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Want to build '87-'93 Mustang racer/sleeper...your input appreciated(edit:title)

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ChangLi

Senior member
Sep 25, 2001
404
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As soon as I get done with my latest project, I've been thinking about building a Mustang. I like the late model "boxy" look, but dislike the later model rounded look(look like a Toyota Celica or sumpin' imported) I want to build a sleeper. It will be a daily driver in Spring and Summer. I want it to handle the curves well and be FAST. This will be my first attempt at a vehicle that doesn't have a front diff so any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I need to know what year and what equip to look for. What holds up, what has to be replaced, etc. I've budgeted 10-15k for the project incl. purchase price. There won't be any fancy exterior mods or paint job, I may perhaps want to lower it a bit, but as I said I want to build a "sleeper". What mods will give me the most bang for the buck? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

p.s. Anyone wanna buy a Jeep CJ-7, slightly modded of course.;)
 
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Valhalla1

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
8,678
0
76
I dont like the 99+ body style as much I like how a 98 cobra, black with black leather, 5speed, chrome wheels, maybe lowered 2 inches with limo tint. I would go for that, and put a supercharger on it
 
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ChangLi

Senior member
Sep 25, 2001
404
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0
Val,
Thankx for the suggestions, but a SC maybe out of my budget and as cool as your dream sounds, it won't exactly be a "sleeper" but thanks again for your response.
 
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fastz28

Golden Member
Mar 27, 2001
1,794
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I'd say go for a classic, 60's stang. Find one with straight and rust free body, drop in a crate V8 engine, juice it or blow it. Kick some arse (not f-bodies, of course). :)
 
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ChangLi

Senior member
Sep 25, 2001
404
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Hey I agree,
The 60's 'specially the '69 Mach one rocks, but check out the budget...ain't gonna happen here please read FAST and SLEEPER...but I do appreciate your comments, thankx.
 
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Mill

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
28,558
3
81
Ok if you are saying 10-15 including purchase price, then you can forget about a 4.6. You should go the route of the fox body. Notfred will be in here shortly and he knows way more about fox bodies than I do. I would say you want a griggs suspension though for really good handling. If you want it to be a sleeper then you don't want loud exhaust. If you do supercharge you want a quite one such as a Vortech SQ. Or you could go nitrous. :)
 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91


<< Hey I agree,
The 60's 'specially the '69 Mach one rocks, but check out the budget...ain't gonna happen here please read FAST and SLEEPER...but I do appreciate your comments, thankx. >>

Actually, what he's suggesting could work. Find a 289 'Stang with a good body and a shot engine. Then drop in a crate engine, you can get a lot of power from naturally aspirated crate engines. A little suspension work and you've got the car you're looking for.

ZV
 
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fastz28

Golden Member
Mar 27, 2001
1,794
0
0


<< Hey I agree,
The 60's 'specially the '69 Mach one rocks, but check out the budget...ain't gonna happen here please read FAST and SLEEPER...but I do appreciate your comments, thankx. >>



I think my setup can be had for $15k.

Ok then, how about a late 80's, with a supercharger, aka notfred's stang. $10k tops. It's a sleeper, they are everywhere.
 
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Angrymarshmello

Lifer
Apr 5, 2000
13,256
1
0


<< As soon as I get done with my latest project, I've been thinking about building a Mustang >>



You can't BUILD a Mustang on a budget. Do you just want a fast and cheap Mustang to mod, or are you going to actually be build one from the frame up? If you want a fast and cheap one, a 87-93 Fox body with a 302 is the only way to go. Oh and making it fasts (without using nitrous oxide) costs money - you might want to save up a little bit more before you dive into something like this.
 
AreaCode707

AreaCode707

Lifer
Sep 21, 2001
18,447
133
106
Well, you can go to the Bureau of Land Management and adopt a mommy mustang and a daddy mustang...
 
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fastz28

Golden Member
Mar 27, 2001
1,794
0
0


<< Well, you can go to the Bureau of Land Management and adopt a mommy mustang and a daddy mustang... >>



And make a baby mustang? So that will be 1 HP. Too slow for me. :D
 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91


<< Well, you can go to the Bureau of Land Management and adopt a mommy mustang and a daddy mustang... >>

Har har. :p You know that the Mustang was supposed to be named after the P-51? A marketer's mistake put the wild horse on the grill.

