Swapping a V8 into a 4cyl, but title shows v8?

[mustang20010]

I just bought a nice 4 cylinder coupe that I plan to swap a V8 into, but I noticed on the title, plain as day it says "Model 'MLX' CYL. 8" However, if I enter the VIN into Carfax or Autocheck (without paying it gives you a few details) it does show it as a 2.3L 4 cylinder.

So my question, or questions, are:

1. Does this affect the value of the car in any way?

2. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to leaving it this way? (I would think that when I go to the BMV to transfer the title (out of state) over if I say something they could change it?)

3. How the heck do you suppose this happened in the first place?

Anyway, just seems weird. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[lickem]

i have a 91 gt and my title says cobra

 

[lickem]

sorry i meant my insurance card not the title, i was thinking title i guess because you were talking about yours

 

[Darkwriter77]

Answer: Previous owner was "too honest" and told the DMV it was a V8 when he titled/registered it.

I don't think it'll hurt anything, really. If the factory option sticker is still on the driver's side door, it'll show right there that it's originally a 4-cylinder car. Ditto for the VIN number - the engine code tells what it originally came with from the factory.

 

[mustang20010]

Cool thanks for the input. Yeah I wasn't gonna try to be dishonest or anything, but I just figured that since I will be making it a V8 anyway, it's kind of convenient that the title already says that.

 

[68stang351]

i have a 91 gt and my title says cobra

My 90 GT insurance says that too.

It was explained to me on here one day by a Canadian, that in Canada, they call GT's "Cobras". So if my 90 GT was sold in Canada, it would be a 90 Cobra.

That's what I was told anyway.

 

[lickem]

interesting, the first time i saw it i called the insurance company to see if they were charging me a higher rate because it was labeled as a "cobra" but they wernt so i didnt think anything else about it

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

It will always be a 4cyl car. The 8th digit of the VIN number is going to scream 4cyl. There is no hiding it.

The value of the car depends on the car itself before you start with it and after you finish it. You have to start with a rock solid car. Don't buy a bucket and fill it with bondo, because you'll never pull your money out of it.

Next, put it together with near stock parts. My 5.0L T5 swap was 95% stock. I ended up getting more out of my swapped notchback this October 2008, than I did with real V8 cars back in 2001 and in 2005. I got more than other V8 cars asking price also. Because I started with a nice car and ended up with a nice car.

 

[mustang20010]

It will always be a 4cyl car. The 8th digit of the VIN number is going to scream 4cyl. There is no hiding it.

The value of the car depends on the car itself before you start with it and after you finish it. You have to start with a rock solid car. Don't buy a bucket and fill it with bondo, because you'll never pull your money out of it.

Next, put it together with near stock parts. My 5.0L T5 swap was 95% stock. I ended up getting more out of my swapped notchback this October 2008, than I did with real V8 cars back in 2001 and in 2005. I got more than other V8 cars asking price also. Because I started with a nice car and ended up with a nice car.

Thanks for the advice. Actually, that's exactly what I plan to do. I picked up a nice 96 4.6 drivetrain that I plan on swapping over to the 93 coupe. The plan is to keep it stock, right down to the air box, so if someone didn't know any better they'd think it came with a 4.6. The body is in great shape, but it does need painted, so I was thinking of Performance Red a la the 2000 Cobra R, but it's like $150/gal or something, so I dunno maybe some paint from Eastwood.

Hopefully it does well.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Well, you know Project 81 Hack Job right? I put a 4.6L in that and it was a lot of work. It is worth it though, so if you have the time, I say go for it. Here are some motivation pics.

Good luck man, it is ALL worth it when it's done!!

 

[Darkwriter77]

I want to make sweet, sweet love to that notch...

 

[Beasty306GT]

...i love that notch my favorite on here

 

[mustang20010]

That is a sweet looking notch! Yeah I am pretty excited. I found a nice 96 GT donor car so it should be FAIRLY straightforward, but yeah isn't everything?....

Well, here's hoping in a month or two...