hey i wanna do a 2.3 to 5.0 conversion and have been told that once complete the car will not be reliable to me anymore is this true

 

Punt them up the ***. Ask them why it wouldn't be reliable and see if they can answer. It will be reliable. Just remember to do a 5.0 conversion you need to change the coil springs and tranny as well and the rear-end. For the interior you have to change the dash (as it is a LOT easier to just change the dash then try and figure out where all that wiring goes) and computer.

 

i say it will be MORE reliable

drop in a healthy 5.0 and you can bet it will last over 200k miles

maintaince is the key to reliability

 

correct installation will be the key to reliability.

why would car the know what engine is in it? .........
as long as you do it correctly.
computer
wire harness
trans
rear-end
fuel pump

just dont cut any corners

 

Tim, try to find a wrecked one that you can pull parts from. You could skip the computer and wiring harness to save a bit of time and hassle, and slap a carb 302 in and just find your tranny, rear, and your suspension needs.

You may have to tweak the carb from time to time, but it will still be reliable. Biggest thing to worry about being reliable is the parts you put in it (tran/motor/rear). While you have the engine out of the car, now would be a great time to freshen it up so you know what you have in it if you bought a junk yard motor.

On the other hand, EFI provides better economy, and as long as all the sensors are functioning properly, you can hit the key and crank right up. Carbs sometimes don't like the cold starts.

 

I did a 5.0 swap, and my car runs like a champ not the prettiest thing but it reliable.I didnt have to change the dash though, just took it out of the car and took the old wiring out, ran the 5.0 harness and put it back in.As far as the tranny if its a 5 speed all you need is a different bell housing.At least thats what i did.

 

I did a swap in a '94 but it was from a 3.8L v-6. Still changed it all, cut no corners and has 0 problems, was great!

 

I did my swap, had a donor gt, and after I got done, I know my car inside and out, makes you feel better about it and once you start the project, the wheels in your head will keep turning on what else you can do it it.

 

thanks alot guys im already pretty comfortable with the car cuz the 2.3 has been outta the car like 10 times now and ive put 3 aod's in it in the last year a pain in the *** i had so many problems with the 2.3 and the trans it over heated about 2 months ago and needs a head gasket so im just gonna fix it good enouggh to get me around until i can get the 5.0

 

As an added note the insurance will be cheaper also. Give your company the vin and they think it's a 4cyl. Cha Ching save money instead of insuring an LX or GT with a 5.0.