Hello first post here!
I have a 2003 DSG Mach1 and a 1995 Rio Red V6 Convertible

Im currently trying to turn the V6 into a show car...ive got most of the stuff done...but its still a work in progress.
Im thinking about swapping out the 3.8 V6 and upgrading to a V8 engine so i can modify it. Has anyone in this forum done this? If so please let me know what you did and the process you went to do it.

It would be a great help I hope to have it done by Sept 2008. As being as it will be done one step at a time as the money comes in.

I would really love to make it into a 5.0L and i dont really know much about engine swaps and what it takes. I know a new tranny and alot of other crap also. Please any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

DSGMach1

I assume you're going to use a junk yard engine and not the engine from the 2003. What is your mechanical experience? Ever done anything like this before?
Where will you be doing the work? What does your tool box look like. Good set of tools or just a few basics? Swapping a V8 into a car that had a V8 engine
as an option shouldn't be that big a deal. Not to sure about the computer on a 95 though. There's probably a difference between the 6 and 8 cylinder models.
Sounds like a great project though. I say go for it. BTW why Sept 08? JUst a target date or does something happen then?

Yeah im not takin my engine out of the 2003 thats just dumb lol. Umm im most likely going to buy a crate 5.0L engine...id mainly just like to drop it in...i dont have alot of experience, ive done header swaps/exhaust/intakes/alternators/pulley kits on other cars...but nothing major like this so ill be getting some other people i know to help...right now im just in the research mode...the engine is the last thing im going to be doing to make its final move to my 100% show winner (i hope). I had the stock v6 3.8 replaced christmas of 2003 and it hasnt moved much since then....so its got like 2,500miles on a new complete engine. the other guys have the full tool kit the standing tool desk a shit load of drawers they got it all they do alot of stuff so im sure its all there...

I really want the 5.0 because i want to have the 5.0 emblem kit but id prob buy the engine new....and then install it and over time dress it up, add some add-ons. But what im looking for is like i know the transmission needs to be replaced cuz it wont be able to handle the v8 and itll prob just snap it....but what else is needed to be replaced?

Also September 2008 is just a personal goal....id like to start competing in shows prior...but it will mostly be visual/audio with the stock engine till its done.

All in all would it be smarter to keep the V6 - dress that up - add like a procharger with an intercooler? it would def be alot easier...but still....its not a 5.0 but i guess i could just buy one, unless i can get it on TLC's OverHaulin' HAHA and believe me im trying....

All in all would it be smarter to keep the V6 - dress that up - add like a procharger with an intercooler? it would def be alot easier...but still....its not a 5.0 but i guess i could just buy one, unless i can get it on TLC's OverHaulin' HAHA and believe me im trying....[/quote]

Smarter? Yes. Engine swaps can bring up many issues, some hidden some not. They tend to take at least twice the amount of time and money planned. You said the motor and tranny installation would be the last thing in your buildup to show quality. Unless everything else is already done, I suggest making it your first item because it could get messy and nickup finished work. Also keep in mind that there may be a point of no return. Inother words you are committed to the swap like it or not.

Another way of looking at the project: Figure out how much the crate motor, driveline and tranny would cost in parts alone, and start figuring what you could do to the current motor with that amount of cash. Take it from stock to wild!

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46 1/2 ton with 56 292:thumbsup:

If this is to be a "100% show car" why do you even need or want a V8? It seems to me you're going to a great deal of trouble and expense for nothing.
My suggestion, just dress up the 6 and let it go at that. "I really want the 5.0 because i want to have the 5.0 emblem kit." If all you really want is the
"emblem kit" why don't you just design your own emblem. Ask your girlfriend, wife, sister for help with this. Girls are usually better at stuff like that,
and they love "helping." I know of a guy on another Ford forum that races a Ranger with a 3.0L V6. Calls his truck the "BOSS 3.0."
Had an "emblem" made for his hood. Another guy calls his truck the "skunk." (Black truck with White stripes) He too had an emblem designed and has
it on the tailgate of his Ranger. If you came up with something like that you could probably have an EMBLEM made for $50-60 or so in vinyl.
If you do a search, Google-Ask-Yahoo, I'm sure you could find a company that will help you design something you'll like. I think that would be really "cool."
And it will be a "one of a kind." If you just have to have a V8 and it's not already to late, I'd suggest you sell the 95 and get one with a V8 already in it.
Doing it that way would probably be cheaper. A new "crate" engine will cost you $1500-2000 plus, depending on which engine you get.
Ford made the 302/5.0L V8 from 1968 to 1999. I'm no longer sure what if any differences there are between all the different blocks.
Another thing to consider is the smog laws in New York. I believe that here in Calif. the engine you're putting into a car must be the same year
or newer as the car it's going into. That is if the car is a 1995, the engine must be a 1995 or newer. I'd check and make sure you're complying
with any laws on the books. It would be a PITA to go to all that trouble and then find you have a car you can't register and drive.
The "crate" engine you buy will probably be a long block. You'll still need to add an intake manifold, carb or FI, exhaust headers, water-pump
and possibly a few other items I can't think of right now. So you can't just "drop it in." If you're not planing to push the car, you can
probably get away with the current transmission (you might need an adaptor) and rear end. You will probably need a new drive shaft.
If you're planing to drive this car on the street, you might want to check and make sure the radiator is big enough to do the job.
Also if there's much of a difference in the weight of the V8 vs the 6 you might need new/stronger springs up front.
If you're planing on occasionally doing a "smoky burnout" to impress your friends. Then a stronger transmission and rear-end,
plus some sort of traction control device is definitely in order. Those are just some of the things to consider.
So do some homework, check the cost and go from there. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. Hopefully with photos.

Ya lets see some pics! 46Y and M make some great points. Really think this one over before you start. :thumbsup:

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hey thanks...yeah im just goin to dress up the v6 i already have chrome headers on the way...with a new throttle body and intake.
any other suggestions keep them coming! thanks guys!