4 Cylinder to 5.0L Engine Swap

DNeinstadt · 11-07-2002

I'm doing a 351W into a '92 convertible. I have an '87 donor car and I'm going with a carb'ed setup. Also swapping the dashboard, as I like the non airbag version better!

Dan Neinstadt

JUSTNLX · 12-02-2002

We have started on the swap. There have been allot of pics taken so far. Should be a pretty good tech for you all. Stay tuned!! It won't be long!!! (I hope!!)

Freddie · 12-05-2002

I have done 2 V8 conversions in my garage at home. One is the coupe that Nic drives. It was an 89 itwas a breeze to do. The wiring is homebrew, but you could use 5.0 harnesses instead. The other is the 93 hatch that is my daily driver. That car was a PITA to wire. I used the four cylinder main harness and made the ecm to engine harness from an 89 LSC harness then added mass air. As far as mechanical you will find the fuel lines are very different on the 2 cars ( 5.0 vs 4cyl ). The transmissions will interchange as far as the T5, but you will need a 5.0 bell and the pilot bearing from a Subaru to make it work. The automatics won't work from one to another. Except a c4 is a C4 is a C4. The drive shaft from the 4 will work if it is not an A4LD. The 7.5 rear will work but don't beat on it or you will loose it. The gauge cluster will work except the tach it will be way off and the one on my 93 quit the first time I reved it past red line on the 4cyl tach. Motor mounts and exhaust must be 5.0L . I used convertable mounts they are built better then the others, and give better support. Hope this is of some help. Email me if I can help in any other way.

JUSTNLX · 12-10-2002

Thanks for the info Freddie.

This will be my third 2.3 to 5.0 swap on a Mustang. I use all 5.0 stuff from a donor car.

I've also done a 255 to 5.0 swap in my mothers 81 T-bird, and a truck EFI 5.0 into my F150. By far the hardest was the Bird. So many wires!

91notch · 12-15-2002

The 4 cylinder transmission is not a good match for the 5.0 It will work but it's days will be numbered.

Stang"X" · 12-15-2002

I am not sure of the later years, but the tachs in the 79-83 are adjustable. U can remove the gauges from the dash and there is am adjusting switch behind it...turn 2 clicks over and it is a v8 tach.
I had dropped an 83 5.0 into a 79 2.3 notchback. Just pay attention to the little details and the 5.0 swap will work fine ! Good Luck !

Pete "X"
Ps. The double hump tranny crossmember can be found in the Ford Motorsport book for post 85 Stangs.

Greg_Hager · 01-27-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Stang"X"
I am not sure of the later years, but the tachs in the 79-83 are adjustable. U can remove the gauges from the dash and there is am adjusting switch behind it...turn 2 clicks over and it is a v8 tach.
I had dropped an 83 5.0 into a 79 2.3 notchback.

I don't think the later ones are.

I went ahead and got a 5.0 tach anyway.

JUSTNLX · 02-05-2003

Well it is coming along nice! It will not be long!

We are doing some cleaning and painting along the way, so it is taking a little longer.

I will try to post some pics just to give you all a taste.

Here she is before we got started

The nasty little banger

After some paint

Finally a V8

GT Dan · 02-05-2003

Looks very nice Tony. I'm sure that you guys used all the proper paint booth equipment and filters so our precious atmosphere is protected.

StalkerStang · 03-20-2003

Sure we did......

JUSTNLX · 03-20-2003

It's ALIVE!, It's ALIVE!

We ran into some wiring differences between the 88 main harness we had and the 90 dash wiring in the car. A friend came to our aid with some wiring diagrams from Ford. Seems there are some pin out changes between the two, but we got them handled. Now the 88 main harness is the same as a 90 main harness.

I am a wiring GOD!!!!

Anyway we have some little things to take care of. I will start writing everything down and get it up as soon as possible.

Greg_Hager · 03-25-2003

I don't know about "god," but that's pretty good.

I'm looking forward to the swap info because I'm in the middle of doing it right now!!

90LXTIRESMOKER · 04-21-2003

Hi my name is Adam and i am 17 yers old and will be converting my 4-cyl to a 5.0. I have a 90 LX with a 2.3 equiped with speed density injection.
my ? is i will be dropping in a 87 5.0 will i have to change the 87 main harnees or can i used my 4 cyl main harness with the 5.0 injetor harness. Any information would help thanks.

Greg_Hager · 04-30-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by 90LXTIRESMOKER
Hi my name is Adam and i am 17 yers old and will be converting my 4-cyl to a 5.0. I have a 90 LX with a 2.3 equiped with speed density injection.
my ? is i will be dropping in a 87 5.0 will i have to change the 87 main harnees or can i used my 4 cyl main harness with the 5.0 injetor harness. Any information would help thanks.

You CAN use the 2.3L harness if you want to, but don't. Trust me. Save your self some time and see if you can pick up a wrecked speed density 5.0L Mustang.

JUSTNLX · 05-14-2003

Very sorry for how long this is taking. Things are very hectic right now. Just bare with me and I will get her done.

Again my apologies for the delays