V6 (1994-2004) Mustangs Technical discussions on the 3.8L and 3.9L V6 torque monsters

Whats a better choice

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Old 06-09-2009, 11:20 AM
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liqwidsilver
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Default Whats a better choice

So I have been throwing around in the air what I should do with my car. Right now it has the 3.8 in it. Is it better to just build the 3.8 and try to make 350-400 hp out of it or do I just got to the junk yard and grab a 5.0 and drop it in it and build that up. I dont have much cash so i m looking for what would cost less to get that hp range in the long run. I m trying to avoid doing it with a turbo or s/c. Any suggestions.

Also can the 5.0 engine directly fit into a 1996 mustang that has the 3.8 in it now or will I have to redo entire suspension and tranny and rear as well?
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Old 06-09-2009, 11:37 AM
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Xemeth
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Without a turbo, supercharger, or nitrous, you'll never make 350rwhp in a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder. It might be possible, but it'd have to be something rediculous like 13.5:1 or higher compression, a rediculous cam, custom sheet metal intake, no power steering, a/c, electric water pump. So it wouldn't be cheap, if it is possible.
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Old 06-09-2009, 12:29 PM
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liqwidsilver
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Originally Posted by Xemeth
Without a turbo, supercharger, or nitrous, you'll never make 350rwhp in a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder. It might be possible, but it'd have to be something rediculous like 13.5:1 or higher compression, a rediculous cam, custom sheet metal intake, no power steering, a/c, electric water pump. So it wouldn't be cheap, if it is possible.
Ok so then lets make it Turbo the 6 cylinder or drop a 5.0 and keep it n/a
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Old 06-09-2009, 09:31 PM
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Xemeth
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Well the aftermarket for the 5.0 is huge, and making 350-400rwhp isn't really that expensive. I'd personally go with the 5.0 swap, just for the aftermarket choices.

A turbo v6 will probably run you similar amount of money, I'm not sure how much the TMA kits are going for. The only thing with turboing the 6 is I'm pretty sure TMA is the only company who makes a kit for it, so you'll either have to go with them or custom fab your own kit.

A lot of people here are going to say a V8 swap isn't worth it and it'll cost more for not enough gain, which is true if you did a stock V8 swap. But if you build a stock 5.0, or even a 351 or 408 stroker and drop it in, it won't be that expensive and you'll have a huge gain and way more potential than a stock shortblock turbo V6. People are also going to say it's really tough to do the swap, cause you need to have so many little nit-picky parts, but it's not terrible if you do it yourself. A guy in the 4.6 section just did a 408w swap in his 99 GT, which needs all the same parts for a v6 to 5.0/351 swap. I think he did it pretty cheap, too, and it makes some crazy N/A power. It should be a 10 second car, 9's easily on nitrous.
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Old 06-09-2009, 09:38 PM
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Flake6899
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Originally Posted by liqwidsilver
Ok so then lets make it Turbo the 6 cylinder or drop a 5.0 and keep it n/a
You make it sound so easy to put a 5.0 in these cars lol
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Old 06-10-2009, 07:03 AM
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liqwidsilver
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Originally Posted by Flake6899
You make it sound so easy to put a 5.0 in these cars lol
Well it really doesnt sound to bad just like any normal swap. I figured i'd have to get a few new parts to make it fit up good and all but a swap is a swap things are expected to rise up.

I ll prolly just go with the 5.0 find one cheap somewhere and take my time and build the motor right. Then when i m done with the car for school ill drop the 5.0 in it and turn it into a race car. Thanks for the tips
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Old 06-10-2009, 12:06 PM
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mudvayne1
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Those few new parts add up quick.
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Old 06-10-2009, 12:49 PM
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bgnn32
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It is crazy expensive to do a V8 swap on these cars.
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Old 06-10-2009, 01:53 PM
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NewMexMustang
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not to mention i don't know how well the 7.5" rear will hold up on 400 hp...
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Old 06-10-2009, 02:11 PM
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liqwidsilver
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Originally Posted by NewMexMustang
not to mention i don't know how well the 7.5" rear will hold up on 400 hp...
I will be putting in a 8.8 rear. I have that already as well as a whole suspension setup. Has anyone does this swap before that can tell me what needs to be done to get in in there other than the rear and suspension upgrades
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