3.8 Mods

[masterb]

Ive got a '98 3.8L mustang. I was planning on putting a 5.0 in it, but Ive heard that I can get the same power out of my 3.8 for around the same cost. is this true? I dont know a whole lot except for maybe exhaust, heads, gears, Turbocharger/Supercharger. What else would give me a REALLY mean 3.8? Or should I just go for the 5.0? Also Ive looked at a few sites and some things are available for all models EXCEPT the '98...Why is that? Thanks in advance!

[GodStang]

You can get the same power from a 5.0 as 3.8. These are the same pros and cons.

3.8
Less weight and better gas milage.
It will cost you about $3000 to get a fast 3.8L
You will be pushing its limits and parts will tend to break more.

5.0
More weight and about 10 mpg less for gas.
You can do it for about $2000 for a swap.

You can get way over 600 hp from a 5.0 but with a 3.8 350 hp is possible but will not be much of a daliy driver.

If it fits a 94-97 v6 than it will fit a 98 v6.

[84LX89GT]

You're better off buying a GT than converting your car just because stock the GT comes with better suspension, bushings, balljoints, stronger transmissions, rear axle, larger brakes, etc. all the parts needed (including radiator, motor mounts, wiring, computer, etc. etc.).

I've always gotten around 17-21 mpg with my 5.0L GT and 17mpg is with a serious lead foot, usually around 19 mpg and this is with the relatively slow EEC-IV system.

All things being equal a 5.0L with make more power with the same amount of money, but in your situation a conversion could cost upwards of 2,000 easily if you swap in everything to make it dependable not including the 8.8" rear out of the GT, and trans that you'd definately want to get because of higher torque capacity.

If i were you i wouldn't spend any money on your car other than small stuff, but if you're determined to push the limits of the 3.8L and it's cylinder sealing capabilities that's your risk.

A supercharged 3.8L, with full exhuast and gears will be able to hang with most lightly modded 5.0L's.

You may also want to look into the possibility of stroking your engine from 3.8L to 4.2L. The truck engine is 4.2L and the rotating assembly may be interchangable with your car. You may want to look into that. Maybe you could even get a new truck 4.2L engine (new car take out from accident or something).
Hell, the new truck 4.2L makes 202 horsepower and 252 lb/ft torque stock whereas a mustang with the 3.8L makes 193 horsepower and 225 lb/ft torque stock. either is an improvement over the 140 or 150 horsepower your car has.
Extra displacement means extra torque and horsepower.

Also, a good step in bettering the breathing of your engine is to swap your stock intake system, intake manifold/heads and processor from a '99+ STOCK 190 horsepower 3.8L. I'm sure if you look around there are lots of articles about doing that.
You can probably get new engine take-off parts for very good prices and add that with a supercharger, exhaust and gears and your car will haul @ss!
Good luck,