Difference between 4 Cylinder Body and 8 Cylinder Body?

[ynhrgt]

Was thinking of maybe just doin a 5.0l v8 swap into a 4 cylinder stang. Is there anything mechanically different between the two body types?

If there is too much of a difference, I'll just start with a car with originally a v8.

 

[notchback]

no, 4 banger cars don't have the studs for quads, but thats about it.

the suspension is softer, but from above the ground...it's the same

 

[RacEoHolic330]

4 cyls have itty bitty brakes

 

[ynhrgt]

What would I have to change to make it on-par with a 8 cylinder body?

 

[Mavrick]

You'd need some exhaust hangers, double hump tranny crossmember, 8.8 rear end, bigger brakes, springs, tranny to match it, 8cyl tach... that's basically it but there is other small stuff.

 

[RacEoHolic330]

well, besides from the obvious (engine, trans, rear end) there are a good amount of other little differences. It's quite a big project to undertake. Run a search, you'll find some good info

edit: mavrick beat me to my reply..you're just too quick for me

 

[ynhrgt]

Well, I meant PHYSICALLY different.. I understand springs/trans/etc.. all that is different.. but is the actual structure itself any different.

I plan on doing everything over again anyways, I was just wondering if a 4 cylinder body can handle an 8.

 

[Mavrick]

The shell is physically identical.

 

[mustangman33]

I tried that swap on a 4cyl 90, pulled the motor out and went to put in a v8, and the kmember was different.

 

[Shakerhood]

I think the fuel lines MIGHT be different too.

 

[superhuaman]

I tried that swap on a 4cyl 90, pulled the motor out and went to put in a v8, and the kmember was different.

I 've heard that the k-member was the same between the 4-cyl and 8-cyl, and that the only different one was for the 3.3L inline-six (!). Can anyone say for sure, what is true? Sorry for thread-hijacking, but I am interested to know this.

 

[Greenracing]

The k member is the same from a 4banger to a v8 and i know bc i done 2 swaps, 1 w a 70 fairmont and 1 w a 89 lx.

 

[Matts89LX5.0]

I tried that swap on a 4cyl 90, pulled the motor out and went to put in a v8, and the kmember was different.

k member is the same, crossmember is not the same

body is the same

 

[Greenracing]

sorry to disagree but the crossmember is the same, at least in a fox body.
unless you have a inline 6 like a fairmont, the 79-93 fox body crossmember is the same no matter if you have a 4 or a 8.

Why i know?? bc i have done the 2 swaps.

 

[superhuaman]

Uhh... let's get something straight, ok?

K-member = where the engine mounts
Crossmember = where the transmission mounts

:Teh-Win:

 

[Greenracing]

Yes... my bad... the crossmember is 1 hump for the 4 cil... my bad i get them mixed up.

 

[superhuaman]

It's ok. So, what I've heard is:
(for the years 79-93)
I4 K-member = V6 K-member = V8 K-member
I6 K-member = nothing

Single exhaust crossmember = all 4 & 6 cyl's, 79-85 V8's
Dual exhaust crossmember = 86-93 V8

Also, 90-93 tie rod ends are better with bump steer than older ones.
90-93 cars have larger front fender openings, useful for big tires
90-93 cars have a driver's airbag, which may or may not save on insurance
V8 and I4 cars have different ratio racks and different pumps. DO NOT interchange the two.
I4 cars are not equipped with quad shock mounts as mentioned, nor do they have a pinion snubber.
I really don't need to say anything about mass air, do I?

I picked a 4-banger cuz it wasn't all beat to hell