hey guys/gals! just bought a 88 t-bird 3.8 and was wondering a decent engine i can swap mine with, was thinking about a small block but i have no idea and was hoping for any advice, thank you.
The simplest and cheapest upgrade would be the 5.0. Plentiful engines. "Cheap" is a relative term. It can cost a lot if you want it to, and requires some patience to find all the parts you need. I'd take time, shop around, hit the yards, andacquire everything you might need before you start. It does require some effort.
Fuel lines
motor mounts, harness swaps
computer
fuel pump
accessories
EFI setup.....etc.
If you go carb, that makes it a lot easier. It all depends on how deep you want to go into this project. Quite a few members have done the 5.0 swap into their 4 and 6 cyl cars.
If I were going V-8 I would go with an engine that's not already in that model t-bird. 351 Windsor would be nice.
427, 428 o 429!!!
The only engine I'd go to other than the 5.0 would be the 351W or one of the newer style 4.6 or 5.0 engines. I needs to be able to get parts easily.
I'm pretty sure a 427 or 428 FE won't fit in a Fox without major work. A 385 serries 429 or 460 bolts in pretty easily...
A 460 fits rather nicely
(http://[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/Siggy1265/tbirdmotor.jpg)[/IMG]
do the 5.0 ho swap.relatively cheap swap with used parts. i just did one in my cougar (again) cause i spun a rod bearing
I'd go 351w