DieHarder
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2019
- Posts
- 1,468
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- 758
First thread/post - let's hope it's in the right forum.
So story is I've come across a stock 2009 GT-500 that was side-swiped on cabling guard-rail by the owner and subsequently picked up by a local wrecking yard. Went out to take a look-see and overall the car isn't in that bad of shape. Right rear quarter panel folded up pretty good. Front bumper broken in half. Left front quarter gone. Rest of the body intact. All wheels/tires in good shape. Appears she got caught in the cabling and spun ripping off panels as she went. Airbag didn't go off however. Engine started up and ran fine; around 30K on the clock. Rear seats are wet (open to the elements; rear glass broken). Rest of the interior is good. (Recommendations for issues/items/areas to take a closer look at should I want to pursue this are welcome). Deal is the yard wants $13K for the entire car (is that reasonable?) and I bring it back after I'm done with it so they can take the brakes and other salvageable parts for other projects. I get whatever I need to do the swap over (engine/trans/rear-end/harnesses/gauges/interior pieces/etc).
Here's where the fun begins. I have a 2006 GT with a DOB setup and my son has a 2007 stock V6. His car looks fast (Roush body work/stripes/Grabber Orange) but isn't so this may be an opportunity to rectify that. He's in college now so could be a great graduation present...
The hard part is I would have to swap out 2 engines and drive trains including computers, dashes, harnesses and all other ancillary pieces from my car into his and then swap in everything from the GT-500 into my car. A ton of work to be sure.
Looking for experiences/pointers/personal stories from members who have either done one or both of the these swaps; 4.0 to 4.6L and 4.6L to 5.4L and especially your opinions of whether taking on such a project/s are worth it from a personal/financial (not in it to make money, but do you think the cars will be worth anymore than they are today) and overall satisfaction points of view. I know I'm starting with good foundations just questioning the time, effort and sweat equity that taking on these kinds of mammoth projects entail. Mechanical experience isn't a limiting factor. I've rebuilt several cars in my life (by myself) including a '68 Charger; 74 Lotus Europa and Bi-Turbo Maserati among others. Physical endurance may slow things down a bit however; getting up there in years now (62) and usually not anyone around to help but I can call on friends now and then so recommendations for events/activities you think I need them to help with are welcome.
So the big question for everyone; looking back on your build/swap experiences "Was it worth all of the work you put in" and if you had to do it over would you? (Likely a rhetorical question given this group's interests...). Thoughts & Opinions Welcome.
So story is I've come across a stock 2009 GT-500 that was side-swiped on cabling guard-rail by the owner and subsequently picked up by a local wrecking yard. Went out to take a look-see and overall the car isn't in that bad of shape. Right rear quarter panel folded up pretty good. Front bumper broken in half. Left front quarter gone. Rest of the body intact. All wheels/tires in good shape. Appears she got caught in the cabling and spun ripping off panels as she went. Airbag didn't go off however. Engine started up and ran fine; around 30K on the clock. Rear seats are wet (open to the elements; rear glass broken). Rest of the interior is good. (Recommendations for issues/items/areas to take a closer look at should I want to pursue this are welcome). Deal is the yard wants $13K for the entire car (is that reasonable?) and I bring it back after I'm done with it so they can take the brakes and other salvageable parts for other projects. I get whatever I need to do the swap over (engine/trans/rear-end/harnesses/gauges/interior pieces/etc).
Here's where the fun begins. I have a 2006 GT with a DOB setup and my son has a 2007 stock V6. His car looks fast (Roush body work/stripes/Grabber Orange) but isn't so this may be an opportunity to rectify that. He's in college now so could be a great graduation present...
The hard part is I would have to swap out 2 engines and drive trains including computers, dashes, harnesses and all other ancillary pieces from my car into his and then swap in everything from the GT-500 into my car. A ton of work to be sure.
Looking for experiences/pointers/personal stories from members who have either done one or both of the these swaps; 4.0 to 4.6L and 4.6L to 5.4L and especially your opinions of whether taking on such a project/s are worth it from a personal/financial (not in it to make money, but do you think the cars will be worth anymore than they are today) and overall satisfaction points of view. I know I'm starting with good foundations just questioning the time, effort and sweat equity that taking on these kinds of mammoth projects entail. Mechanical experience isn't a limiting factor. I've rebuilt several cars in my life (by myself) including a '68 Charger; 74 Lotus Europa and Bi-Turbo Maserati among others. Physical endurance may slow things down a bit however; getting up there in years now (62) and usually not anyone around to help but I can call on friends now and then so recommendations for events/activities you think I need them to help with are welcome.
So the big question for everyone; looking back on your build/swap experiences "Was it worth all of the work you put in" and if you had to do it over would you? (Likely a rhetorical question given this group's interests...). Thoughts & Opinions Welcome.