I posted this under windstar as I thought more people might know there, and I hate to take up a spot under General Tech for a question that's conjecture, but just in case this belongs here instead of there...

Everything I have says that a 98 3.8L windstar engine won't go in a 96, but nothing says why it won't. Anyone have any answers?

 

What do you have that says it won't?

 

My sheets on part interchangeability, the fella down at the junkyard, the computer database on available parts, etc.

 

Ford changes engine calibration specs just about every year and sometimes more than once in a single year. OBDII specs practically are special for each model even with the same engine. There are so many variations available it is difficult to get an exact replacement . Vin 's tell the story !! Many times when a replacement engine is ordered you can't get it without providing the vin .

 

Yes, but on a lot of engines, you can swap intakes and the like and they'll work. That's what I'm curious about here. Would that work on these engines? Swapping intakes?

The Chrysler 3.7L engines are interchangeable with a little work (tone rings, etc).

I want to know what is required for these engines to be swappable, or if it's even possible.

 

Oh yes, the basic (very basic) part of the engine is completely usable. I grew up with these, as all they really are (and ALWAYS with a Windstar does this hold): It's an overgrown Taurus.
That being said, the real viewpoint here is just different lipstick on another pig. The intakes are different, but I'm not sure about the lower intakes, with I'm fairly certain are different, as in '96 the intake was the older basic, "Fuel Injected V-6" that streched back to '86 (yes, in the taurus). The '98 changed to the intake resonance stuff, which is different. Obviously, the exhaust is different, which changes the EGR a little, but if you're just dressing the engine from which ever car the doner is, it's no problem.
As far as electronics, stick with whatever the final product car is. If you wish to rewire the car (which very few people would do), have at it, but it's a real chore. Maybe Hanky could do it, but I think I'm too stupid to remember it all.