V8 Motor in Gen 2 SHO?

[jmpSHO2nd]

So my motor has high miles and if it does die I am thinking of doing something different like a V8 swap. I am thinking that a Gen 3 V8 is the best option pretty much because a motor and subframe will bolt right up. I obviously want to go the cheapest route and a V8 SHO motor seems to be that mainly because I don't want to send it to a shop to have mounts and stuff welded (I can not weld) trying to get a different V8 in there. Also if I do the V8 SHO motor swap I would most likely do a 5 speed conversion. I am looking for forum member opinions on this whether you disagree with me or like the idea.

 

[kevinspann]

Disagree.

A v8 sho swap with a 5 speed conversion is NOT the cheapest route.

What do you consider high miles? I would assume 200k+....In which case there are probably thousands of SHO motors that are close to, at, or above that mileage with no issues.

 

[sho'noffmtx]

There are a few members on here with over 400k on their v6. Those are high milage motors and they are still running strong.
The v6 have 220hp. the v8 from the gen 3 has 235hp. It is not a bolt in application and you will have to fabricate parts, all that work for 15hp? Not worth it IMHO...

 

[Rubix]

Don't do it. Waste of time and money. Would be cool though. But I just can't picture v8 sound coming from a gen 1 or 2, even after seeing it on youtube it still just doesn't seem right.

Someone on the west coast has done this swap. Contact them.

 

[kevinspann]

Don't do it. Waste of time and money. Would be cool though. But I just can't picture v8 sound coming from a gen 1 or 2, even after seeing it on youtube it still just doesn't seem right.

Someone on the west coast has done this swap. Contact them.

http://www.shoforum.com/member.php?u=1611

naval-avi8tor

Location is listed as Chesapeake

 

[Rubix]

Well it was an assumption since Matt A. has the video on his youtube

 

[kevinspann]

Just sayin'.... I'd like to see the thing in person

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

It has roughly 315k it does run strong and currently it has UDP, 80 MAF, CAI, LPM (programmed by SHO Source), high flow cats and exhaust, new paint and new suspension. I intend to install a zex nitrous kit in the next few days and plan on a few runs at the strip to see what it can do. It is very well maintained but with the miles really how much can it take??? I have had the car for 7 years and I would hate to get rid of it but I need something different and if I blow the motor and install some V8 (it doesn't need to be a SHO motor) then to me that is different.

 

[kevinspann]

ATX I assume?

I'd be worried about the rod bearings if you are going to nitrous it.

I'd just swap in another, lower mileage 3.2

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

ATX I assume?

I'd be worried about the rod bearings if you are going to nitrous it.

I'd just swap in another, lower mileage 3.2

I did the rod bearings about 15k ago.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

ATX I assume?

I'd be worried about the rod bearings if you are going to nitrous it.

I'd just swap in another, lower mileage 3.2

Yes ATX.

 

[SuperHO]

provided it's properly maintained, and you don't spray the dog **** out of it, your engine will far outlast the rest of the car. i wouldn't even worry about it.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

provided it's properly maintained, and you don't spray the dog **** out of it, your engine will far outlast the rest of the car. i wouldn't even worry about it.

haha with all the body work I just got done with I highly doubt the motor will outlast the body and I do plan on spraying the dog **** out of it.

 

[sho'noffmtx]

well, if you really want to go ahead with that kind of a swap then you probably want to contact NESHO...

they would be in your back yard and have the knowledge and abuility to build the adaptor plates and other parts you need. good luck.

 

[shooff82]

I say do it if that's what you want to do. But like it was mentioned before, it won't be cheap or quick. Especially since you need to find a good, complete donor car and fix the cam issue if it hasn't already been done. But if you want to do it, I say, **** it, and go all the way! One thing I've always wanted to do but never had the money-get a lincoln continental and throw that drivetrain in my '92. Continentals have a fwd 4.6 that's 215hp I believe, but nearly 300ftlbs of tq. Eventhough the block may be a bit different for fwd configuration, its still a 2valve 4.6 that could be stroked to 5liters and you could get a roots blower, or intakes, shorty headers or any other speed parts for a 2v mustang. Now, I know its not exactly like a mustang, but its close enough that with some modification and inginuity, you could probably make those parts work. We're talking about taurus' afterall and inginuity is part of the game. Like I said, I'd love to be the first to do it, but if someone else had the money and the balls to do it, then do it! I just ask for pics and video in return. Maybe even a ride

 

[kevinspann]

I say do it if that's what you want to do. But like it was mentioned before, it won't be cheap or quick. Especially since you need to find a good, complete donor car and fix the cam issue if it hasn't already been done. But if you want to do it, I say, **** it, and go all the way! One thing I've always wanted to do but never had the money-get a lincoln continental and throw that drivetrain in my '92. Continentals have a fwd 4.6 that's 215hp I believe, but nearly 300ftlbs of tq. Eventhough the block may be a bit different for fwd configuration, its still a 2valve 4.6 that could be stroked to 5liters and you could get a roots blower, or intakes, shorty headers or any other speed parts for a 2v mustang. Now, I know its not exactly like a mustang, but its close enough that with some modification and inginuity, you could probably make those parts work. We're talking about taurus' afterall and inginuity is part of the game. Like I said, I'd love to be the first to do it, but if someone else had the money and the balls to do it, then do it! I just ask for pics and video in return. Maybe even a ride

All of this, just to destroy a trans...there are easier ways to do that.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

I'm not rich but the money isn't really an issue and in my area I can find a rotted Gen 3 for cheap money that runs I see them all the time on craigslist. I have the tools my only problem is I can't weld for shit so if there was any fabricating to be done I would have to send it some where but I also have a few friends that can weld. I would love to throw a bigger V8 in there but to me the easiest would be the Gen 3 V8. I appreciate everyones input on this. I guess it all depends on how long the V6 will last, it could very well last to 500k.

 

[shooff82]

Don't hold me to it, but I think the continental sub frame is similar to the taurus, so if you had access to a lift, just drop the subframes and swap'em over and take care of all the details of plumbing and wiring. This swap would come with an instant brake upgrade too. I'm just sayin, if you took this route, you get a bigger engine with potentially easier and cheaper upgrades available with similairities to the mustang. You'd be stuck with an auto, but then you wouldn't have to get the adapter kit for the mtx to the 3.4($), I think you'd need half shafts made up($), and the inherent problems with the 3.4 like cams and such. Plus you get the cool factor of being different and the bonus of a lot of added cubes. Its just a suggestion. I'd like to try it if I could come up with the money(good luck with that). But you can do anything you want. Its your car. The possibilities are endless, and besides, its only metal. Right?

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

So the Continental was a FWD car? What year? I would much rather have the 4.6 than the 3.4, I just thought since the Gen 3 subframes were similar that was the easiest route to take.

 

[shooff82]

Ya. The continental has been fwd since the early 90's and still are. I think you'd be looking for a late 90's model. They look kind of like a four door mkVIII. They're all over the place, but usually driven by senior citizens. Either Wiki the continental, or its more fun just to go to some used car lots and pop some hoods to get a first hand look. The only concern I would have is you might have to use your own struts because I think the lincolns had SARC like the gen III's. If you decide to go this way, I'm sure everyone would want a detailed account with many pics. If it works, f**k ya! If not, don't blame me