I have a '68 Mustang Coupe. I have decided to take out the booty 6-cylinder and weak automatic trans and switch them out with a late model 5.0L and T-5 trans. The engine would be from an '89-'93 mustang and same with the trans. I was wondering if anyone has done this swap b4. I just wanted to know 3 things. 1- what's the parts list for the swap, 2- what tools do i need for the swap, and 3- what's a general outlook on the cost, say, if i didn't get a donor car and bought all the parts new.

This is my first big car project so any advice and luck is appreciated.

Call me Shifty

 

I did basically the same thing to my 65. Im not running EFI though.

If you want to run EFI, get the wiring harness and computer out of the donor vehicle.

You will need several parts to do the swap.

1. Convert to 5 lug front and rear with front disc brakes and at leat an 8 inch rear. You'll need a new master cylinder too.
2. V8 radiator and shroud or electric fans.
3. T5 crossmember and a custom or modified driveshaft (don't use the I6 one).
4. V8 fuel line 3/8 from tank to pump.
5. Sway bars, subframe connectors, 1 peice export brace, and monte carlo bar.
6. V8 front springs stock or lowering etc.
7. V8 motor mounts (RMP adjustable ones are nice)
8. A reproduction V8 underhood wiring harness will be helpful too.
9. Also if your using the late model bell housing it will be easier. You'll need to decide on what type of clutch you want cable, hydraulic etc.

There are going to be several other things but thats the just of it. Check out Modern Driveline, Ron Morris, and Mustang Steve for swap parts. I used MD stuff and am very satisfied with it.

 

As TX points out this swap goes FAR beyond just changing the engine and transmission. My advice would be that you do NOT consider this swap unless you are willing to go all the way with the list that TX provided. If you don't do it right, the car will handle like a dog and will have weak points that will make the car much less durable and reliable than it should be.

My $0.02,

 

Thanx.

How much time and how much money did you put into your swap?

 

I'm on the home stretch of the v8 swap (carbureted) and can tell you starting in 1967, the only difference in the front is the steering linkage (i.e. center link, inner/outer tie rods, and adjustment sleeves)

these are the same in the i6/v8 models:
-upper/lower arms
-spindles
-sway bar
-struts
-springs and their seats
-shocks

now, does this mean don't replace this all? no, it may need to be. but if its re-usable, consider saving some money by using them.

there are a ton of small parts that will nickle and dime your bank account too, so be ready to get in way over your head. the way you are going, get ready to spend up to 5k in parts

 

Its hard to say how much money really went into it. I don't have reciepts for everything. Some parts are new and some are used. The used parts have all been rebuilt. The price for the swap can fluctuate quite a bit between cars, depending on how much things are upgraded. If you have a good running engine and good transmission, the swap will cost at least a few thousand dollars. It really saves a lot to do as much work yourself as possible. Basically it really depends how you set your car up.

Good point, I forgot to mention the steering linkage. Everything is different.

 

Thanx, i was planning on buying a whole donor car. Like i said b4, an '89-'93 mustang. What parts from the late model mustang will i be able to swap over. My uncle thinks with the donor car i'll have everything i need for the swap. Is that true?

 

since you are asking about cost, I will just throw this out there. Although there are many valid reasons to do the V8 upgrade to a 60s mustang, it usually ends up being more expensive than just selling the 6 cyl mustang and looking for a good deal on a 60s mustang with a v8. I have a couple buddies who have owned 6 cyl mustangs. One of them went the really cheap route and just did a few upgrades to his 6 cylinder to make it perform better. His car didn't turn out fast but was a fun drive and sounded good.

The other option is to find a good deal on a V8 that needs to be restored. If you find a good rust free V8 pony car, it usually ends up cheaper than the upgrade from a 6. In my area, I see V8 pony cars selling for 2-3k in the fixer up category. Or for 3-5k you could get a v8 mustang that is running condition and just needs cosmetic stuff.

Just FYI, the other guy that converted his straight 6 mustang to V8 spent about 3k on his upgrade (that was a few years ago) when it was all said and done. Now his car turned out great but when you add up the time and money he invested, buying a v8 pony car would have been easier.

 

So, what parts will i be able to use???

 

Engine and trans is all that will bolt in your mustang.The front seats will if you drill some holes.Only cars you can use a lot of stuff 64-73 mustang /cougar is it.