I am learning still a bit, I have an 01 base model I am trying to fix, and a 00 project base model a friend is letting be get parts off of. The 01's ignition switch housing was destroyed by the previous owners, along with other things. If I swap the steering columns... I'm being told that I have to swap the "brain" as well... How true does this hold?

 

That looks like a project. You may have to have the new key programed at a lock smith. The PATS system in your Mustang could be an issue trying to get it started.

 

Unless the old PATS keys are available and the car recognizes them (and you can get the ignition cylinder pinned to work with the old PATS keys) then you'll have to get new ones, and have them programmed from scratch. Not sure a locksmith can do that, that'll be a mechanic with a proper SN95 friendly scan tool. I mean, unless the locksmith has said scan tool, then that's fantastic.

Whatever the case, the issue is the PATS, definitely. Not the column, it'll just swap in. The other factor is one key or two. And how you achieve that. You're looking at new ignition cylinder. It can be repinned to match the doors and trunk lock. Or not. Have new PATS keys cut to match the doors/trunk locks, or not. Have One Key To Rule Them All or not, '60s style.

Alternatively... you could just get a Holley EFI setup...



Ow. What? I'm just offerin' an alternative...

/It'd be expensive, probably not on that Holley EFI thing...