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how to swap 96 3.8 to 5.0 carb.

  • Thread starter Thread starter fivemustangs
  • Start date Start date Dec 22, 2007

fivemustangs

Member
Dec 22, 2007
222
0
17
Bar Harbor, Maine
Dec 22, 2007
#1
  • Dec 22, 2007
  • #1
Hey, I have a 96 mustang with a 3.8 v6 engine with a t5 transmission. I got the car for $400.00 and it is just about in mint condition. I am building an engine with a 88 mustang block. I am going carburated to make it more simple. I was just wondering what I needed to do to get the swap done. I was wondering if a fox body t5 transmission would fit. I also believe I need a K-member to fit the 5.0. and would I have to modifiy the drive shaft at all? maybe a spacer? Would the 7.5 rearend hold up to a little under 300hp? Please help with all information.
Thanks
 

98V6 K.I.T.T.

Founding Member
Mar 6, 2001
2,049
0
46
Everett, Washington
Dec 27, 2007
#2
  • Dec 27, 2007
  • #2
Well, first off....I might be totally wrong but I thought there was some laws that don't allow you to run a Carb engine if the vehicle ran an EFI to be street legal. But if you can or still want to, you will have to get a correct K-member from a 94-95 GT, GT driveshaft and it makes sense to swap in a 8.8" rearend as well. Any T5 should work, but you may need to make some minor modifications, depending the exact tranny. You are also going to want to upgrade the radiator.

Honestly, if you are thinking about a carb engine you might as well look for a EFI 5.0 swap or even 4.6. To make it worth it, I'd have to go 351 atleast on a carb to make it worth it. But whatever works best for you.
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Jan 2, 2008
#3
  • Jan 2, 2008
  • #3
Things you'll need:
94-95 V8 K-member
8.8 rear end (86-98 are the same, can reuse axles from 7.5 rear)
V8 accessory brackets (could use Fox brackets, but it's a tight fit between the brackets and radiator)
V8 gauge cluster (will want for the correct speedometer and tachometer)
V8 transmission (can use Fox, but will need driveshaft spacer for the slip yoke to fully engage the output shaft. Steeda sells one)
Larger fuel pump
Fuel lines

That's all I can think of, off the top of my head. You might be best off finding a wrecked 94-95 to use as a parts car, and parting out what you don't use to make back some of the initial purchase. The member Chythar in 94-95 is currently working on a V6 to V8 swap himself from a wrecked Cobra, so he might be able to give you some advice. There's a few guys in 94-95 Tech that have gone carb that could probably help as well.
 
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