3.8 L to 5.0 L swap
 

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.