LS motor in 02 mustang
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Teching In
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LS motor in 02 mustang Hey so I have an 02 mustang and it is a v6. I have modded the 6 cylinder but am not happy with results. I am looking for more power. I am a GM mechanic and have drove many ls powered vehicles including my buddys WS6 and was very impressed. I love the motor because it is cheap to get tons of power and they seem very reiliable.
I am tossing up the idea of swapping a LS motor into my mustang. I just want to know what all is involved.
Ok so I have been doing some research and have seen 351 LTs will work with cut LS flanges or else some swap headers. My question is do I need a special k member or can I run the stock mustang K member.
Also trans options. I was looking at a t56 but they are pricey and I have heard that converting to a hydraulic clutch from the stock mustang cable one can be tricky. I have seen a lot of ppl running 4l80 and 4l60e's in them, my question is what years and which one to go with?
Another thing is what about fuel? What all do I have to do with that to get that to work?
How about the wiring. I was thinking of using a GM harness for the motor but how does that work then with the rest of the vehicle? I was thinking of running the harness and pcm from a camaro and then leaving the rest of the stuff from the mustang.
how about speedometer how would I get that to work? I was thinking maybe using somehow the 03-04 cobra speedometer setup since that vehicle uses a t56 that would be if I go with that trans. What about the auto? Do i need some kind of convertor?
I have never attempted anything like this but I feel that for 5k I could have a LS1 powered mustang which would have much better MPG and much more power than even a bolt on 4.6 also it would have much more power potential.
Oh and how about the power steering i have heard I have to use a line to reduce the pressure since the ford power steering system uses different pressure than the GM one.
I am tossing up the idea of swapping a LS motor into my mustang. I just want to know what all is involved.
Ok so I have been doing some research and have seen 351 LTs will work with cut LS flanges or else some swap headers. My question is do I need a special k member or can I run the stock mustang K member.
Also trans options. I was looking at a t56 but they are pricey and I have heard that converting to a hydraulic clutch from the stock mustang cable one can be tricky. I have seen a lot of ppl running 4l80 and 4l60e's in them, my question is what years and which one to go with?
Another thing is what about fuel? What all do I have to do with that to get that to work?
How about the wiring. I was thinking of using a GM harness for the motor but how does that work then with the rest of the vehicle? I was thinking of running the harness and pcm from a camaro and then leaving the rest of the stuff from the mustang.
how about speedometer how would I get that to work? I was thinking maybe using somehow the 03-04 cobra speedometer setup since that vehicle uses a t56 that would be if I go with that trans. What about the auto? Do i need some kind of convertor?
I have never attempted anything like this but I feel that for 5k I could have a LS1 powered mustang which would have much better MPG and much more power than even a bolt on 4.6 also it would have much more power potential.
Oh and how about the power steering i have heard I have to use a line to reduce the pressure since the ford power steering system uses different pressure than the GM one.
There is TONS of info on this swap. Just have to search a little for it.
I know the stock v-8 k-member can be made to work by cutting up the stock 4.6 motor mounts and reworking them a little. (search for this, there is a write up on this site)
But if you go with headers made for the swap, then you will have to get an aftermarket k-member or the headers won't fit.
T-56 would be nice, but yes more expensive. There are also a few write ups on this site on how to make the hydraulics work.
I went with a 4L80E. Had to buy a stall converter for it work with my ls1. But if your trying to go as cheap as possible, then a ls1 style 4l60e with stock converter would be the cheapest route.
I used a fuel cell, so not sure how to make the stock fuel tank work. But im sure if you searched you can find out.
Wiring. I used a standalone harness from a company called techRODS. that will only control your motor/trans. i ran aftermarket gauges for everything. not sure if theres a way to make the stock gauges work.
I know the stock v-8 k-member can be made to work by cutting up the stock 4.6 motor mounts and reworking them a little. (search for this, there is a write up on this site)
But if you go with headers made for the swap, then you will have to get an aftermarket k-member or the headers won't fit.
T-56 would be nice, but yes more expensive. There are also a few write ups on this site on how to make the hydraulics work.
I went with a 4L80E. Had to buy a stall converter for it work with my ls1. But if your trying to go as cheap as possible, then a ls1 style 4l60e with stock converter would be the cheapest route.
I used a fuel cell, so not sure how to make the stock fuel tank work. But im sure if you searched you can find out.
Wiring. I used a standalone harness from a company called techRODS. that will only control your motor/trans. i ran aftermarket gauges for everything. not sure if theres a way to make the stock gauges work.
You need to consider the purpose of this car: Strip or mainly a street car. If your car rarely sees the street, then a TH350/400 might be a good option, carb vs fuel injection, again these are the pieces that will support the purpose of your car. If you are shooting for T56 w/ injection, power steering ETC...then I would look for a wrecked LS car to swap all the parts out of. I pieced together most of my swap using a T56 and it took allot of time to find the good deals as I would have be better to have a whole car to take the parts I needed and wiring, ETC.
