[05Musclestang]

Originally Posted by gravygrabber

First time poster here. Hello!
I got a free 89 2.3L LX notchback and I want to do a swap to the 5.0 along with the tranny and rearend, etc..
I read this whole thread and several others in the last week or so. I ended up getting a junker 90 Mustang GT with a 5.0HO and 5 spd. It's already got the 5 lug conversion from a 95 Mustang. I know it says you need an 89 harness for an 89 car because of the airbag but can't I get around this and run my 90 donor car harness in my 89 car? I really want to use my interior from the 4cyl. because it looks nicer and the dash isn't torn apart and beat up. I don't want the airbag at all and my 4cyl. has tilt and the donor car doesn't so can I make this work? I couldn't pass on the 90 it was only $600 running so it's cheaper then junkyard sourcing parts. I would really apprieciate any help you guys could give if you've done this 89>90 engine swap. Thanks!

Not 100 percent sure on the harnesses, but you can swap the steering coloums from the 2, just use the right speedo for it (the one with tilt is round in the center of the cluster vs. the one with the airbag is more square in the center).

[05Musclestang]

Originally Posted by zachpierce

i need to know if i have to swap out the dash/fuse hardnees with the swap i am doing. i have a 90lx 5.0 ho with a t5 manual that has been wrecked. i still was able to drive this car for almost a year. i bought a 1989 lx 4c auto for the swap, it runs too, so im driving it to work . i am already close to pulling motor and trannyout of the 90 5.0. i also know most of the stuff that has to be swapped, just not sure about the wires.(i know main hardness and computer.) please help if you can. thanks

You shouldn't have to swap the dash harnesses out, just the engine harness and the computer. You have to swap the engine harness out because of where the alternator is on the v8. Just take the harnesses out of the wrecked car before you get rid of it just incase you ever need any other harnesses.

[zachpierce]

yea i figured this much about the wires. i tagged all of them also. thats my biggest worries. the fuel pump relay is under the driver seat on my 90 lx donor. what do i need to do with this ? will the one on y 89 lx 4cyl have it ready to use when i plug in the computer and wire hardness? i have a book for the car so if all else fails i guess i will just have to read and go from there. does any one know of a good site for the whole conversion? i checked the ones out that i found from the froums here. thanks for any help. Zach