Still undecided

tehnick · Aug 10, 2006

How many people here have performed motor swaps for their cars? Motor swaps as in going from one platform to a different platform. I am undecided on whether or not I should perform a 4.6L Modular swap or see about upgrading to a completely different car next summer. I am approaching the point to where I need to plan for this ahead of time so I can start putting away cash for a down payment, or put away cash to perform the swap.

Some pros of a swap:
My car has a V6 VIN, so cheaper insurance based on the VIN.
Used motors tend to be fairly inexpensive.

Cons:
I will most likely need to swap the tranny and rear end, so more $$$.
If in accident, I have to swap motors depending on insurance claim.

There are other pros and cons, but my ultimate goal is to get at least into the ranks of a GT and go boost. Ultimately my heart lies with a Cobra, whether it be a Terminator or an SN-95/New Edge. I am looking for a list of what exactly I would need to do with this swap to decide whether or not it will be worth it in the long run, or better to buy a different car come next summer.

Any ideas? Plans for me to buy a GT this year have come to a disappointing end even though I know I can afford it. I have yet to find someone willing to work with me in terms of trading my current car in and scoring me a nice deal. Seems most dealerships are still trying to rip me off like what happened with this car, but that is a whole different talk show.

nwapache · Aug 10, 2006

Motor swaps are pretty fun projects in my book, but I enjoy a good challenge and hunt gremlins for fun.
Going with a 4.6 2v would be fairly straightforward and you could probably get a deal on the whole drivetrain. Forget about a terminator set-up, I looked into it b4 I ordered my Vortech, and the drivetrain will run you 11-15k.
I wouldn't worry about pulling motor if you get into an accident with it, I've never heard of getting balls busted over that, but you could always call an agent .
Does your car book out for what you'd like to get for it on trade? or are your expectations high/loan balance high?

SMOKEDYA · Aug 10, 2006

I would deffenitly do your homework! Swaping a V6 to an 8 would be fun! But i've come to relieze that even going from a 88 GT and putting the S/N95 V8 in is a BIG HEADACHE! I guess as long as you got the down time and someone that can do it or yourself can, then go for it! peace

john

fiveohwblow · Aug 10, 2006

As crazy as some may think this comment is, if you like your car I have read on many of the v-6 mustang forums outside of stangnet that the 3.8 blocks are actually fairly stout and can handle good amounts of power. I would look into a turbo kit and see what it takes.. if your in the same ballpark its still a challenge, and a project with a car you already enjoy....

Juiced87Notch · Aug 10, 2006

easiest thing to do would be to buy a totalled gt with all the stuff that you need to do the swap, just makes sure all the stuff that you need is in good condition, swap it out and sell the rest.

codemonkey · Aug 10, 2006

I would turbo the 3.8. It will probably run you around the same price, or cheaper, but you'd still have to upgrade the drivetrain, most likely.

The advantage to doing this would be comparable or same power, less wieght, and you'd be different and unique. A built V6 is more interesting IMO.

If you really want to go with a V8, you should find a wrecked GT, would be much easier to find all the little parts neccessary.

wazazzle · Aug 10, 2006

if you're looking for a motor..... last time i was at roy y wrecking in spanaway they had a 99 cobra motor sitting in it's warehouse. i think they wanted $2400. didn't say it was gonna be cheap

stock50LX · Aug 10, 2006

Mustangs are cheap. You'd be better off buying a V8 car.

Turbocharging what you have would be the next best option. For a late model car, like yours, changing a v6 to a v8 would not be cost effective and the swap carries hidden liabilities (emissions, lying to insurance co). If you want a V8, buy one.

tehnick · Aug 11, 2006

I am thinking that it might be a little more wise to go with a GT or Cobra next summer as opposed to modding my current car. I would love a turbo'd V6 but I realize that it will be pretty costly to push the limits of this engine without doing a lot of building. That will require downtime that I can't have too much of being my DD. I am going to put some cash away for a Terminator. Might as well go FI from the factory, and even downtime can be minimized with a ported Eaton swap, pully swap, etc... The modability of a Terminator is awesome too.

breakemlose · Aug 11, 2006

Never sell it to a dealership you will never get top dollar for the car. SEll it privately now in say autotrader. There's an option for like $55 where it's run it until it's sold. Do that option wait it out you could sell it in a week or 4 months.
Then go the cobra route where you get the stiffer body, bigger/better brakes, suspension components, nicer stereo, better insurance reimburstment if yoru car is totaled, more power, stronger engine, newer ecu, etc.

Much cheaper this route. Plus while yoru shopping you might get lucky and find a cobra with a turbo already on it within your price range.

loud 95 · Aug 15, 2006

Yeah, I don't know who in their right mind would attempt a motor swap into a completely different platform anyway....

Still undecided

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