Topic: Anybody put a newer Mustang 3.8l V6 and trans in their Pinto?

[russosborne]

Working on the 96 Mustang project got me thinking about this.

I may end up with a spare engine and a 5 speed trans. While the long term plan is still a 351C, maybe I should put something affordable in the Pinto for now just to get it on the road. My Pinto does have the clutch stuff, so I planned on a manual anyway. Might be getting a wrecked Mustang for an engine for the 96 I currently have, the wrecked Mustang has a 3.8 with a 5 speed. The best thing is that I wouldn't have to pay extra for the stuff, it would be part of the 96's budget.

Not sure about physical measurements, just started thinking about this.

I am not positive but I imagine I would have to stick with the efi it comes with, meaning I would have to use the computer. Unless somebody makes a carb'ed intake for a 96 3.8?

Just a thought, I hate doing things twice but it might be years before I can do a Cleveland. If ever.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Russ

[qq2ofus]

All you WOULD need would be the EPROM/harness, and EFI harness for the engine, as far as engine and transmission install would be this..... the Tail of the tranny is approx. 2.75" longer than the standard pinto, so you would need to bring the mount hole rearward 3.0" to accommodate the shifter which incidentally fits into the top of the tail of the tranny, just as the pinto shifter, I made a fiberglass (layered) square, and cut and trimmed, then bolted it across the front side of the hole, and used a seamseal resin when I bolted this in, then I had to get a larger rubber boot to fit across the complete hole I had to cut for the carpet (I used a hurst aftermarket shift boot)......... anything else to help

[russosborne]

Thanks.
I really need to get going on getting the engines pulled/swapped around. Need to get the second Mustang stripped and out of here so I can move the Pinto back onto the slab.
I'm planning on gutting the entire donor car, what doesn't go on either the other Mustang or the Pinto will be sold.
Hoping to start on that tomorrow, my weekdays have been a bit busy lately but that should be easing soon. Although I have a few honey do things that I have been putting off that I had better do soon.

I just took a intro to welding course. Just a 6 hour deal, but mostly hands on - 20 gauge sheet metal and mig. According to the instructor I am not horrible at it.  So I should be able to weld up the extra hole after a bit of practice. Then I have to figure out the mounts. I am wondering if the Pinto V6 frame mounts combined with the 3.8 block mounts can be made to work.

But that can be a bit down the road right now. My immediate need is to get the fixer/flipper Mustang on the road.

Russ