ZV
 
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bozack

Diamond Member
Jan 14, 2000
7,913
12
81
Oh I am sorry but mustangs are not bad...I just got a chance to drive my friends GT 5.0 95 Tonight and I had forgotten how good those cars feel to drive, brought back memories of my 90 5.0. Honestly if I could I would sell my 2000 SVT contour in a second for a nice condition 5.0 gt or cobra, just a far nicer car imho.
 
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ChangLi

Senior member
Sep 25, 2001
404
0
0
15k not enuf? I'm talking about a f-body apparently(boxy) with enuf mods to make it fast...not a 10 second car, just fast. My CJ runs low 13's with 35" tires and six inches of lift.(not for the weak at heart) How much can it cost if I start with a 302(I can rebuild it myself) to build a 13 second stang?
All your thoughts and comments are appreciated, thank you all....and where the hell is notfred?
 
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Angrymarshmello

Lifer
Apr 5, 2000
13,256
1
0
F-body = current Camaro, Firebird
Fox-body = 87-93 body style Mustang

And please do some more research on Mustangs before you buy one. It's pretty obvious you don't know a lot about them now (no offense) - talk to owners of Mustangs, go to Mustang shops, whatever, but you need to get a lot more info (and not from an internet message board) before you decide on getting one.
 
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Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
9,999
1
0
Couple of guys around here started with 4cyl. LX Notchbacks for the sleeper part and worked from there. I think the lx notchback is a bit lighter than the GT.

Sounds like an interesting project. Good luck!!
 
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thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,032
125
106
That what I was going to say. Find a 89-93 notchback LX 5.0 5-speed. They are stiffer and lighter than the hatchbacks. That what I am looking for :).

 
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ChangLi

Senior member
Sep 25, 2001
404
0
0
Rage,

Thank you.

I agree that I need more info, but I have already decided on a Mustang and with your help, I now know that I am interested in building a "FOX" body...again, thank you. I realize that I need to learn more about the mustangs, but I have seen enuf of them rodded, that I know it can be done. I like the body style, parts are readily available, I have the cash, engine and drivetrain mods are not new to me, I just am looking for direction. I really appreciate your input . I will be checking out the Ford sites and doing further investigation. Unfortunately, I have to wait until I'm done with the Jeep first. New paint first week week of may, followed by new tires, stereo, and top...figure I'll be Mustang shopping by July. What stock equip do I look for on a "fox" body 5.0? Again, thanx
 
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malbojah

Golden Member
Dec 6, 2000
1,708
7
81
Just get a late 80's stang and drop one of the Clevend series motors in it....what my boss did and he love it more than his wife :)
 
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GooberPHX420

Banned
Jan 13, 2002
1,567
0
0
Not a big fan of the good ol 5-ohhhhhhhhhs? I bust a nut when I see a nicely done early 90's 5.0

And there are soooooooo many aftermarket parts for them too. They make just about any mod you can name for a Ford 302, and the 302 was probably fords best motor ever.

beautiful 5.0
 
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ChangLi

Senior member
Sep 25, 2001
404
0
0
Definitely the notchback... but is the frame/basic suspension different from the 4cyl to the 5.0? I'm gonna hit the rack now, but please gimme your advice. It is all WAY MUCH appreciated. Night all!
 
GasX

GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
6
81
You want a 93 LX or better yet an SSP.

SSP's are former police cars with some nice mods like a beefy radiator and some other bolt ons. You just have to deal with a few holes in the dash...

The LX is a better car than the GT for 2 reasons:

1. No lame ground effects
2. Less weight

You could get one in fair shape for less than $3000

A blower is an easy way to jack up the HP fast and is probably in your price range!

The bottom line is that the 5.0 engine is the most tweakable mass produced engine ever made. For $10,000 you can be FLYING around town.

Good Luck!
 
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DaLeroy

Golden Member
Dec 4, 2000
1,406
0
0


<< Not a big fan of the good ol 5-ohhhhhhhhhs? I bust a nut when I see a nicely done early 90's 5.0

And there are soooooooo many aftermarket parts for them too. They make just about any mod you can name for a Ford 302, and the 302 was probably fords best motor ever.

beautiful 5.0 >>




Have to disagree there :)

Personally reckon the 351C was the best motor ford made! :) Same size block, but more cubic inches! :)
 
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