Swapping out the 3.8

Topic: Swapping out the 3.8 (Read 5243 times) previous topic - next topic

Swapping out the 3.8

September 11, 2015, 02:23:03 AM

Hey guys,
I recently had a head gasket blow out on my '85. The engine started to overheat as well. My mechanic says it's probably going to need a new head. My thinking is, what's to say that I won't have another head gasket blow out sometime. I've been thinking about maybe going a different route and swapping in a 5.0 I'm just wondering what all it would take to make it work?

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #1 – September 11, 2015, 11:42:11 AM

Here you go: http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/ho_transplant.html

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #2 – September 11, 2015, 01:23:06 PM

Cool, thanks! I think the same basic principles will still apply, but I was actually thinking about using a 70s-early 80s carbed 302.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #3 – September 12, 2015, 01:55:16 AM

So, the 5.0 swap is definitely happening. I need to find a decent, halfway low mileage engine.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #4 – September 12, 2015, 10:24:12 AM

I was just offered a chance to buy a turbo 2.3 from the college I go to. How easy would it be to put one in a V6 car? Can my C5 hook up to it?

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #5 – September 12, 2015, 11:49:46 AM

Quote from: Cornfed85;451224

I was just offered a chance to buy a turbo 2.3 from the college I go to. How easy would it be to put one in a V6 car? Can my C5 hook up to it?

Going to/from the 2.3T in anything other than a NA 2.3 Stang or Ranger is far more work than from/to V6 or V8... You'll need all sorts of unique pieces like throttle linkage, intake plumbing, VAM, computer and it's wiring(that's necessary for any swap) etc, etc...

BTW, no a C5 won't fit a 2.3, even T-5 are different(input shaft & gear ratios), but can be made to work...

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #6 – September 12, 2015, 12:04:33 PM

Ok. I guess it's back to finding a V8.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #7 – September 12, 2015, 12:56:39 PM

There are literally millions of 5.0 engines out there...some of the newer ones from say, Explorers, etc can go several hundred thousand miles and only need basic tune-up parts. My '97 Mountaineer has 260K on the clock....I'd get in it and not be afraid to drive to either ocean, and engine wise, it would make provided I stopped every 120 miles for another tank of gas.

(It's the rear that scares me...lots of play in the axles and she's got a howl when I get in it. He he he...sounds dirty, but...

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #8 – November 14, 2015, 12:32:54 AM

I am looking to get a 1970's 302/351. Will it bolt up to my C5? Also, will my wiring (alternator, etc.) work for a '70s engine? I know I won't need the ECU anymore.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #9 – November 14, 2015, 08:03:38 AM

Yes the C5 will hook up to the 302 , but it will need to have some work done to it.you will also need to change the flexplate and torque converter.
If it were me , I would go with the c4 , you would have more money in the C5, than you can buy a C4 for.

I am running a C5 behind a 1969 302.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #10 – November 14, 2015, 03:38:34 PM

I just found a 1968 302 with a C4. What all would need to be done to make the C4 work? I assume it probably wouldn't just drop in.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #11 – November 14, 2015, 09:56:00 PM

Actually, I'm thinking about going with an '80s 5.0 swap. I found ECUs that aren't very expensive. Now I just need to find a V8 ECU harness and '86 V8 motor mounts and then I'll be set to get the engine.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #12 – November 14, 2015, 10:10:07 PM

Go for an AOD while you're trans shopping. You'll like it a lot better at highway speed.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #13 – November 14, 2015, 11:14:15 PM

I've heard mixed reviews on the AOD. Some people say they work fine, other people say they're plagued with problems. Early overdrives have a bad reputation. Not just the AOD, but the early Torqueflight overdrives, and the GM 700R4s.

Swapping out the 3.8

Reply #14 – November 14, 2015, 11:34:37 PM

Get a healthy one for a v8 car, set the throttle valve correctly, and you won't have problems.