Swapping '01 drivetrain into classic mustang- need ideas, links info etcetera Thanks!

[mustangman6799]

O.k... I'm feeling ambitious.

I was driving to work the other morning and road construction forced me to go a different route. Whil driving past a Ceramics store I noticed a completely ass raped 01 mustang. I thought to myself, I bet there are some parts on that that would look pretty good on my 99. Both cars are 6-cyl models. Anyway, My girlie friend is looking to get a new car but I thought it would be very interesting to take a classic and upgrade to to modern times. Throw the 6 from the '01 into the old car. You know, find one with a clean body and interior, just bring the drivetrain up to speed.

I have a complete car (the 01) to work with as far as electronic and wiring are concerned, I can fabricate mounts and I work at an auto parts store so if I should need any parts I would be able to find them. I'm just wondering if there is anyone out there that has done this or looked into making a swap like this? What am I not thinking about that is going to make this tough?

I know there are going to be fuel pump issues, as well as gauge issues. Air conditioning and the security chips are all going to pose interesting problems; none of which can't be dealt with. I have a lot of shops in the area that I deal with every day that are willing to offer advice and "deals" on steps of the project that I wouldn't be able to do myself, but I feel like I am forgetting something that is very important.

Would I have to put the rack and pinion in the classic in order to use the stock 01 pump? it wouldn't be a bad thing to do "just because"... I am trying to make a reliable, will start on a cold winter morning and able to drive across the state to go see a concert, but not nickel and dime to the point it just isn't worth having. I'm getting a deal on the doner and I think I can find a classic in the condition I'm looking for for about $2500... all in all, any idea what a swap like this would (or could) cost in bits and pieces that I'm not thinking of right now? ***sigh*** I'm pumped, I believe it would be an awesome project, what do you think? Thanks for reading this! -brian

[GTStang]

In my opinion it makes no sense at all. If the point is to take and old classic and make it more reliable and up to date, there are a lot of cheaper easier ways.

[HiFlow5 0]

Yeah what GTStang said! There are plenty of aftermarket parts around that you can do just that without using a donar car. Not to mention using parts off an 01 will require a ton of fab work to get them to fit correctly on a classic.

[[SS]Disabled]

Originally Posted by HiFlow5 0

Yeah what GTStang said! There are plenty of aftermarket parts around that you can do just that without using a donar car. Not to mention using parts off an 01 will require a ton of fab work to get them to fit correctly on a classic.

But maybe he wants a classic with a more reliable engine. Although there are lots of afterparts for classics. Mustangman, i thinks you got too excited and jumped into action without thinking, i dont think its a good idea, nd i guess the guys above dont thinks so too.

[mustangman6799]

Originally Posted by HiFlow5 0

Yeah what GTStang said! There are plenty of aftermarket parts around that you can do just that without using a donar car. Not to mention using parts off an 01 will require a ton of fab work to get them to fit correctly on a classic.

I do want a classic with a more reliable engine. Too bad you're the only one with enough vision after reading my post to catch that. The swap its self wouldn't be that bad. I'm trying to find out how it will fit in the space that a 67 has but there isn't going to be a fit problem as far as I can tell. All I have to do is get the motor and tranny where I want them, take some measurements and build some brackets to support everything. That's a 1 day project. The wiring, computer, fuel, anti-theft and AC challenges concern me more than placement or fit. There won't necessarily be a "ton of fabricating" to make this go together. Agreed, there will be some customization and fabbing but that's part of the project, that's what makes this fun! Thanks for the responses people, keep em' coming. I like to know what other people think about this, as it's still not set in stone. -brian

[HiFlow5 0]

All I have to say is good luck, and hope you deep pockets!

[GTStang]

Everything looks simple until you start getting into the project and actually start doing it. To goto all that trouble to customize for a 01 V-6?!?!?!. As far as taking the A/C and shit from it makes no sense either.
There are companies that make up to date brand new A/C systems for old Stangs and whatever else you can imagine. Maybe if you wanted to custom fit a 01 Mod Motor but even that is a dumb idea IMO.

[mustangman6799]

You peole have no vision. I know it is going to be a ptoject. I KNOW THAT! The point of this post wasn't to ask if there was going to be work involved, because, duh. I wanted information- i.e. links to people or sites that have done this, where to get kits for wiring and such, in the off chance that some CAD people read this, where can I get .dwg files for the instrument clusters for the two years. For a forum that "car" people use, I haven't seen anything positive come from you people. Thanks for the responses but if you are only responding to tell me "it can't be done","it's going to be hard","doesn't make any sense".... you get the idea; just don't respond at all. Thanks just the same.

