QuestionThat was my intention at first, to just add a supercharger to my engine and make the LX into the 3.8L SC. However, when I talked to the same mechanic about doing that he said it couldn't be possible since they are two different types of engines, the SC being a Mitisubishi (I think that's what he said it was) and the LX being a Ford. I figured he was right since he has a lot of experience when it comes to Ford and he knows people who work with the company. Could you clarify this because I honestly don't mind settling for a supercharger since it would be a lot cheaper but if they are two different engines then I'll just continue with the engine swap. Thanks again.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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I have had my eye on a 5.0HO Mustang engine and I want to put it into a 95 T-bird LX that has a 3.8L V6. I know of a mechanic that said he could swap the engines but what he needs from me is to "research" on what parts are interchangeable and if I'm going to need any new parts for the engine. I've searched the web high and low for an interchange manual but I haven't been able to find one yet. Any advice on where to find a manual or what parts I'll need for the switch would be great. Thanks.
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Matt-
A 3.8L to 5.0L swap could probably be done, but it'd be easier to swap in a 4.6L over a 5.0L. This is mainly because '95 Tbirds came from the factory with a 4.6L option. You could just find a donor car (one from a junkyard...maybe that was in a preferably rear end collision or other non-front end accident) and swipe everything you needed from that. You'll need a new K-member (a.k.a engine brace) with V8 motor mounts, a V8 computer (if you want to keep your EFI, which I recommend), the wiring harness for said computer, probably some suspension upgrades from a V8 Tbird (springs, struts, and maybe front brakes), and some other misc. bits and pieces you won't know about and never can know about until you actually do the swap. The transmission is also probably going to be an issue. You might just need a V8 bellhousing to mount the old one up, but I'm willing to be you'll need to swap in a V8 transmission as well. There'll also be little things to do like making sure the tach works with the V8. Some tachs can be switched between 4, 6, and 8 cylinder modes but sometimes you have to replace parts with those from a V8. Now that I think about it, you may just be better off making an SC clone. It'd probably be cheaper and Tbird SCs are pretty easy to modify. All you'd really need is the supercharger and a few other small items and you'd be good to go...all of which can be taken off of another Thunderbird. Hope this helps.
Steve
AnswerMatt-
Well...I can't really say I'm sure about the engine being a non-Ford. I know Taurus SHO motors were built and tuned by Suzuki, but as far as I know the SC motors are Fords. Heck, even if they're not I'm sure you could swap in an SC motor complete with supercharger for a lot less money and a lot less hassle than you'd run into with a V8.
Steve
