[epwchill]

Well, im getting ready to buy myself a "play car" (one that will only be driven occasionally, i already have 2 v6 stangs that are my daily drivers) and i can't decide what to get.
Im looking to spend around 4-6K. And get a Late Model American v8 thats completly stock, so i can do all the mods myself.

My options, as i see them, are:
94-95 5.0 Mustang
96-98 4.6 Mustang
87-92 Camaro Z28
93-97 Camero Z28
*note: Fox-Body mustangs are out of the question, i dislike there looks too much.

I've been reading this board for a few weeks to hear how you guys like your SN-95's, and you seem to know your stuff, so i wanted to get some input from you. Thanks.

[Bullitt95]

Go for the 94-95 5.0 Mustang (I'm not biased of course ). Mustangs are usually more reliable than Camaros so if you find a good one, you can spend more of your money on mods and less on repairs.
All of the cars that you mentioned have a huge aftermarket but the 5.0 is so underpowered in stock form that it responds very well to performance mods. Mods for the 5.0 are also comparatively cheap so you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

[Thlad]

Go with the 5.0. you wont regret it

[DeMello]

+1 on the 5.0

my dad bought a POS 5.0 but it ran strong, and he did the interior and a paintjob and now looks VERY badass

(well his is a fox tho)

[street591]

5.0....who needs a camaro

[TKOTLARZ]

definitely the 5.0, its a great car to play with

[efulton95]

haha its funny how everyone on the mustang 5.0 section says to get a 5.0 . i myself would agree too get a 5.0 there is a huge market for parts

[BEASTstang]

No doubt ,get a 94-95 5.0 .If thats what your looking for is modding it yourself ,it will bring so much more enjoyment.

If you want more power stock ,then go with the z/28

[95wip]

i would get an older 94-98 and put a 351 in it! get you up to speed with them camaro, plus you dont have as many restrictions....or if you are a high roller get a 95 CobraR

[epwchill]

the Cobra R is out of the question....... sexy looking beast though isn't it?

The most i might splerge would be an 03-04 Cobra, but i really dont want to drop that much money into the car to start with, it would be forever before i could afford to start modding it.

anyways, keep up the great advice. It is very appreciated!

[v606er]

5.0

[epwchill]

Ok, i've been doing some reading, and from what i understand, the stock 5.0 block can only take around 500 bhp, correct?

If so, could someone link me to a 5.0 block that would handle upwards near 900 bhp? I read somewhere, someone mentioned a new ford racing boss block. Anyone have any info on using that in an SN-95?

*gets more confused at all this*

[95StangMX]

I like them both I have a 95 mustang that we are putting a stroker in right now and just had completely painted but I also drive a chevy truck (its also getting painted due to an unfortunate wreck with a semi truck) but if you are going that route I would rather have the trans am than the camaro. I love the t tops and you cant get those on the mustang lol...

[TKOTLARZ]

Originally Posted by epwchill the Cobra R is out of the question....... sexy looking beast though isn't it? The most i might splerge would be an 03-04 Cobra, but i really dont want to drop that much money into the car to start with, it would be forever before i could afford to start modding it. anyways, keep up the great advice. It is very appreciated!

yea but those cars are sick..you dont even need many mods...its definitely worth it..i regret not buying it like i had planned before i got a 5.0

[WildWill]

um... 03-04 cobra??? you probably wont find one for less than $18k, and if you only want to spend like $4-6K, then that doesn't make any sense.

i don't know the true numbers, but i believe you are correct that the stock blocks will handle about 500 hp. if you forge your bottom end, you'll easily be able to handle a few hundred more. unless you want to get a whole new block, which is sensible, just make sure its forged, and you'll be fine.

[epwchill]

Originally Posted by WildWill um... 03-04 cobra??? you probably wont find one for less than $18k, and if you only want to spend like $4-6K, then that doesn't make any sense.

I was looking to spend between 15-20K in the next 2 years on this car. What i was saying is, i could get an 03-04 cobra, then not do any mods to it for a few years. Or i could get a 5.0 for 6K, and drop 12-14K worth of mods in it.

[TKOTLARZ]

if that was me i'ed go with the 04 cobra

[95opal]

Originally Posted by WildWill i don't know the true numbers, but i believe you are correct that the stock blocks will handle about 500 hp. if you forge your bottom end, you'll easily be able to handle a few hundred more. unless you want to get a whole new block, which is sensible, just make sure its forged, and you'll be fine.

Forged internals arent the problem, the stock block will split down the lifter valley before the internals give out.

Originally Posted by epwchill I was looking to spend between 15-20K in the next 2 years on this car. What i was saying is, i could get an 03-04 cobra, then not do any mods to it for a few years. Or i could get a 5.0 for 6K, and drop 12-14K worth of mods in it.

Good luck finding an 03-04 for under 20k!

[95wip]

Originally Posted by 95opal Forged internals arent the problem, the stock block will split down the lifter valley before the internals give out. Good luck finding an 03-04 for under 20k!

thank you! like i said i love my 95 (but 5.0 blocks are weak) and if i were you i would get an sn95 but put a 351 in it. that will handle more power than you can

[WildWill]

cobra then... a newer car, you wont have to worry about little things going out on you. if it were me, i would take an 03 cobra over any other mustang (except maybe a 67 shelby!). if i had the choice of having a 95 with a big stroker motor in it or an 03 cobra, the cobra wins.