V8 Swap Cost

[Vandal]

I'm starting the process of saving up for and selecting which V8 to swap for. Generally though it looks like Coyotes are an 8k+ swap. And as I'm just looking for some extra power over the 4.0 V6, what is a reasonable cost to do a 4.6 3V swap? Engine and transmission and F8.8 axle?

I've been considering buying a wrecked mustang, but they look like about 2-3k by the time I get them home. All of the parts are there, but generally with 100k miles or more on them.

Friends I've asked suggest an LS swap, but I'd like to keep it closer to original.

Thanks!

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

My advice is sell your V6 Mustang and trade up to a newer GT. You'd have to do a lot more than just an engine swap into a V6 Mustang so leave that to big boys like Brenspeed. You'll find this interesting reading.

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/Mustang2006GT/Coyote5.0Swap.html

 

[Vandal]

My advice is sell your V6 Mustang and trade up to a newer GT. You'd have to do a lot more than just an engine swap into a V6 Mustang so leave that to big boys like Brenspeed. You'll find this interesting reading.

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/Mustang2006GT/Coyote5.0Swap.html

That’s a good read. Looks like a 4.6 or 5.4 are the best options. Which I’m fine with either. I drove a gen 1 coyote when they first came out. Took it to 135 one night just to see if I could find the limiter. Turns out headlights and road conditions limited my run that night.

I’m not looking for big power. I like the V6 because it feels like there’s so little power that it is very forgiving. However I’d like to have fun modding it for some performance improvements. I’d sell it and buy a newer GT, but I really like the body style of the 05-09 and I’ve more fun modding my vehicles than I do standing before the judge.

 

[golkhl]

Turbo the 4.0!

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

I’d sell it and buy a newer GT, but I really like the body style of the 05-09 and I’ve more fun modding my vehicles than I do standing before the judge.

You'd need to find a totaled 05-09 GT or 07-09 GT500 to use as a swap parts donor.

 

[Vandal]

Turbo the 4.0!

I like this idea, but a v8 swap may be the same cost or less.

You'd need to find a totaled 05-09 GT or 07-09 GT500 to use as a swap parts donor.

That’s what I was thinking. Just trying to get a feel vs buying parts as I find them for sale and building that way.

 

[tjm73]

Very nice '05-'09 Mustang GT's can be bought for $8-10K. You will spend close to that (if not more) plus a lot of lost time to complete the swap and work out any issues. You will be money and time ahead to sell the V6 for what it's worth and use that money to buy a V8 car.

 

[MrAwesome987]

I had an 05 V6 car and it was a ton of fun, but when the time came I considered all kinds of swaps and turbo kits. I decided it was best to just sell the V6 and get a GT.

I sold my V6 for 4500 and bought a nice GT for 7500.

 

[stkjock]

agree with above comments, sell and buy a v8 car, don't swap it

 

[tjm73]

When a factory V8 version of a car is available the least expensive path is almost always sell and buy. Swapping is what inexperienced guys want to do thinking they will somehow save money. Most often they sell a half finished project for a big loss.

 

[Vandal]

If I went that route I’d keep my V6 and buy another mustang.

I’ve got a fair amount of work in this one which is why I’m looking at a swap. Just seeing where the price point is for a wrecked GT that makes it better than piece by piece. Looking at coyote cost and time eliminates it, so looking at an 05-10 gt.

 

[tjm73]

Well if you go that route and swap I'd highly suggest you find a 2006 Mustang GT as Ford has a history of making small wiring changes that make swaps troublesome. From 1987 til 1993 the 5.0 Mustangs had 3 or 4 different wiring harnesses. One of them was one year only ('90 I believe) and if you don't know that you can get into a mess of trouble swapping and trouble shooting issues. I damn near got into trouble just swapping interiors between an '91 and a '93.

And the S197 cars electrical system is far more integrated than the relatively basic wiring harness in the Foxbody cars.

 

[WNYGT5-0]

 

[Joe combs]

I recently purchase a 07 gt out of the salvage pool that needed the front sheetmetal and lights replaced for $1200 with fees. It has right at 100k miles on it and had a few extra goodies already on it. If you were looking to swap it you would of had everything you needed... or in my case bolt on what it needed and get it painted and you have a nice gt.

 

[MrAwesome987]

I recently purchase a 07 gt out of the salvage pool that needed the front sheetmetal and lights replaced for $1200 with fees. It has right at 100k miles on it and had a few extra goodies already on it. If you were looking to swap it you would of had everything you needed... or in my case bolt on what it needed and get it painted and you have a nice gt.

That's a very nice price!

 

[Forty61]

When a factory V8 version of a car is available the least expensive path is almost always sell and buy. Swapping is what inexperienced guys want to do thinking they will somehow save money. Most often they sell a half finished project for a big loss.

This. But it sounds like you’ve made up your mind on a swap. If you’re convinced on a swap I’d say the Coyote because if you’re going to dump the time and money into a swap you might as well get the newer motor. Or just buy a cheap 05-09 GT like others said.. but it’s not my money.

 

[WNYGT5-0]

There’s some good points in here but it can go both ways. Either way... buy parts or a complete totaled parts car, there’s no guarantee how things are gonna go after you crank the engine over. I’m into my swap pretty cheap so far... but haven’t installed and turned the key. Until then, no idea what is gonna have to come back out and be fixed/rebuilt. Should I have just bought a GT, maybe. For my idle hands, this was the best way to go. Plus I’m learning. I’m not an S197 pro, but after removing every part and reinstalling it I’ll have no troubles getting in and repairing down the road. It’s up to you and your budget, I’ve found complete salveged coyote cars for around 4500-5000. My next build will go that route but for now I’m enjoying learning. CHEERS!

 

[Vandal]

I think after all is said and done, a wreck will cost 2k. Then it’s a simple (relatively)process of moving things over.


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[Sky Render]

I know you get attached to cars, but a V8 swap is just a dumb, expensive idea. Keep the 4.0 as a daily driver and buy a GT.

 

[OX1]

If I went that route I’d keep my V6 and buy another mustang.

I’ve got a fair amount of work in this one which is why I’m looking at a swap. Just seeing where the price point is for a wrecked GT that makes it better than piece by piece. Looking at coyote cost and time eliminates it, so looking at an 05-10 gt.

What is a "fair amount of work" that can't be transferred to a same year GT?