I have an 83 Mustang L with a 3.8 liter carburated motor.

I want to put in a carburated 302 5.0 L. Has anyone done this swap, if so what do I need to make sure I get, and what potential problems will I run into

 

If I remember correctly the 6cyl to 8 cyl swap is a real headache cause you need to swap motor mounts and a few other things you wouldn't have to do witha 4cyl to 5.0 swap....good luck to you, it can be done

 

The V6 3.8 to 5.0 swap is just as easy as the 2.3 to 5.0 swap. I've done many and I did Reborn86's 5.0 swap. His car was an '86 3.8, and it was very straightforward. I made his car EFI, so that added to the difficulty but that was the hardest part. You only have to change the K-Member on the 79-81 3.3L Straight 6 Mustangs, all the other engines interchange. I dont think you'll run into any problems as long as you pick up the complete motor from carb to pan, get yourself a 79-85 Ford Duraspark ignition, and wire it all up. You'll probably have to redo some fuel lines, but it's a pretty straightforward swap. Good luck, let me know if you have any questions.
SS

 

ahhhh yes, it was the K-member....brain fart...

 

It's only the K member on the 3.3L Straight 6, not the 3.8 V6. THe K Member from the 3.8 V6 is the same as the 5.0 and 2.3.
SS

 

will the auto C5 V6 trans hold up?? and can I use a auto C6 trans from a 351W?

 

yes, i realize that....it was a brain fart...and it's getting stinkier :laughhard

 

I doubt the C5 trans will hold up even if it does bolt up, which I'm not sure it will. The C6 from the Windsor will work.
SS

 

C6 is a big tranny.
AODs are easy to find and will work alot better with a stock 302.
Good thing is alot of people change from auto to stick so getting one is very easy,
Heck i have 2 sitting around one is stock and other is built but the front pump is damaged.

3.8 K member is the same but u might have to drill 2 holes for pins on the motor mount that line up but i could be wrong.
The wiring will not be a prob since its carbed car already but fuel lines should be upgraded and u will need a 302 that has the fuel pump on the timing cover or u can go with a elc fule pump that makes life alot easyer.
3.6 rad will work but u should get a elc fan or a good flex fan with 5L shroud to cove it.

Headers u can find stock stang ones for free or get a used ones cheap.
U might want to get a 5L crossmember if u plan on running dual exhaust.