5.0 or 4.6 in an 80's Mustang
- Thread starter MustangMobster
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foxforce33
New Member
A standard 5.0 HO, vs. standard 4.6: the 4.6 would have more HP, but slightly less torque. Both engines have tons of modding potential and a vast selection of performance upgrades available.
And though the 5.0 to 4.6 swap has been done many times, it does require a bit more in terms of engine mount position, computer, transmission selection, etc. Choosing the pushrod engine would be easier if you're looking for a simpler swap. I also would start with a V8 car if you want to make it easier on yourself. Also the '86 and up has the 8.8 rear which is a big improvement over the 7.5.
And though the 5.0 to 4.6 swap has been done many times, it does require a bit more in terms of engine mount position, computer, transmission selection, etc. Choosing the pushrod engine would be easier if you're looking for a simpler swap. I also would start with a V8 car if you want to make it easier on yourself. Also the '86 and up has the 8.8 rear which is a big improvement over the 7.5.
Well I'd probably take the 5.0 over the 4.6 since I'm still i'm just starting Auto Tech and probably would f**k up a swap to a 4.6 Not to mention its cooler to say I have a 5.0 then a 4.6.
And the two cars I'm currently looking at are a 83' automatic and an 86' 5-Speed. The 83' I believe is a v8 but not a 5.0 and the 86' I know for a fact is a 5.0. Based on looks and everything else I want the 5.0, but I can't drive stick(Plan on learning this summer) so that made the '83 an alternative.
And the two cars I'm currently looking at are a 83' automatic and an 86' 5-Speed. The 83' I believe is a v8 but not a 5.0 and the 86' I know for a fact is a 5.0. Based on looks and everything else I want the 5.0, but I can't drive stick(Plan on learning this summer) so that made the '83 an alternative.
uhoh5.0
Founding Member
The 4.6 will cost significantly more to build! Parts for the 5.0 are so pletiful and cheap it gets my vote. I've been down the 4.6 road before, and it drains your checkbook quick. You just need to compare the basic cost of real speed parts like cams, heads, and intakes, & headers. Plus it would be significantly more expensive to carb a 4.6 v/s a 5.0 That is just my opinion, plus the availability of GT-40 and GT-40P heads for the 5.0 is a big plus. You can get yourself into a good breathing head for less than 500 bucks!
Dino Dino Bambino
15 Year Member
The 4.6 would be faster out of the box with 260hp than the 5.0 with 225hp but if you set a target of 350hp (~300rwhp), you'll get there more cheaply and easily with a 5.0 and have more torque to boot.
If the '83 is a V8, then it is a 5.0. However, of the two, the '86 is your better option. Just learn to drive stick. It isn't that hard and you'll be glad you did in the long run.
That said, (and this is coming from an '86 owner) your BEST bet, if you're just getting into wrenching, is an 89-92 5-speed V8 car. These cars are supported better by the aftermarket than the pre-87 cars are. The 93 has hypereutectic pistons, which are frowned on by some, and the 87-88 cars are not MAF, which is a little less ideal for modifying.
Also, mod motor swaps are more of a novelty item than a performance advantage in Fox cars. You can go faster for cheaper and with less work if you just stick with the pushrod foundation. Mod swaps should be reserved to those with good resources (money or just the hook-up on parts) and extensive skills. Check out this thread for what it takes to make a mod motor swap happen:
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/803126-official-4-mod-fox-progress-thread.html
That said, (and this is coming from an '86 owner) your BEST bet, if you're just getting into wrenching, is an 89-92 5-speed V8 car. These cars are supported better by the aftermarket than the pre-87 cars are. The 93 has hypereutectic pistons, which are frowned on by some, and the 87-88 cars are not MAF, which is a little less ideal for modifying.
Also, mod motor swaps are more of a novelty item than a performance advantage in Fox cars. You can go faster for cheaper and with less work if you just stick with the pushrod foundation. Mod swaps should be reserved to those with good resources (money or just the hook-up on parts) and extensive skills. Check out this thread for what it takes to make a mod motor swap happen:
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/803126-official-4-mod-fox-progress-thread.html
Undisputed
New Member
Plus, if he is looking at an 86 GT 5 speed..he doesnt need to do any swap at all..it's already got our Fuel Injected HO 5.0... Just seeing this thread makes me want to go home, park my 2010 and jump my 86 306 and tear around the neighborhood!! HAHAHA
Yes get the 5.0 and learn the stick. I agree with saving more money with a 5.0. Also the 86 has the 8.8 rear end and is way better than the 7.5. The 5.0 is so easy to work on you can find parts for it almost anywhere (except NAPA they will always have to order it LOL) Also IMO a stick is way better than a auto you have way more control over your gears than a auto.
