gasket and flip it but I’d like to work with it if at all possible.
So now for questions I need input on from anyone who might have experience with this or knowledge of answers. Keep in mind, car runs and conversion is complete but there are some things I might try to “polish” or do better.
1.) before getting into smaller stuff, is there any major issues I should look into to verify something?
2.) any way to verify what trans is in it? I have no idea if it’s the original one from the v6 or if it was upgraded. Was told it is possible it could be from v6 because it would work and bolt up but not be appropriate.
3.) 99% sure it still has rear end from v6, not too worried about swapping unless there is something I’m not aware of. Recommendations?
4.) Brakes... has 4 wheel disc. Do I need to change them assuming they are from v6? Which components?
5a.) intake... the one that came on it is the normal 5.0 version, is it worth the extra effort and money to clean up the GT40 (at least that’s what I assume it is called) from the explorer if it has the gt40p heads? Or do I just leave the standard one on being it runs.
5b.) if I end up pulling the motor (because I already have the whole upper end taken apart for head gasket) I might put a cam in it and possibly even rebuild motor, how does that affect answer for previous question?
6.) How can I tell if it has gauge cluster for v8? Speedo goes to 120.
7.) Do I need to change any suspension immediately or can it wait a bit?
8.) Radiator and fan are definitely not correct and need to be replaced... recommendations or anything I should know?
9.). Car originally was no power windows and locks. It was converted to power windows (not sure how it was done yet, haven’t investigated) but still has manual locks. Both door locks and ignition need to be replaced because keys work for crap. Is it possible to convert to power locks without too much hassle? If I were to find used doors from salvage that are power? Not sure what cars are wired for out of factory as standard. I know sometimes certain wiring is already there, but the options are just not installed.
10.). Last one, and I pretty much know the answer but I’ll ask anyway. Obviously because car runs and drives, main wire harness was changed. It is a bit sketchy in places but works. Is it worth just cleaning up and repairing what’s there or should I just replace the whole damn thing if the motor is out?
I know in the long run I’ll end up spending more money this way but it’s a project with my kid. Easier to spend a few bucks here and there that dumping a ton of cash at once. Thanks for reading what may end up being stupid question and thanks in advance for input! If I end up going all in I’ll start a process thread for anyone else who is interested.
I gave up on Facebook groups because most people gave smart ass answers that were of no use like “sell and buy a real car” or “get rid of it and start with the right vehicle”. Well, being I own this for virtually no money and my son wants to get involved in a project, it’s what I’ve got to work with unless it is 1000% the wrong move. I know it’s not that uncommon to do. I can always replace the head gasket and flip it but I’d like to work with it if at all possible.
So now for questions I need input on from anyone who might have experience with this or knowledge of answers. Keep in mind, car runs and conversion is complete but there are some things I might try to “polish” or do better.
1.) before getting into smaller stuff, is there any major issues I should look into to verify something?
2.) any way to verify what trans is in it? I have no idea if it’s the original one from the v6 or if it was upgraded. Was told it is possible it could be from v6 because it would work and bolt up but not be appropriate.
3.) 99% sure it still has rear end from v6, not too worried about swapping unless there is something I’m not aware of. Recommendations?
4.) Brakes... has 4 wheel disc. Do I need to change them assuming they are from v6? Which components?
5a.) intake... the one that came on it is the normal 5.0 version, is it worth the extra effort and money to clean up the GT40 (at least that’s what I assume it is called) from the explorer if it has the gt40p heads? Or do I just leave the standard one on being it runs.
5b.) if I end up pulling the motor (because I already have the whole upper end taken apart for head gasket) I might put a cam in it and possibly even rebuild motor, how does that affect answer for previous question?
6.) How can I tell if it has gauge cluster for v8? Speedo goes to 120.
7.) Do I need to change any suspension immediately or can it wait a bit?
8.) Radiator and fan are definitely not correct and need to be replaced... recommendations or anything I should know?
9.). Car originally was no power windows and locks. It was converted to power windows (not sure how it was done yet, haven’t investigated) but still has manual locks. Both door locks and ignition need to be replaced because keys work for crap. Is it possible to convert to power locks without too much hassle? If I were to find used doors from salvage that are power? Not sure what cars are wired for out of factory as standard. I know sometimes certain wiring is already there, but the options are just not installed.
10.). Last one, and I pretty much know the answer but I’ll ask anyway. Obviously because car runs and drives, main wire harness was changed. It is a bit sketchy in places but works. Is it worth just cleaning up and repairing what’s there or should I just replace the whole damn thing if the motor is out?
I know in the long run I’ll end up spending more money this way but it’s a project with my kid. Easier to spend a few bucks here and there that dumping a ton of cash at once. Thanks for reading what may end up being stupid question and thanks in advance for input! If I end up going all in I’ll start a process thread for anyone else who is interested.