SHO v6 or v8 for swap

[t5535]

I am trying to get opinion's on what motor people like. I am doing a swap into a windstar and am curious what motor people suggest v8 or v6. its gonna be ATX.

 

[Irish Pride]

V6 3.2. There is a much better aftermarket for the V6 and replacement parts can still be bought. The V8 head gaskets and head bolts for example are long gone. The V6 is better for modding. IMHO the V8 is only good for a nice exhaust sound but that is just my opinion.

 

[SHOPLUS]

I would say either the 3.2 as suggested or the v8. The v8 will make more torque at lower rpm which may help hustle the tank around. The 2000+ windstar already makes 200hp with a 3.8L so I dont know why youd swap a smaller motor seeing as the 3.8 has a decent aftermarket and its a lot easier to retrofit the newer 3.8 stuff or cram a supercoupe blower on non splitport heads but to each their own.

 

[t5535]

The windstar is a 98

 

[Shovert]

Since using the whole subframe [motor and trans]
Looks like all are Taurus are the d-186 platform. v-6and v-8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_SHO
Looks like the Windstar same
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windstar
Next thing is Windstar engine bay size. I am unsure of the 2 engine sizes how they compare. What will fit the Windstar with least amount of mods.
Now on HP
v-6 220hp
v-8 235hp
Of course weld the cams on the v-8 if going that way. [or make sure already done]
Another thought is hook up of Accessories. What is in about the same general area.
Lastly is wiring. How they compare.
Hopefully that helped if differant totally confuse you. Maurice
Edit. Done net search found this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD25p7K10g8
Looks like Ford had a idea.
http://daddytypes.com/2008/05/23/sho-wing_shostar_the_ford_windstar_sho_concept_car.php

 

[zblackbeast]

If your going ATX and want a cruiser, go V8. If you want something crazy and to build a crazy motor go 3.2.

If your keeping it stock the V8 sounds better and has a little better bottom end..

 

[3d914]

t, the 98 windstar 3.8L is good for 200HP @ 4900rpm and 230 ft-lbs torque @ 3600rpm. Not the greatest figures, but decent.

I know the SHO V6 fits since Off-Road SHO has the motor/tranny Ford used to do a custom WindSHO. Seems like a lotta work though for roughly 10% increase. I would think there are a bunch of pieces from other 3.8L derivatives (Mustang, etc) that could be made to fit.

Just thinking out loud. Great links Maurice.

 

[rubydist]

unfortunately, what you care about is torque, and the 3.8 has more torque than the 3.2 or the 3.4, so you are going to do all that work for no performance gain.

technically, you cannot put an engine older than 98 into the 98, but that likely won't be a real issue to you unless you need emissions tested.

 

[Shovert]

There is a local guy who does 3.8 turbo in Mustang. Uses the later head [I think split port and intake and turbo. I understand the heads and Windstar intake is a good upgrade. Unsure of year of your Windstar if the head and intake is stock. So maybe some of that can be done. Maurice
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/mgman75/v-6 turbo/100_0450.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sOWXt26pcA