Will a 1990 5.0 mustang engine fit into a 1996 3.8 mustang?

Answer 1

The 5.0 Litre (302 Cubic Inches) engine was used in Fox platform based mustangs ( the '96 is a "Fox-4" platform mustang) from 1979-1995 (with the exception of a couple of years in the early '80's oil crisis). The '96 you refer to is pretty much structurally identical to the '94-'95's, therefore the 5.0 will fit perfectly in the engine compartment of the '96. This is actually not an uncommon engine conversion for these cars. HOWEVER!!!... the 5.0 won't just bolt right in where the 3.8 was. I won't take the time to list all of the complications involved but some of the most important you should know are, the computer (brain box) from the 3.8 will not control the components on the 5.0. The engine mounts won't match up. I don't know if the 3.8 is an auto or a 5-speed, but either way the 3.8 transmission bell-housing won't bolt up to the 5.0, it would have to be replaced by either the trans from the 5.0 or another one that could handle the higher torque of the eight cylinder engine anyway. Not to mention painstaking seemingly never ending electrical connection conversions. These are just a few of the problems you'll run into on a project of this magnitude. There are countless others. If you are serious about doing the swap (and have the funds) there are companies who can make the process easier. Go to Google and type in Ford Mustang 3.8 TO 5.0 ENGINE SWAP and I guarantee that in the first 10 hits there will be a link to a mustang forum. These guys can tell you everything you need to know and can even direct to some of the companies that supply products that make just what your doing easier. Hope this helped.