[wylie]

So, for a while now I've been saving my money to buy, nuture, and of course modify my very own fox-body Mustang; I've accumulated $8,000 and I think now is the perfect time for me to start on what I hope will be a long labor of love. Unfortunately I know as much about cars as I do rocket ships so I really don't know where to start. The first thing that caused some confusion for me was seeing GT, LX, Cobra, and Saleen appended to the name; are these distinctions important to consider when trying to find a good candidate for modification, and if so what are the differences? Once I have the car, how do I go about choosing what to modify? It's been a dream of mine for a long time to pull up to a brand new Lamborghini with some cocky douche bag behind the wheel and just leave him behind, what will that realistically take? I'm not asking for a long list of stuff to do to accomplish this dream, (although if you want to make one that would be completely awesome) because I know that everyone has better stuff to do; I'd like to know some good places, other than this forum of course, where I can learn what I need to know to make my dream a reality. Anything you guys, or girls, can think of, (places to buy parts, books to read, online knowledge bases) would be greatly appreciated. I know this project is going to take a significant amount of time, effort, and more money, but I'm very anxious and excited to do it. Thanks for reading everything; I look forward to reading the replies. On a side note: I'm very good with computers, 80-year-old virgin good. If anyone needs some help with their PC feel free to send me a PM. Take care.

[93mustank]

Great introduction Wylie.....

If you dont have a car yet start reading up...... Take your time....dont get antsy ....

[MaroonNotchback408]

do you know C++

[Iwannagofast]

screw programing....that shit sucks

[Chris951]

I agree, nice introduction. Like Mustank said, take your time. Do it right the first time.

[MaroonNotchback408]

Originally Posted by Iwannagofast screw programing....that shit sucks

Not if your good like me

[wylie]

Originally Posted by 93mustank Great introduction Wylie..... If you dont have a car yet start reading up...... Take your time....dont get antsy ....

I've been wanting to do this for a while so taking my time is hard but as the old addage goes, "Measure twice, cut once." I've been combing through these forums trying to pick up the jargon but it's still all Greek to me. I'm sure I'll figure out what I need to know but I'm definitely still at the "overwhelmed" stage.

And again, to anyone who can answer some of my freshman questions, many thanks.

[chickenbot]

this is a pretty good knowledge base.. Mustang FAQ - Engine Information

[89lx]

i myself would get a coupe, you want a car with maf as well one less thing to worry about.

[JBIGBOOTSY]

I'd find the nicest body, and chasis, maybe a cheap roller. You really should figure your goals out, before you start.

[darkhorse50]

def, figure in what direction you would wana go with the car. Really take your time, dont jump into anything just cause you want a car now. In my opinion a coupe is what I would look for...................good luck

[**Chris**]

With the money you have saved you are bound to find a great deal. Don't rush into inything like the others said.... look at several Mustangs before making your purchase.

Things like power adders, stroker motors and cars with already built suspension should be well within your budget.

I wish I had 8 G's to spend right now, the market for toys has doubled in size since I bought mine.

[mustangsoldier]

welcome man, definetly take your time on finding a good car, don't get in a rush

[**Chris**]

Originally Posted by wylie The first thing that caused some confusion for me was seeing GT, LX, Cobra, and Saleen appended to the name; are these distinctions important to consider when trying to find a good candidate for modification, and if so what are the differences? Once I have the car, how do I go about choosing what to modify?

No need to be confused here. The GT in fox-body form has two looks. One with 4 eyes (headlights) and it is very clean looking... these are the 79-86.

The second "GT" ranged from 87-93 and had a very heavy body kit added and some super-nasty cheese grater tail light covers. Both are hatchbacks.

Both, when built right are stunning cars.

LX was an option package with either a 4 or 8 cyl... no extreme body stylings... very clean. Hatchback version as well as a "notchback" version like in my signature image. Most people here would opt for the V8 version, but some 4 cyl cars have been great options for a V8 swap. Again, like my car.

Cobra was the factory bad-ass car, all GT-40 top end stuff. Best running Mustang from Ford. Very rare now and definitely expensive compared to the lower packages.

Saleen is an aftermarket Ford performance company, they took several factory Mustangs and basically did body styling, suspension and wheels....

They are also rare and expensive.

