[FoxHunter]

Hey all,

I'm looking at possibly selling my Subaru for a Fox Body Mustang 5.0. I know a fair amount about them, but I've got a few questions:

1. What are the best model years to be looking at? Were there any problems with certain years that I should be aware of? Any important changes from year to year?

2. What kind of suspension do these cars have? Coils? Leafs?

3. When looking at specs on Edmunds.com, I notice that the power output of the motor appears to change. It lists the 1990 GT as having 225HP/300TQ and the 1993 GT as having 205HP/275TQ. What gives? Did Ford under-rate the power output or did the motors get weaker?

4. What are the differences between the GT and LX 5.0 models?


I think that's about all the questions I have for now. Any help is appreciated!

Cheers!

[BWAL]

1. im biased towards the 1987-1993 models

2. good question, i'd like to know the answer for this one too

3. the 1987-1988 year models had 225hp, but in 1989, some changes were made to the MAF, making the car have less horsepower (205hp) but much easier to tune.. the LX and GT models had 205hp from 1989 to 1993, but in 1993, the SVT Cobra was also available, which had 235hp.

4. the GT came as a hatchback and a convertible, and the LX came as a hatchback, convertible, notchback, and it was also available with the 2.3L 4 cylinder engine.. the GT also has [hideous] ground effects, that make the GT overall weigh a little bit more than the LX.. nothing is different between the GT and lX other than the exterior ground effects and a few minor interior details here and there

BTW, welcome to MM

[FoxHunter]

In regards to question #3, I thought I heard something about Ford switching from speed density to MAF sensors or something like that? Any details on this?

[Speedstang302]

thats what he said..in 89 they switched to MAF, which is alot better for modifications, SD doesnt handle them very well becuase it runs off the vaccum...and to add

fox's are 79-93, in my mind the 85-93 are the best, but i do not like the interior of the 85/85..the body changed a little like the GT added ground EFX and the old GT style became an LX, except for dif front bumper..the notchbacks are by far the lightest and strongest fox's out there, and are a great plant for drag cars, but its on preference, if gas is a problems but you still want a little power, you can look into the 4 cylinder turbo 2.3ls

85 was last year of carbed, the GT's being very nice cars if you dont wanna deal with EFI, i think 84/85 started the 8.8 rear end which is stronger than the previous 7.5 and starts the 5spd over the 4spd..all 79-93's are 4 lug, making you're only choices for wheels, cobra r's, pony's draglites and a few other basic one..5lug conversion solves that..

but great idea, these cars are great cars, and great start for alot...they're are by far the easiest to find parts and for cheap out of all mustangs..

welcome to MM...you'll enjoy the stay!!!

[Mazlem]

The '86 was the first year for EFI (with SD), the 8.8", and true dual exhaust. It was also the last year to have four headlights. The motor isn't very good to start with, but if everything else is good you could get an 87-93 motor for it; may need a conversion kit to MAF depending on how much you get with the motor. Late '83 was the first year for the 5spd; '85+ got the world-class 5spd.

With everything being interchangeable I'd pick one based on looks and condition, then upgrade what you want. Or if you want to start off with the more modern versions go with an '87-93. I think the 89's are highly regarded with the MAF and being the last year for a tilt steering wheel and no airbags.

[vfast]

bad things on the foxes
weak fuel pumps
igintion switch..recalled
torque boxes
body twist on hatchbacks
very restricted exhaust
hood can fly up
wiring issues
plastic clutch quad
lousy brakes
radiator is too small
door handles are made of crap and brake easy

most of these issue are a easy fix

[vfast]

85-86 IMO have the best seats!!

[ryans88gt]

#2) They have coils and struts in the front and a live solid axle in the back located by 4 control arms, the lower control arms house the springs in the rear.

my 89 LX is for sale... runs 11s in the 1/4 mile...

[vfast]

I got a nice crisp twenty*L*

and the ole '86 engine have no reliefs for an upgrade cam

[FoxHunter]

Good info guys. I'm definitely looking for an 87-93 model. The earlier fox bodies just take too much work to make look good, imo.

[FoxHunter]

More questions:

5. Do any of the cars come equipped with LSDs? If not, is it worth getting an aftermarket unit?

6. What is the motor called? I know it's a 5.0L, but does that make it a 302?

[White Thunder]

yes 302

[ryans88gt]

They have a trak-lok diff stock. It is good if you rebuild it with 4 clutches.

[Speedstang302]

Originally Posted by FoxHunter More questions: 5. Do any of the cars come equipped with LSDs? If not, is it worth getting an aftermarket unit? 6. What is the motor called? I know it's a 5.0L, but does that make it a 302?

yeah...it does make it a 302..like 4.6 is 281, and 5.8 is 351 and 7.5 is 460

[Speedstang302]

whats funny is chevy's 572 is like a 9.2...HOLY

[vfast]

if only the mustang came with a 400sbc it would have been the best car ever

[Speedstang302]

if only!!!








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