Educate me! Help me make a good decision

I've always wanted a Mustang for as long as I could remember.
I'm thinking of purchasing one in about 6 months-1 year. In this time I plan on doing as much research as possible so I know exactly what I want when its time to buy.

Here's what I know I want so far -
-A V8
-Manual transmission

I plan on keeping this car around for a long time, hopefully to pass along to my kids in the future. I don't plan on keeping it completely stock, I'd really be interested in getting some more power out of the motor. Nothing too insane, but something thats lots of fun for the street. I don't want to get into Forced Induction, Nitrous or any high dollar power adders.

Based on this information, which Mustang (year & model) would be most suitable for this?

Based on my price range (around $6000) it looks like I can get into a fox body GT or a 94-98 GT.

Which engine is known for being more reliable and trouble free/easier to work on? The 5.0 or the 4.6?

Which engines have a bigger assortment of after market parts?

Is there a big difference in performance between the Fox Body GT's and the 94-98's with the 4.6?

Thats my long, winded post. Thanks for reading, I appreciate any help you can provide.

I plan on keeping this car around for a long time, hopefully to pass along to my kids in the future. I don't plan on keeping it completely stock, I'd really be interested in getting some more power out of the motor. Nothing too insane, but something thats lots of fun for the street. I don't want to get into Forced Induction, Nitrous or any high dollar power adders.


You'd have to be more specific with what Power you want out of the motor, simple bolt-ons (H/E/I) are pretty much the way to go if you don't want to kill your fuel economy and still keep some "pep"





Based on this information, which Mustang (year & model) would be most suitable for this?


Based on that information, before I answer, let's put some realistic standards in front of you.
93 Mustang Cobra

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 235 hp
Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm
Torque: 280 ft-lbs.
Drive Type: RWD

93 Mustang GT

Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 205 hp
Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm
Torque: 275 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3000 rpm
Drive Type: RWD

98 Mustang Gt

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.7 sec.
Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 125 ft.
Road Holding Index: .86 g
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 4.6 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 225 hp
Max Horsepower: 4750 rpm
Torque: 290 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3500 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.3 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg

1995 Mustang Gt

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 215 hp
Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm
Torque: 285 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3400 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.3 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.4 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg Automatic: : 17 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 261.8 mi. / 369.6 mi. Manual: 261.8 mi. / 385 mi.

1995 Mustang SVT Cobra

Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 240 hp
Max Horsepower: 4800 rpm
Torque: 285 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.3 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.4 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Manual: 261.8 mi. / 385 mi.


Money wise, i'd say go with the 95 cobra or the 95 gt.
The body style IMO looks much better than the fox, has the exact same engine as the fox and puts out more power than the fox style.
The 4.6L engine between 96-98 was weak compared to the 5.0, and even though there's a little more fuel economy you are getting, the car is heavier and slower and the engine work is more expensive since it's a newer engine.

If you want to go with a 4.6L stang, go 99-04 (10k about)





Based on my price range (around $6000) it looks like I can get into a fox body GT or a 94-98 GT.


I'd recommend putting 4k in front of the person with a SVT cobra and buying that. More power, worth more in the long run, and especially the 93 and 95 they will be more rarer of a car.


Which engine is known for being more reliable and trouble free/easier to work on? The 5.0 or the 4.6?
[\quote]
The 5.0. the 4.6 is great also (99-04) but 96-98 lacks alot to work with. It puts out about the same HP as my 3.8L does stock.
[QUOTE=2003chevcav]
Which engines have a bigger assortment of after market parts?

The 5.0. They have multitude of shops and websites with tons of parts that are cheaper and can put out a great deal of power

Is there a big difference in performance between the Fox Body GT's and the 94-98's with the 4.6?

The Fox body GT's and SVT smokes the 96-98 4.6 (the 1994 and 1995 versions had the 5.0L engine)



Conclusion

it really matters if you want a fox body style or a newer looking body style. Personal preference would be a 94-95 GT or SVT for the price you are wanting to pay (should have some left over for mods too afterwards)
they are a bit more fuel efficient and have more power.

Hope that helps.
I have a 00 3.8L stang (v6)

prepare for a rather long reply because this is sort of biased.

