Foxbody Thunderbird Swap
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Foxbody Thunderbird Swap I was contemplating a Si Vortech for my 306/aod Tbird, but a friend talked me into an LS swap. Been reading on here, and other sites like crazy for a few weeks. My 306/aod is being sold tomorrow, and Im trying to get things out of the way that I can before I make a decision on 5.3/6.0/dbc/dbw, etc.
Looking at K members, I personally would think the 4.6 mounts would be a better choice vs the small purpose built LS K's that have mounts that look more appropriate as rack bushings. Going aftermarket tubular either way, just a question of purpose built ls, or mod motor to fox k plus ls plates like what upr/dirty dingo sells. I like the idea of the Dirty Dingo adjustability.
This being a fox chassis Tbird, Ive always had to wrestle with Mustang parts that "should fit, no problem".
I havent stumbled upon any Fox Bird swaps, have you guys?
Any input on header clearance, etc on the k member choice? Strongly leaning towards Dynatech, unless budget runs out and I just pop on some TBSS, or 2010 camaro factory "headers".
Once I start spending money, I plan on documenting every dime, and every headache possible. It seems like people highlight the same issues, but gloss over stuff when the project comes to an end because they are more worried about finishing than reporting.
Looking at K members, I personally would think the 4.6 mounts would be a better choice vs the small purpose built LS K's that have mounts that look more appropriate as rack bushings. Going aftermarket tubular either way, just a question of purpose built ls, or mod motor to fox k plus ls plates like what upr/dirty dingo sells. I like the idea of the Dirty Dingo adjustability.
This being a fox chassis Tbird, Ive always had to wrestle with Mustang parts that "should fit, no problem".
I havent stumbled upon any Fox Bird swaps, have you guys?
Any input on header clearance, etc on the k member choice? Strongly leaning towards Dynatech, unless budget runs out and I just pop on some TBSS, or 2010 camaro factory "headers".
Once I start spending money, I plan on documenting every dime, and every headache possible. It seems like people highlight the same issues, but gloss over stuff when the project comes to an end because they are more worried about finishing than reporting.
Last edited by mtgmike; Jan 11, 2012 at 02:30 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Fort Campbell, KY
If it's a fox chassis t-bird, you may want to focus on the fox mustang LS swaps for your research. Yes your "should fit, no problem" issues will most likely continue even with an LS swap, because a fox body t-bird is just a tad different. But not so different that it doesn't apply.
While you're researching the install, also check out the engine internal sections in this forum. Should help you decide how you're gonna go for your engine set-up.
Tranny selection is easy: Manual (t-56) or Auto (4L-80E)
While you're researching the install, also check out the engine internal sections in this forum. Should help you decide how you're gonna go for your engine set-up.
Tranny selection is easy: Manual (t-56) or Auto (4L-80E)
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Looks like Im going to use a hybrid of these two mounts, type 6 and type 9 from ChuckW + some 4.6 plates(upr/dd)
http://www.turbochuck.com/motormounts/
I was assuming I "had" to swap Kmembers until I remembered Chucks mounts. FYI, Fox Thunderbirds have unique K members with mounts that are not compatible with Fox Mustangs. Still need to make sure the rear K member clearance is similar enough to Mustangs to allow Mustang BRP headers...
http://www.turbochuck.com/motormounts/
I was assuming I "had" to swap Kmembers until I remembered Chucks mounts. FYI, Fox Thunderbirds have unique K members with mounts that are not compatible with Fox Mustangs. Still need to make sure the rear K member clearance is similar enough to Mustangs to allow Mustang BRP headers...
I'm not sure how much it helps but my but my build thread is in my signature.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Thats a cool build.
I wasnt aware of the ps pressure difference. I think everybody just has a hose made and goes down the road. Thanks for the tip. I stared at the car, Kmember, and took some measurements this morning before work. Im sure its fine, but the differences in the Tbird to Mustang K have me a tad nervous. Chuck W makes those mounts on the side, and doesnt have any in stock, so Ill have to be patient. Family friend is going to a salvage auction today to look for a LY6 for me. Fingers crossed...
I wasnt aware of the ps pressure difference. I think everybody just has a hose made and goes down the road. Thanks for the tip. I stared at the car, Kmember, and took some measurements this morning before work. Im sure its fine, but the differences in the Tbird to Mustang K have me a tad nervous. Chuck W makes those mounts on the side, and doesnt have any in stock, so Ill have to be patient. Family friend is going to a salvage auction today to look for a LY6 for me. Fingers crossed...
Thanks for the compliment. If you build yours we will probably be the only two people crazy enough to do it.
I've never seen an aftermarket Thunderbird K-member. I have been told the "fox" body stuff will work but I have never seen the underside of both cars of proper year nor have I seen a Thunderbird fitted with one. If they do swap, it would save you a lot of time and effort measuring and fabricating. I wasn't so lucky.
I've never seen an aftermarket Thunderbird K-member. I have been told the "fox" body stuff will work but I have never seen the underside of both cars of proper year nor have I seen a Thunderbird fitted with one. If they do swap, it would save you a lot of time and effort measuring and fabricating. I wasn't so lucky.
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Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
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From: Houston, TX
Mounts are here. Finally, first real parts to get me motivated. Been sidetracked(4 month old son). Still planning on using these plus upr plates. Never heard from family friend on a ly6, guess Ill start calling carpart.com leads.
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 625
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From: Raleigh, NC
I have not worked on any Thunderbirds, but I have worked on a lot of the fox Lincoln LSCs. If the fox era Mark7 LSC and the Tbird are the same chassis, then the fox Mustang k member will essentially bolt in. I have done this in many Mark7 LSCs, but the last time I worked on an LSC was 10 years ago. I believe the k member bolts in directly, but a spacer may be required on either the front or rear mounts, I just can't remember, it's been a long time. Spacers are simple.
Mark7 LSC engine bays are narrower than Mustang engine bays, the strut towers were slightly different. I also believe the steering column and steering shaft were slightly different but it has been so long I really can't remember.
Wait, I just realized the OP was from 2012. Not much point in continuing I guess.
Mark7 LSC engine bays are narrower than Mustang engine bays, the strut towers were slightly different. I also believe the steering column and steering shaft were slightly different but it has been so long I really can't remember.
Wait, I just realized the OP was from 2012. Not much point in continuing I guess.
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[QUOTE=usdmholden;18649370]I have not worked on any Thunderbirds, but I have worked on a lot of the fox Lincoln LSCs. If the fox era Mark7 LSC and the Tbird are the same chassis, then the fox Mustang k member will essentially bolt in. I have done this in many Mark7 LSCs, but the last time I worked on an LSC was 10 years ago. I believe the k member bolts in directly, but a spacer may be required on either the front or rear mounts, I just can't remember, it's been a long time. Spacers are simple.
Mark7 LSC engine bays are narrower than Mustang engine bays, the strut towers were slightly different. I also believe the steering column and steering shaft were slightly different but it has been so long I really can't remember.
Wait, I just realized the OP was from 2012. Not much point in continuing I guess.[/QUOTE
It wasn't pointless I'm about to do this swap and thank you for the info on the aje
Mark7 LSC engine bays are narrower than Mustang engine bays, the strut towers were slightly different. I also believe the steering column and steering shaft were slightly different but it has been so long I really can't remember.
Wait, I just realized the OP was from 2012. Not much point in continuing I guess.[/QUOTE
It wasn't pointless I'm about to do this swap and thank you for the info on the aje
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: GA
Hey how did your build turn out and what was your exhaust setup. I'm not trying to get the mounts from turbo chuck but I'm going on two months.
