Need to find a new home for my DOHC and TKO600

I have been perusing the V6 forum looking for V8 swap info. Wasn't able to find exactly what I want to know. All the good write ups seem to involve the 302 motor. Here is my scenario...

I have a 99 Cobra with a brand new DOHC motor, TKO600, brakes, rebuilt IRS, full exhaust, yada yada. Everything is new except the frame and skin, which is what troubles me.

I got a quote for 4-5K for body and paint. I can't see paying that to save this sinking ship. I could pick up a sweet 99 V6 for that. Can any V6 experts tell me what parts would need to be switched over to support my DOHC? I already plan on selling my IRS for a solid rear end, so that’s a non issue. I am looking for the minimum parts change out, if the stock V6 stuff will work; I will leave it in.

My other option was an FFR MK3, but the kit runs $15,000; and I would need to swap out EVERYTHING. Plus the added headache of getting a VIN, insurance, and inspections. It would be so cool though.

Selling my Cobra is not feasible either. The chassis vibration and paint issues would put me way below the value of my individual parts.

Thanks for any help or advice!

A little more detail...

Skymarshal said:

What's the issue? Body integrity? Rust? If you have a lot of dings and dents, you can clean most of it up with new fenders, hood, and trunk lid to make it perfect again without filler.

If you're suggesting getting a clean V6 donor car just to get clean paint and interior, I guess you could do that (the chassis are the same), but that seems like a lot of work to go to unless you're making a Q-ship. I would just shop around and get a quote for freshening and paint for your existing body. That will be a whole lot easier.

Click to expand...

No, if it was just a fresh coat of paint that would be way less. I have severe chassis vibration at high speed along with rust starting to come through the paint in the cracks and crevices. My Cobra was abused before I got it. It has definitely been in a wreck of some kind, but all the body shops vary on what has been done. They all agree the repairs look right, but I still can't use my cd player. The interior is almost flawless charcoal leather, so that's not a concern. I know that the chassis is the same on the V6 and V8, so I am looking (or considering) a straight V6 body for cost reasons. I can pick up a nice V6 for 5 grand, sell the motor & tranny and build the chassis/rear end up during the swap.

Normally, I urge people looking into a V8 swap to just sell the V6 and buy a V8. It is less stressful and cheaper in the long run. I can not follow my own advice, because...

1. I paid $6000 for a Ford Racing DOHC crate motor (Mach 1 engine) 2 months ago
2. I have a Tremec TKO600 with less than 2500 miles on it
3. I have a newly rebuilt 4.10 IRS I would be selling regardless
4. The leather interior will be sold for racing seats, harnesses and roll bar
5. I have brand new 10th Anniv. Cobra Calipers & Bear rotors that will transfer
6. Aluminum flywheel, Center Force clutch, Ford Racing aluminum driveshaft, Prothane engine/tranny/suspension mounts, brand new 04 headlights, Cobra tail lights will all transfer as well.

So as you can see, I am coming at this from 180 degrees. I already have all the parts; I just need a V6 body. I know anything can be done. We've all seen the guy in the magazines who put an 03 Cobra motor AND interior in a Fox 5.0, I was just wondering (specifically) what parts would not work with a 4.6 (like the ECU, the 7.5 rear end, etc.).

If the V6 option doesn't pan out, then there is this $15,000 option....

View attachment 414145
(this comes to your door unassembled. You put together the sheet metal and transfer all the running gear & wiring from a doner Mustang. Then I would still need a good paint job, so about $20,000 all in all)

Thanks again!