[Kain420]

Hey everyone. I'm new here. I don't even own a Mustang but lately I've taken a liking to them. Screw the new ones though I am looking at hatchback 80's 2000 up until they changed to the new body. I'm a Volkswagen guy myself. I just finished a 353 WHP 338 lbs of TQ 1.8T and I'm looking for a new project car. Since I am so new to the Ford scene. From your guys experience, what year, model should I look for power wise? I'm guessing the 5.0 for the older years but for example how does the Cobra match up to the GT? Is it just trim or is there an actul powerplant mechanical diffrence? Thanks for the help guys.

[ckthecerealkiller]

The cobras offer a lot of extra engine parts that the Gt doesn't have. I am not sure about the 5.0 since I haven't had much experiance. But in my experiance I would go with a 86-90's LX GT. Very basic but LOTS of potential.

[Tony_90fox]

I have two hatchbacks, an 89 and 90, both 5.0s. I just like the foxbodies myself, and i doubt i will ever own another body style. The mods are just about endless for these cars. it is cheaper to build chevys but who wants a chevy. just my opinion but i agree, go with any 87-93 lx or gt, mine are both lx, but there isnt that much of a defference. Have fun, and good luck!

[Kain420]

When did they move away from Carb to FI? And would it be easier to build an older modle V/S a newer style mustang? I'm going to assume its easier to find parts for the older ones but are they as tunable?

[Bill]

86 was the first year for the EFI mustangs

[mdvaldosta]

89-92 are the most desireable in my opinion - forged pistons and mass air.

[Bill]

^^^+1

and out of those years from 89-92 the 89's are probally the most desirable. Mass air, forged pistons,no airbag and tilt wheel

[MSO]

u had a VW Golf? im jus wondering

but yea fox bodies are awesome for the mustang crowd

i personally think the sn-95s are ugly, but that cud jus be because im jealous i dont have one

[KJeezy]

If you don't mind the motor change look for a 2.3L 4cyl. Typically cheaper, and you can just dump the motor/front and drivetrain. Hell, may just be cheaper to get the 5.0. Summit is loaded with stuff, cjsponyparts has alot of stuff. Maximum Motorsports is pretty good for suspension and such.

[MSO]

yea it is cheaper to jus get the 5.0

the suspension on my car sux, i got upgrade it if i want to put a 5.0 in it

plus a new tranny and all that jus adds up

[88BlueGT]

I would have to say that a 89 5.0 is THE most desireable because of whats listed above (mass air, no tilt, and forged pistons). Most 5.0's came with forged pistons except for 1993. But to be totally honest, unless you plan on running 12 psi of boost than it really means nothing. You just have to watch spraying though. Also, the tilt is not a big deal but its definetly nice to have. It also depends on what you plan on doing to the car.... if you plan on getting deep into it with h/c/i etc. than defiently go with a mass air car which start in 1989 (unless its a cali car which they started in 88) but if you just plan on going with minor bolt ons (pulleys, exhaust, etc.) than a 87-88 is no problem. The speed density cars are actually a little bit faster stock for stock... just a little though. Good luck with your search and let us know what you come up with!

[ChrisJ]

I would also say go with a fox body...89-93...

Do you not like the notchbacks (trunk mustang)? If I had my choice I would love to build another notchback...

[88BlueGT]

Notches are definetly VERY nice is done right. For some reason IMO they have to have nice paint and rims and THAN they look really good. Notches are also a lot lighter than a hatchback.

[Kain420]

Originally Posted by ChrisJ I would also say go with a fox body...89-93... Do you not like the notchbacks (trunk mustang)? If I had my choice I would love to build another notchback...

Naw I'm more of a Hatchback guy but I'm open for anything really.

Originally Posted by My'StangOpens u had a VW Golf? im jus wondering but yea fox bodies are awesome for the mustang crowd i personally think the sn-95s are ugly, but that cud jus be because im jealous i dont have one

No Its a Jetta. Great car too. Here are a few pics
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2830986

Originally Posted by 88BlueGT I would have to say that a 89 5.0 is THE most desireable because of whats listed above (mass air, no tilt, and forged pistons). Most 5.0's came with forged pistons except for 1993. But to be totally honest, unless you plan on running 12 psi of boost than it really means nothing. You just have to watch spraying though. Also, the tilt is not a big deal but its definetly nice to have. It also depends on what you plan on doing to the car.... if you plan on getting deep into it with h/c/i etc. than defiently go with a mass air car which start in 1989 (unless its a cali car which they started in 88) but if you just plan on going with minor bolt ons (pulleys, exhaust, etc.) than a 87-88 is no problem. The speed density cars are actually a little bit faster stock for stock... just a little though. Good luck with your search and let us know what you come up with!

Obviously If I were to Turbocharge one i would want Fuel Injected V/S a carb 5.0 I'm glad you told me about the forge pistons. I don't plan on spraying it. I think nitrous is tacky. But I will almost def supercharge it. Your going to have to educate me on what you are talking about when you say "Tilt" as far as I know your talking about the steering wheel tilt . Here are my goals. Maybe I should have stated this from the begining to help.

