YOU CAN SKIP TO THE NUMBERS TO GET TO QUESTIONS AND DISREGARD ALL THIS B.S.!

Alright I plan on posting any questions of my pre-planning stage in this same thread, for the dual-purpose of not wasting bandwidth with multiple threads, as well as making myself an archive to look back on when it's all said and done.

Introduction:
I have a 1993 LX Hatchback. It has the 2.3L motor in it, which runs horribly and I'm afraid it atleast needs new rings. I bought it knowing it was a POS, but for $200 ($50 for car, $100 for locksmith to make keys, $50 for new battery), it was a steal due to the 7-7.5 Condition of the exterior and 7.5-8 condition of the interior. Doesn't have a head unit (CD/Tape player, Radio) at all, and all speakers were in terrible condition. Had a dent in the driver's side 3/4 panel, which has almost been eclipsed by my near perfect, first-time bondo work, of which I am very proud !

Since the motor is in such bad condition, I want to convert it to a EFI V8 by buying a wrecked LX or GT 5.0. to do the complete swap (drivetrain, harnesses, suspension, brakes). I read all the FAQs I could find, but I still have a few specific questions that weren't answered by these articles.

1.) What year car(s) would make the swap the easiest? I had heard that the 91-93 are the best, but I'm not sure. What makes these cars the best for this swap?

2.) I want to upgrade the mounts. There are 2 motor mounts and 1 tranny mount, right? And what is a good brand of these? I've seen a few in magazine ads, but haven't been able to find them on the internet. Where should I buy these?

 

1) the years are 89-92 bc they have mass air and forged internals
2) yes you are right and get energy suspension or something that has polyuathane bushings in them. I have seen them on ebay for $80 the motor mounts.

 

So there wasn't Mass-Air before 1989? And why isn't the '93 included? Also, what about OBD issues?

 

there was CA mass air cars in 88 but before that no they were SD
93 mustangs had hyperelectric pistons
what is OBD

 

hypereutectic, sorry for being such a hard *** lol... but i like the sound of hyperelectric, sounds like the space ship enterprise!!!!!!

 

On Board Diagnostics. It's the version of software that the ECU uses to diagnose problems with the car. It has to do with those little handheld devices they plug a car up to when you take it to the mechanic because the Holy Shyte Lite (CEL) comes on. Became mandatory on cars after 1992, right?

And I am planning on building up the motor with aftermarket internals anyway, so I am looking for years that would be easiest from a wiring standpoint.

 

All of the fuel injected fox body mustangs ran off the same computer wich is called EEC-IV. Ford used this on some of their cars all the way up until 95. As long as you get a car with mass air you shouldnt have a problem.

 

As for wiring, if you use a harness from a 90-93, everything will hook right up, otherwise it takes so work and splicing to get the engine harness to hook up to the under-dash harness that comes through the firewall. I made the mistake of having an 89 donor car for a 92 conversion and there were small differences, i went and got harnesses from a 93 and it was a no-brainer to hook up.

 

I agree, stay within the 89-92 range and you should be fine.

 

Could I bump that up to '93 because I plan on upgrading all of the internals? Is the internals the only reason ya'll are leaving out the '93?

Next Question:

3.) I have a guy with exactly what I am looking for, except it is a convertible. Car is a 1991. I am assuming most of the suspension from this car would not be usuable due to the fact that it is a vert, and most aftermarket pieces are for either a convertible or a non-convertible, and cannot be interchanged. I figured the shocks, struts, and springs can't be (safely) used. Any other pieces that I should look at replacing? Sounds like a good excuse to get brand new upgrades to me...