I have a 80 that I dropped a 5.0 in swaped the rear end changed out the front end with the 87 style(basicly everythings the 87 style) and now putting a t5 in. It's alot more work to swap a motor than ya think.
I have a 80 that I dropped a 5.0 in swaped the rear end changed out the front end with the 87 style(basicly everythings the 87 style) and now putting a t5 in. It's alot more work to swap a motor than ya think.
Undisputed
New Member
I've seen videos of how you drive, if you do get out the '86, warn me, I'll be sure to stay indoors.
Its official I'm going to go with the 5.0, but the issue that I came across is that the guy selling the 86 has yet to email me back(darn craigslist). The lady selling the 83 has been emailing me all day with different details of the car. She sent pictures of the motor etc. This seems to be coming closer to a deal than the 86 however I honestly only want the 86. Her 83 has low mileage and looks nice, but that 86 looks way better and from everything you guys have told me it is. Also to all suggesting a 87-93, I know they're easier to work on because my dad had one, but I just have an obsession with the early 80's mustangs.
Undisputed
New Member
I've seen videos of how you drive, if you do get out the '86, warn me, I'll be sure to stay indoors.
^ LMAO....
Undisputed
New Member
ITS LIKE DEALING W/ TOTALLY DIFFERENT ANIMALS...1986 AND UP 5.0 MUSTANGS ARE ALL FUEL INJECTED AND THE BEST BASIS TO START A PROJECT, AND HAVE PLENTY OF POWER AND POTENTIAL.. GETTING A 4 CYLINDER OR CARBED 6 CYLINDER IS JUST SOOO MUCH MORE OF A PROJECT...
foxforce33
New Member
The '86 has advantages: better rear end, fuel injected, computer controlled motor. The manual trans in the '86 is better than an '83 (T5 vs. SROD 4 spd)-though did you mention the '83 was an auto? I personally stay away from AOD cars (though they are good when modified) since I prefer a stick in any Mustang.
Go with the '86 unless you want to go with a carbuerator. It already has a computer ('83 does not have an EEC) and has better components to start with. Upgrading the '83 to fuel injection is not difficult, but it would require more $$ and parts (EEC, wiring harness, etc.) The '86 motors do have restrictive one-year-only heads so that would be my first upgrade if you decided not to put in a new engine. I too like the 4-eyed cars and the 85/86s are my favorite of those.
Condition of the cars is important too. It's always better to find one in good shape and pay a little more up front.
Go with the '86 unless you want to go with a carbuerator. It already has a computer ('83 does not have an EEC) and has better components to start with. Upgrading the '83 to fuel injection is not difficult, but it would require more $$ and parts (EEC, wiring harness, etc.) The '86 motors do have restrictive one-year-only heads so that would be my first upgrade if you decided not to put in a new engine. I too like the 4-eyed cars and the 85/86s are my favorite of those.
Condition of the cars is important too. It's always better to find one in good shape and pay a little more up front.
SpartaPerformance
10 Year Member
If you're going to go 4.6L then I'ld try to find a 4 valve like out of a Mark 8, Mach 1, Marauder etc... or find a 3v out of a 05+ GT
Shaolin Crane
Banned
I think if you have to ask at all then you need to stop, research and come back to this idea in about 5 year
foxforce33
New Member
All of us were new to this at some point--but I agree that the OP will need to do some homework before taking on a project of this caliber.
Yea I tried to do this swap once. I bought a 4.6 Mark 8 motor Aje tubular k-member all that stuff... It is a very expensive and time consuming job. Honestly i would just go with a 5.0 it will be half the cost cause your not having to change your suspension to do the swap. I would take the money your going to save, and dump it into building a 331. Or if you are trying to go outside of the 5.0, build a 351....
Geez dude i'm not even 19 yet. And thats y I joined this forum so I could get real research not just stuff on the web, but hear from people that did similar things and learn from their experiences.
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