How Hard is a Motor Swap????

[RoushMFC]

Whats up guys.

I have never really worked on mustangs, like i posted before i was a camaro guy for about 7 years before selling the car three weeks ago. I'm looking to put a new forged motor in a 2000 gt.

How hard are these cars to work on. From the looks they seem much more open then the ls1 camaro i had. I put a new cam, valve springs headers things like that on the camaro.

What are the trouble areas i should look at before i tackle this job.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[XtorT'r]

I've done it, a bit of a PITA but what car wouldn't be at least a little bit of a pain when swapping engines?
If I had it to do over I would find someone with a lift and drop it out the bottom of the engine bay. If your just using a crane you can take the whole setup, engine LT's and trans out of the hood but it kinda sucks.
There are a few things like which plant made the block and heads that you have to worry a little bit about i.e Romeo or Windsor style. The differences there are bolt paterns mostly but that effect mainly head, valve cover, and flywheel selections.
There are a few other little tidbits that come about durring a swap just post as you come across them and some of us may be able to help you along.
There are some pretty good step by steps on another forum..

 

[screamin gt]

I thought getting the motor out and putting it back in was pretty simple. I'm having problems with timing right now but the removal and install of the motor itself was simple.

and I did not remove the tranny iether. lots of guys said it would be easier that way but I had no problem lining them up on the install.

 

[tomustang]

did you mark your timing?

 

[TweekedGT]

If you have longtubes on the car it is a pain in the ass. Without longtubes it's a breeze. The stupid steering knuckle goes right through the drivers side longtube and is a pain as well. I couldn't get the motor out without taking one of the headers off, I took the drivers off. I don't know how guys do it with the headers on. Maybe 96-98's are are harder to get out than the 99-04's.