so has anyone done the swap?

white89stang5.0

New Member
Mar 7, 2004
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hey,
anyone here ever swapped from a 4 banger auto to a 5.0 auto? this is for a fox body...just want to know generaly whats involved(what has to be changed?) and the difficulty of the swap. i am just using a carbed 302 so there shouldn't be too much computer wiring. anyone done this before and have pics or tips?

thanks
 
white89stang5.0 said:
hey,
anyone here ever swapped from a 4 banger auto to a 5.0 auto? this is for a fox body...just want to know generaly whats involved(what has to be changed?) and the difficulty of the swap. i am just using a carbed 302 so there shouldn't be too much computer wiring. anyone done this before and have pics or tips?

thanks

This swap has done many many times... May want to do a search on this forum, I'm sure you'll come up with all the information you need.
 
the motor and tranny will bolt right up to the stock k-frame and tranny crossmember. no biggie.

just a few details you have to attend to, and i'm sure you can find some threads addressing them.
 
okay

okay...is the rear end the same? how about the driveshaft?

do the springs/shocks need to be swapped?

2.3 Lfuel pump good for 302?

2.3 rad the same?

can i mock up the motor mounts, or would i need ones from a stcok V8 car?

what else would have to be changed?
 
2.3 rearend is a 7.5 where as the 5.0 has the 8.8 rear. You will need a lower pressure fuel pump if you are going carbed. I am pretty sure the 2.3 radiator is thinner than the 5.0 (not positive about that). I know there is a difference in springs , but I think you can still use the 4 popper springs.
 
your rear is a 7.5. it will handle a mild 302. if you're going for more power, get an 8.8.

driveshaft is a direct swap.

the tranny crossmember will work, but yours probably only has one hump. you'll need a different run to run true duals.

your k-frame will work with a 302. throw a set of motor mounts on the 302, lower it in, and they'll bolt together.

if your 2.3 is EFI, you will either need a gas tank from a carbed car (to eliminate the electric fuel pump) or a fuel pressure regulator. an unregulated electric pump is going to put out about 40psi...which will blow the needle(s) out of your carb and flood it. most carbs run on about 5psi or fuel pressure.

your radiator may make the motor run a bit hot. if it's only a 2 core, i'd get a better one.

your suspension will be fine. the 2.3 is a heavy motor for what it is....you'll be adding like under 150 pounds with the 302. that's probably not even enough to make the front end sink half an inch.

what kind of motor do you want to use? (other than 'carbed') roller motor?
 
white89stang5.0 said:
okay thanks for all the help...the motor is from an 1986 mustang GT. the motor will be mild starting off, so the 7.5" will do for a little while till i get modifying.


Man i wouldnt spend much time on that 7.5, i've blown them with a cam/intake motor...
 
I had an 86 with a 7.5 and stock fresh rebuilt windsor, the rear end had like 275,000 kilometers on it, I never blew it. Traction will be the determining factor, the more you hook up the more stress on the axles. Everyone else has given you all the info you need. Its really that easy.