Ok, since people always get hosed around here for asking about swap outs of their 3.8 for a v8 it got me thinking about other solutions. What about doing a 3.8 swap for a 3.8 swap! Ill explain, I need my 99' v6 stang(my daily driver currently,its all stock)everyday for driving purposes, however, I am looking for a nice engine project in the mean time. So I amconsidering buying aduplicate of my3.8L from my local Auto junkyard. I was thinking along the lines of swaping the heads, possible 4.2L stroker kit andvariousbolt-ons. So I am curious as to what kind of poweryou allexpect from a N/A built 3.8L engine of this sort?

 

Most of the 3.8L in N/A trim seem to max out between 230 and 240. I've seen the 4.2L in N/A trim top out in the 280 range. Tossa power adder on either, and the sky is the limit.

 

Can the stock tranny and rear end hold up to these kind of numbers??? A new performance clutch would probably be helpful huh as I bet the stock one would get smashed rather quickly.

 

No you will need a girdle and good locker at around 300rwhp. The trans will be fine, but i would suggest a shift kit to help with the problems of it already, if you have a manual a new clutch would be a good idea...

 

if its a 4R70 (auto) then it can handel the power, for the rear you will need something like a detroit true trac and girdle for the rear

 

Its a 99' 3.8L all stock now.....and yes its a 5-speed. I think I have decided if I do this I will switch out rear end to 3.23 or maybe 3.75 with a t-lok and Ill keep the tranny stock except add a performance clutch.

I think a built Ford 3.8L or any american v6 engine at that matter built for power and speed would be very unique and fun in my opinion......I think thats why I might go this route then building a V8 up.

 

not always, unless and until someone becomes a bit arrogant. and if you're not arrogant, then this v6 forum simply becomes disinterested, since if you do go to an 8, you need to switch your forums.... because then your advice needs to come from v8 fan boys.

but what the heck, your plan to have an engine sitting on build-up while you continue to drive around soundsdecent.

here's to your fun! <toast>