1986 Capri engine swap

[1986capri]

i have a 1986 capri 5.0 5 speed and of course I want more power but doesn't seem possible with this year motor so I want to find a newer motor to put in the car I don't feel like rebuilding the motor that's in it so my question is what year motors will fit in my car without changing to much as far as the electronics and all that I want to do a straight swap with a newer motor I also found a 1999 mountaineer 302 for cheap what's the difference between a mustang 302 and that 302 thanks

[grabbergreen84]

If you're wanting to stay with the 302, an '87 or so through 91 or so HO will have forged pistons. The Mountaineer has a roller cam like the '85 and up HOs, but it doesn't have the forged pistons.

[Travis T]

The Mountaineer does have much better heads though.

[1986capri]

well I plan to get new heads anyway I just know that the 86 motor that's in it has the flat Pistons so it can't be cammed or anything that's the main reason I want to swap it out

[1986capri]

And would a 99 mountaineer motor go right into my car ? I know the intake would probably have to be changed

[mustangxtreme]

The mountaineer engine just needs the mustang front cover, cam, accessories and better valve springs and headers. The intake on it is better than what you have on your 86. You will need to mod the throttle body to connect your throttle cable. That is pretty much it as I remember it.

[wraithracing]

Many of your questions have already been answered, but I will try and add a few more points.

The issues with the 86 EFI setup is that once you start making changes it throws everything else off. As stated the flat tops without valve reliefs will not allow for aggressive camshafts without cutting valve reliefs into the heads. The heads are really poor performance heads and the intake has the smallest ports of any of the 5.0 EFI intakes. So if you want to improve the performance the easiest way is to get rid of the heads and intake setup. You can swap in 87-93 5.0 parts and they are basic bolts-ons. You will still need to cut valve reliefs into the pistons for any aggressive camshaft.

The other option is to swap the entire engine for a 87-93 Mustang 5.0, again a basic bolt in with simple changes. The other option is the Explorer/Mountaineer 5.0 engine with GT40/GT40P heads. The pistons are hypereutectic compared to the forged units in your 86, but as long as you aren't running a lot of boost or spray you will be fine. The intake is much better as well as the heads. The camshaft you will most likely want to swap for something more aggressive and you will want to change out the springs on the heads to match the cam. The front timing cover, oil pan, headers, motor mounts, and front accessories from your 5.0 will swap over and be needed for the swap to work best. The GT40P heads sometimes have spark plug clearance issues with certain headers, some don't so just be aware. As stated there will be some changes required due to the slight difference in the intakes in regards to throttle body, EGR, and vacuum lines. Nothing insurmountable, but they can be a pain if you don't plan ahead or are aware of them.

Good Luck!

Trey

[1986capri]

Well that answers every question I could ever have thank you