[SMSBulldog80]

Group,

I was thinking about converting from my 2.3 to a 5.0, but a lot of the info in the forum talks about staying with the 2.3 and doing the modifications. How much work and money will it take to get it perform like the v-8? Also is the suspension really necessary to be converted/upgraded?

[LXR4Ti]

First off;

The swap is one of two things... your preferrence... and your choice...

The 5.0L swap... you need almost a full donor car... 5.0L H.O.Engine, Wiring Harness, the transmission of your choice, Proper Driveshaft, Pedal assembly if you swap from auto to manual and vice versa... and probably a good choice to swap out the 7.5" rear to the 8.8 trac-loc w/ Axle Dampers. and a suspension upgrade is very recommended.

The 2.3L swap/mod... A 2.3L Turbo motor can be used... but you need a 2.3L Turbo motor, wiring harness, Tranny of your choice (if you choose to change the type of tranny), proper driveshaft if you swap the tranny, Pedal assembly if you swap from auto to manual and vice versa... Suspension upgrade not too necessary but for better handling it is prefferable if you want.

The 2.3L Turbo used in SVO's, GT 350 Turbo's, T-Bird TC's, and even Merkur XR4Ti's, is a direct bolt up to the transmission and motor mounts as the 2.3L N/A motor is built from the same block... but dont think you can just bolt up a turbo... the 2.3L N/A has weak cast internals... the forged internals of the Turbo Block are stronger... as well as the turbo block is also lower compression to deal with boost pressures better.

Remember... either swap is a bit of work but either swap is fun to drive... trust me... I suggest doing either swap... but a Full Swap none the less. Although it is a bit of work... you can do the swap at less cost to you.

[ARdoller]

Originally Posted by LXR4Ti

First off;

The swap is one of two things... your preferrence... and your choice...

The 5.0L swap... you need almost a full donor car... 5.0L H.O.Engine, Wiring Harness, the transmission of your choice, Proper Driveshaft, Pedal assembly if you swap from auto to manual and vice versa... and probably a good choice to swap out the 7.5" rear to the 8.8 trac-loc w/ Axle Dampers. and a suspension upgrade is required.

The 2.3L swap/mod... A 2.3L Turbo motor can be used... but you need a 2.3L Turbo motor, wiring harness, Tranny of your choice (if you choose to change the type of tranny), proper driveshaft if you swap the tranny, Pedal assembly if you swap from auto to manual and vice versa... Suspension upgrade not too necessary but for better handling it is prefferable if you want.

The 2.3L Turbo used in SVO's, GT 350 Turbo's, T-Bird TC's, and even Merkur XR4Ti's, is a direct bolt up to the transmission and motor mounts as the 2.3L N/A motor is built from the same block... but dont think you can just bolt up a turbo... the 2.3L N/A has weak cast internals... the forged internals of the Turbo Block are stronger... as well as the turbo block is also lower compression to deal with boost pressures better.

Remember... either swap is a bit of work but either swap is fun to drive... trust me... I suggest doing either swap... but a Full Swap none the less. Although it is a bit of work... you can do the swap at less cost to you.

the 4banger suspension cant hold the weight of the 5.0

[LXR4Ti]

Originally Posted by ARdoller

the 4banger suspension cant hold the weight of the 5.0

I think there is an echo in here LOL

You are right though... the springs atleast have to be swapped out in the front... what I was reffering to in my post was a full suspension overhaul... to most... it is apparent that a set of 4 cylinder springs will not support the weight of a 5.0L V8.

I have aided in enough of the work that went in to a fellow members 5.0L conversion... if you wish for info on a 5.0L Swap... Ask Turboeeyore... Ask him about the "Banana Peeler" it is his heart and soul poured into a swap... as well as a lot of wrench time for both of us... dicovering EXACTLY what is necessary to do the swap.

His car was a 2.3L SD N/A Auto Tranny car... he had a Lincoln LSC w/ 5.0L V8 (H.O.) and an Auto... now his mustang is a 5.0L V8 Car with a 5 Speed T5 Tranny and a manual Clutch adjuster... Give Him a PM and ask him a few Questions... I am sure he will answer them if you ask nicely.