99 3.8 engine into a 95 body?

Gremlinx · 05-28-2003, 06:52 PM

I own 95 3.8 mustang with over 165,000 miles on it. I will probably need a new engine soon. I would upgrade to a V-8, but i cant afford changing all the other parts that have to be converted over. I know the 99 3.8 engines and up come stock 190HP, but does anyone know if i would have to make any other major changes to the car if i where to purchase this newer engine?

84LX89GT · 05-29-2003, 11:01 PM

You would have to get the OBD II processor, wiring for all the new sensors, all the sensors. Everything else should bolt up. You might also need to upgrade the evaporative emissions system so you don't get a check engine light (wouldn't be too hard).

....If i were you, this is what i would do:
since your intake manifold and cylinder heads fully ported/worked over - flow better than the newer split port cylinder heads and intake manifold (also ported) I would probably just buy another 3.8L engine from your year or use your engine, get a better camshaft, port and maybe extrude hone the cylinder heads and intake manifold, intall larger valves and mill the cylinder heads, buy a larger throttle body, MAF sensor and get Cold air induction and better (dual) exhaust and you'd have one powerful 3.8L.
There's alot of 3.8L performance engine building shops/companies out there so you can easily build up your existing engine.
You could also buy the bottom end of a F-150 V6, which is a 4.2L and is a cheap stroker kit (low mileage bottom end, or rebuild a 4.2L bottom end).
Good luck,

Gremlinx · 05-30-2003, 12:41 AM

Well this is the situation. I have close to $1300 to use on an upgrade on my car. I have a chip, plugs, and performance filter. Everything else is stock. I also have 165,000 miles on the car, so what would be my best move to help the car last a little longer, and at the same time what can i do to make it move faster with the amount i have to spend? I thought about headers, pulleys, and duals, but that would give me the same performance gains of the newer 3.8 190hp engine? Plus many less miles, but i am far from an expert so any adice or opinions from anyone i would really appreciate.

GodStang · 05-30-2003, 07:04 AM

You could put a 302 in for under $1000

Gremlinx · 05-30-2003, 09:38 AM

302 in my car? I could leave the tranny, computer and all other transfer stuff alone? I thought everything had to be converted over if i were to get a V-8?

GodStang · 05-30-2003, 12:15 PM

You have to change the radiator and fan, wiring harness, and engine, flywheel, and exhaust. If you do it right you can do it under $1000.

If you hit the junk yard you can make this a very enexpensive project. If you want it all brand new than that is another story.

05-28-2003, 06:52 PM	#1
Gremlinx Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 13	99 3.8 engine into a 95 body? I own 95 3.8 mustang with over 165,000 miles on it. I will probably need a new engine soon. I would upgrade to a V-8, but i cant afford changing all the other parts that have to be converted over. I know the 99 3.8 engines and up come stock 190HP, but does anyone know if i would have to make any other major changes to the car if i where to purchase this newer engine?

05-29-2003, 11:01 PM	#2
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	You would have to get the OBD II processor, wiring for all the new sensors, all the sensors. Everything else should bolt up. You might also need to upgrade the evaporative emissions system so you don't get a check engine light (wouldn't be too hard). ....If i were you, this is what i would do: since your intake manifold and cylinder heads fully ported/worked over - flow better than the newer split port cylinder heads and intake manifold (also ported) I would probably just buy another 3.8L engine from your year or use your engine, get a better camshaft, port and maybe extrude hone the cylinder heads and intake manifold, intall larger valves and mill the cylinder heads, buy a larger throttle body, MAF sensor and get Cold air induction and better (dual) exhaust and you'd have one powerful 3.8L. There's alot of 3.8L performance engine building shops/companies out there so you can easily build up your existing engine. You could also buy the bottom end of a F-150 V6, which is a 4.2L and is a cheap stroker kit (low mileage bottom end, or rebuild a 4.2L bottom end). Good luck, __________________ 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300-R 1980 Ford Thunderbird - 255 V8 ported heads, 5.0L ported stock headers, O.R. H-pipe and Flowmaster 2-chambers, dual roller timing chain hi-po Mack Truck hood emblem 1985 Mustang GT 5.0L T5, F-303, GT40p, headers, off-road h, flowmasters, MSD stuff, etc. Sold 02/06/04 1989 Mustang GT ET: 13.304@102.29 mph (5-24-03) Sold - 1998 Mustang Cobra coupe, 1/4 mile - street tires: 13.843@103.41 (bone stock)

05-30-2003, 07:04 AM	#4
GodStang College Stanger Join Date: May 1999 Location: Aiken,south carolina, usa Posts: 1,097	You could put a 302 in for under $1000 __________________ 2003 Sonic Blue Cobra

05-30-2003, 12:15 PM	#6
GodStang College Stanger Join Date: May 1999 Location: Aiken,south carolina, usa Posts: 1,097	You have to change the radiator and fan, wiring harness, and engine, flywheel, and exhaust. If you do it right you can do it under $1000. If you hit the junk yard you can make this a very enexpensive project. If you want it all brand new than that is another story. __________________ 2003 Sonic Blue Cobra

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05-30-2003, 12:41 AM	#3
Gremlinx Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 13	Well this is the situation. I have close to $1300 to use on an upgrade on my car. I have a chip, plugs, and performance filter. Everything else is stock. I also have 165,000 miles on the car, so what would be my best move to help the car last a little longer, and at the same time what can i do to make it move faster with the amount i have to spend? I thought about headers, pulleys, and duals, but that would give me the same performance gains of the newer 3.8 190hp engine? Plus many less miles, but i am far from an expert so any adice or opinions from anyone i would really appreciate.

05-30-2003, 09:38 AM	#5
Gremlinx Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 13	302 in my car? I could leave the tranny, computer and all other transfer stuff alone? I thought everything had to be converted over if i were to get a V-8?