3.8 v6
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Joined: Jul 2009
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3.8 v6
Anyone use this engine in their truck? I have one In a mercury cougar at my disposal and am seriously considering using it to make a daily driver that I can afford to actually drive and enjoy (the mild 460 I have now has been sitting for several years)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,034
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From: Waterford, VA. USA
The 3.8L V6 had a lot of issues with headgaskets, etc. Ford had a recall regarding the engines of which we ended up overhauling (flat rate of course). I'm not 100% sure of the total outcome on the recall, but I remember that they started to buy back a bunch of Windstar's back in early 2000's. You may want to call your local Ford dealer to see if your engine falls within the scope of the recall.......This recall is complete by now, meaning you will not get any compensation, but it would be nice to know if your engine was effected.
w
w
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Thanks for the info. I'm aware of the headgasket issue the cougar was purchased new by my inlaws and hasn't had any trouble yet! If and when I do decide to use it headgaskets where on the list while I had it on a stand.my main question is will I have any issues with the electrical for the transmission I plan on using the aftermarket distributer and carb setup to eliminate the fuel inj.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
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From: NM
If you ditch the EFI, the 3.8 will be a turd IMO and won't even get that good of gas mileage. Is the EFI a throttle body or MPFI system? EFI gives a quantum leap in fuel economy and driveability. I think there are several "stand-alone" EFI controllers but you're looking at $1500 or so for something not as good as what you've already got in the Cougar. Don't be afraid of EFI! (although having owned an '85 TBird with the god-awful CFI system, if that's what you have just throw away any ideas of using it! Likewise if the AOD is the early style with a linkage to the trans from the throttle body)
A second question is what year is the Cougar? If it has an AOD-E, that makes it even more persuasive to use the stock computers.
A second question is what year is the Cougar? If it has an AOD-E, that makes it even more persuasive to use the stock computers.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
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From: El Reno Oklahoma
I remember some of the early nineties cougar/tbirds had a problem with the kick down cable, it burned up more than a few trannies. What year is the potential donor Cougar? I dont know, but I sure wouldnt think there'd be much aftermarket hot rod parts available for a 3.8 ...? I work in the parts dept at a Ford dealership if there's anything I can help you find, or anybody else for that matter, too. Good luck with it!
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Donor car is a 93 model with the mpfi system,not sure on the transmission type but will find out,and believe it or not there are several aftermarket companies that make go fast parts for the ford v-6 (Morano,supersix) Thanks guys
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
A 93 should have the "good" electronic-controlled AOD with throttle cable (not linkage), and incorporating some beefing they did on the OD servo. Adjustment is still critical I think, but it may use the throttle position sender instead of a cable? Should also be a good MAF EFI system.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,486
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From: Bakersfield, CA
Is the GM TBI(Throttle body injection) pretty good and a real difference compared to MPFI? I've always wanted to convert an old carb'd engine to accept a mid-to-late 80's TBI since it seems a lot more easy than TPI. I know this isn't ford, but you all obviously know more of the fuel injection world than I.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
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From: Pekin, IL
i had a 1984 ltd station wagon 3.8L carbed and that thing was a freaking turd! it wouldn't get out of its own way! shortly after i bought a pinto with a 2.3 and it was way more enjoyable to drive.....well maybe a little more enjoyable
I agree: don't carb it...i do understand the fuel economy interest though!
keep us posted!
I agree: don't carb it...i do understand the fuel economy interest though!
keep us posted!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 44
From: El Reno Oklahoma
Wouldnt be the first unusual body/ chassis build. Just this afternoon we pulled diagnostic codes on a 2001 Ranger that had the bed and cab off a 1945, lol. That Cougar's also got IRS it could donate to your project. Seen a few of those turned out pretty slick , here lately.
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