This is a father/son project to get him in his first set of wheels. I have an abandoned '94 V6 mustang with a blown engine on my property and we're installing an '01 3.8 Mustang engine to get it back on the road.
Here are some of the things we've found so far regarding this swap:
1. The split port heads came on the '99 up Mustangs and gained approx 40 hp over the previous design.
2. The headers changed design including the locaton of the ball socket. The O2 sensors moved to the H pipe.
3. The fuel system is returnless (I'm guessing also beginning with the '99).
4. The '01 up 3.8 had the IMRC like the Windstar and gained another 3 hp. This requires a specific ECM from '01 to '04. Found one on ebay for $60.
5. Begining in '01 the 3.8 is internally balanced. So we will need the corret flexplate for the trans.
6. The engine harness is completely different. I found one on ebay and it's on its way.
Questions for this audience?
1. Where does the hose from the passenger side valve cover go?
2. Can the bracket for the coil pack from an '01 be purchased seperately? The new engine didn't come with a coil pack and it mounts on a different bracket.
3. Can the return fuel line be simply capped?
Some things we have planned:
1. Install true dual exhaust (expecting a 15 to 20 hp gain)
2. Swap out the rear for an 8.8 with 3.55s and traction lok. It also has a beefy anti-sway bar.
3. Install Mach 1 style front calipers and discs.
4. Install Mach 1 wheels; 17 x 8 front and 17 x 9 rear.
5. Go autox racing!
If anyone else has already done this swap, please feel free to let us know what pitfalls are ahead.
Thanks!
Here are some of the things we've found so far regarding this swap:
1. The split port heads came on the '99 up Mustangs and gained approx 40 hp over the previous design.
2. The headers changed design including the locaton of the ball socket. The O2 sensors moved to the H pipe.
3. The fuel system is returnless (I'm guessing also beginning with the '99).
4. The '01 up 3.8 had the IMRC like the Windstar and gained another 3 hp. This requires a specific ECM from '01 to '04. Found one on ebay for $60.
5. Begining in '01 the 3.8 is internally balanced. So we will need the corret flexplate for the trans.
6. The engine harness is completely different. I found one on ebay and it's on its way.
Questions for this audience?
1. Where does the hose from the passenger side valve cover go?
2. Can the bracket for the coil pack from an '01 be purchased seperately? The new engine didn't come with a coil pack and it mounts on a different bracket.
3. Can the return fuel line be simply capped?
Some things we have planned:
1. Install true dual exhaust (expecting a 15 to 20 hp gain)
2. Swap out the rear for an 8.8 with 3.55s and traction lok. It also has a beefy anti-sway bar.
3. Install Mach 1 style front calipers and discs.
4. Install Mach 1 wheels; 17 x 8 front and 17 x 9 rear.
5. Go autox racing!
If anyone else has already done this swap, please feel free to let us know what pitfalls are ahead.
Thanks!