Another Engine swap

Topic: Another Engine swap (Read 1644 times) previous topic - next topic

Another Engine swap

June 29, 2005, 02:41:44 AM

I recently bought an nice used 1990 Thunderbird from a friend of mine and noticed that it doesn't quite have as much power as I'm used to. It's got the 3.8 Fuel-Injected V6 engine in it at the moment.
Now, I have a 1987 Cougar 20th Anniversary Edition that..unfortunately I wrecked some time ago. I loved that car . It's in 'storage' at the moment and I've been (unsuccessfully) trying to save money to get it repaired and go to school at the same time. Not working out. Now here is where I ask my question. Is there enough room, and is it possible, for me to fit the 5.0 V8 Fuel-Injected Engine from the Cougar into the Thunderbird engine compartment? I truly do miss the whole car because it was my first, but I hope I can come to a happy medium with it and use it's heart.

Can anyone answer my question? (o please say it's possible)

Edit: Sorry, probably should have posted this in the Engine Swap Forum. Mods move it if you wish.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #1 – June 29, 2005, 07:30:59 AM

Yes but not worth it due to the fact that it's only 155hp which isn't much more than the 3.8l.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #2 – June 29, 2005, 09:35:25 AM

I know that you will need a diffrent intake and throttle body I dont know about the mounts or anything. I ripped apart a 91 5.0. It really wasent that much diffrent. Throw on some go fast parts and keep it speed density and you will have a lot quicker stock looking 5.0. For the wireing, you are on your on.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #3 – June 29, 2005, 10:03:30 AM

With the extra weight of the MN12s your SO 5.0 wouldn't be that much better than the 3.8... The '91-'93 HO 5.0s in those cars ain't exactly a ball of fire.

For the wiring you would need a '91-'93 MN12 harness, or try to fit the fox harness and figure how to connect it(I can gaurentee every plug is gonna be different).. Then there are things like the intake differences(to fit under the hood), exaust system, tranny throttle cable, motor mounts, etc. I'd only consider it if I had a '91-'93 Bird/Coug as a donor...

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #4 – June 29, 2005, 10:37:12 AM

most of the plugs I think are the same. There were a bunch of things I got off of a 91 bird that plugged right into my 86.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #5 – June 29, 2005, 11:38:46 AM

Thanks for all the input. The transplant as I think I may have alluded to isn't just for the power though. It's also for the nostalgia of my first car. Don't think that I'm just gonna slap it in there though :D . I'm gonna play around with it until I get it where I want, just like I planned on doing before the unfortunate event. Now I have to find a cheap engine rack somewhere so I can do my work. Complete tear-down. That oughta be fun.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #6 – June 29, 2005, 12:43:15 PM

yeah actually I looked into it. The harness is diffrent but almost all of the sensors will fit.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #7 – June 30, 2005, 12:01:02 AM

I read in Motortrend that the 5.0 HOs in the MN-12s had many engine parts tweaked in order to get it to fit into an engine bay that was originally designed around the 3.8 engine. Most obvious is the upper intake, but I believe the lower intake, distributor, and front timing cover may have also been different in order to shoe horn that motor in. As Tom said, I would only do it if I had access to a donor 5.0 91-93 MN-12 car. The engine harness from one of those models would probably be better to use than the Cougar's.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #8 – June 30, 2005, 12:12:13 AM

Thanks again for the help. Know anywhere I can get that harness for cheap? If not cheap, at least point me in the right direction. As it stands, I have access to the Cougar, an '87 or '88 (can't remember which) T-Bird, and this '90 T-bird. Definitely gotta get my hands on that harness I guess. It will makes things a lot easier in the end, I'm sure.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #9 – June 30, 2005, 12:37:45 AM

Well, I remember seeing a 91-93 cougar XR7 in a nearby junkyard where I'm at. It was complete, with the 5.0 H0 still in the car. In case you're wondering, I'm talking about Norfolk, Nebraska, and I think the yard was called South Side Salvage. It's probably still there too.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #10 – June 30, 2005, 12:47:47 AM

aww..Maybe someone can tell me somewhere online? I can check several of the junkyards around here. Of course I'll probably check with a buddy of mine first. I'm up in SW Pennsylvania, anyone else know anywhere (online or near here.)

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #11 – July 01, 2005, 02:26:33 AM

I have the 91-93 upper intake with throttle body that I might just be sping later on. I got a lead on a wrecked mustang from a freind so I prolly wont use it. I think every thing exept the k-member or what ever they are called are the same. It cant be that much diffrent. You can also get the same engine from a 94-95 mustang.

Re: Another Engine swap

Reply #12 – July 05, 2005, 10:23:50 PM

Sorry, lost internet for a few days.

Anyway,

Haystack: If you do end up getting rid of anything, let me know. I'm really excited about this project. What's your general vicinity?

For everyone else: Your help is greatly appreciated. Please keep the comments coming!