Hey fellas...so my predicament is I found a 93 tbird with 42000 miles it has a 5.0 ho with the curved plenum and from what I've read it's pretty much the same motor as a 94-95 mustang. From looking around the recommendation is 86-93. Is the only reason because the dipstick can't be drilled in the timing cover from the next gen 5.0?
Mustang 5.0 1994-95 used a different water pump and timing cover,1996-2001 Explorers used the same timing cover.The harmonic balancer on 5.0's is the same 1984-95. My donor was a 1984 Lincoln MK VII 5.0 and I drilled the timing cover for a dipstick. So you should be good to go with the '93 Bird 5.0 but are you keeping the A/C and power steering,etc when you do the swap ?
I am going to keep the a/c but maybe not the power steering. I've read that the 91-93 tbird has the slim line timing cover and all the accessories are closer to the block. If it is more similar to the 94 95 5.0 will I have problems with Hedman 88400? I'm really hoping that I can use this motor!
According to rockauto.com's listing the timing cover was used from 1987-93 in Broncos,Ford trucks,and Mustangs so you may be OK. 1991-93 T-Birds only list one water pump reverse flow not used on other models.
Thanks Jeff! That makes me hopeful! I'm checking it out on Monday but really I don't think I can p*** it up. 42000 miles and it starts up right now. My local junkyard told me I was looking at 1500 for a 302 with about 100000 miles on it.
Your local yard seems to be on the high side, Arizona craigslist are running around $500 here's one just outside of Yuma https://yuma.craigslist.org/pts/5472178554.html
That's A great deal. In my area right now there's a big demand for 5.0s so most of the ones for a decent price have a lot of miles on em or someone bought it a long time ago and has no clue of the condition. I wish I can afford to rebuild it and beef it up, but for now if I get a running motor I can hopefully keep it running.
That's funny guys I wish I could fit that into my schedule! It's only about 320 miles from me. By the way flyboy I've still got some parts for you.
This might be an option to look into http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-forums/hamb-relays.183/ Kick in some gas money and some meal money and maybe a fellow H.A.M.B. member could pick it up for you.
The 94/95 Mustang, Explorer, and tbird short timing cover/water pump is completely different and can not be interchanged with anything else. unless you change the complete system. There is nothing wrong with the 94/95 and they allow more radiator clearance because they are shorter. Just be sure to get everything when you buy the motor. You can also weld a dipstick tube in the oil pan.
I haven't forgotten aj. Its been pretty busy here. I could still use those parts if available. I'll send you an e-mail to work out the details.
The shorter setup creates lots of room at the front of the engine. One downside is the accessories have to be high or wide to clear the block/heads. Not a problem if using the factory brackets.
That's awesome news! I picked up the whole car over the weekend. $700.00! Looks like no leaks and pretty clean. I've got to inspect it more though. It was in a front end wreck. I'm planning on keeping the efi setup and I'll reuse all the accessories, except maybe not power steering. Seems like a difficult mod for me to do.
I had a Bird like that,loved the seats very comfortable '93 was the last year for the non-computer AOD a good choice.
Ya I'm pretty excited about it! I'm going to reuse the seats in my 54 also. They're electric and super comfy! Although the leather is cracked all over so I'll need to re upholster but in due time.