1988 - 3.8L to 5.0L HO swap | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1988 - 3.8L to 5.0L HO swap

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Thunderbird Year
1988
Hi I recently picked up an 88 v6 auto tbird, my 3.8 seems to be done for and rather than rebuilding or swapping another v6 in I was thinking about picking up a carbed small block 302 out of a foxbody mustang. I’ve been looking into forums for info about the swap but I can’t seem to find much. What would I need to go through with the swap? I’d preferably want to swap the auto column shifter to a floor mounted manual, could I use a trans out of the foxbody? I’m pretty new to cars and this is my first but id really appreciate any help! I do have a brother in law who is knowledgeable with engine swaps and can help me do it I just need to know what to pick up! Thanks!



(I’d also like to know if there will be any clearance issues as I do want to find a way to rebuild the suspension with parts off of an sn95 mustang would this be possible, and what would I need to do it?)

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As for the suspension, I doubt it. I believe your '88 has independent rear suspension. For the front end you can try cross referencing the parts you want to change.
A 5.0 will fit,so will a 5 speed. Turbo coupes had a 5 speed option, so pedals and other console parts may be available at a local wrecking yard.
Good luck!
 
your best bet is to find a v8 donor car even better a v8 manual transmission car yes they are out there and should be reasonably priced. I’m not sure about the suspension rebuild with mustang parts I believe they will be different but you should be able to find good stuff for your bird. Research and good luck post photos during your journey.
 
74 Harley said:
As for the suspension, I doubt it. I believe your '88 has independent rear suspension. For the front end you can try cross referencing the parts you want to change.
A 5.0 will fit,so will a 5 speed. Turbo coupes had a 5 speed option, so pedals and other console parts may be available at a local wrecking yard.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
IRS didn't arrive until '89, unless I'm mistaken.
 
The 9th generation Thunderbird was built on the Fox platform, because of this many Fox body Mustang parts are interchangeable with a thunderbird. The 302 is a bolt in swap in the thunderbird as it was an option from ford. When going from a V6 to a V* you may have to change the K member with a V8 thunderbird along with other V8 parts like wiring harness, transmission. Many suspension part will be interchangeable between the Thunderbird and the Mustang as long as you stay with the Fox platform. Both use a modified McPerson front and live axle rear suspension. Parts like shocks springs and brakes will interchange between them. One of the main differences between the Mustang and Thunderbird is the wheel base, the thunderbird has a longer wheel base and a wider track than the Thunderbird. Parts like the axle housing and axles will not interchange but the differential will. Also the exhaust will be longer on the Thunderbird but a Mustang exhaust can easily be modified to fit.

I hope you find this information helpful - There are a number of people that have done similar projects with their Thunderbirds like this.
 
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