Modular in a fox? Can it be done?

[Big-T]

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.

[302 LX Eric]

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

[90GT Vert]

Originally posted by 302 LX Eric
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
- 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

[Big-T]

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....

[90GT Vert]

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

[Big-T]

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.

[NotchJohnson]

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.

[srv1]

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.

[Bluefox91LX]

Originally posted by Big-T
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.

that video was badass.

[slacker95]

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?

[Big-T]

Originally posted by slacker95
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.

[slacker95]

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

[wantapony2001]

Originally posted by slacker95
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.

[Big-T]

Originally posted by slacker95
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

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.

[Coupe Devil]

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

[Big-T]

Originally posted by Coupe Devil
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...)