Our 1984 Mustang L Hatchback (which still needs a project name) has a reasonably new 3.8 liter V6 and after doing a tune up and some other routine maintenance it runs very well.

Now we can either go the typical route and swap the motor for a 5.0 liter or we can do a build-up of the existing V6 to make as much power as a typical 5.0 (225-250 hp).

We're not sure which way to go. On one hand, we want the car to stand out and be different from what everyone else is doing. This is what makes the V6 build up very appealing. However, on the other hand we want the car to be as desirable as possible to all of you. So let us know which way you think we should go and why.

 

The 5.0 is classic and the sound cannot be replicated by a v6, go 5-0.

 

Oh, but a Super Coupe 3.8 would be a FUN thing to stick in that car. That's what I'd do. Just because. (tm)

Other than that... it's *YOUR* car. Have fun with it, do what you want to it, and screw everyone else's desires. You'll never get the money you sink into it anyway, so might as well do it your way. It's your money, after all.

Muskrat wasn't converted for various reasons... and she was well received everywhere she went.

 

Cough! cough! 03 cobra swap.......

 

Why not drop a 3V 4.6 in it?

5.0 = done a billion times
3.8 = not as much but why?
4.6 3V in a Fox = COOL!!!
Boosted 4.6 in a FOX = OMG!!!!

 

This would be cool too but it's been done already, I think.

 

4.6 3v is a good idea, gotta love that engine, plus its "new" so theres plenty low-mid miles engines out there at the salvage yards.

 

Heck, why not a 5.0L Cammer! If money is no object that is!

 

I would like to see a 'sleeper 6.' You said the V6 was newer- as in its original for the car, or a 94-04 V6?

 

There's another forum where they're supposedly dropping the 2011 5.0 into a Fox. It would be interesting to see a turbo 4.2 (stroked) V6 built in the spirit of the Buick turbo 6 dropped into a Fox. Or you could go nuts and build something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yfboHTm_wA

 

I like the 5.0, but that's just me.

 

The motor currently in the vehicle is the original 1984 3.8 liter motor, which has been completely rebuilt.

Like may of you we really like the idea of doing a turbo/twin turbo installation as it would be completely different but after doing some research it appears this may not be possible unless we completely fab everything as there are no turbo kits available for this engine.

Another option we contemplated was adding the supercharger from a 3.8 Super Coupe but found we'd need to do a complete motor swap with ECU/wiring harness, etc. We're not sure the power return would be worth the effort.

At this point it looks like we will probably be doing a V8 conversion. So we are currently looking for a donor vehicle or someone selling any of the following major components: 5.0, K-member, AOD, driveshaft and 8.8 rear. If you hear of anything pleae let us know.

P.S. ...a 5.0 Cammer is not an option unless we win the Powerball!