5.0 conversion questions

jtl · 11-22-2001, 11:22 AM

I have a chance to get a clean '88 4 cylinder notchback and a junk '90 5 liter. I know the 5.0 has some minor mods done to the motor and 3.55 gears in the rear. I have a few questions about this swap. I live in Massachussets where I still have to meet emissions laws. If I put a V-8 into a 4 cylinder car, will I still pass emissions?
Also; are there any structural differences between the two cars? Are the 4 cyl cars any weaker than 5.0's in the frame?

Thanks for any help.

Mr 5 0 · 11-22-2001, 11:56 AM

The emissions equipment will probably read your vehicle as being a 2.3 (from the VIN) but if you have catalytic converters on the exhaust system and the engine runs good, you should pass.

Not sure about Massachusetts emissions laws so you may want to check if they do a visual engine inspection; if so, you may need to get some kind of waiver. Call the state emissions department @ 1-877-387-8234 (toll-free) for more info on this.

No real 'structural' differences between the 4 cylinder to the V-8 (same body/frame) but lots of smaller differences that add up; like weaker springs, no quad shocks, 7.5 rear (weak), smaller wheels, etc. Fortunately, you'll have a V-8 wreck to pick off parts from so this shouldn't be a problem.

NotchJohnson · 11-22-2001, 01:14 PM

Yeah man I am in the process of helping my buddy do that right now. Its really pretty easy, we just dropped both subframes out of each car and swapped them with the motors and trannys still bolted up. Everything goes in real easy, but the only part I dred is the wiring, I hate that stuff.Thats why im trying to get him to drop a carbed 357 in it.

2FastLX · 11-22-2001, 03:03 PM

That's what's nice about these new cars. The wiring may be more confusing, but all the connectors are different for the most part so it's hard to get confused as to where they go. The main wiring harness pretty much lays on the intake in a way that all connections coming out of it are positioned next to the corresponding plug where they hook up. It's really fool proof.

Nitrous Al · 11-23-2001, 11:09 AM

Most of the gas stations around here don't check under the hood. They'll just hook up their connector to one of the sparkplug wires and run the test. It'll be alot more cheaper to just buy a 5.0 Mustang.

11-22-2001, 11:22 AM	#1
jtl Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 7	5.0 conversion questions I have a chance to get a clean '88 4 cylinder notchback and a junk '90 5 liter. I know the 5.0 has some minor mods done to the motor and 3.55 gears in the rear. I have a few questions about this swap. I live in Massachussets where I still have to meet emissions laws. If I put a V-8 into a 4 cylinder car, will I still pass emissions? Also; are there any structural differences between the two cars? Are the 4 cyl cars any weaker than 5.0's in the frame? Thanks for any help.

11-22-2001, 01:14 PM	#3
NotchJohnson Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Florida Keys Posts: 593	Yeah man I am in the process of helping my buddy do that right now. Its really pretty easy, we just dropped both subframes out of each car and swapped them with the motors and trannys still bolted up. Everything goes in real easy, but the only part I dred is the wiring, I hate that stuff.Thats why im trying to get him to drop a carbed 357 in it. __________________ 89 notch-finally not stock!! ported gt40's, ported cobra intake, 65mm tb, 75mm maf, mac cai, lt's,prochamber, fms 1.6 rr, 125 shot.

11-22-2001, 03:03 PM	#4
2FastLX The Photoshop Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mecca, Indiana Posts: 1,419	That's what's nice about these new cars. The wiring may be more confusing, but all the connectors are different for the most part so it's hard to get confused as to where they go. The main wiring harness pretty much lays on the intake in a way that all connections coming out of it are positioned next to the corresponding plug where they hook up. It's really fool proof. __________________ Project: 1988 Coupe - EFI 5.8L Twin Turbo with Victor intake, Canfield heads, F303 cam, March aluminum underdrive pulleys, TKO (or T56 if funds permit), PBR twin piston calipers and 13" rotors up front, 94 Cobra rear calipers and 12" rotors on the rear, 3.73's, Griggs K-member, tubular front control arms, torque arm and panhard bar, polished 99 Cobra wheels. "The GR-40 kit installation is now complete, and the humble Fox-chassis car will now out-corner and out-stop a ZR-1 or a Viper, and support massive horsepower additions with perfect balance." Griggs Racing ICQ# 42269241

11-23-2001, 11:09 AM	#5
Nitrous Al Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Everett, MA Posts: 417	Most of the gas stations around here don't check under the hood. They'll just hook up their connector to one of the sparkplug wires and run the test. It'll be alot more cheaper to just buy a 5.0 Mustang. __________________ Nitrous Al

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11-22-2001, 11:56 AM	#2
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	The emissions equipment will probably read your vehicle as being a 2.3 (from the VIN) but if you have catalytic converters on the exhaust system and the engine runs good, you should pass. Not sure about Massachusetts emissions laws so you may want to check if they do a visual engine inspection; if so, you may need to get some kind of waiver. Call the state emissions department @ 1-877-387-8234 (toll-free) for more info on this. No real 'structural' differences between the 4 cylinder to the V-8 (same body/frame) but lots of smaller differences that add up; like weaker springs, no quad shocks, 7.5 rear (weak), smaller wheels, etc. Fortunately, you'll have a V-8 wreck to pick off parts from so this shouldn't be a problem.