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

Engine 3.9 V6 To 3.8 V6 Swap

  • Thread starter Thread starter Karson Lewis
  • Start date Start date Aug 14, 2017
K

Karson Lewis

New Member
Aug 14, 2017
1
0
1
Aug 14, 2017
#1
  • Aug 14, 2017
  • #1
I have a 2004 mustang that has a 3.9 ltr v6 that blew a rod I'm attempting to swap in a 3.8 v6 that was casted by the codes on the block in 97. What major things am I gonna have to do to complete the swap such as swapping heads? Buying a fly wheel with a counter balance as the 3.8 has a counter balance on the front pulley and my 04 3.9 does not. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Aug 16, 2017
#2
  • Aug 16, 2017
  • #2
IMO this does not seem to me to be the best swap. Have you searched on car-part.com for a motor that matches your car? The replacement V6 does not have to come from a Mustang.

However some of the differences that I can think of:
  • no split ports on the intake. EXPECT to have DTC codes from the missing IMRC's
  • 2000 and older V6's use an ECT sensor. 2001+ V6's use a CHT sensor. The older heads likely will not be drilled for the CHT sensor.
  • For best results use the motor wiring harness of the ORIGINAL car.
  • Cam sensor. Ford used several CAM sensors over the years. EXPECT the older motor will use a different cam sensor (2 wire verses 3 wire).
  • Different fuel injectors.
  • you have already mentioned the internal/external balance "issue".
  • The coil packs have different part numbers. I believe that the connector is different.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
900
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
S
Can I engine swap a new edge v6 into a 97 body?
  • sn95_paul
  • Jul 9, 2022
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
2K
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Nov 17, 2022
kiddiccarus
For Sale 94 Cobra 408w AOD Project For Sale
  • Labora
  • Oct 11, 2024
  • SN95 Mustangs For Sale (1994-04)
Replies
1
Views
1K
SN95 Mustangs For Sale (1994-04) Apr 7, 2025
Labora
H
Engine 2004 gt engine swap
  • H12
  • Feb 14, 2024
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
4K
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Feb 16, 2024
Yel2002GTAuto
Y
Engine 302 production block selection
  • FastDriver
  • May 19, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
48
Views
7K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 1, 2025
FastDriver
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?