to swap or not to swap...

[invisableflames]

that is the question. The more I have been looking into it I don’t know if I should mod my straight 6 3.3l motor or swap to a 5.0. I can get parts for my motor like alum heads, headers, carb's, cams. Mostly everything. But it is expensive! I mean like 1,500 for the head, 400 for the headers. This I know would improve the car but in the end would I have been better with a V8? I know I could drop a V8 in for around the same cost of moding my 6. The other side is the 6 is kind of rare in a fox mustang so, you have to think of that.

I will be using the car as a daily driver. I also want to autocross it this car. I want it to handle like it is on tracks and I have always loved stopping fast. I enjoy fast acceleration that is the main downfall to my motor now but I think I could fix it. Lastly I want to show off a little, I want to be able to burn some rubber, nice long burnouts!

Tell me what I should do. My interior is almost done so I will need to start working on my next project. If it is a swap I will have to get it done before I start the suspension if it is stay with the 6 I will prob do suspension first.

Please provide your reasoning, not just do this or do that. Thanks ahead of time for any input.

[Nick 1]

V-8 is the way to go. Parts & power are plenty. :D

Think of the power & mileage to had with the V-8.

I havent seen a 4 or 6 get mileage as good as some my stock V-8 cars did.

[quietflow]

go with the V8 right away, you will eventually and this will save you time and money. Besides the 6 cylinder stangs arent really sought after.

[invisableflames]

well, a 5.0 it is i guess. i am looking at motors, what is the difference between short and long blocks. would it be better to get a used 5.0 or a brand new? i am looking for cost effectiveness. i really dont need a 4-500hp motor. i am going to need a trans. because i know mine will not work. i want to go with a t5 or if i get a deal on a AOD or something i will stick with that. what are my options?

[Nick 1]

well, a 5.0 it is i guess. i am looking at motors, what is the difference between short and long blocks. would it be better to get a used 5.0 or a brand new? i am looking for cost effectiveness. i really dont need a 4-500hp motor. i am going to need a trans. because i know mine will not work. i want to go with a t5 or if i get a deal on a AOD or something i will stick with that. what are my options?

A long block includes heads & a short block is w/o heads. Buy a used 87 to 93 H.O. motor. T-5's are fun to drive. An Aod will work also as well as a C4 if you can live w/o OD. For a budget driver a T-5 or an AOD is the way to go.

Place an add in the classifieds looking for a motor & trans & see what people have. Might be able to find what your looking for @ a good price. :thumbs_up

ps: you'll need to swap out the 6cyl K-member.

[invisableflames]

y would my k member not work? i have heard both ways now! why won't the v8 motor bolt to my k member? what do i need to do to replace it? does it bolt in, or do i have to cut it out?

[trw89gt]

If you need a motor I have one out of my 89 gt that is just sitting. PM me for details

[Kool Rock Steady]

You are better off getting an tubular k member anyway. Not only are they stronger and lighter and more clearence the ones from a v8 would be all rusty anyway. The aftermarket ones are only like $250 I think

[Nick 1]

y would my k member not work? i have heard both ways now! why won't the v8 motor bolt to my k member? what do i need to do to replace it? does it bolt in, or do i have to cut it out?

6 cyl K-member is different & they are bolted in. Maybe a crashed V-8 car would make your swap easier.

[invisableflames]

ok,

tell me if i am right, i will need to swap the k-member and get a dual hump crossmember. i know my transmission will not work on a V8 so i will need a trans. as far as the motor goes any 302 block will mount into my car with the new V8 k-member. i will need the V8 motor mounts.

ok here is the stuff i am not sure about. will i need new mounts for the new trans. or will i need to find new mounts for that too? willi need to change any wiring? will my current brakes and rear-end work with a mildly horsepowered motor? i will not be drag racing this car or beating on it. it will be a street car for the most part and maybe go to the autocross track once or twice a month. if i am leaving anything out let me know. this will be my first swap and my first building of a motor.

Thanks

[Kool Rock Steady]

The duble hump crossmember is for the dual exhaust only. Brakes would work fine at most you might need to get a used v8 guage cluster but not sure about that. I would get a electric fuel pump for any engine you are going to use too. 7.5 rear end will work but not the strongest by any means. If you run radial tire(no drag radial)the rear should be fine

[invisableflames]

does anyone know if my cluster will work with the V8? i know when i looked at my cluster i have a little dial thing that had a 4 6 and 8 and 6 was selected. does anyone know about this?

[Nick 1]

Your cluster should be ok. A rusty good running V-8 parts car would make your life easy. Just swap all the drivetrain parts to your car. I'd use a 87 - 93 donor car. Then you'll have a 8.8 rearend & better factory trans that the early cars & dual exhaust with the crossmember & all the hangers & mounts for dual exhaust. With a running car you don't have to fix anything right away. Just swap & go. :D