Specific questions about swapping a 2003 4.6 into my 96 gt
- Thread starter rockyracoon
- Start date
patman0911
Founding Member
Exhaust manifolds will bolt right up.
Shouldn't have to do anything accept move the coil pack brackets over from your old motor and the wire loom standoffs so they don't get tangled up in the alternator.
Most of the sensors should connect right up but you'll need to drill and tap a spot for the second coolant temp sensor that the 96 used that PI cars don't. On a 2003 motor, there should be a slot just for that next to the thermostat housing on the coolant crossover tube at the front of the intake manifold. 3/8" NPT thread I believe.
Someone may pop in with some other things to look out for but you should be in good shape on those three concerns.
Shouldn't have to do anything accept move the coil pack brackets over from your old motor and the wire loom standoffs so they don't get tangled up in the alternator.
Most of the sensors should connect right up but you'll need to drill and tap a spot for the second coolant temp sensor that the 96 used that PI cars don't. On a 2003 motor, there should be a slot just for that next to the thermostat housing on the coolant crossover tube at the front of the intake manifold. 3/8" NPT thread I believe.
Someone may pop in with some other things to look out for but you should be in good shape on those three concerns.
well thanks for the info.it all seems pretty much straight forward.
The only concern I have is wether I can get by without swapping out the oil pans,I assume if I dont I wont have a low oil light,but I dont want to swap the pans out then install the motor ,and have a leak,maybe I could just get by with an aftermarket oil PSI gauge.just wondering what you guys think on that topic.
The only concern I have is wether I can get by without swapping out the oil pans,I assume if I dont I wont have a low oil light,but I dont want to swap the pans out then install the motor ,and have a leak,maybe I could just get by with an aftermarket oil PSI gauge.just wondering what you guys think on that topic.
fast97gt
Active Member
you shouldnt have to worry bout the oil pan topic, i did the complete opposite goin pi to npi in my 2000gt everything bolted and plugged right in. so the same going from npi to pi.
well are you saying you swapped a 96 motor into a PI year mustang?
im not quite sure im following you.
no one seems to identify the sensor in the oil pan,im assuming it is the low oil level sensor,so couldnt I use the PI sensor even though it isnt in the pan,but rather the oil cooler,im thinking I could just repin the connector,prolly just need the wiring diagrams for both model year cars.
im not quite sure im following you.
no one seems to identify the sensor in the oil pan,im assuming it is the low oil level sensor,so couldnt I use the PI sensor even though it isnt in the pan,but rather the oil cooler,im thinking I could just repin the connector,prolly just need the wiring diagrams for both model year cars.
rocky if your going to swap a whole PI motor in I would get a 2002-2005 explorer motor.. Thats what I am doing with my car, the reason is because it's a aluminum block so you save quite a bit of weight off the front.
You can get them from bone yards pretty cheap
You can get them from bone yards pretty cheap
wmburns
SN Certified Technician
If you want to retain the function of the low oil level sender, then you will have to swap the oil pan. They will fit each other without problem.
fast97gt
Active Member
yes rocky i am saying that. it was a 97 npi with p&p heads, cams, pi intake, etc...ive yet to have any problems
wmburns
SN Certified Technician
The sensor in the side of the oil pan is a low oil level sensor. The sensor in the oil cooler is a low oil pressure sender.
Ford dropped the oil level sensor from later model Mustangs. Apparently there were too many false alarms when the car was parked on unlevel ground. Therefore, if you want to retain the funtion of the oil level sensor, the oil pan with the sensor installed will be needed.
I suspect it is possible to transplant the sensor itself. But somehow that does not seam like a good use of time to punch a hole in a good pan.
If you do not care about the oil level sensor, the use the PI pan and leave the wire disconnected.
The oil cooler should be easy to transplant (if desired). However, I strongly recommend that the large O-ring be replaced. They are prone to leaking and there will never be easier access.
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