What about the earlier 3.8's??

[jcash1995]

I’ve got an 84 3.8 convertible I just inherited. My step-father bought this car new and now has only got 11,000 miles and I want to keep a 3.8 (4.2?) in her. Because of it’s low mileage, I want to keep it "looking" as stock as possible. This means keeping the 3.8, automatic, and the CFI, with maybe a 4.2 swap in the future.
Nobody talks about the early 3.8’s anymore. What is the difference, if any, between the early 3.8’s and the newer ones. Why are the newer ones rated 160ish hp, while the older ones rate near 115?
I imagine I should be able to use a late model longblock with my front accesories, intake and oilpan, and make a nice comfortable cruiser without resorting to a 5.0. Also is there any power to be found in the CFI? I know most people just replace the t-body with a carb, but that’s not the direction I want to go with this car.
Take a look. I’d love some suggestions.
http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/2047001

 

[85&90notchowner]

Nice vert, I think me and you are the only ones with early 3.8, I think the hp is diffrent because they changed the way they rated hp in 93.

 

[foxbodyfreak]

We Want Our Own Room!!

i said the same thing and no one ever replied, then i wrote to a moderator and basically all i got was a 'who cares?' i originally asked if we could make a forum for us or rename the current v6 forum. nothing. i own an 84 3.8/c5 vert and an 86 3.8L/c5 and love them both. we need a place where we can talk about our quirky little engines. i also think the hp (rating) went upbecause of the fuel injection.

all the parts from any year 3.8 will bolt up to one another. also all front accessories from a 3.8 and 5.0 are interchangeable. 3.8 is basically a 5 litre sans two cylinders.

you guys got anything to tell me about your cars running hotter with the air on? or is this just my picky 86?

 

[jcash1995]

Fox, dunno about your engine running hot, because this is my first v-6 Stang (I've owned 9- 5.0's and a 460 Capri). Actually, I only drove the 84 from from storage building to my shop, about 10 miles. Before that, it hadn't moved in 10 years.

 

[foxbodyfreak]

see, three measly comments. no one cares about us.... oh well, i have 4 3.8L cars and 3 extra engines, so im always here for anything i can help on.

 

[foxbodyfreak]

I’ve got an 84 3.8 convertible I just inherited. My step-father bought this car new and now has only got 11,000 miles and I want to keep a 3.8 (4.2?) in her. Because of it’s low mileage, I want to keep it "looking" as stock as possible. This means keeping the 3.8, automatic, and the CFI, with maybe a 4.2 swap in the future.
Nobody talks about the early 3.8’s anymore. What is the difference, if any, between the early 3.8’s and the newer ones. Why are the newer ones rated 160ish hp, while the older ones rate near 115?
I imagine I should be able to use a late model longblock with my front accesories, intake and oilpan, and make a nice comfortable cruiser without resorting to a 5.0. Also is there any power to be found in the CFI? I know most people just replace the t-body with a carb, but that’s not the direction I want to go with this car.
Take a look. I’d love some suggestions.
http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/2047001

i have only heard bad things about the 4.2L truck engine, albiet a direct shortblock swap. everyone says its either a hunk of crap or a dog. either way.... but hey what could it really hurt to try it?