wisest.fool

I found a 1988 VERY pretty convertible mustang GT on the island of Oahu, Hawaii for a great price. It needs a new engine. Everything else is tip top. The current engine barely starts and shakes the whole car. I haven't taken it apart yet, but im guessing I will end up needing a new engine as the previous owner overheated it. I could just get a remanufactured engine online for 1600. I really would just love to cruise the island in this classic car with the top down and maybe I will bring the wife. However, I could save a lot of money if I can find the right engine here on the island. I do NOT wish to go fast. I just want to go... the speed limit is 35 for most of this island when there is no traffic. With this said I am on an island. There are a limited amount of options here. on the mainland I could go find the exact same car that has been rear ended in a different state and go for a road trip with a uhaul trailer. here not so much.. So the question is can I find a 302 v8 from a different vehicle say a e or f series or bronco or thunderbird or capri or even an explorer and have it work in my vehicle? I am guessing the intake will have to come from the old motor to the new motor. I don't know what else I would have to do to the engine to make it work in the mustang or if its even possible or if the transmission will bolt up correctly. I know the 88 is the H/O motor with roller camshaft and EFI VIN code T or E. I think the Capri is the only other car with the same engine exactly.


I would love to hear if I can get a different model's 302 and make it work and what it would take. Thank you very much for your help.

bluebeastsrt

Any 302 engine will work. You'll have to get the entire engine and wiring harnesses because different years used different set-ups.

88 orangepeel notch

Welcome to the forum, good luck in your search.

But I have to say, don't give up on the original motor yet. A little shake could be as simple as a bad wire. If there was a metal on metal clanking then yeah, motors probably toast. These 302s can take a good overheating without any damage, not like newer cars with aluminum blocks and heads. I had an 89 F150 that got so hot it turned the oil to a thin grease when it cooled. Changed the oil 2 times, and put another 70k on it before the body finally went, motor never skipped a beat.