2002 V6 to V8 swap

Malsamfan211 · Mar 2, 2008

If anyone has ever done a 3.8 V6 to a 4.6 V8 swap, I would really like to know everything that I need.

Thanks,

Jeff

[BlackDiamond] · Mar 2, 2008

I've done it on mine.

There are quite a few good threads around the web about it. You might want to check 3.8mustang.com as well.

Here's a quick summary.

You'll need OFF a V8 mustang:
- engine
- transmission and mounts
- driveshaft
- CCRM and Computer
- engine-to-CCRM wiring
- CCRM and Engine to Computer wiring
- rear end
- gauge cluster
- v8 brake system
- exhaust (manifolds, h pipe and mufflers)

The swap itself is pretty straight foward, all the mounts and k member pieces of your V6 wil work with the V8. I'd recommend replacing as much of the stock stuff (bushings, mounts and such) while doing the swap, just because its easy to do so at that stage.

Once the swap is complete, you'll need to tow your car to a ford dealer so that they can reprogram the PATS system. Basically, your V6 key's and ignition must be programmed to work with the gauge cluster and computer of the v8. You might have a hard time finding a dealer to do this because I'm quite positive it's illegal, so if you have connections, it helps.

Good luck! The swap is A LOT easier than it sounds, so dont lose hope when people say sell your v6 and buy a v8. It's WAY cheaper to swap.

Don't take this as a guide, as I may be missing a few items, I did my swap over a year and half ago.

[BlackDiamond] · Mar 2, 2008

Oh yea, and if I recall right, we had to use the V8's throttle, brake and cruise control cables, as the v6 ones were different length.

The cable mounting location on the brake pedal on the v6 is slightly different as well, but it's adaptable (by drilling an extra hole).

Of course, if your car is auto, and you're swapping to a 5 spd, you'll need more things as well, but I cant recommend on those as I did a 5spd-5spd swap.

DBMSTNG · Mar 2, 2008

it would be easier just to sell your car and buy a GT. possibly cheaper too.

Malsamfan211 · Mar 2, 2008

Thanks for all the advice, and yes it really does help to have connections! ( I work at a ford dealership) If I'm not mistaken you will also have to swap out the whole front suspension too.

tank_567 · Mar 3, 2008

DBMSTNG said:
it would be easier just to sell your car and buy a GT. possibly cheaper too.

+1

Mustang5L5 · Mar 3, 2008

2002MineralGray · Mar 3, 2008

[BlackDiamond] said:
I've done it on mine.

There are quite a few good threads around the web about it. You might want to check 3.8mustang.com as well.

Here's a quick summary.

You'll need OFF a V8 mustang:
- engine
- transmission and mounts
- driveshaft
- CCRM and Computer
- engine-to-CCRM wiring
- CCRM and Engine to Computer wiring
- rear end
- gauge cluster
- v8 brake system
- exhaust (manifolds, h pipe and mufflers)

The swap itself is pretty straight foward, all the mounts and k member pieces of your V6 wil work with the V8. I'd recommend replacing as much of the stock stuff (bushings, mounts and such) while doing the swap, just because its easy to do so at that stage.

Once the swap is complete, you'll need to tow your car to a ford dealer so that they can reprogram the PATS system. Basically, your V6 key's and ignition must be programmed to work with the gauge cluster and computer of the v8. You might have a hard time finding a dealer to do this because I'm quite positive it's illegal, so if you have connections, it helps.

Good luck! The swap is A LOT easier than it sounds, so dont lose hope when people say sell your v6 and buy a v8. It's WAY cheaper to swap.

Don't take this as a guide, as I may be missing a few items, I did my swap over a year and half ago.

So does that mean your car isn't a TRUE GT?!

georgio440 · Mar 3, 2008

Sell it and get a real GT.

Mustang92 · Mar 4, 2008

You guys are being pretty harsh on him. Without knowing all the details it's hard for anyone to pass judgement on him. Yeah if he's making payments on the car and has no parts to start with them it's not the best idea. However if his car is paid for and he has a doner car or doner parts already then what's the harm in wanting to build up his own car? Just because it's more work that some people want to take on doesn't mean that someone else isn't willing to put the work in to build what they want.

The car in my garage right now is a 95 V6 car that I paid $600 for. But will it be any less impressive when it's running 12s or 11s with a NA 2V engine because it started out as a domestic ricer (not a shot at v6's but at the owner that modified it before I got it)?

Bill

04YELLOWGT · Mar 4, 2008

The other problem with a swap is when/if you go to sell it it will still be worth V6 money which isn't good especaily when GTs aren't worth much.

SilverBullet00 · Mar 4, 2008

However, he will have cheaper insurance with it just being a "v6"

[BlackDiamond] · Mar 4, 2008

Correct, my car is not a true GT, it's a swapped ex-V6.

And incorrect when you guys say it'll be cheaper to sell and buy a GT.
I ended up spending a total of $500 to upgrade from V6 to GT (with ALL gt parts).

And no, you DONT need the front GT suspension, the V6 one is identical. But I upgraded my stuff anyways.

2002MineralGray · Mar 4, 2008

[BlackDiamond] said:
Correct, my car is not a true GT, it's a swapped ex-V6.

And incorrect when you guys say it'll be cheaper to sell and buy a GT.
I ended up spending a total of $500 to upgrade from V6 to GT (with ALL gt parts).

And no, you DONT need the front GT suspension, the V6 one is identical. But I upgraded my stuff anyways.

Hmm. Thats funny because in another recent thread that was in the "4.6L Talk" section you had this to say:

"I guess things are more difficult down there for you guys, but up here (Canada) I've found an entire GT powertrain (motor, tranny and rear end) for 1k.

That's with 25000 kms."

So which was it? $500 or 1K?

[BlackDiamond] · Mar 4, 2008

I spent a total of $1500 on all bits and pieces from a GT.

Then I sold my V6 engine for roughly $600 and my T5 transmission for another $200. Then the wiring and gauge cluster of the V6 went for another $150.

So yes, $500.

Malsamfan211 · Mar 4, 2008

The motor mounts are different, I know that much for sure.

[BlackDiamond] · Mar 5, 2008

May've been, but they mount in the same K-member as the V6.

I upgraded mine, so cant tell for sure. But the V6 k-member is what's on my car.

CENTENNIALSTANG · Mar 5, 2008

Malsamfan211 said:
If anyone has ever done a 3.8 V6 to a 4.6 V8 swap, I would really like to know everything that I need.

Thanks,

Jeff

C my sig, you close bye? (tranny)

Malsamfan211 · Mar 6, 2008

Thank you all for the input. Sadly I will not be able to do the swap. Tha bank would only give me half of what the car is worth in a loan, because of it's salvaged title.

[BlackDiamond] · Mar 6, 2008

What?! You were taking a loan to do a swap? Yikes

2002 V6 to V8 swap

New Member

New Member

New Member

I fantasize about it being BIG!

New Member

Active Member

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

New Member

Member

SN's #1 1%er

Active Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Member

New Member

New Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency