Ford Mustang Modular Engine Swaps
Hot rodders and Stang enthusiasts have long enjoyed tweaking their rides with nifty engine swaps. Dropping a Ford Mustang modular engine can increase a car’s horsepower and performance. Sometimes, though, Ford Mustang modular engine swaps require a little more work - and a little more creativity.
Ford introduced is modular motor, a 4.6L two valve (2v) single overhead cam (SOHC), in 1991 in the Lincoln Town Car. Mustangs got their mod on a few years later in ‘96. From there, Ford has offered several different, hotter modular engine options.
With the four valve (4v) dual overhead cam (DOHC) and the three valve SOHC leading the pack, Mustang modular engines are often a viable option for dropping into an older cars when stock engines are not available or not desired. On the 2v and 3v, SOHC motors the blocks are made from iron although all of the heads have been aluminum. 4v DOHC motors, for the most part, traditionally use aluminum blocks.
The Mustang Cobras of 2003 and 2004 were supercharged, pushing 390 hp, went with an iron block for added strength and endurance. Ford Racing offers two modular engines; a 300 hp 4.6L 3v crate motor and a special 400 hp 5.0L 4v. The swaps can be a challenge because mounting brackets may be off and for some engines, size is an issue. At times, there are modifications that are necessary in Ford Mustang modular engine swaps to make it work.
If you are not concerned with keeping your vintage Mustang stock and you want to give it a little extra power, then a Ford Mustang modular engine swap may be just what the doctor ordered. However, dropping a, say, 4.6, or 5.4 in a vintage Mustang, will require some body modifications. For the most part, all of the front suspension will have to go and the wiring, plumbing and cooling will need to be reworked as well.
The brake, clutch and gas pedal mountings, cable or hydraulic clutch actuation and other modifications will need to be made in order for the engine to work in the car. An engine swap can be an extremely complex endeavor, but it can be done.
Do your homework and know what will be involved before you get started. So many guys will pick up a new engine and they are in such a hurry to drop it in the car they do not stop to realize that there is much, much more to the project. The rush to pull the existing motor and drop the new one - and then what?
Often they are left scratching their heads because they did not look at the big picture and had no clue what they were getting into before they started. Then the Mustang projects wind up as unfinished backyard decorations that never reach their full potential as high performance mean machines.
There are many manuals and Mustang specific publications that can give you great guidance. Many can even offer troubleshooting information in case you get stuck. The key is, though, to know what you are getting in to before you begin. That way, you can do it on your own or you will know if it is time to call in a pro.
