Ok, I have a 1988 thunderbird that has a 3.8 in it. I want to swap it out for a 5.0, but before i do that, I want to know what all I will need. Will i need the computer out of the car that the 5.0 came from... or will the 3.8 computer work? What all will i need for the swap?
What did the engine come out of? I never did the swap but If I were to guess I'd say you need the complete wiring harness and computer from a 87-88 tbird/cougar.
Lets see what others have to say.
the motor is going to probably come out of an 88 mustang unless I can find an 88tbird with a 5.0
For a plug and play swap, you'll need a 1988 only 5.0 Thunderbird/Cougar harness and computer form the engine you are using... A HO 5.0 from the Stang would use it's computer, but you'll still need a 5.0 Thunderbird harness... Other 5.0 harnesses can be used, but you'll need to do some modifying and/or repining..
The Bird engine is only 150Hp, the '87-'93 Stang HO is 225('93 was rated less still same engine)... You can also use a 5.0 HO from a '86-'92 LSC Lincoln, with the '88-'92 engine being the preferred... The '86-'87 is 200Hp(as is the '86 Stang), the '88-'92 225Hp... The '91-'93 Birds and Cougs also use the 5.0 HO, but it has many differences... Not a big deal to swap front covers and other parts from a Bird/Stang/LSC 5.0 but in your case you're starting with a 3.8 and nothing swaps from it...
IF the engine is using mass air, you have to do some wiring changes to the '88 Bird harness...
ok,thanks for the help, but i have another questions. Will i need a new transmission or will the stock one out of the 3.8 work?
This has been discussed quite a bit.
Moving now to proper forum...
Where are you from? I'm doing the same swap, we may be albe to help one another.