Modular in a fox? Can it be done?
 

I've been contemplating options for swapping in a V8 in my 89' LX 2.3 automatic. The 4-banger is anemic (at best...) and while I consider it a solid and reliable commuter car (as it is currently used), it doesn't provide for much fun. The body is in excellent condition, so I feel that it's a good platform to build something fun.

I have considered various 'traditional' swaps, like a 5.0 stroker (347 for example), a 351, or even a 351 stroker. I do want to retain EFI and all smog equipment because I'm looking to build a pure street car that needs to pass emissions.

Lately I have been thinking that a smooth running DOHC/32V Cobra modular engine would do well in the Fox body. So, I want to know - anyone know anything about the feasibility of this swap? Cost is not a major concern, nor is some 'hack-mechanic' modifications to make it fit. I'd like to mate it to a T-56 for a good combo of accelleration and highway cruising capabilities.

- Have anyone seen a swap like this?
- Are the motor mounts in the same location?
- Is the engine bay wide enough for the OHC's?
- What, if any, modifications to the body/engine bay/transmission tunnel may be needed?
- Are any 'swap parts' available, such as special headers, oil pan, etc. that are available for 351 swaps?
- Any other thoughts?

I am not looking to build a screamer or a strip car. This is ONLY meant to be a street car with good performance and driveability. I don't care what the 1/4 mile numbers would be, and I realize that the pushrod engines have better torque down-low. Humor me ;)

I'd love to hear from anyone who might know anything about this. And please, I'm not interested in guessing, unless it is particularly educated guessing ;)

Thanks!

T.

I believe that Lido Icabelli (sp?) from Alternative Motorsports in Michigan has put a 4-cammer in a fox. I'm pretty sure there was a feature in MM&FF or 5.0 about the car.

So, yes, it can be done.

E

Yes, I have a issue of MM&FF of a fox-body with a 32v Cobra motor. It can be done.


- Have anyone seen a swap like this? Yes
- Are the motor mounts in the same location? I'm pretty sure
- Is the engine bay wide enough for the OHC's? Of course :D
- What, if any, modifications to the body/engine bay/transmission tunnel may be needed? not sure
- Are any 'swap parts' available, such as special headers, oil pan, etc. that are available for 351 swaps? for a 351w swap, BBK and MAC makes header's i've seen. For the 281 4V you would probley have to get custom headers.
- Any other thoughts? A 32V DOHC in a fox would haul *** :) I say go for it :D

ok, cool! Does Alternative have a web site?

Would anyone be willing to scan in the pages of the article mentioned and e-mail to me?

This sounds interesting.... :D

I found one. Its 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords, March 2002.

5.0 Tech Specs

ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN

Block-Stock 4.6 Cobra
Cylinder Heads-Stock 4.6 Cobra (Extrude Honed)
Intake Manifold-Stock 4.6 Cobra (Extrude Honed)
Camshafts-AEW custom grind
Power Adder-Vortech S-Trim
Exhaust-Custom Joe Ellis headers, Mac H-pipe, and Mac Catback
Fuel Pump-220-lph in-tank pump
Fuel Injectors-50 lb/hr
Transmission-700R4
Rearend-8.8 with 3.73 Gears

ELECTRONICS

Engine Management-FRPP EPEC
Gauges-Stock

SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS

Springs-Eibach
Struts/Shocks-Koni
Rear Suspension-Stock control arms with polyurethane bushings
Wheels-FRPP Cobra "R"
Tires-Nitto
Brakes-Stock

Sorry man I don't have a scanner, but from the pictures it looks like the DOHC 4.6 fits snug in the fox bodys engine bay.
It gave this phone number though
AEW - Ontario, CA. (909) 930-9845

I have around 200+ magizines...I'll look through them and see if I can find anything else :)

ok, I found Alternative's web site, and saw the pic of the Fox with a Modular. Looks like it fits in there, although it's a little tight.

If any of you run across any more info on this I'd love to see it. Thanks again for great feedback.

Maybe I'll end up with a 351-based EFI stroker or something like that - it's an easier swap, for sure.

T.

I have a video of that dudes car on my comp at school. It is a fox notch with an 03 cobra motor in it. The car ran low 11's with slicks. Ill post the vid monday night when Im back at school.

Big T. did you go to the Mod motor shootout in Cecil this year? they had at least 5 of them with the Cobra motor. very cool.

that video was badass.

if you think about it a cobra motor is costy and really not worth swapping into a fox unless you have lots of money to play with. i it were me i would just build a 331 with a blower and call it a day and have alot more power than most could handle. anything car be done....but the real question is .... is it really worth it?

Hey Slacker, I think your comments are definitely valid, and I am contemplating whether it is worth it or not. I'm not so concerned about power as I am about building something unique though, and I feel that a modular in a fox would be more unique than a 5.0-based stroker. While I am certainly not made of money, I don't want to make cost a major factor in my decision.

If I go a traditional push-rod setup, I will go with a 351-based stroker instead. FRPP's short-block 392 could be an interesting base for a hot naturally aspirated engine with EFI. I do need to retain all emissions equipment so I can pass inspection.

We'll see what happens, I still have some time before I can begin this project, but I'll keep ya posted.

T.

do you want drivabilty or do you want speed? if had the money i would own a 357 single t78 turbo setup and i would have speed and drivabilty. thought....if you want something unique go wit a 302 or 351 turbo setup and then you will have something very uniquie since not many people have turbos for stangs.



the real questions you need to ask yourself are:

1 how much money do i have to spend
2 will it be a daily driver or a weekend warrior
3 what exactly do i want from the car when it comes to performance

ummmmmm.....he answered all these questions already except the first ....which is probably the most important.

Answers:
1. I don't want money to be a limiting factor, and I'm taking that out of the equation (within reasonable limits...)
2. Daily driver only.
3. Streetable, emissions legal performance that is good for everyday driving. I don't care what it does in the 1/4 mile, and handling/drivability is much more important than straight line performance.

Lately I've been thinking more about just doing a 351-based stroker with EFI. There's still time though, I can't start this project for another while. I'll keep ya posted.

T.

Whats the difference in a DOHC engine from a Cobra and a DOHC engine from a Lincoln? I have a guy here that runs a high end junk yard ( as high end as you can get ) and I can pick up a complet DOHC Engine, Tranny, harness and computer out of an 01 Lincoln withbout 25,000 miles on it for 2 grand. Doesnt sound like a bad deal to me. Assuming it will make a fair amount or powre or with a power adder added to it really romp out some good numbers. I would love to have a DOHC motor in my 86 Coupe.. Lowered, mean and fast is jsut a combonation that appeals to me greatly..

Bradley

I love that idea! talk about high-tech for low-buck! I don't know enough to say what the differences are, but I would say for the money it's a great option to get the DOHC, even if it's somewhat lower on power.

Go for it, man! (if you're prepared to deal with the swap, I imagine it's quite a bit more involved than dropping in a windsor of any kind...)