are areostar and windstar engines the same?

would a 3.0 engine from a 93 areostar fit in a 99 winstar with a 3.0?...if not is it possible to put a 3.8?

The Aerostar is a rear wheel drive vehicle, so the configuration of the motor would be different. As for a 3.0 to a 3.8, I'm not sure, but I doubt it.

The Aerostar engines will be different from the Windstar.
Also, a 3.8L from a rear wheel drive vehicle (say a mustang) is different from a 3.8L engine from a front wheel drive vehicle.
To further complicate things.....there were year to year changes to the engine........
A '95 3.8L is different from the '96 3.8L. There were some changes between '96 and '98.
Then.....the 3.8L engine underwent MAJOR change for '99.
Along with this is all the electronics, sensors, and computers....which changed from year to year.
A junk yard should have manuals (now on computer) that will tell them what engine can be used in what vehicle....and that is the route that I would go in trying to determine what engine will work......as you want things to line up correctly without major modifications........which are $$$$......

Although there are numerous modifications from year-to-year the majority of the changes are on the "bolted-on" equipment and not to the block itself. if you find the right basic engine then chances are that you could just just use the block. The add-ons like the fuel delivery system, air delivery system, ignition and electronics, transmission etc. can be re-used from your old engine. There may be some years where a few significant mechanical mods were made but they are less common.

The 3.0 used in the Windstars are Ford's Vulcan engine line. It was available on the Taurus, Sauble, Probe, Tempo, Topaz, Aerostar, Windstars, Rangers and Mazda B3000s. You will have more luck with ones from similar years and applications (IE van or pickup). Similar years for the vans and pick-ups should have very similar mechanical builds.

thanks all...