[mustangman6799]

You peole have no vision. I know it is going to be a ptoject. I KNOW THAT! The point of this post wasn't to ask if there was going to be work involved, because, duh. I wanted information- i.e. links to people or sites that have done this, where to get kits for wiring and such, in the off chance that some CAD people read this, where can I get .dwg files for the instrument clusters for the two years. For a forum that "car" people use, I haven't seen anything positive come from you people. Thanks for the responses but if you are only responding to tell me "it can't be done","it's going to be hard","doesn't make any sense".... or to SELL YOR SHIT! you get the idea; just don't respond at all. Thanks just the same.

[rerun]

Originally Posted by [SS]Disabled

But maybe he wants a classic with a more reliable engine. Although there are lots of afterparts for classics. Mustangman, i thinks you got too excited and jumped into action without thinking, i dont think its a good idea, nd i guess the guys above dont thinks so too.

hey man, classic engines are more reliable, no computer shit

[GTStang]

Maybe I have no vision.... I think I have vision just not for things that make no sense, cost more money, or cause more aggreviation then there worth for no good reason. If you said you wanted to do something like put a 4V Cobra motor in an old Stang. Even though it's not supported and would be a pain in the ass and cost a lot. People would be behind you cause that's a vision and something different. You wanting to have a more reliable engine in an old body car, this is not a new idea or vision. Many people have wanted to do this and that's why there is support for the easiest simplest and best swaps for that goal.
You asked for links from people who have info on this swap. Notice there is none? And you can take a shot at AF and the people on the AF Mustang Forum but here is a collection of some of the most knowledgable people about Mustangs. Maybe you should listen to them instead of ignoring them and what they have to say just because you don't like it. Most of us are not on here to be assholes or bust ballz, we are here to help you. So instead of gettin mad at us, why don't you think why we don't think it is a good idea.

[mustangman6799]

Originally Posted by GTStang

Maybe I have no vision.... I think I have vision just not for things that make no sense, cost more money, or cause more aggreviation then there worth for no good reason. If you said you wanted to do something like put a 4V Cobra motor in an old Stang. Even though it's not supported and would be a pain in the ass and cost a lot. People would be behind you cause that's a vision and something different. You wanting to have a more reliable engine in an old body car, this is not a new idea or vision. Many people have wanted to do this and that's why there is support for the easiest simplest and best swaps for that goal.
You asked for links from people who have info on this swap. Notice there is none? And you can take a shot at AF and the people on the AF Mustang Forum but here is a collection of some of the most knowledgable people about Mustangs. Maybe you should listen to them instead of ignoring them and what they have to say just because you don't like it. Most of us are not on here to be assholes or bust ballz, we are here to help you. So instead of gettin mad at us, why don't you think why we don't think it is a good idea.

I'm curious if the above is the reason that this "isn't a good idea"... because I'm not trying to dump a 500 horsepower crate engine that requires cutting out shock towers, add rack and pinion, IFS and an aluminum driveshaft? I don't have NOS or a four-link and a cage? If I was telling you I wanted to build a super-stock or street racecar with a motor that utilized computer adjustment from the cockpit would you all think it was a good idea because there is more power involved? I'm not trying to get in a pissing match over this, that's not why I'm here and checking the posts whenever I get a chance. I'm seriously interested in other peoples' opinions. Even you GTStang... (you actually took the time to bitch back... I respect that)... Anyway, if things work out the way I'm hoping, this project will come together. To whomever it was that said "old motors are more reliable, no computer shit" if that were the case why would EVERY motor manufactured today be computer controlled? There is a reason computers manage fuel, electrical and mechanical systems on vehicles. I have been talking to some very prominant "mustangers" in my town and all think this would be a hot item when complete. I have to agree. Basically, when I first heard rumors about the re-design of the 99 mustang (I thought it was going to be a modernized 67) I couldn't wait to get one. I've always wanted what I am finally trying to put together. Only difference is, I would have preferred a larger motor, but it's not for me anyway. Push come to shove, it's going to happen if I can swing it. So... back to the beginning... any ideas or help? -brian

[GTStang]

It's not about HP or super-stock or anything. It's about your goal and what is it worth to reach it. Here is the bottom line.... The easiest way to reach your goal is to get a donor 5.0 EFI Stang which will be cheaper than a newer V-6. Also to swap a 5.0 EFI engine with 5-speed or AOD your choice is heavily supported by aftermarket companies from mounts to headers. This is why doing it would not be a hot item or make any sense. Do what you want I'm just saying there is an easier way to get ya goal without going through all the hassle.

[Mendari]

Hello MustangMan,

How about fabricating a fiberglass body of a classic Mustang and putting it onto the newer Mustang chassis? I've seen Mercedes-Benz body parts that fit onto Mustangs.

[[SS]Disabled]

Originally Posted by rerun

hey man, classic engines are more reliable, no computer shit

Right dude, whatever.