The 86 MGM returns....this time with a swap?

[Lothae]

We'll I've had it about up to my ears with this darn engine in my car. The car is in great condition, but the engine is leaking coolant and is prob getting a bit old.


I was wondering, if I found a 80's-ish Mustang Engine in a caryard, how hard would the swap be.

I figure I'd have to drop the transmission, which shouldn't be too bad, and then it looks like the cradle that is holding the engine in is just 2 bolts per arm.

I would also have to disconnect all of the other things like the coolant system etc...

After hoisting the engine out, I would drop the new one in and reconnect everything.


My questions are these:

1. Things always seem easy on paper, how hard is this to actually do.

2. Would I have to use the mustangs transmission or could I keep my AOD.

3. My AOD is having a little shutter when shifting into 4th, It could be something easy like a kickdown lever or needs fluid changing, but would it be worth it to take the transmission from the stang and put it in the MGM? I read the AOD from the MGM can handle the HP from the stang, but how much effort would it take to totally drop it and put it on the MGM.

4.Could I use all of the accessories from the stang? like powersteering, waterpump, Alternator, A/C etc. Or do I have to transfer them to the new engine? Also if I did this, doesn't the waterpump spin in the opposite direction? would this screw up my accessories if I had to use them from my MGM.

5.Are the two cradle arms that hold the engine on the only ones securing it? I was wondering if there are more. I think i can access one from the top easily, then the other I would remove the air filter to get to (thier nuts). Are the bolts accessable from the underside?

6. How difficult is it to link everything up on the underside of the car once the new engine is in? Like reconnecting the transmission etc? I will prob be using jacks, and not some fancy lift because I don't have enough money to get one.

7. Do I have to rewire everything like the powersteering etc to the dash or any wiring besides reconnecting? It shouldn't be too hard if I do, but it would be a pain to get the wiring diagrams.

8. Would I use the fan from the mustang or would I disconnect my fan blade from my waterpump and re-use it. (I am unfamiliar with the size of the fans on the stangs.)

9. I read somewhere that the air intake might be reversed. Is this only on the HO engine or all of them? Does it affect anything, or just the way it is assembled?

10. Does the firing order mess anything up with the MGM, I know it has a different firing order? Also I heard the balance are the same for both engines, so would I need to change anything in that regard?

11. Could I use my same exhaust manifolds or should I just take them off the mustang once I find it and then connect them to my catalytic on my MGM? Also, I am assuming there were many dual exhaust stangs out there, so if I found one, would it be better just to take their exhaust system and put a dualy on my MGM?

And finally

12. Are there any guides online that would help me with this step-by-step or at auto stores I could purchase?


I hope someone takes the time to read my long thread and reply. Thanks in advance.

[fredjacksonsan]

First off, it's probably going to be easier to find and fix your coolant leak than to swap the engine. That said:

1. Swap, first time, plan on a weekend. You'll likely need a helper and an engine hoist.

2. If Stang trans will bolt up to the car, you'll be able to use it. YOu'll also be able to use it even if it doesn't bolt up, but you'll need some modifications/fabrication.

3. See #2. Your call.

4. I don't see why you should take any accessories off of the engine; put it in as is. You may have some issues with the wiring harness and need to make some adjustments.

5. I think you're talking about the motor mounts here. Yep, there are two. The engine is also supported via the bolts that secure it to the transmission. The Transmission is then supported in turn by the trans mounts which are under the middle of the car.

6. Once you've guided the engine/trans combination into place, it should be able to be bolted right up (ideally) with some adjustments to angles, etc.. At this point I'll mention (for the last time) that if your budget is limited you're better off repairing the coolant leak.

7. See #4; if wiring harnesses the same, it should just be plug n play; if not, you'll have some work to do getting things in the right places.

8. If it's the same engine you're installing, use the original pump and watch for clearance. The fan shroud on the MGM is for that radiator, so using the original fan is a good idea.

9. HO intake is on the opposite side. You may have to make something so it'll fit, just mirror image what's already there.

10. Firing order I THINK (but am not sure) is the same.

11. I'd try to fit the headers from the Mustang on there. There is a dual exhaust set up available, for my 86 it was $400, from the cats back it was dual rather than single. The factory set up is actually a dual until it gets to the cats.

12. Yes. Check out auto parts stores for engine and transmission books.

Good luck.

[fredjacksonsan]

If you do find an engine from an 80's mustang, I bet it'll have more wear on it than yours.

Oh yeah, one thing to be aware of, is that the 80's HO engines used different alloys in their pistons and connecting rods; this will sometimes cause a bad knocking between these parts as they heat and cool at different rates. Had an 86 Merc Capri with 5.0, had to replace the engine. Got a Jasper reman and had it put in, sadly didn't have time to do myself and the whole job was 4K.

[Lothae]

Excellent help Fred, answered pretty much all of my questions. I guess my main challenge now would be finding an engine in good shape. I don't expect that to happen soon so I might end up repairing my car. Only time will tell.

[fredjacksonsan]

Good luck with it.....