Here's a breakdown of the considerations:
* Year of the Cougar: The generation of the Cougar significantly impacts the feasibility. Earlier Cougars (pre-2000s) had very different chassis and engine bays than later models. A swap into a classic Cougar would be significantly more complex and require extensive custom fabrication.
* Year of the Thunderbird: The 3.8L engine came in numerous variations across different Thunderbird years (and other Ford vehicles). Some versions are supercharged or have different bolt patterns, requiring different mounts and potentially even different transmissions.
* Engine Management: The engine's computer system (ECU) will need to be compatible with the Cougar's wiring harness, or you'll need a standalone engine management system, adding significant complexity and cost.
* Transmission: The Thunderbird's transmission may or may not be compatible with the Cougar's transmission mounts and drivetrain.
* Exhaust System: A new exhaust system will likely be needed.
* Cooling System: The Cougar's cooling system may need modifications to accommodate the Thunderbird engine.
* Physical Fit: Even if everything else is compatible, the engine might simply not physically fit without significant modifications to the engine bay.
In short: While *technically* possible, especially if the Cougar and Thunderbird are relatively close in model year, it's a significant undertaking. It's not a simple bolt-in swap. You'll likely need considerable mechanical expertise, fabrication skills, and a significant budget. Research specific years of both vehicles before even considering it. Forums dedicated to classic car restoration and specific Cougar and Thunderbird models are excellent resources for this kind of information.
