CW

Im new here and fairly new to stangs. I have an 83 with a carbed 3.8, 3spd auto. What all is needed to swap to a small block?
Will the trans bolt up?

CW

Anyone have any info on this?

GreyStang

Hi & welcome to MF. That is a VERY popular question, and if you do some searching you will find a lot of detailed info here.

Bottom line though,, if you have to hire a mechanic/garage to do the work then it's gonna cost around $4000 to $5000 for a BASIC conversion, depending onhow lucky you can get with getting cheap parts. It almost always cheaper and a LOTeasier to sell the car & buy one with the engine you want already in it.

CW

I would be doing the work myself. Just wondering what is required to change?
I looked for a 5.0 5spd car but i live in Alberta canada & finding a rust free body like this one is rare and usually never affordable. Im a single dad of 4 so budget isnt the highest.
This car has no rust or damage, interior is very nice no rips etc. The v6 is smoking & its too good to part out.

Colorado_Mustang

The bellhousing between the 5.0L and the 3.8L is the same. You'll need some engine mounts, basically. You should already have the 8.8" rear end, and heavier front springs. The tranny may not be as strong as you would ultimately need, but it would work for the time being.

If you were going to build up a potent 5.0L, you would want to upgrade the suspension, brakes, and tranny. But a stocker would work for a non-race application.

CW

I will just be upgrading over time but if i can use whats in it with a mild 302 or 351 that will help. Is there a difference in mustang oilpans from other fullsize cars?
Thanks