disaster strikes my 1986 Mustang 3.8

willy86foxbody · 09-09-2007

while walking towards my car i noticed a puddle of antifreeze. upon further inspection i found it to be a leaking water pump. i thought no big deal so i went to autozone picked up a new pump, upper and lower radiator hoses thermostat, and all new heater hoses. as im pulling the pump i found the upper right two bolts to be broke off in the block one of which is about 4-1/2 inches back inside the block. this was the final straw with my v6 so far all most all parts have been replaced on the motor. i have a salvage yard that sales motors for 125 plus core of 65 i think as much as i wanted to stick with the v6 for my mental peace i am going to drop in a 302 with a carb. at least the i'll have a better starting point for my AMERICAN MUSCLE mustang and i will have a larger varity of parts. my little 3.8 is just making me feel uneasy. with my luck the weak i was going to install the crank and heads the block would crack. what would you all do?

**EagleAutosports** · 09-09-2007

I don't think anyone would blame you for going the 5.0 route. Probably spend the same amount of money on fixing the 3.8 as you would putting a carbed 5.0 in there. Just make sure the rest of the driveline can handle it.

thomasusmc · 09-10-2007

go for it man!!!!!

willy86foxbody · 09-10-2007

thanks for the support in my up coming swap. so far the people onthis site have been nothing but helpful. i think this may be the most helpful info i have received as of yet. once again thanks to all of you.

plstktnkr2 · 09-10-2007

it comes from the 4 bolts you should replace when you do a waterpump . this is a common problem that dates to the early (read 1983 intro) motors due to the rust and the pipe dope the bolts are set with. Btw why dont you do the 4.2 swap rather than V8 it?

shinerstang · 09-12-2007

I have a carbed 302 in mine and it is fun to drive when I want to put the hammer down, but mine is somewhat built too. Yes, parts are common and cheap, but you still have to buy them no matter what.

plstktnkr2 · 09-12-2007

gee I like having a nice 'stang and watching them shake their heads as they count my header tubes three times (yes true story) and then say THAT IS A SIX???!!! just blows their mind (yes the 4bbl messes with their heads lol)

baby's motor - Four Eyed Photos