bigmackmiller

Hey guys been doing a lot of reading on here about LS conversions for the fox body Mustangs, I was wondering what a reasonable budget would be to do a conversion? Wanting to go 5.3L or bigger and run a manual trans. Don't need anything special to start want to slowly mod as I go, I'm looking to replace my daily driver:2000 Toyota Corolla it can barely get out of its own way much less any one else's. Thanks for your help! (and yes i've searched)

stangtrader

iTrader: (2)

Id figure around 5k to do it right

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

7k with a t56. Your really better off with a stalled auto especially if the fox has a stock rear and 4 lug. Its also less work because the pedal assembly is a pain in the **** to do for a 6 speed.

usdmholden

Budget $7k-$8k if you need to buy both a car and the stock LSx/T56 fbody drivetrain.

Budget about $6k-$7k if you already have the car and need to buy the stock LSx/T56 fbody drivetrain.

If you want alot of aftermarket stuff, just start adding:
swap headers / custom exhaust: $1200
five lug with four wheel disks: $600-$800
8.8" with gears upgrade if car was a 2.3L originally: $400-$500
aftermarket gauges: $500
uber overkill fuel system: $600-$800
etc

With an auto you would save yourself about $1000, maybe more.

My prices assume you do the typical buy and bolt together type project. If you are willing to fabricate your own mounts for engine and trans and keep the OEM k-member, you can save a bunch up front.

When I did the analysis and bought all my stuff, I found a complete fbody dropout on an LS1 was cheaper and easier than a 5.3 and piecing parts together here and there.

bigmackmiller

Thanks guys that was a little higher than I was thinking, but thats why I asked, Def. was looking for more of a bolt in (swap k-members, etc...) could you go LS to the Ford 5sp.?

TopNotchLSX

It's always more expensive than originally planned. You bassically get an idea of cost by adding up what you think you will need...then double it!
I like to say... CHEAP, FAST, RELIABLE.....PICK TWO....

The T-5 swap can be done but you have to mix-match parts on the clutch and get a quicktime 6037(I believe) bellhousing to bolt the trans to the back of an LS. You would have to spend probably close to $1000 to make it work if I had to guess.

ocp04

if your not in a rush scout the forums theres used stuff that pops up from time to time but ya gotta act quick. i got some great deals waiting and shopping good luck

bigmackmiller

Thanks guys, i'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a car, then I will start putting things together to get the right engine in there

booboo37

iTrader: (43)

So if you did a search them which k-member are you going to use ?

87lsttop

iTrader: (2)

So far I have right at 1700 in mine for a turbo 5.3 with th400. I have made a lot of things work. I already had the turbo system. It was a on3 system adjusted to work on the 5.3. Also used a upr fox 5.0 k member. Custom mounts built for it. In the end I will probably have right at 2500. But thats a lot of fabrication and time into making things work. You got to get creative.

Revoroller

iTrader: (9)

Mine started out as a budget build...roughly $5k later its got a pt88 forged 347, jakes performance th400, team z k, frozen boost a2w and still not finished...originally started out as a H/C/I ls1, self built th400 and stock k with 4.6mounts

hoopty

I did my swap a 1999 LS1 from a trans am into a 1991 mustang. I did my swap as cheap as possible. I didn't buy any aftermarket parts except for my drive shaft. I used the factory k frame and made my own mounts. I use the factory trans am exhaust manifolds and just have short 2 1/2 inch pipes. The engine and trans are borrowed. I paid $500 for the car without a engine or trans. So far I have about $2500 in the whole car. If I bought the engine and trans from the friend that offered them I would have another $2000 in it. It's street able and runs 7.50's in the 1/8th on motor and 6.80's with a 150 shot of spray. The bottom line is you don't need to spend a lot of money to go fast my engine is bone stock except for a tune and some home made ram air

lebedin8654

iTrader: (2)

Yes it can be done cheap. You could do it for under 5k starting from nothing.

boostnut

iTrader: (7)

How about some pics of those trans am exhaust manifolds installed? I was under the impression that they didn't fit.

bigmackmiller

I would probably be between the AJE, and the UPR

bigmackmiller

I was hoping someone would show one done on a tighter budget, sounds more along my thinking, any pics of the motor mounts?

lsfoxbody

iam doing mine for about 3800 including the 5.3 mostly bolt in useing the ford t-5

RATBOX

iTrader: (26)

It can be done for $2k-$3k, just a matter of patience and waiting for good deals on used stuff. The 6-speed setup will put a major dent in that, though.

bigmackmiller

Do you have a build thread going? Or parts list by chance?

JacobIroc

iTrader: (2)

If you have the money all ready, and you don't have to piece it. Then try buying a complete car.. That way you can sell other pieces to recoup your money.