Has anyone found it to be worth it to swap from a 6 Cylinder to a V8? Were the associated costs worth it? Or would I be better off selling the car and going direct to an original V8?

If the conversion is manageable what V8 did you put in it's place?

HELP!!

 

There are only 2 reasons that make a conversion worth while:

1. Sentimental reasons. The car has been in the family for decades, you can't let it go, but it needs more get up and go.

2. You are doing a ground up restoration anyway, and all the 6cyl-specific parts need to be replaced anyway, and you value the experience of building it yourself.

The reason for this is that the suspension and brakes need to be changed along with the engine, transmission, and rear end. Heck, add paint and body, interior and wiring, and you might as well do the whole car. It is always easier, and more financially sound to buy a car that is either an original V8, or one that has already been properly (and thoroughly) converted.

 

If you are building a heavily modified car, you are replacing most if not all of the parts needed for the upgrade. Therefore from that perspective you can make out well if you start with the less desireable 6 cylinder cars to keep your overall costs down.

It's just like searching high and low for a body that's not covered with rust and dents and then replacing all the panels anyway.

Also, you would have the cost of a motor rebuild either way, so don't use that cost to prevent the conversion.

I don't consider the swap that difficult so I'm for it if you have the rest of the car in shape.

 

Thanks guys for the info. There is not any sentimental value to this car but it is rust free, all original panels (with the exception of the Shelby add-ons), the interior is redone and in very good shape, the paint is new (Just want to add the stripes down the hood. My only gripe is that the 6 cylinder is having trouble (I can't get it above 60 mph), and the transmission is now leaking. So I figured instead of fixing/replacing the 200 I might as well swap for a V8 and pay for the costs that I will incur along the way.

 

Based on the pictures I've seen of your car, it is pretty nice already. IMO, I would go ahead and do the conversion with that one. IF you were just starting with one I would tell you otherwise but since you have something nice already I see no problem in converting it.


Here's something that might help.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/3...ecial/6to8.htm

 

Thanks Pony, Hey we are neighbors. Doyou have pics of your coupe??

 

What part of Alabama are you from?



Peeeekshures? Of course I have peeekshures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://webpages.charter.net/jwilson714/Progress/


and some of the old pictures of it.

http://geocities.com/jpony645/mustang.htm

 

Im in Helena.

 

Cool. We should try to get together sometime then.

 

Both mine and my friends stang used to be straight 6s now they are 302s. It can be done just takes some time and don't forget money. It's worth it nothing like an American V8 VAAAAROOOMMMM! Good Luck

 

Trans does not have to be changed at all.
the C4 will work all the way up to a 302 i know for a fact! i did it. I think the c6 is used when you get into your big block v8 s

i went to a 200ci to a 4v 302 v8 and still useing the same c4.
but everything such as your coolent system would need to be upgraded more power = more heat. breaks too faster you go the fast you are going to want to stop!

 

That is good news. I like my car and I am going to do it next week. I am also getting the 302, but my tranny is trash now anyway so I will probably try to upgrade. Next on the list - A rear end that can handle the V8 power.

 

The other side of the coin also is that a conversion car normally would not have the same value as an original 8 simply because there will always be a "T" in the VIN number. Not that this should be considered a deterent or that resale values should be a factor in any labor of love, but it is a fact most of the time that not everyone thinks about when making this choice.

Good luck,
Pak.