Need opinions on engine swap

[AutumnOrange97]

I currently have a 97 GT thats about to fall flat on its face. I don't have much mechanical know-how so it would be done by a shop nearby. So, because I'll have to pay them I'm looking for an engine that is cheap but also a nice upgrade from the NPI motor. I'll probably have about $5-6k to spend on everything.

- another NPI for cheap, then build the internals?
- a 96-98 cobra motor (I assume it's easier to install than the 99+)?
- 99+ cobra?
- try to find a cheap 99+GT engine and maybe S/C it?

Just looking for opinions/ideas.

 

[stangGT97]

a 99+ 2V motor is pretty much a direct swap, and is a very cost effective way to give your car a good kick in the pants. I wouldn't bother purchasing a remanufactured NPI motor... if I was bent on staying NPI, I'd have a new forged rotating assembly installed, then have the heads ported and slap a KB on top of them. The 4V swap can be done but you have to modify your wiring harness and a few other things

 

[StangGT96]

I'm in the same situation but I have already purchased a 04 PI motor. The 96-98 cobra motor is difficult to swap (wiring harness)but if you have your mind set on it get the 99+ cobra motor (heads are different and better in my opinion) and non pi motor as stated before are cheap but with alot of miles if you do find some. Look around ask, the 04 gt motor that I bought has only 15000 miles and only i got it for 1000 even.