options to swap in a v8..?

[chl2isjodway]

Hello there guys, I'm new to the forums and really could use some help, I'm not to skilled w automotive and don't have reasources for searching, here's my issue, I started my car up yesterday it was the first cold day since I baught the car and it was running ruff (heavy viberations from motor) I thought maybe just cuz it was pretty cold (50ish outside) well it only got worse after letting it run, started to smell like eggs, my exaust is unbolted right about where the driveshaft starts , well after finding I did still have cats I will remove them unless someone tells my that's a big no-no , however this is where the bad comes in... I had my brother in law come over and he noticed water/coolent comming out my exaust... that's a bad head gasket correct? And the reason my motors causing my whole car to shake so bad... ? Well whole purpose for this thread is I really don't wanna rebuild or replace my motor with another 3.8 , it is a 5speed 1998 , is it possible to swap to a 302 carb, and motor I go will be a carb to save time money and headaches, but will a 302 bolt to my trans and everything? What will I need to replace/upgrade and any suggestions on the most cost effective solution? I reallly don't wanna stay v6 unless I'm going to be replacing over $1000 in parts , so what are my options ? Thanks a ton guys, I will be changing my rear end to a posi if I do get a v8 of corse but ideas here or what cars/trucks to look out for to snatch the motor/parts out of would also be helpful, ill try to mark this thread so I can find it again but if u could message me that would be great, thanks so much guys , I'm also on unemployment so cost options reallly matter right now to me

 

[chl2isjodway]

Also I will not be doing the swap, that will be free or almost free, so that is not a issue , sorry forgot to state that in first post

 

[95PGTTech]

the water in the exhaust on a cold day is most likely condensation. it's cold outside, it's hot in the pipes. pull the plugs, do a compression check, change the oil, fuel filter, and go from there. diagnose before you just randomly start throwing parts at the car.

the most cost effective way to swap is to sell what you have and buy a factory v8 car. kbb says private party value on a 94GT 5spd with standard options is $2940. the same site says $3045 for your 98 3.8L, both using 100,000 miles and "good" (4/5) condition. 5.0 sn95s go for a bit more than blue book even in this rough economy, but the whole sell/buy shouldn't cost you more than $1000 even doing the tuneup to your 6 getting it in good sale condition.

the most cost effective way if you insist on keeping your current car is to pick up a complete wrecked donor car and swap it all over - engine, trans, clutch, driveshaft, rear, ECU, engine and trans wiring harness, gauge cluster, steering rack, front accessories, brake booster, etc. etc. etc. buying stuff piecemeal is going to HAMMER you in nickel and dime costs. if you'd like to 5.0 swap, obviously you are looking for a 94-95 gt. if you'd like the 4.6L, 96-98 gt or cobra. regardless of the swap, you'll need an entire donor car. I'm sure I left out small stuff like K member, trans cross member, motor mounts, etc. not only is the swap going to cost you a good bit of space, aggrivation, and downtime, it's not worth it unless your current 6 is super low miles or super clean chassis.

 

[chl2isjodway]

It was and is still blowing water, I don't have coolent I got water, and I mean its like spittin it after 30 seconds I got a cereal bowl worth.. I will do a compression check but would a 302 bolt to my current set up, I see motors online for under 400 a doner car would be the right idea but its not in my price range right now, its quite possible u have talked me into getting another v6, cleaning mine up a bit n selling it for what I can get, after all it is clean under but paint and dents are a issue , ill be lookin to change to same motor then selling it

 

[95PGTTech]

if it's not coolant, it's not a concern.

your 302 will bolt into your current car, providing you swap all the parts I mentioned, such as the K member, motor mounts, trans crossmember, transmission, clutch/flywheel. your comment about $400 hits it on the head...that's just the motor, what is all the other stuff I listed going to cost you?

don't buy another v6. the difference between a v6 car value and a v8 car value in these times, especially after cash for clunkers, is a few hundred dollars. there is a lot of stuff in the v8 cars that is different than the v6 cars, just factory options standard...better trans, 8.8 axle, brakes, power options, etc.

 

[chl2isjodway]

I mean buy a v6 just motor to replace mine, the v6s go for dirt cheap , I didn't mean buy another v6 car, I do however wanna fix mirrors fender and door to get best price for my car, and I will sell mine, take the cash I do get 4 it and find myself a v8 one, after getting some sence talked into me that is the best option

 

[95PGTTech]

I agree. However, I would start with a tune up and compression check before I thought I was going to need a motor.

 

[chl2isjodway]

Yes the head gasket is blown, now I'm leaning towards keepin the car, keeping it a 3.8, looking into the supercharger idea but goinna depend on cost.. ill keep ya updated

 

[95PGTTech]

sigh