3.8 swap

1993rangerxl · Jul 18, 2014

I have a 3.8 from a 2000 mustang with T5 tranny, how difficult will it be with the electronics? I have the computer with the 3.8. Will be putting this into a 93 that has the 2.3 4 banger. Thanks in advance for any info

97RangerXLT · Jul 18, 2014

Check out the engine forums, there is a sub section for off size or weird engine swaps, the 3.8 being one of them.

since you have the computer, wiring and transmission, I would say it is doable, but you will have to check the subsection in engines to find what hurdles you will need to overcome to make it all work. 2000 might need a PATS system to run tho... I would look into that as that might be your biggest headache.

AJ

1993rangerxl · Jul 20, 2014

OK, what is a PATS system?

97RangerXLT · Jul 20, 2014

it is the anti theft system that all newer cars have in them. Ford put it in the rangers in 1998 or 1999... Not sure when it went into the Mustang, but I would imagine your 2000 Donor car had it. so if you are using the donor computer, you will need the pats system for it to work (which probably would mean having the ignition cylinder and all of the wiring and PATS module plus the original mustang keys), or figure out a way to bypass it.

AJ

AllanD · Jul 21, 2014

PATS = "Passive Anti-Theft System"

which basically equates to "Chipped Key"

AllanD · Jul 21, 2014

THE issue with the 3.8 V6 is that there are two distinct versions, the FWD bellhousing version that bolts up to any 3.0 transmission and the RWD block which has its own bellhousing (NOT the "Windsor" pattern, but might be the same or similar to the "Romeo" (car 4.6 modular) bellhousing problem.

However the issue is also complicated by the fact that all of these later engines are "externally balanced" and thus use assymetrical flywheel bolt patterns
(mainly an issue for those wanting to run a manual trans)

at one point I had ideas of using the bottom end of a 3.8SC (Steel Crank) engine with
the top end of a "Split-port" Windstar engine.

Another complicating factor is engine "front dress", most 3.8 installs want the
P/S pump low on the drivers side engine.. on TTB rangers this places the P/S pump in the middle of the steering box...

Add to that the complication of oil pan clearance...

1993rangerxl · Jul 22, 2014

What would be a better engine swap other than the 3.8 that I have? This didn't cost me anything.

SenorNoob · Jul 25, 2014

To replace a 2.3... 2.3T

black_demon69 · Jul 26, 2014

SenorNoob said:
To replace a 2.3... 2.3T

or just do a 4.0l swap

adsm08 · Jul 26, 2014

1993rangerxl said:
What would be a better engine swap other than the 3.8 that I have?

Anything, absolutely anything at all. A 2.0, a 2.3, a 6.7, heck I think the little 1-cyl 2 cycle in my weed whacker would be a better option.

RWD 3.8s warp heads, don't have as much power as similar sized V6 engines, and as stated before, if the vehicle wasn't really built to have one it's a PITA putting it in there.

Sell the engine on Craigslist, use the money to put towards a 4.0.

1993rangerxl · Jul 26, 2014

Will sell motor, what about the T5 tranny? Keep it for use with the 4.0 or maybe a 5.0, or would the Mazda tranny be a better choice with the exaggerated weights I carry and equally over the top towing? What would be better to stand up to extreme torque demands?

SenorNoob · Jul 27, 2014

1993rangerxl said:
...extreme torque demands? ...

Large diesel engine and appropriate transmission? Or maybe just a 5.0 and ZF?

AllanD · Jul 28, 2014

I've always thought that the short block from a 3.8SC with the heads off of Windstar Split-port engine would give a 4.0SOHC a run for the money without the reliability issues of either the run of the mill 3.8 or the timing chain tensioner issues of the 4.0SOHC.

And if you really had your heart set on turbocharging a V6...

Of course that's an awful lot of work...

1993rangerxl · Jul 28, 2014

Being the motor & T5 tranny cost me... Zero, I thought it was an OK idea. No I don't have the pats for it, so I'll need to get that sorted out yet (preference not to have it, but don't know if possible to do so). Or if I'll have to get something from junk yard and need to have it matched to this motor. Reading through other forums on the site, Ford seamed to get the head gasket issues fixed by the later 90's motors just hoping to be able to have a little faster fun from my little wagon over the next 300,000 miles.

3.8 swap

New Member

Forum Staff Member

New Member

Forum Staff Member

TRS Technical Staff

TRS Technical Staff

New Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Senior Master Grease Monkey

New Member

Well-Known Member

TRS Technical Staff

New Member

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals