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2G possibility of a mustang engine swap????

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Alyster

Proven Member
56
1
May 4, 2015
East Ridge, Tennessee
So i was given a 2.3l 1983 mustang lx engine today it's been bored and has forged internals just needs a good clean and to be put back together. But it's a short block and needs alot to be completed. Not to mention a trans and drive train but my question is what is needed to do a swap into a 95gst can I do it like an awd swap but downgrading to obd0 and has anyone tried this or even thought of it
 
From looking at pictures of the 2.3 it seems that the project will be similar to a RWD conversion with 4G63 and that has been done before. It would take a bit of time and money, but is possible. First though i'd suggest getting this motor running.
 
From looking at pictures of the 2.3 it seems that the project will be similar to a RWD conversion with 4G63 and that has been done before. It would take a bit of time and money, but is possible. First though i'd suggest getting this motor running.

First I'll be setting up a dust free environment much like a paint booth and wear a set of coveralls so no hair out pills get in the engine. Then I will completely go over the engine checking all internals for damage and wear and proper fit then I will begin reassembling after that I will start ordering parts to complete the engine. Once it is complete I will get it running then start modifying the gst to take the engine I have a welder that can help me weld in the new brackets for the motor mounts but I'm trying to find out what I will need to do to the get body to be able to run the drive shaft rear-end and trans shop over its ready all I have to do is drop in the engine and trans.
 
Why put the Ford 2.3 SOHC engine in the 95 GST??

I know the Ford 2.3

I know the Mits 4G63

Swapping to the ford 2.3 in place of the 4G63 is down grading as far as power goes. IMHO

The Ford 2.3 was never transverse mounted, so to put it in the GST, you would have to convert the shell to RWD. If you do that, then you have to rework the front end suspension.

Or you will have to develop a transmission adapter plate to go from the Ford engine to the DSM Trans.

To go run the Ford in the DSM shell, you will have to cut and fab a transmission tunnel, and weld in control arm brackets to fit a Ford 7.5 or 8.8 rear

The 83 Ford 2.3 was a carb engine rated at about 88 HP The EFI was rated at about 110 and the turbo engines about 160 hp

So basicly what needs to be done is cut the floor pan and strut mount from a 79-93 fox Mustang grab the K member from it too then cut the floor pan out of the GST and weld the mess together.
 
Well I was thinking about making a plate to fan the engine to the trans and while a stock engine from the mustang is a downgrade the reason I'm wanting the switch is the torque it can handle and most of all its an iron block and heads plus before ok even done with it, it will be stroked with aggressive cam over sized valves and chrome molly rings bored over and most of this work is already done
 
<---- That is a Ford 2.3 Turbo car.

In stock form, in the 1/8 it will run a 8.9 sec

The bottom end is stout for sure, but the heads may as well be made of glass they crack so easy.

Big cam, big valves, done that been there, I have about 30 of the Ford 2.3 engines laying about.

Sell the 2.3 ford you have to a mini-stock racer and go buy a 4G63 6 bolt

It will will be a much simpler and cheaper install, you will be able to get better numbers for less money with the 4g63

I doubt a great ported 2.3 Ford SOHC big valve head will out flow a stock valve, stock runner 4g63 head.

I still advise against this swap

But in the end.... Its your car... your money....

But I will be happy to supply you with any parts you need for the 2.3....
 
I am also very familiar with the 2.3 Ford, very solid bottom end, almost anything available in the aftermarket, can be made to run very strong.
In your case it would be a nightmare and it would cost you more for less power.
I agree with Bogus 100%
 
Thanks for all the help guys I will just rebuild this engine then sell it

But since everyone has been so helpful I do have a few questions about an awd conversion. Such as is there a awd transmission that will just bolt up or do I need an engine and trans and I know I need a new rear end a new suspension and floor pan but what else will I need
 
An awd trans will bolt up fine to the engine. You'd need the awd transmission, transfer case, driveshaft,rear differential, and the whole rear end and subframe. I'm sure there's other stuff too, but there's got to be a tech article on here about it.
 
This is going to sound harsh and I apologiae for that. If you did not realize that a ford engine swap is completely not feasible you are likely not qualified to do an awd swap. It is not a bolt in affair. I would advise to work with what you have, learn as you go etc. It is not necessary to plan an upgrade just because its possible or others have done it. Gst is a plenty capable car all on its own. What is the current condition of your car and what are your current skils? Whats the biggest job youve done?
 
This is going to sound harsh and I apologiae for that. If you did not realize that a ford engine swap is completely not feasible you are likely not qualified to do an awd swap. It is not a bolt in affair. I would advise to work with what you have, learn as you go etc. It is not necessary to plan an upgrade just because its possible or others have done it. Gst is a plenty capable car all on its own. What is the current condition of your car and what are your current skils? Whats the biggest job youve done?

The mustang idea was just an interesting theory mostly because I know more about mustangs and good vehicles in general then I do imports. But anything that doesn't require welding I can do and I have a buddy for the welding part. We usually do interesting engine swaps but never have tried a drive train swap. The most fun swap we have done is a mercury sable wagon engine into a ford escort. We are trying to learn more to do entire custom builds rather then just custom swaps
 
Well given they are entirely different platforms there would be lots of cutting and welding. As far as awd to gst its been done and there are a few writeups. Im sure it would take long to find good info. I honestly dont know why people do it since an awd car already exists. I see no point in it. Easier to trade cars.
If you want an interesting swap I would say furstvdefine what it isnyoure trying to do and why. What does the car need to do and is it worth the expense to do so. If youre one of those types that has alot of free time and see time as free then this discussion becomes a little subjective. Even if I have time I dont consider it free. Take that for what its worth.
Tell us your plan.
 
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