'90 5.0 LX Q's (?)

Hi,

I'm the new owner of a 1990 Mustang LX 5.0, 124K miles (very clean), AT, Dk. Grey w/bashe interior. Of course I plan to spend about one billion dollars modifying it. The questions I have are as follows:

1. Are there any problems specific to this model year?
2. (This one's going to sound good) What's the difference between AOD and AODE (does one have the extra low gear) and which one is which? I want to get a different shifter and need to know which one to get...
3. I have a general idea about what mods to do from reading other posts (4.10s, headers/exhaust, pulleys) - are there any mods specifically recommended or preferred for this model year? (For instance I was thinking about removing the steering wheel and installing a non-airbag model).
4. What tire sizes are recommended? I'm thinking about 17 x 8's on the front and 17 x 10's on the rear.
5. Anyone have the Cervini Mach 1 hood w/Ram Air? They claim ~25 hp and I like the look...

Just a little background about myself - I have previously owned two other Mustangs - a '76 Mustang II and a '72 Mach 1 w/351C. Most recently I was driving Toyota MR2's (MKII) which is a great car but somewhat expensive to modify unlike the Mustang. I chose the Fox Mustang because I've always liked the body style and probably due to some "shock & awe" resulting from being a passenger for several 50' sideways powerslides and a collision with a straight truck in an '89 Fox that my friend owned. Thanks in advance for the info!

K.P.

Some info I forgot...

I plan to use the Mustang as my daily driver. Since I only live about a mile from work, it's okay if I only get 15 MPG. I'm not looking to build a racecar, however.

It cost $3500.

Outside door handles and headlight switch, you'll replace these on a regular basis. Just because Cervini claims 25hp don't think you'll gain 25hp. Vendors are trying to sell parts. Plan on getting a cool looking hood that is a little lighter, and maybe a few horses.

1. Nothing major, but there are a few recalls, most of them have probably been taken care of by previous owners by now. For detailed info about your take a look at this site. www.mustangregistry.org (http://www.mustangregistry.org/) or www.mustanggt.org (http://www.mustanggt.org/)
2. The AOD is found in 84-93 V8 mustangs. The AOD-E is found in 94+ V8 mustangs. AOD-E's are electronically controlled and have improvements over the AOD. I have the B&M hammer shifter running my auto.
3. For an automatic 4.10's will be good in helping the car accelerate a lot easier. A complete exhaust system and pulleys are good places to start as well. Also I wouldn't be concerned with removing the air bag steering wheel, not worth the hassle and such.
4. Well, do you want recommendations for tire sizes on those rim sizes you have listed? I wouldn't run anything larger then 245's on the front and 265's on the rear for normal street driving. 17x10's might be a little wide, but I could be wrong. Someone else will have to varify this.
5. Companies can claim anything they want. Mostly this is done on modified vehicles, and at it's peak power band. The Cervini's hood is a ram air hood, so it won't have any real benefit until you are driving at higher speeds to force the air into the motor.

Hi flow is right.
except for the steering wheel. I replaced mine with a sparco unit and I love it.
much nicer looking and more confortable.
245's in front are ok unless the car is lowered, if it is, 235 is as wide as you can go without rubbing.
door handles, check, and don't forget the heater core, notorious for leaking/failing.

Thanks for the answers/help - about the tires, the ones I have on there now are cheapies... the old owner spent 70 ea. and they are hard. I can spin them on command. I want to lower the car so I think I'm going to go small just to play it safe. That, and I was thinking about an LSD unit like the Eaton or Auburn when I swap in the new rear end.

eaton is great. the posi works great.
coilovers will help your handling more than just getting lowering springs. and will take weight off the frony and you can use larger tires. it's win/win.