85 engine swap..help me

85pony · 05-18-1999, 12:33 AM

I need to know if anyone has any knowledge of engine swaps for 85 lx conv. stangs. I plan on replacing the 3.8 with a 5.0 from a 84 tbird. Will there be any probs? Will I need to get any custom parts to make it fit? does anyone have any suggestions of how I can make this work easier?

Unit 5302 · 05-22-1999, 12:01 AM

The 5.0 in the Thunderbird is basically the same as the one in the Mustang. There arn't any major problems with what you are going to that I know of. The different wiring and vaccuum harnesses will be the biggest problems. I don't know whether or not they can use the same tranny though. If they both have Central Fuel Injection, you won't pick up a boatload more power from the T-Bird 5.0. The later carb and SEFI 5.0's made a lot more power. If I were you I'd get the harnesses off another Mustang with the same type intake ie Carb, CFI, or SEFI. That way you should avoid problems hooking the harnesses up. Make sure you know if the transmission will bolt up before you start though.

PanamaRed90LX · 05-22-1999, 03:10 PM

The '84 T-bird came with either a 2 barrel, 155 hp or CFI 140 hp 302. In either case, you would be better off to chuck the stock intake and install an aftermarket 4 barrel carb and manifold. Don't expect 5.0 Mustang performance from this 8.4 compression, flat tappet cam engine.

For what it is worth, you could swap in a late model Mustang 3.8 and get the same power and much better drivablility without the added weight. The last time I checked, you could buy a complete engine for well under $1,000.00.

------------------
E-cam, pullies, 3.27, Mac Off-road, 2 chamber Flowmasters, 5 lug conversion

[This message has been edited by PanamaRed90LX (edited 05-22-99).]

05-18-1999, 12:33 AM	#1
85pony Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: oakville, wa, usa Posts: 1	85 engine swap..help me I need to know if anyone has any knowledge of engine swaps for 85 lx conv. stangs. I plan on replacing the 3.8 with a 5.0 from a 84 tbird. Will there be any probs? Will I need to get any custom parts to make it fit? does anyone have any suggestions of how I can make this work easier?

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05-22-1999, 12:01 AM	#2
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	The 5.0 in the Thunderbird is basically the same as the one in the Mustang. There arn't any major problems with what you are going to that I know of. The different wiring and vaccuum harnesses will be the biggest problems. I don't know whether or not they can use the same tranny though. If they both have Central Fuel Injection, you won't pick up a boatload more power from the T-Bird 5.0. The later carb and SEFI 5.0's made a lot more power. If I were you I'd get the harnesses off another Mustang with the same type intake ie Carb, CFI, or SEFI. That way you should avoid problems hooking the harnesses up. Make sure you know if the transmission will bolt up before you start though.

05-22-1999, 03:10 PM	#3
PanamaRed90LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Panama, Rep of Panama Posts: 94	The '84 T-bird came with either a 2 barrel, 155 hp or CFI 140 hp 302. In either case, you would be better off to chuck the stock intake and install an aftermarket 4 barrel carb and manifold. Don't expect 5.0 Mustang performance from this 8.4 compression, flat tappet cam engine. For what it is worth, you could swap in a late model Mustang 3.8 and get the same power and much better drivablility without the added weight. The last time I checked, you could buy a complete engine for well under $1,000.00. ------------------ E-cam, pullies, 3.27, Mac Off-road, 2 chamber Flowmasters, 5 lug conversion [This message has been edited by PanamaRed90LX (edited 05-22-99).]