98/99 vs 96/97 Duratec engine

[65comet]

I finally saved enough to work on my 98 24v 3.0 Duratec engine after sitting in the garage for 2 years. Going to take it apart first, but will probably end up swapping it out since it is at 300,000 miles. I read somewhere that 98/99's and 96/97's can't be swapped. That a 98 can have a 99, and vice versa. But that a 96 and 97 can't go into my car. Is this true? What are the differences if it is? What would I look for to make sure it is the right year if someone says the motor is out of a 98, but it really is out of a 96?

[daveshapellSVT]

it"s not even worth it. just find a used sho they are cheap.

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by daveshapellSVT

it"s not even worth it. just find a used sho they are cheap.

How much modification do you need to do for this to work?? Do you need to change PCM or any wiring harness?? Always thought if a duratec engine is from factory vulcan engine would not work.

[65comet]

This is duratec to duratec, I'm definitely not doing anything with a vulcan. I just remember someone saying that, within the 96-99 series, there was a difference between the first two years and the last two years which did not allow you to swap motors. But they never said what it was. I could come up with a whole list of possibilities. Motor mounts, sensors that will only mount on one motor but won't work with another PCM, etc. Of course google search either gives me a million hits or when I add more criteria it goes down to a few that are no help at all.

[daveshapellSVT]

Just pull it and do a stock rebuild. It really doesn't make sense to spend a lot of cash on these cars cause there are not many mods that can be done and even with mods these cars are slow. Not to mention not able to handle added power well. These cars were good at what they were intended for, cheap transportation. I kinda like taurus sho, but more the older 5 speed ones. they are the only taurus worth time in my opinion.

[shorod]

I don't get the impression that the original poster is looking for performance increases, only to get his car with a Duratech back on the road.

You might check with a local salvage yard to see what their system lists as being drop in replacements for your '98. I don't recall reading about issues that prevent the different engine years from working.

-Rod

[65comet]

Thanks Rod. I guess if you hadn't heard, then it might not be an issue. But just in case I'm still going to try my best to make sure it is a 98 or 99.
Dave, I had a 89 SHO. It was fun but too many problems. 5 spd, cams, clutch, electronics and rust. I have 300,000 miles in this 98. I can't even begin to imagine how many hours that is. I consider it more of a faithful pet than a car. Comfortable, quiet, reliable, 30 mpg on the highway. Yes, I got 34 mpg out of the SHO when I didn't trounce on it, but that Grand National kept trying to pass me every day and I couldn't let him beat my Ford. He just didn't have any top end. I don't know how we never got a ticket. But it sure ended up costing me at the fuel pump.