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

mustang20010

Member

Nov 2, 2003

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Dec 22, 2008

#1

• Dec 22, 2008

• #1

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

New Member

Sep 11, 2005

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lake elsinore ca

Dec 22, 2008

#2

• Dec 22, 2008

• #2

i have a 91 gt and my title says cobra

 

lickem

New Member

Sep 11, 2005

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lake elsinore ca

Dec 22, 2008

#3

• Dec 22, 2008

• #3

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

 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy

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Jul 1, 2005

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Apache Junction, AZ

Dec 23, 2008

#4

• Dec 23, 2008

• #4

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

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Nov 2, 2003

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Dec 24, 2008

#5

• Dec 24, 2008

• #5

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

Founding Member

May 16, 2002

850

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Savoy TX

Dec 24, 2008

#6

• Dec 24, 2008

• #6

lickem said:

i have a 91 gt and my title says cobra

Click to expand...

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

New Member

Sep 11, 2005

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lake elsinore ca

Dec 24, 2008

#7

• Dec 24, 2008

• #7

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

waiting for the next hack atta

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Nov 22, 2001

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Motor City

Dec 24, 2008

#8

• Dec 24, 2008

• #8

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

Member

Nov 2, 2003

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Dec 24, 2008

#9

• Dec 24, 2008

• #9

SVT32VDOHC said:

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.

Click to expand...

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

waiting for the next hack atta

Founding Member

Nov 22, 2001

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Motor City

Dec 24, 2008

#10

• Dec 24, 2008

• #10

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!!

 

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Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy

5 Year Member

Jul 1, 2005

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Apache Junction, AZ

Dec 25, 2008

#11

• Dec 25, 2008

• #11

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

 

Beasty306GT

Active Member

Dec 19, 2002

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Oxford,Mass

Dec 25, 2008

#12

• Dec 25, 2008

• #12

...i love that notch my favorite on here

 

mustang20010

Member

Nov 2, 2003

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Dec 29, 2008

#13

• Dec 29, 2008

• #13

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...