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

96 engine swap

  • Thread starter Thread starter lippsgarage
  • Start date Start date Aug 24, 2010
L

lippsgarage

New Member
Aug 24, 2010
10
0
0
Taylorville, IL
Aug 24, 2010
#1
  • Aug 24, 2010
  • #1
So, this has prolly been asked, but I can't find it. I have a 96 3.8 5 speed with a bad motor. I know these things have head problems, and I have a guy that'll put another stock one in for $2500. My question is, can I swap in an aftermarket 5.0 K-member from a 95 and put in a carb motor? I don't have emissions where I'm from and I need a motor anyway (2 big reasons against when i google this...no one supports this swap). I have the T-5 tranny, so I know it'll bolt up, and I don't have to worry about computer for it, and I can run independant FI if I decide to later. A lot of haters on this swap, just want to know if it'll work. Otherwise, I'm gonna put the same amount of money into the 6, and not have the power I want. Thanx in advance and keep 'em rubber side down!!!
 
L

lippsgarage

New Member
Aug 24, 2010
10
0
0
Taylorville, IL
Aug 24, 2010
#2
  • Aug 24, 2010
  • #2
got ahold of granatelli motorsports today and they said yup, it'll work. If I go with the 302 carb motor and put an aftermarket injection system on it i might even be able to pass emissions, should they start in my area, otherwise, my t-5 will bolt up, already planning on the 8.8 swap, and goin with a carb motor i can eleminate all the wiring...i'm so excited. Me and the 'ol lady are looking for anew place, so as soon as i get that, i'll pull the car out of storage and get some pics up. Other than that, got my taurus running a little better, mass airflow was acting up, $90 and ten minutes later...runs better. now all i need is a wheel bearing and a fule filler neck and i'll be in business!!! lol, catch ya later and I'll get a thread going when i get started, already making my wish list
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Aug 25, 2010
#3
  • Aug 25, 2010
  • #3
Help me understand the logic behind this project. It is to "save $$"? Or is it because you think the new combination is cool?

What are your long range plans/goals for the project? How do you intend to use the car after the work is done?

If I understand the basic plan is to put a carbed 5.0 in a 96 V6 Mustang. There is a rear end swap to handle the torque, but what about the V6 T5? Will the V6 T5 handle the torque of a V8?

Do you plan on doing the work yourself?

If this project is to save $$, I encourage you to work up a detailed budget. I may be wrong but it may be cheaper to fix the car you have. Sell it. Then buy the GT that you really want.

Consider looking at car-part.com for a salvage motor.

These MY V6's blow head gaskets all the time. The repair can be done without removing the engine (assume the motor did not over heat).
 
L

lippsgarage

New Member
Aug 24, 2010
10
0
0
Taylorville, IL
Sep 11, 2010
#4
  • Sep 11, 2010
  • #4
yeah, motor overheated and I was looking at a cost/benifit comparison for rebuilding the 3.8 or bolting in a 5.0. I'm old school and love the 5.0, pissed that this is the firstyearwithout them. Oh well. Been reading up on the 3.8 and think I'm gonna build that. But I have some questions. I've seen bits and pieces around but havnt seen it laid out in laymens terms. I have a 1996 3.8 5 speed. The motor was replaced once before I bought it. Assuming it's a 1996 block, here are my plans.

4.2 stroker/Split Port Windstar swap

Now, for the 4.2 I just need the internals, so if I buy a 4.2 rebuild kit, do I need to do any machining and what year kit should I get? Been real confused on the accesories as well. What pulley/balancer/flywheel set up should I use and what about oil pan and what not? Also, there's talk about girdles and such, can I used the fullsize girdle on my block without mods?

Intake swap...love this idea, looks simila to the old sho set up (was my favorite car ever...188xxx miles and still smoked hondas Do I have the heads that will work for this or do I need to swap them? With my cooling issue I'm thinking about swapping anyway...what year should I get and from what? Also with the windstar intake swap, I've seen a kit for the 99+, does that work on these blocks as well? What do you have to mod on the fuel rail? How do you modify the throttle cable for the change in throttle body location? Sorry for all the questions, my gf wants me to build this this winter (she wants a show car lol) and with a hefty tax return expected this yearanda wisconsin winter to do it in, I want to make sure I have all the info I need.

Anything else you guys can think of would be great, kinda new to this motor. Thanx again, and pics up as soon as I get my new place in a month.
 
J

JSA96

New Member
May 14, 2003
28
0
1
Omaha, NE
Sep 15, 2010
#5
  • Sep 15, 2010
  • #5
I'm going to simplify this greatly but, go to salvage yard buy a complete 4.2. Buy a 01+ Mustang flywheel and balancer. Install all of your FEAD (accessories) onto the engine. Install engine and trans in your car. Rewire engine for the relocation of sensors and modules from the stock location. Buy a handheld tuner.

This should cost approx. $1000-1500 after you are done.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
3.8 T5 & Bellhousing to 1987 Lincoln 5.0
  • ks65stang
  • Mar 2, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
3
Views
245
Other Auto Tech Mar 3, 2026
Noobz347
8
87 lx 4cyl to v8 project 4 lug disc conversion questions
  • 87lx428
  • Mar 24, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
467
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 25, 2026
87lx428
8
J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
13
Views
389
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Monday at 2:45 PM
joeybuddy96
J
F
1984 roller….. need advice!!!
  • Fivepointeasy84
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
153
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 5, 2025
rednotch
1
Engine Motor swap from a 2003 Explorer
  • 1996mustang new
  • Oct 9, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
520
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2025
squeak93
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?