Anonymous D

Hey guys, Ive been lurking and reading for a while now. I think Ive pretty much got my game plan for the swap all layed out, but Ive got a few more questions.

I was debating on the LSX VS the 5.0 for a while. Ultimately it comes down to cost, ease of the swap, and the fact that I had an SN95 5.0L Mustang for about 6 years, so I know the engines very well.

Here's my plan. I want to find an Explorer or a Mountaneer and pull the engine from that. That way Ive got the GT40 heads and intake, I will avoid the GT40P heads so I don't run into clearance issues with the headers.

Ill pull the engine, wiring harness, and the computer from the same vehicle if possible. But if that's not possible, will I be able to use the computer and wiring harness out of an SN95 or a Fox with the Explorer engine? (EDIT: I can probably do this, but Ill need a tune, which I would like to avoid until I have it up and running and upgrade it more) And if I decide to go the McCully Racing route and have them do my harness for me, can they do one from a explorer or an SN95?

I think I have some old engine parts from my '94 Mustang GT laying around, including some of the accessory mounting brackets, so Il definitely go with the SN95 accessories and save a little space. If I do that, Ill still be able to use the Fox bell housing, correct?

Then as far as the swap goes, the only welding that is involved with a 5.0 is the two cuts in the engine bay, plus one more if I plan on going with the SN95 A/C (I definitely plan on running A/C). And then welding the mount for the rear diff. I have very little experience welding, but Ive taught myself many things so I don't really see this as a problem, more of an opportunity to learn something new.

Im also seeing a goo bit of Miatas for sale in my area, but a good bit are automatics. Is it worth it to get a standard, or is it not that hard to add the manual stuff?

Ive rebuilt a T5 before, so Ill definitely be doing that. Ill also probably do a complete rebuild on the bottom end of the engine I get, depending on the condition. The bottom end of an engine is just about the only thing Ive never done on my Mustang. Ive done everything else on it, including gears in the rear end, so I shouldn't have too much trouble.

Right now Im still in the gearing up phase. Getting all my tools organized, and adding a few power tools to make the whole process easier. Next step will probably be to get the engine and start working on that.

I look forward to asking many more questions and doing tons of more research. There is tons of good info here.

V8MiataMike

Welcome and good luck with the build!

I did the SN95 (sort of) on my build. Primarily the front accessory setup.

The explorer donor is good but I think its harness and computer will be OBD II which may bring a lot of headache to the table. Using a SN95 harness and computer should work well and keep the control relay box intact as well for fans, fuel pump and A/C management.

A Fox harness and computer is simple and will work as well but keep in mind you can not just swap a Fox EEC computer with a SN95 computer without doing some re-pinning.

The Fox bell housing works better in my opinion for both tunnel clearance and clutch fork location. Be sure to get the matching Fox T5 or you will need the spacer or input shaft swap done on a SN95 T5.

Search ebay for the clutch pedal assembly for the miata. Its an assembly that easily bolts in for an automatic to 5 speed conversion.

Enjoy!

Anonymous D

Didn't even consider the OBD II part of it with the Explorer harness. So I'll stay away from that. And I'll def get the harness and computer from the same vehicle to avoid re pinning. I also planned on using the Fox bell housing, for the reasons you stated

Thanks for info on the auto to manual swap. Sounds like it shouldnt add too much headache. There's a 2002 around here for sale for $2500. I could probably get him a good bit lower since I know they got it for $1000. I tried buying it when it was on Craigslist for that much. Lol

Anonymous D

I found a '94 Mustang GT for sale about 2 hours away. Its pretty much exactly like the one I used to have, only a convertible and an auto. But it looks just like mine. Its got 116,000 miles on it, and it runs fine, but its wrecked. Just front fender and bumper damage. The foam behind the bumper is still intact so I don't think the cooling system got damaged in the wreck, so hopefully it didnt overheat and ruin anything. Just the passenger fender is folded back. I can get it for a really good price, so I may go pick that up later this week and get started.

Unfortunately its an auto, but I can probably sell the transmission in it (AODE IIRC). So Ill be getting the engine, accessories and mounting brackets for SN95, wiring harness, and the computer all in one package. Plus Ill have the car laying around to scavenge for random parts, although Ill probably have to get rid of it once the engine is out.

I wanted to hold out for an Explorer or Mountaneer motor, but the price on this one is pretty good and I can always do the H/C/I when I rebuild it.

Its really cool how this car is pretty much my last project car, and Im going to be ripping the heart out of it an puting it in my new project car.

And because I know here's a pic of my old '94 GT.