What all would have to be done to swap out a 3.8L with a '66 289? I know it'll need a bigger rear end, suspension, brakes etc... im just curious how hard it is to swap and if anyone has done it before. Thanks!

 

I Wouldn't have a clue.... but it sounds like an AWESOME idea!. I have heard of people putting modern motors in old cars, but rarely the other way around.

 

Yeah I bought a '69 Mach 1 a year or so ago and they didn't have the Windsor they had taken it out and maxed out this 289. It wasn't in the car when I got it but I've heard it's fast and there's people who used to know the guy that owned it and I've heard people have been looking for it. I dont want to put it back in the 69 so I thought It would be cool to stick it in the 04 and get it back on the road!

 

I've heard of people putting them in 1st Gen Focuses... maybe this is a good start.
http://www.kugelkomponents.com/focus/focusv8.php

 

I would keep the rearend in the car. I dont think the 289 would produce too much torque for the rearend. However, you will need to get a driveshaft, trans mount, and engine mounts. I would think you would need a different wiring harness and bellhousing and hydraulic clutch. Hopefully, you have a welder.

 

Do keep in mind the reason no one does an old engine in a new car is because you never can get the vehicle emissions inspected again..

 

I live in Iowa they don't do emissions tests here
My rear end is about shot anyways so I would change it out with a junk yard one most likely. Wiring is what I'm most interested in. Would you keep all the wires from the 3.8 in and add what you need or would you take it all out except prolly starter and battery wires etc...
Does anyone know it the bracketing for pulleys can be switched to fit serp belt or would it have to stay v belt with the old brackets for the pulleys?

 

I have the trans to go with it, but I didn't think about tranny mount needing changed so thank you.
Right now this is still just an idea, but if I decide to tackle it I'll start a thread on it.

 

what year did the old type 5.0 stop being put in those cars ? .. one of those would be a good doner car ..

 

94-95 were the last years of the 5.0L in the SN95.