Thunderbird\Cougar Engine swap

Hi,

I was hoping somebody could help me out. A friend of mine has a 1996 Thunderbird that he managed to blow the head gasket and tranny in (all in the same day). The car was a low mileage vehicle, in perfect shape, other then the engine and tranny, and sitting up. I, on the other hand, have a nice old 351M engine, with a tranny (FMX) that I want to put into something. I have looked into Mustangs, trucks, and even an old Torino, but I cannot find anything worth owning. I was thinking of putting 2 and 2 together, but I do not know if the 351M will fit in the car without major work. It currently has a 3.8L v-6 in it, and with all the junk Ford put in them that year, I think it may have enough room to fit my modified in there. I also have a 1987 Cougar, but it is kinda trashed inside, thanks to Hurricane Ivan. Id rather have the newer car. Now, one may ask why I would want to put an old Ford big block into a newer car? My answer: Why not? My friend wants to get rid of it, cheap if not free, and it would be a waste to throw away such a nice car. Add to that my old engine, and I will have a vehicle I know nobody else is driving around town. If anybody can offer any input, I would really be thankful.

Dan

that old motor should mount in there and it will be easyer then a later fuelinjested motor. but kiss goodbye you gas mileage with a carb it might have to be a fri night/ sun afternoon car.and you also have to account what your states emmisions are. some state only have safty test if so your fine.and the bigger motor needs bigger springs in the front end.and there alot more and's.do your homework

Thanks for the quick answer. As for the mileage, I think that if anything I will get an improvement. The engine is in use now, in a 6300 lb 1978 Mercury Marquis. I actually get 15-18 mpg right now. Moving to the lighter car could possibly improve the mileage, since I wont be pushing such a large mass down the road. Basically, I would be chopping 1500 lbs or more off. As for the suspension, glad you did mention that, but it isnt a problem I havent tackled before. Thanks for mentioning that either way. The wiring will be much easier, being as the Duraspark2 system is so simple compared to the EFI systems. Otherwise, I will trim as much plastic clutter and junk out of the T-bird's engine compartment as I can. My biggest worry was the engine fitting in between the rails and shock towers. If that fits, which you suggest it does, then now my biggest concern seems to be what modifications, if any, will I have to deal with when I mount the engine and tranny. I havent had time to look, but assuming the engine mount system didnt change much, knowing that 302's still came in this model car, maybe I won't have to fight much getting the 351m mounts to work. Compared to putting larger engines in, I think the modified will be easier. It shares a lot of small block characteristics. The big problem, I am told, most people run into is thye heads being larger, making the engine wider. I dont expect it to just drop in there, but hey, if it were easy, it wouldnt be fun, right??

yes it will be fun. But but im not 100% it will mount right in there.but ill tell you 2 things one anything is posible. (if you wanted to put a hemi in there it could be done, thow it will be a pain.)but your not looking at that headake at all. i heard of guys puting 460 in theses cars.and any winsor motor should bolt right up.im not an expert in anyway/not even a mechanic. i fix my cars on the side of my house.like i said before taking on a big project like this get some expert advice. heres some good websitesto start at.try there links.

www.tccoa.com.

www.foxthundercats.com.

Hi,

I was hoping somebody could help me out. A friend of mine has a 1996 Thunderbird that he managed to blow the head gasket and tranny in (all in the same day). The car was a low mileage vehicle, in perfect shape, other then the engine and tranny, and sitting up. I, on the other hand, have a nice old 351M engine, with a tranny (FMX) that I want to put into something. I have looked into Mustangs, trucks, and even an old Torino, but I cannot find anything worth owning. I was thinking of putting 2 and 2 together, but I do not know if the 351M will fit in the car without major work. It currently has a 3.8L v-6 in it, and with all the junk Ford put in them that year, I think it may have enough room to fit my modified in there. I also have a 1987 Cougar, but it is kinda trashed inside, thanks to Hurricane Ivan. Id rather have the newer car. Now, one may ask why I would want to put an old Ford big block into a newer car? My answer: Why not? My friend wants to get rid of it, cheap if not free, and it would be a waste to throw away such a nice car. Add to that my old engine, and I will have a vehicle I know nobody else is driving around town. If anybody can offer any input, I would really be thankful.

Dan

Good luck
The 351m is an intermediate engine. Your biggest problem is the Oil Pan. To fit in to this car you will need A double hump oil pan. The only one that I found is from Canton. Second the motor mount are different. You could use Racing springs & a spacer for the front Suspension. The FMX will fit, You will have to reuse the 78 drive shaft with A special rear universal jount. The shifter will also need to be changed for proper use. The exaust will have to be custom made.
The bigest Question is your states emission testing. Will it pass smog for A 96?
Air cleaner problem fixed with A small hood scoupe. A rear Gear will most likely be needed to retain gas milage.
I Am running A 1990 t-bird stock Car with A 351W & FMX transmission.

GOOD LUCK Again!

I know the 5.4 will fit. I'm pretty sure the 351 will to just might need a little(understatement) work.