I've been trying to find information on a V6 transplant into a vintage mustang. Looking at a carb version with an Essex V6. Anyone done and what were some of your issues?
the first issue you are going to have it the engine mounts. you may be able to use the stock early chassis mounts from a 65 model year, and use the late model engine mounts from a mustang, since both use a single bolt to mount to the chassis.
the next thing is that you are going to have to use a 164 bell housing since the 3.8 uses the AOD trans. this assumes you want to use an early transmission.
one thing to be aware of, the 3.8 V6 block came in two versions, front wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. the mounting systems are different on each block and they will NOT interchange. they do however still use the same cylinder heads, flexplate/flywheel, intakes, etc. so make sure your block comes from a rear wheel drive car if you are just shopping for the basic engine without a donor car.
the first issue you are going to have it the engine mounts. you may be able to use the stock early chassis mounts from a 65 model year, and use the late model engine mounts from a mustang, since both use a single bolt to mount to the chassis.
the next thing is that you are going to have to use a 164 bell housing since the 3.8 uses the AOD trans. this assumes you want to use an early transmission.
one thing to be aware of, the 3.8 V6 block came in two versions, front wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. the mounting systems are different on each block and they will NOT interchange. they do however still use the same cylinder heads, flexplate/flywheel, intakes, etc. so make sure your block comes from a rear wheel drive car if you are just shopping for the basic engine without a donor car.
If the 3.8 is the Essex motor, the SVO ford racing catalog (way before the FRPP name) used to have a racing head and block setup for this motor. It would be cool to find one. Supercharge it and waste a Buick!
If the 3.8 is the Essex motor, the SVO ford racing catalog (way before the FRPP name) used to have a racing head and block setup for this motor. It would be cool to find one. Supercharge it and waste a Buick!
Thanks rbohm! I'd been wondering on the motor mounts for some time. Still debating the tranny since I understand should mount to C4. I have read the use of the 2 different versions (RWD/FWD) and need to be careful. You guys have been helpful thanks for the input!
just remember that you will need to get a flexplate with the proper balance factor to match the 3.8 crank. as i recall it is a zero balance engine, but check to be sure. check these sites out for information and performance parts for the 3.8/4.2 V6;