I am looking for the most displacment to start with because I plan on maxing the engine I have done the big turbocharger thing so i want to try a SC on this car. Turbos kick ass but I am running a GT32 on a 1.8T making 353 WHP nice numbers but I don't hit full boost until 4K. Its not bad considering I can run the car to 7500 though but I want somthing more bolt-on ish without lag. Over time I want to break the 1000HP mark. Keep transmission and axles in mind when helping me get an over view. At what HP will they need to be changed.

I don't really like the early modle mustangs after the older 80's body was phased out but just when they started to make it look good, they came out with that huge tank of a mustang. Sure it boasts 300BHP but it's way to big for me.

[Kain420]

Also how reputable is Steeda? I've heard they are expensive. Its a bit weird shoping on a whole new market.

[MSO]

cool car, but i always thought of jettas as bein girl cars

i rly dont see too many yung guys driving them

i think steeda is good, they make mustangs (like roush)

[Kain420]

I'm surprised you haven't seen massive groups seeing that your from PA. The VW scene is huge East coast. Well thanks for all the help you guys have given me so far. I'll def be in on this site checking in. Thanks again

[MSO]

i do see a lot, jus not a lot of guys driving them

ppl buy them for their daughters and what not

now the golfs, i see a few of those around, modded up lookin all fast

[Kain420]

The Cabrio and New Bettle are chick cars but I do see why Jettas are viewed as girl cars. I dunno I was brought up with VW so it just kind of stuck. Just today I beat a newer GT on the freeway. You have to admit there is some satifaction in beating a V8 with a 4 banger girl car LOL Anyhow I'm sure you aren't here to listen to my VW crap. I appreciate all the help you have given me and I will be sure to ask for help from you guys once I seal the deal on a STANG!! Peace guys! Thanks again

[88BlueGT]

Originally Posted by Kain420 Originally Posted by ChrisJ I would also say go with a fox body...89-93... Do you not like the notchbacks (trunk mustang)? If I had my choice I would love to build another notchback... Naw I'm more of a Hatchback guy but I'm open for anything really. Originally Posted by My'StangOpens u had a VW Golf? im jus wondering but yea fox bodies are awesome for the mustang crowd i personally think the sn-95s are ugly, but that cud jus be because im jealous i dont have one No Its a Jetta. Great car too. Here are a few pics http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2830986 Originally Posted by 88BlueGT I would have to say that a 89 5.0 is THE most desireable because of whats listed above (mass air, no tilt, and forged pistons). Most 5.0's came with forged pistons except for 1993. But to be totally honest, unless you plan on running 12 psi of boost than it really means nothing. You just have to watch spraying though. Also, the tilt is not a big deal but its definetly nice to have. It also depends on what you plan on doing to the car.... if you plan on getting deep into it with h/c/i etc. than defiently go with a mass air car which start in 1989 (unless its a cali car which they started in 88) but if you just plan on going with minor bolt ons (pulleys, exhaust, etc.) than a 87-88 is no problem. The speed density cars are actually a little bit faster stock for stock... just a little though. Good luck with your search and let us know what you come up with! Obviously If I were to Turbocharge one i would want Fuel Injected V/S a carb 5.0 I'm glad you told me about the forge pistons. I don't plan on spraying it. I think nitrous is tacky. But I will almost def supercharge it. Your going to have to educate me on what you are talking about when you say "Tilt" as far as I know your talking about the steering wheel tilt . Here are my goals. Maybe I should have stated this from the begining to help. I am looking for the most displacment to start with because I plan on maxing the engine I have done the big turbocharger thing so i want to try a SC on this car. Turbos kick ass but I am running a GT32 on a 1.8T making 353 WHP nice numbers but I don't hit full boost until 4K. Its not bad considering I can run the car to 7500 though but I want somthing more bolt-on ish without lag. Over time I want to break the 1000HP mark. Keep transmission and axles in mind when helping me get an over view. At what HP will they need to be changed. I don't really like the early modle mustangs after the older 80's body was phased out but just when they started to make it look good, they came out with that huge tank of a mustang. Sure it boasts 300BHP but it's way to big for me.

Well, considering you want to break the 1000hp mark everyting has to be top of the line which will get VERY VERY VERY expensive. Before you say you want 1000hp have you ever been in a 600hp car? Its insane and totally unecessary for the street lol. Is this going to be a drag car? daily driver? weekend cruiser, etc? If I wanted to make a reliable 600hp this is what I would do. Get a 351W block from a junkyard. You can prob pick one up for a hundred bucks or online for the same price. Stroke it to a 418W, AFR 225 heads, custom grind, and all supporting mods. That right there would pretty much max out your block. Thats only if you want to go with a production block. 302's are unsafe taking past 475-500rwhp. And depending on the year of the block most 351W's are pretty much maxxed at 600rwhp. If you want to make numbers higher than that than go with a aftermarket block. Like an R351, Dart, Man O War, etc. Than the sky is the limit. If you get an aftermarket block than you can go with a 418W, AFR 225's, T-76 turbo, etc. That would put you well over 700hp. Now speaking suspension, you will need to get a totally brand new suspension to handle any kind of power like that, torque boxes, subframes, cage, etc. The stock 8.8 would take you to about 800hp (im pretty sure but if im wrong someone please chime in) but anyting after that I would recommend upgading to a 9''. Tranny, I would prob recommend a C4 from PA or another reputable company.

If anyone has anything else to add or edit feel free... there might be some things wrong here but Im pretty sure its pretty accurate.