[bandit]

alright, for those that don't know me... i've been rollin' in a 2000 V6 for quite some time now. But I have wanted to swap a modular V8 into her when the money is right.

Now I honestly never did much research into it untill recently because I couldn't afford to start on the project just yet.

So I just started looking into it, and so far it doesn't look too promising.

I was hoping to complete the swap (engine, tranny, and 8.8 rear) for around $5k. but the few places I have found info on it say that it is MUCH more complicated than I expected.

something about the PATS system on the newer gen mustangs... that it can malfunction and not start if EVERY electrical component isn't swapped from the V8.

so, correct me if i'm wrong... but I would need the V8, the corrosponding ECU, correct gauge cluster, ignition from V8, tranny, k-member, 8.8, proper engine and tranny mounts, exhaust...

and i'm sure there is MANY other things that I am unaware of.

basically, every drivetrain part would need to be swapped leaving only the body, wheels, brakes, and parts of the suspension original from the V6.


so after all is said and done, i'd probably be out close to $10k, if not more... and that's if I go with a cheap 2v 4.6 and i'm not sure I want do drop that much jack on a car that has been wrecked and doesn't exactly have the perfect body right now.


what do you guys think? are my guesstimates correct? would it cost me that much to swap to a V8?

-jeff

[86sleeper]

I think you are on the right track.
Unless you are going all out with the car (9's or low 10's), i don't think it would be worth it.
you could get the V8 power with a built rear and a single turbo setup for much cheaper. I would go that route if I was you.

[bandit]

yeah, i've flirted with the possibility of keeping the V6 and just running a turbo or a nice S/C... but there's just something about that V8 rumble that can't be denied.

I just didn't expect it to be that complicated and expensive to swap.

I will most likely just end up buying a new stang with a V8 in a year or so, be it a cobra, roush, saleen, or maybe just a gt.


I mean, it might be cool to have a turbo'd V6 that can run stock V8's, but i'm sure it would just pull the old "that's fast... for a V6" comments. whuch would get old pretty quick.

[TrueBlueVenom]

if you go the v8 route, are you going with a stocker or going built? Judging from the costs above, it looks like a stocker?

[86sleeper]

Originally Posted by TrueBlueVenom

if you go the v8 route, are you going with a stocker or going built? Judging from the costs above, it looks like a stocker?

that was sort of what i was getting at.
The swap is pricey so you should go ahead and put a built motor in. That would add another 8K real quick. LOL

If the V8 is that important, I would just hold off a little and buy a new car.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by TrueBlueVenom

if you go the v8 route, are you going with a stocker or going built? Judging from the costs above, it looks like a stocker?

well, I was hoping to go built, but that would be even more expensive.

I just don't want to end up dropping $15k on a car that is only worth $6k.

[95 GTS]

I'd say YES and 4.6 if 4valve only! Its a great time to do this because you could do it all at once.

one way to not be out is to go 5.0 you already have a t5 so you are fine on the tranny. I know guys in the 11s on a v6 t5 pullig 1.5 60s.

You can build a stout 331-347-351-408 and do everything you want for not too bad.

let me know if you would entertain that possibility and i will help you with either.

will the car be a daily driver?

dont do a 2v 4.6 i would consider that a waste. Yes with any swap you are going to need the corresponding computer and harnesses.

[86sleeper]

Originally Posted by 95 GTS

dont do a 2v 4.6 i would consider that a waste. Yes with any swap you are going to need the corresponding computer and harnesses.

what is your reasoning behind this.
2V's love blowers and make great power.

[bandit]

I guess it's important to add that I am really just looking to build a streetable mustang with a respectable amount of power. i'm not trying to build a track-only car and i'm not shooting for 10's.

i'd be satisfied running low 13's on some drag radials.

now I know that's possible with a V6 w/ turbo. but I wonder how much it would truly cost to strengthen up my 3.8, get a built rear, and turbo. any ideas?

[95 GTS]

Honestly I say buy a 03 mach 1, put your wheels on it. Put suspension on it and enjoy it.

This way you can finance your 10k difference instead of buying a garage full of parts. You may not even have the time to take on such a project. your family will enjoy the time spent with you and will enjoy your new mach

[95 GTS]

Originally Posted by 86sleeper

what is your reasoning behind this.
2V's love blowers and make great power.

oh so you just upped his budget by 3k and you limited him on power with the stock 2v. great idea

[95 GTS]

Originally Posted by bandit

I guess it's important to add that I am really just looking to build a streetable mustang with a respectable amount of power. i'm not trying to build a track-only car and i'm not shooting for 10's.

i'd be satisfied running low 13's on some drag radials.

now I know that's possible with a V6 w/ turbo. but I wonder how much it would truly cost to strengthen up my 3.8, get a built rear, and turbo. any ideas?

you need a mach my friend

you just defined it.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by 95 GTS

will the car be a daily driver?

no. it's paid off and has become a garge queen. I start it once a week and drive it to biff's/LSS meets about twice a month. so, no... I do not depend on it as daily transportation. but would prefer it to be dependable after swap or turbo.

[86sleeper]

Originally Posted by 95 GTS

oh so you just upped his budget by 3k and you limited him on power with the stock 2v. great idea

my bad, i always assume a power adder anytime somebody wants a healthy 281. LOL
If that is the case, stick with the turbo on the V6 or go with a whole new car all together. Financing a mach won't be that good either since teh car is already 4yrs old. Best finance option would be a new car.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by 95 GTS

you need a mach my friend

you just defined it.

yeah, that's what i'm thinking... and probably what I will end up doing. I don't have the funds for a mach in good condition right now (new house, new son, misc debt) but my goal is to be in a nice mach/cobra within a year. that is, if that's the path I take.

[86sleeper]

oh ya, i think the turbo and rear end could be had for your previously mentioned budget.

[95 GTS]

I just meant financing the mach and paying prime versus buying parts on credit cards and coming out with the same result... a 99-04 with a healthy v8.

[95 GTS]

Originally Posted by bandit

yeah, that's what i'm thinking... and probably what I will end up doing. I don't have the funds for a mach in good condition right now (new house, new son, misc debt) but my goal is to be in a nice mach/cobra within a year. that is, if that's the path I take.

yeah, knock that debt down, close all your miscelaneous cards and stick with 1-2. It will greatly improve your scoreing and you wont be as leveraged.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by 95 GTS

yeah, knock that debt down, close all your miscelaneous cards and stick with 1-2. It will greatly improve your scoreing and you wont be as leveraged.

my credit score isn't the problem. I'm sure I could get financing on a mach right now if I wanted to, but I don't want to stretch things too far. trying to live within my means, and with my newborn son.. I have a new responsibility. but within the next year my debt to income ratio should be improved. which is why I figured it was time to start making my decision on what to do with the stang



and hey guys, I appreciate your input. this won't be an easy decision.

[95 GTS]

if you found a black mach at the dealership, you could probably have them swap your wheels and trunk as they write up the paperwork

it might them help sell your car