5.0 install

[tbird92]

I am going to start to make a list of stuff to get...... so if I could get some insight that would be great......

I am going to put a 5.0HO in... prob get it from a Stang......
I will also lower the car a appx 1.5", change the struts and rear sway bar.....

For the 5.0, I know I need the wiring harness & mounts....... do I need anything else... like radiator? also can I re attach the stock 3.8 exhaust till I get the cash for a better duel exhaust?

[thunderbird muscle]

The exhaust won't work for certain if you are talking from the manifold back!

[dimarra]

Ford changed a LOT of parts to get the 5.0 to physically fit in the MN-12 'Birds.

The intake system was redesigned as was the water pump and accessory drives. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the exhaust manifolds are different. Watch the A/C stuff, too. My memory's failing on that one.

I've read where some have used the Mustang intake tract but it required minor surgery to the cowl and a hood scoop. Making the extra length of the Mustang accessories and drives fit could be a major hurdle.

Also, the Mustang's wiring harness won't be a simple plug-n-play. You'll need wiring diagrams for your car and that of the Mustang. Be prepared for LOTS of headaches (literally AND figuratively) getting that one straightened out.

In my opinion, you'd be much better off with a 5.0 (MN-12) 'Bird donor, even if the engine is blown. The base engine is the same so you could get a long block anywhere. That way you get all the necessary pieces and the whole thing would be a virtual bolt-together.

Exhaust? I'd have to agree with "Thunderbird Muscle."

Good luck and keep us posted with it.
Keith

[tbird92]

thanks for the info DIMARRA.....

I am working on getting the suspension first and then going for the engine of some kind..... gota get the car to stick to the road before making it faster......

[gizmo17350]

I am currently working on an 86 thunderchicken and my exhaust is out of a mustang lx and so far headers h pipe and flowmasters are working only thing I am having bent is the 2.5" tail pipes. the suspension is also out of a 92 gt front and rear sway bars are out of a muskrat as well the rear is also an 8.8 out of a gt. sporting 3:73 gears and as soon as the aod goes bang then a 5-speed out of a muskrat is taking it's place the only thing hard about the swap is the wireing and that will soon be done. as far as the rear if you want some room for back tires the mustang rear is 2" narrower good luck and have fun

[flewthecoupe]

Big difference in cars gizmo. You are working with a fox body platform. '89 and newer birds are mn12 platforms and the mustangs are sn95's.