i have a 1989 2.3L ford mustang lx. i want to convert it to a 5.0L. what do i need to do?

Question

I'm pretty sure that i need to put in a new suspension to compensate for the added weight up front and probably also a new transmission to handle the added power. is that true? and also..what other work will need to be done?

Answer 1

Best to obtain a wrecked 5.0 for this swap.
As to "do it right" you will need to change the following.

1. Engine (including mounts)
2. Transmission(possibly crossover and mount)
3. Driveshaft
4. Rear
5. Exhaust
6. Complete engine harness and ECM
7. Front and rear springs/struts.
8. Radaitor

This is a major project and will take time to do right. But can be done.
*Another possible suggestion (which is Emissions illegal) is to just use a carb and single wire HEI Ignition. This would allow to skip ECM part, but if you plan to go through Emissions with this it will fail visual inspection.

Answer 2

1989 Ford Mustang Lx

Answer 3

It will not be difficult, but may take some work. Most likely the biggest thing you need to do is change out the motor mounts. This shouldnt be hard all you need to do is find mounts from a 5.0 stang and they should bolt up to your car since they put 5.0's in them. With the suspension thing, I doubt it. You may need new struts since this is an old vehicle and are most likely worn out anyways and adding the new weight, will make the car sag. Now with the transmission thing, you absolutely need a new tranny! A 2.3L isnt any thing like a 5.0. It will not handle the power of that larger engine not to mention that the bolt patterns are completely different!! Just find a good running 5.0 w/tranny and, if you feel up to it, do a top end job on it. Hope these tips help!!

Answer 4

I am starting that same project with my 1979 Turbo coupe Mustang. I was told that I'll I need is the v8. The transmission will not hold up to a V8 so you might want to think about upgrading. You will also have to upgrade the computer. The motor mounts should work so you don't have to worry about that. I'm not sure what else there is. I'm not very far into my car yet. Still waiting for the motor to come back.

Answer 5

Get an '89 Mustang already equipped with the 5.0L V8. There are TOO MANY differences between the two cars. Firstly, You would need to change the entire rear axle assembly along with it's rear suspension. Your 4 cylinder uses the 7.5" rear end, while the 5.0L uses the 8.8". Then, you'd need to replace the entire front suspension, along with the bigger brake calipers and steering knuckle, again which is unique to both cars. You'd need to replace the entire engine wiring harness along with the drivetrain. You'd also need to replace the entire instrument cluster assembly. The V8 uses a 7,000 RPM tach, while your 4 cylinder uses a 6,000 RPM unit, as well as the speedometer. And, to accomodate the dual exhaust the 5.0L V8 uses, you'd have to reroute the brake and fuel lines to allow for clearance. And lastly, yes you'd need the engine, transmission, and mounts. And those are just the KNOWN differences between the two cars. Need I say more?!!!!

Answer 6

If you have to ask what needs to be done, it is very unlikely that you have the expertise necessary to perform such an invovled operation yourself. It would probably be more cost-effective to simply buy a 5.0 if you would have to pay someone to convert the '89.

Answer 7

Sell it and buy a 5.0, seriously man, its cheaper and a whole lot less hassle. your 1989 will never be as good as that 5.0 with an engine swap.

Answer 8

Simpler to buy a 5.0 Mustang.

Answer 9

You would have to get a donor car and change everything over,

an easier solution would be to make your car into a SVO with lots of available parts on ebay

my SVO group

Answer 10

dont have to change much. Ive done this just basicly get a motor and tranny and 5.0 motor mounts and go to town. I bought a wrecked donor and just switched everyting strictly bolt over.