About the Lamorghini, they are panty droppers to be sure but easily beatable from stop light to stop light in a decently modified fox-body... my car smashes Ferarris and most high end exotic cars from stop light to stop light...

Just don't expect your future Mustang or any fox body to match their top speed.

[89LX347]

Originally Posted by **Chris** No need to be confused here. The GT in fox-body form has two looks. One with 4 eyes (headlights) and it is very clean looking... these are the 79-86.

in your opinion they look clean

Cobra was the factory bad-ass car, all GT-40 top end stuff. Best running Mustang from Ford. Very rare now and definitely expensive compared to the lower packages.

haha best running mustang from ford, thats a good joke.

About the Lamorghini, they are panty droppers to be sure but easily beatable from stop light to stop light in a decently modified fox-body... my car smashes Ferarris and most high end exotic cars from stop light to stop light... Just don't expect your future Mustang or any fox body to match their top speed.

theres a few foxbodys around that can go 200 mph. streetable and non drag race

[wylie]

chickenbot, that looks like a very useful tool; it's in my bookmarks. Unfortunately I only understand about half the words in there but soon it will all make sense, 'much appreciated.

Chris, that was exactly the information I was looking for. I couldn't believe how much trouble I was having finding those distinctions. It's very encouraging to hear that the mystic Lambo' can be taken down; now I'm really getting excited.

To everyone: thanks for the encouraging words, I'm drawing a lot of confidence from them. I found a car that looks to me like a good place to start, this is how it was posted:
1989 ford mustang lx,5.0l v8,5 spd,only 50k miles,very fast, bbk intake,pwr pullys,hi-flow cats,flow masters muflers,MSD ign,3:73 gears,motorsport clutch,pony wheels,very clean and fast,smog cert included,to much to list,$4395.00 obo

The car looks clean inside and out for a car as old as I am but what really draws me to it is the low mileage and the 3:73 gear ratio, (sorry if that's the wrong terminology, 'still learning). My only hesitation is with the price; that's more than half my budget, however there's been a significant amount of money already put into the car. What do you all think, is it worth putting in an offer or should I keep looking?

[93mustank]

First of all I doubt the car has 50k original miles...probably has 150k...

If the car is real real clean and you like it,buy it...

[89LX347]

Originally Posted by wylie chickenbot, that looks like a very useful tool; it's in my bookmarks. Unfortunately I only understand about half the words in there but soon it will all make sense, 'much appreciated. Chris, that was exactly the information I was looking for. I couldn't believe how much trouble I was having finding those distinctions. It's very encouraging to hear that the mystic Lambo' can be taken down; now I'm really getting excited. To everyone: thanks for the encouraging words, I'm drawing a lot of confidence from them. I found a car that looks to me like a good place to start, this is how it was posted: 1989 ford mustang lx,5.0l v8,5 spd,only 50k miles,very fast, bbk intake,pwr pullys,hi-flow cats,flow masters muflers,MSD ign,3:73 gears,motorsport clutch,pony wheels,very clean and fast,smog cert included,to much to list,$4395.00 obo The car looks clean inside and out for a car as old as I am but what really draws me to it is the low mileage and the 3:73 gear ratio, (sorry if that's the wrong terminology, 'still learning). My only hesitation is with the price; that's more than half my budget, however there's been a significant amount of money already put into the car. What do you all think, is it worth putting in an offer or should I keep looking?

ha too much to list, i think he was adding as much as he could and couldnt figure out any more bs. thats pretty darn expensive. post some pictures of the motor and interior, bet we can tell you if theres 50k miles. its not worth it IMO, you can probably find a better one (get on corral.net and look) thats cleaner and has more done to it.

Originally Posted by 93mustank First of all I doubt the car has 50k original miles...probably has 150k... If the car is real real clean and you like it,buy it...

its got the "very fast" mod done to it.

[wylie]

I must say I'm a little relieved; I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend $4,000 just to start this project but all the places I've been looking were in this range.

89LX347, corral.net looks promising, exponentially better than the places I was looking, (craigslist, autotrader). Unfortunately the sale posts don't make sense to me yet, the slang is flying high over my head, but the cars look attractive and the sellers seem like they know what the're talking about. Thank you for the reference.