engine transplant questions

[over2tonsofFun]

It looks like the engine in my wife's Town car is having issues. While it just may just need some fixin'. biggest thing is I am getting a coolant leak that seems like is behind the water pump, bypass hose??? also it does not want to downshift, I can floor it but will not go into passing gear. That may be tranny problems. But it got me thinking that I may just work on another engine to put in when this one finally gives up. I am thinking of an Explorer V8 GT-40 engine and do some performance work to it. For my drag week project. While the town car is stock 89. What would I need to drop in a GT-40 Explorer motor. I do realize it is a direct transplant, physically. But what electronically would I need. Would I need to do a mass air swap. Would a mustang ECU handle it or would I need something else?

Thanks all

Tim

[79lincolnlover]

It does not want to downshift, I can floor it but will not go into passing gear. That may be tranny problems.

Sounds like the plastic grommet may have broken. Also check the fluid level.

[sly]

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00052.html

see that article.

If the TV bushing has failed... you're probably killing your trans if it's not already about to die.

[over2tonsofFun]

Thanks, I will look at that and may just replace it anyway, just to be safe.

Tim

[miamibob]

GREAT idea! Bobby

[zoomie]

well, for one id swap that cam out to soemthign alittle better, like a HO cam or soemthing. for tourqe a XE258. for computer a DA1 or D9s works quite fine for non MAF. throw some good headers on it, a bored EGR spacer or lightning, or markvii cables, youl be all set.

[over2tonsofFun]

Well I checked with my local stealer, $39. I got it from fordpartsgiant.com for $7.57. under 20 shipped.

Tim

[over2tonsofFun]

UPDATE:
Fordpartsgiant wanted to sell me the bulk pack of 4. so around $40 again. So I found tousleyfordparts a dealer in MN. The part shipped today, total cost shipped: $10.51 ( 6.51 for the part 4.00 shipping) cannot beat that that with a stick.

Tim

[sly]

[gadget73]

yah they come in a 4 pack, and not all places want to split them up. Kind of silly really.

[over2tonsofFun]

Well the bushing worked.

[gadget73]

Good. That stupid bushing causes more trouble than it has a right to.

[over2tonsofFun]

Well as I was typing the above post. I get a call from my wife. the car died out on a test drive. So I go out and see. I will only run for a little bit but then chugs and dies. When you try and start it again, it cranks then bogs down while cranking. I am afraid it is a head gasket. could this be a symptom of a head gasket??

Tim

[sly]

check the oil for milk.

[over2tonsofFun]

I haven't checked the oil yet. The wife said that as soon as it started to act up there was smoke out the back. I noticed some greyish smoke out the driver tailpipe.

Tim