Engine Swap

[zmnti]

Here's a question I have seen asked alot, yet never seen a good, or direct answer. Can a 2003 4.6L cobra, or mach engine, fit into a 2003 3.8L V6 mustang?

I've been wanting to upgrade from a V6 to a V8. I had looked at the 4.6L and know that is what had come in that year model. If the swap can be done, can someone tell me what all would be needed to do so, i'm thinking everything from exhaust, harness, mounts, etc.

If you have done this swap, or have knowledge of it, please inform me of some basics to look at before I start.

Below is a link of a motor I have found, I would prefer just a block, but crates are okay too. Also, if you know any other good V8 blocks that can fit, let me know.

Ford Racing Aluminator 4.6L Short Blocks - 96-04 Ford Mustang

[19Delta]

Should be able to, since they're pretty much the same cars, minus the rear end setup.

[sonicpony03]

Yah basically all the of the engines available during the 99-04 model years will fit...since the dimensions of the car were the same. The only issue would be motor mounts and possibly different hoods for the mach 1 32v and the 03/04 cobra engine with the m112.

The easiest way to do a v8 engine swap is to have a donor car...or a parts car available to pull the parts you need (say a mustang salvage yard being parted out). This way you have everything you need from mounts to harnesses. Plus you're going to want the larger rearend and proper driveshaft.

Also, if you need misc. parts or bolts even, there are several vendors such as LatemodelRestoration and CJ Ponyparts that offer OEM parts for all year mustangs.

Now, I'm sure you've gotten the "just by the v8 car, don't do a swap" rant a ton. Now in some ways, it is true...if you bought a v6 and really wanted a v8, just sell the v6 and buy the v8. But if you're doing the swap as a project and don't have to rush it, go for it...it'd be fun to do and you'll learn so much about your car.

[upton7]

Well not sure going from those to a v6 but i know a cobra r engine will fit and is going in my car this summer

[19Delta]

I thought you had a 5.4? A cobra r is a 5.8.

[upton7]

really? I could've swore it was 5.4.

[sonicpony03]

The 95 Cobra R had the 351, but the 2000 had the 5.4 DOHC.

[upton7]

Thats what i meant the 2000

[19Delta]

Oh, sorry. In my mind there's really only one, the first one, the '95.

[upton7]

Well best advice I can give you is to get every part you need and make sure it is in good condition before you start.

[sonicpony03]

Originally Posted by 19Delta

Oh, sorry. In my mind there's really only one, the first one, the '95.

That's funny, because usually it's the other way around. Everyone knows about the 00, but never heard about the 95. A fellow member, The Whistler has one, lucky s.o.b.!

[19Delta]

Originally Posted by sonicpony03

That's funny, because usually it's the other way around. Everyone knows about the 00, but never heard about the 95. A fellow member, The Whistler has one, lucky s.o.b.!

Lol, I know man, I'd love to get my hands on one of those.

[runvsofthisbull]

I'm also interested about a swap in the future, and I know that I really want a V8, however this 2011 V6 would be an enticing engine swap too. 307HP and fords estimated 30mpg (probably more like 25mpg average, but still a drastic improvement). Regardless of the future V6 swap i would assume the springs and suspension would have to be beefed up. I know that shocks and struts for mustangs are pretty universal less the Cobra models with IRS. Also I don't know if the cooling/radiator is different in GTs/Cobras, but I would assume yes maybe more cores?? Gauge cluster might have to be swapped when you throw a new computer in too???