V-8 Conversion

[Repostyle]

A buddy of mine is thinking about buying a wrecked 2006 V6. Since he has to put some money into it to fix it he's wondering how much is involved in making it a V8. We're sure the motor would just bolt in and he'd have to change the wiring harnesses, but what else is involved? Is the trans the same (auto)? Is the ECU the same? Suspension?

Thanks for the help

 

[reldapimp]

Well if he is going to make it a stock v8 then he would be better off just buying a used V8 to start with.

 

[MikeysOTP]

If he isn't in a hurry he might want to wait for these 5 and/or 7 liter mod motors that are supposedly coming out. Even if they are out of his price range, he might be able to get someone else's stock motor cheap. That or look for a wrecked GT that still has a useable motor and components.

 

[stangdude2000]

Suspension isn't the same. I think the v6 with the pony package MAY have the GT components, but I am not sure. The auto trans is the same, but I don't think the manual is. I can't imagine the computer would be the same given that the GT's would be controlling 8 cylinders and the V6's six... The brakes are different too...

 

[Houston94vert]

Find a wrecked 05gt to swap.

Rear ends, transmission, computer, even dash components, k-member, motor, exhaust...all have to be swapped over.

 

[cave diver]

Many years ago I helped a buddy with a 6-cyl '66 Mustang swap in a 289 V-8. Even back then it was a pain! Motor mounts, transmission, complete rear axle and springs, complete front suspension and springs, radiator, wheels (4-lug to 5-lug) and more that I don't even remember.

With the complexity of todays cars, unless I had a complete donor car I wouldn't even consider it. Even with a donor I probably still pass on it.

 

[kenaimone]

i would contact this company. they might be able to tell you something. they do alot of fox body stuff, but i have seen some new stuff

http://www.mpsautosalvage.com/

good luck

 

[FFR snakeman]

A lot of differences brakes, rear end, transmission, computer, wiring on and on

 

[stanmckinney]

I can't believe it would be worth the money or trouble.

 

[ranger04]

It would be better for him to off the V-6 and buy a GT, less pain, trouble and expense in the long run.

 

[Jenns01TA]

My bad. Sorry I forgot to post a note last night that I merged the thread from V6 tech into this one since there were more responses in GT tech.

With that said, I also agree with the majority of the members - best to get a GT. Your buddy will need a considerable amount of money, time, labor and knowledge to pull off a conversion.

 

[Repostyle]

Thanks for the responses. I'll pass it on to him. I was pretty sure on most of that stuff it sounds just like the same stuff you would have to do to the fox body but I don't know much about the s197's and wasn't sure enough to recommend anything to him just yet.

He got the car for $500, so dumping money into it is no problem since it would still be worth more in the end. But I'm not sure he wants to do that much work on it. I think I'll just recommend he put a GT body kit on it, upgrade the brakes and suspension and call it good.

I saw a sticky on write-ups, and one of the ones requested was "best first mods" what do the s197's lack?

 

[Jenns01TA]

Depends on the model and end intended use.

For Street/Strip the V6 needs suspension "beefing".

Rear differential could stand a gear swap from OEM.

If you start looking into producing close to 300HP with the V-6 then an upgrade to Detroit locker or Eaton Posi rear unit is a good idea.

Tires/rims could use an upgrade. Both the Auto and Manual transmission configs could use a retune.

OEM designed exhaust is fairly efficient, but boring, so an upgrade is nice.

Again, once you start getting more power out of the V6, heat will obviously be an issue along with it, so I would seriously look into a cooling system upgrade - water pump and thermostat. I have never been a fan of iron impeller units and the stock thermostat is a 197 degree unit - getting a 180 would be recommended.

We have a couple members in V6 tech who could shed more light, so you are welcome to start a new thread in there for more information and help.

I'll leave the V8 stuff to the gentlemen in here, since that is their forte.

 

[ranger04]

If he's working with just a body and wanted race only, the sky is the limit. He could go with the new boss 302 all the way up to a 460 cobra jet create motor, a ford 9" rear diff, a host of tranny options. For street use however, you have the pollution police and so forth to deal with. For a track only car he could get crazy if he wanted. When we say it isn't really worth the hassle or expense, were talken a street leagal daily driver. I don't want to sound to discouraging as maniac mustangs are built everyday. Actually for a strip only car, it could be put together somewhat on the cheap with the right resources.

 

[red05bullitgt]

So what is the stock thermostat rated, for the current (05-08) GT ...180 degree or 197 ?

I was led to believe... the GT is rated at 180 degrees, while the V-6 is rated at 197 degrees..

However.. Doug from Bamachips claims, that most Ford factory thermostats, are rated at 197 degrees..

Therefore..I'm not really sure what to believe..

 

[Jenns01TA]

So what is the stock thermostat rated, for the current (05-08) GT ...180 degree or 197 ?

I was led to believe... the GT is rated at 180 degrees, while the V-6 is rated at 197 degrees..

However.. Doug from Bamachips claims, that most Ford factory thermostats, are rated at 197 degrees..

Therefore..I'm not really sure what to believe..

Well build specs call for 180 in V8 and 197 in V6, as you said. I would find it hard to believe that Ford would use a 197 degree Tstat in the V8, especially an aluminum block V8.

 

[red05bullitgt]

Then it appears.. Doug has some explaining to clear up..

 

[johndjmix1]

Why would you even do that? That V6 is a good motor, VERY VERY VERY easy with a Supercharger to have the car running 13's or better (With JUST the supercharger!). The insurance is less, you get better milage...etc.

Unless you plan on doing some serious mods i would stick with the V6.

--John

 

[bigcat]

Why would you even do that? That V6 is a good motor, VERY VERY VERY easy with a Supercharger to have the car running 13's or better (With JUST the supercharger!). The insurance is less, you get better milage...etc.

Unless you plan on doing some serious mods i would stick with the V6.

--John

sorry, but it has been proven many times from many different forum members that the GT and V6 get similar mileage. many GT owners actually report better mileage than V6 owners. the insurance difference is also false in many cases. i checked into my insurance company, and the V6 and GT insure for the same amount. many V6 owners have traded for a GT and have also posted this information. the argument for these two topics is simply not there anymore. these cars are simply separated by which car better fits the owners needs. cost and performance of the car is the only major difference. costs after purchase are nearly identical.

 

[stanmckinney]

I went from a V6 (2005) to a 2007 GT. Very, very little more for insurance. And the GT had a sticker of about $7,000 more since it is fully loaded.
Very slight difference in gas mileage. Don't say, "I should have had a V8." Get one to begin with. You won't regret it.