This is my first post and is going to be my first Ford motor swap. A coworker came to me saying he needs someone to replace the 3.8 in his 2000 mustang so I'm doing some research before I tell him I can. I worked in the automotive field for 3 years officially and unofficially a certified master shadetree, I don't doubt I can handle it I just have a few questions. What year model 3.8l should he be looking for, how long does this take (no lift), are there any specific things to replace on a used 3.8l (aside from plugs, wires, the norm), and are there any special Ford tools and/or tricky things that require magic on this replacement?
Anything will help.
Thanks

 

Depends what he's doing. Mid year 2000 they switched from externally bal to internally bal. 99-04 are all mostly the same. 01-04 have runner controlers in the lower intake - so swap in his original 2000 lower if he gets a newer year. Looked at the passanger side manifold. They are known for cracking due to how the A/C drips on them.

Other than that, they are very straight forward to swap out.