trans/motor swap

[harodude997]

i have a 1991 thunderbird v6 3.8. i want to swap the trans and motor out from a 5 speed and a v8. i need help to see if it work it. i was my first car and i'm not gonna get a diff one i love this car

[THX1138]

Re: trans/motor swap

You might be able to find out by calling a bone yard. They have books that list what swaps into what. I would think that the 5.0 hipo with a five speed from a Mustang would drop in. But, I think you should get the rearend also in case the 3.8 rear is weaker. Also remember that the 5.0 computer will be needed, allong with a list of stuff as long as my arm. I think that body of bird also had a 3.8 supercharged engine that may be easier to swap in, but you must swap the entire engine, trans and computer because they are different than the engine you now have. Maybe someone has done this before and will respond with a more expert discussion. Ed

[V8 Cat]

Re: trans/motor swap

Wasn't the 4.6 liter V8 and option on that Tbird? That's the V8 I would use because all the accessories and components would be easy to get from a bone yard at a reasonable price, and they could be made to fit. The manual transmission I don't think was available on the V8 Tbird so it would take some work to install it but it could be done. Use the 5-speed that was mated to the 4.6 V8 in the Mustang. This would still cost a lot of money in relationship to the value of the car.

[THX1138]

Re: trans/motor swap

According to Michael Lamm, author of a very good Thunderbird book on all aspects of our cars, "Ford added a 302 V8 model in '91, a V8 powered Sport edition in '92 and finally the 'modular' 4.6 quadcam V8 in '94." That being said, you may find an entire correct fitting Thunderbird V8 driveline in a bone yard, or even a totaled 96+ Cobra Mustang with a five speed. Just remember to get all of the computer and electronics that are needed for the engine. See if you can get a 9" rear end that will bolt in, and more than likely a new driveshaft due to the trans change.

[andrews4691]

Re: trans/motor swap

the 91 bird 5.0 has a different upper intake then the 87-93 5.0 stang the 94-95 5.0 stang uses an intake thats close in size and shape. The rear end is an indy just like the retro birds. If you want to put a manual trans in it you have to get the pedal assembly from a Supercoupe. This project will cost more then finding a Supercoupe, but it can be done. Curtis

[andrews4691]

Re: trans/motor swap

I don't want to disagree with Michael Lamm but Ford never sold the public a 4cam Mod motor, they did toy with the idea though. Curtis

[THX1138]

Re: trans/motor swap

My 96 Cobra was equipped with a 4 cam 4.6 rated at about 305 hp. I found that I could shift out of second gear at 82 mph. Also several Lincoln and at least one Merc models were equipped with the same four cam engine. At the 97 Woodward Dream cruise, I was honored to meet one of the guys that assembled my engine, as they were signed on the cam covers by the buileders. By the way, I purchased my four cam Mustang Cobra Convertible in Johesboro Arkansas, as one of very few in the Mid South. I still own a '94 Mustang Convertible with a 5.0. Needless to say, check the books on Ford products and you will find several cars with the four cam 4.6. That engine even ended up in SUVs. Ed

[rpatton3]

Re: trans/motor swap

Lincoln Mark VIII, Mercury Marauders and Lincoln Aviators had the 32v 4.6 liter modular V8.