• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech

2002 V6 to V8 swap

  • Thread starter Thread starter Malsamfan211
  • Start date Start date Mar 1, 2008
M

Malsamfan211

New Member
Mar 1, 2008
7
0
0
Mar 1, 2008
#1
  • Mar 1, 2008
  • #1
I was wondering if anyone could tell me everything I needed to swap a 3.8 V6 to a 4.6 V8. I can get an engine with a 5spd, and all the wiring. Just need to know what I all need suspension wise.

Thanks,

Jeff
 
K

kevinspann

Member
Feb 25, 2006
0
0
6
Richmond, VA
Mar 1, 2008
#2
  • Mar 1, 2008
  • #2
The only thing you would really need is an 8.8 rearend from an 99-04 GT/Mach 1/bullit.

If you want it to be a full GT conversion, you could get GT springs/shocks&struts/swaybars.

This wouldnt be a bad move, but if you were going to do anything, get the Bullit spring/shocks&struts/swaybar combo.

The brakes are the same between GTs and V6s
 
M

Malsamfan211

New Member
Mar 1, 2008
7
0
0
Mar 1, 2008
#3
  • Mar 1, 2008
  • #3
I'm almost positive that the rearend will withstand the normal daily driving, it's nothing for any real highend torque.
 

fobra559

At least it's more erect and not floppy anymore.
Nov 1, 2007
721
0
0
Lindsay, CA
Mar 1, 2008
#4
  • Mar 1, 2008
  • #4
kevinspann said:

The brakes are the same between GTs and V6s
Click to expand...

That's sad
 
T

thewrongguy

Founding Member
Feb 1, 2002
272
0
0
Windsor, ON Canada
Mar 5, 2008
#5
  • Mar 5, 2008
  • #5
fobra559 said:
That's sad
Click to expand...

I just see that as the 3.8 having more brake then it'll need.

The stock brakes on old fox mustangs were a crime, hey lets build a car that can put down 13 second quarter miles (with some work) and put on brakes that were worse then those on a vw bug.
 

'66 coupe

Founding Member
Aug 7, 2000
1,202
9
59
Lakeland, Fl.
Mar 5, 2008
#6
  • Mar 5, 2008
  • #6
What year is the engine? If it's a non-PI 4.6 I wouldn't even bother with the swap. There are enough '96-'98 GT's out there that can be had for pennies.

OTOH, I had a friend who swapped the drivetrain from a wrecked low mileage 2000 GT(this was done a while ago) into '94 V6 convertible. It was a clean V6 car, so in the end it was worth it.

Also, the brakes are the same, but no one has mentioned that depending on the year of the V6 car, you will need the brake booster and MC from the 4.6 car in order to have room for the wider engine.
You definately want brakes from at least a '99+ GT; Mach/Cobra calipers would be better. '94-'98 V6/GT calipers = .
 
M

Malsamfan211

New Member
Mar 1, 2008
7
0
0
Mar 6, 2008
#7
  • Mar 6, 2008
  • #7
Thank you all for the input. Sadly I will not be able to do the swap. The bank would only give me half of what the cars worth in a loan, because it has a salvaged title.
 

fobra559

At least it's more erect and not floppy anymore.
Nov 1, 2007
721
0
0
Lindsay, CA
Mar 7, 2008
#8
  • Mar 7, 2008
  • #8
thewrongguy said:
I just see that as the 3.8 having more brake then it'll need.
Click to expand...

That's a good thing on my sixer but on my GT, it's not so good
 

'66 coupe

Founding Member
Aug 7, 2000
1,202
9
59
Lakeland, Fl.
Mar 7, 2008
#9
  • Mar 7, 2008
  • #9
fobra559 said:
That's a good thing on my sixer but on my GT, it's not so good
Click to expand...

Try driving a '95-'98 and you'll appreciate the '99+ brakes A LOT more. I went from an '01 V6 to my '95 GT 'vert. Compared to the '01, the '95 feels more like my old '66 with it's 4-wheel drums.
 

fobra559

At least it's more erect and not floppy anymore.
Nov 1, 2007
721
0
0
Lindsay, CA
Mar 7, 2008
#10
  • Mar 7, 2008
  • #10
'66 coupe said:
Try driving a '95-'98 and you'll appreciate the '99+ brakes A LOT more. I went from an '01 V6 to my '95 GT 'vert. Compared to the '01, the '95 feels more like my old '66 with it's 4-wheel drums.
Click to expand...

Speaking of the 95' My buddy just got one this past weekend(a GT) and we went for a ride and yeah the brakes were not quite up to par with the newer models. So I see where your coming from.
 

fiveohwblow

Official Member
15 Year Member
Jul 21, 2005
2,169
145
155
Mar 18, 2008
#11
  • Mar 18, 2008
  • #11
I would have had no idea since my 98 sixer stopped just as well as my dads 99GT... Strange. What were the exact differences?
 

'66 coupe

Founding Member
Aug 7, 2000
1,202
9
59
Lakeland, Fl.
Mar 20, 2008
#12
  • Mar 20, 2008
  • #12
fiveohwblow said:
I would have had no idea since my 98 sixer stopped just as well as my dads 99GT... Strange. What were the exact differences?
Click to expand...

Look at the size of the block and heads on the GT compared to the V6. That's A LOT of weight.

This should be everything you need to know.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/2009.shtml
 

fiveohwblow

Official Member
15 Year Member
Jul 21, 2005
2,169
145
155
Mar 21, 2008
#13
  • Mar 21, 2008
  • #13
'66 coupe said:
Look at the size of the block and heads on the GT compared to the V6. That's A LOT of weight.

This should be everything you need to know.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/2009.shtml
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thanks for the info!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
97 V6 suspension upgrades
  • Dale1bre
  • Jan 18, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
5
Views
377
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jan 19, 2026
Noobz347
E
V8 Swap in a 95 - Wiring Help Needed
  • electricityisnotmyfriend
  • May 13, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
1
Views
106
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech May 21, 2026
Noobz347
C
1997 3.8l v6 timing cover mismatch *eBay guaranteed fit* haha please HELP
  • chasondragons
  • Apr 3, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
128
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Apr 3, 2026
chasondragons
C
K
3.8 T5 & Bellhousing to 1987 Lincoln 5.0
  • ks65stang
  • Mar 2, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
3
Views
394
Other Auto Tech Mar 3, 2026
Noobz347
M
What changes need to be made to the brake system after swapping a V8 rear axel into a V6 1999
  • MARTYMAN
  • Jan 21, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
202
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 22, 2026
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?