6 To 8 Conversion

[Abb0]

Hi There,

I'll be moving to the US early next year and one of the first things I'll be buying is a Mustang

While I want a late 60s eventually I'm looking at a 4th Gen to start of with. My question is, is it possible to convert a 3.8 6cylinder to the 4.6 or 5.0? Are the wiring looms the same or are they quite different? What about mounts for the engine and gearbox?
From what I've seen the 6's are cheaper to buy (which is why I'm asking all this) and it'll be a good wee project to do the conversion but if it's going to be more of an expensive BIG project I'll just get an 8 cylinder to start off with and spend my $$$ on making it go quicker

Or maybe I could look at getting a 6 to go quicker? What are your thoughts?

Thanks
Paul

 

[ChingonStang]

Get the 8 since you already have the V8 mindset. If you really want to go the 6 to 8 route, getting a donor car with the engine will help with the conversion.

 

[bkstang00]

this project is going to cost you lots of money.theres a bunch of stuff to change,cause i was thinking about the same a few yrs ago.youre better of getting already stock V8 stang .save you money.

 

[98stangv8]

Don't do it...been there, done that...while it is cool to have a base 6, but 8 engine car....it is a ton of work and even more money....lots of things you don't think about changing:

rear axle
exhaust
radiator
fan
master cylinder
wiring
computers


probably do rims/tires...since it would just look bad...

Just buy the 8...seriously.

 

[Skymarshal]

Agreed. Just buy the V8 to begin with. The only advantage to doing the swap is if you want to con the insurance company into lower rates, or if your V6 seized up and you're set on keeping the car.

For about the same money as doing a Mustang V6 to V8 swap, I would build a Focus RS-8 (Ford Focus with V8 powertrain). Bit of a handful, but a lot more fun!