You'd have to be more specific with what Power you want out of the motor, simple bolt-ons (H/E/I) are pretty much the way to go if you don't want to kill your fuel economy and still keep some "pep"






Based on that information, before I answer, let's put some realistic standards in front of you.
93 Mustang Cobra

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 235 hp
Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm
Torque: 280 ft-lbs.
Drive Type: RWD

93 Mustang GT

Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 205 hp
Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm
Torque: 275 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3000 rpm
Drive Type: RWD

98 Mustang Gt

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.7 sec.
Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 125 ft.
Road Holding Index: .86 g
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 4.6 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 225 hp
Max Horsepower: 4750 rpm
Torque: 290 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3500 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.3 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg

1995 Mustang Gt

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 215 hp
Max Horsepower: 4200 rpm
Torque: 285 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3400 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.3 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.4 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg Automatic: : 17 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 261.8 mi. / 369.6 mi. Manual: 261.8 mi. / 385 mi.

1995 Mustang SVT Cobra

Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 240 hp
Max Horsepower: 4800 rpm
Torque: 285 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.3 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.4 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Manual: 261.8 mi. / 385 mi.


Money wise, i'd say go with the 95 cobra or the 95 gt.
The body style IMO looks much better than the fox, has the exact same engine as the fox and puts out more power than the fox style.
The 4.6L engine between 96-98 was weak compared to the 5.0, and even though there's a little more fuel economy you are getting, the car is heavier and slower and the engine work is more expensive since it's a newer engine.

If you want to go with a 4.6L stang, go 99-04 (10k about)






I'd recommend putting 4k in front of the person with a SVT cobra and buying that. More power, worth more in the long run, and especially the 93 and 95 they will be more rarer of a car.

[QUOTE=2003chevcav]
Which engine is known for being more reliable and trouble free/easier to work on? The 5.0 or the 4.6?
[\quote]
The 5.0. the 4.6 is great also (99-04) but 96-98 lacks alot to work with. It puts out about the same HP as my 3.8L does stock.

The 5.0. They have multitude of shops and websites with tons of parts that are cheaper and can put out a great deal of power

The Fox body GT's and SVT smokes the 96-98 4.6 (the 1994 and 1995 versions had the 5.0L engine)



Conclusion

it really matters if you want a fox body style or a newer looking body style. Personal preference would be a 94-95 GT or SVT for the price you are wanting to pay (should have some left over for mods too afterwards)
they are a bit more fuel efficient and have more power.

Hope that helps.
I have a 00 3.8L stang (v6)

prepare for a rather long reply because this is sort of biased.

Thanks for the informative reply.
I really dig the Foxbody styling, but if I found a great deal on a 94-95 GT or SVT I would pull the trigger.

You asked about how much power I am looking at making.
The answer would be the most I can get without doing any major engine work.

Intake, headers, mid pipe and exhaust would be #1 on the list. I'm not sure what kind of power gain that would warrant though.

Does a lot of work go into installing a higher performance Cam?

Thanks for the informative reply.
I really dig the Foxbody styling, but if I found a great deal on a 94-95 GT or SVT I would pull the trigger.

You asked about how much power I am looking at making.
The answer would be the most I can get without doing any major engine work.

Intake, headers, mid pipe and exhaust would be #1 on the list. I'm not sure what kind of power gain that would warrant though.

Does a lot of work go into installing a higher performance Cam?

no problem.

If you like the foxbody style, i'd definately go for the 93gt or 93svt cobra. it's kinda like the xb, like it or hate it, there really isn't too much middle ground :lol2:

If you want to go with a carb setup, go for a <86. they aren't as fuel efficient, but you can get some massive power out of them without having to program an ECU.

In your case, i'd recommend the cobra 93 or gt 93 because bolt on's will give you the power you want and still keep you in your price range. Dropping a bigger cam in the car isn't something i would recommend unless you are mechanically inclined.

however, a 93 cobra has a very nice cam in it, and if you were to go by a 5.0L shop, they would be much cheaper than a 4.6L cam.

If you can find a 93 cobra, grab it. If not, go with the GT and just use some of that money left over on H/I/E

no problem.

If you like the foxbody style, i'd definately go for the 93gt or 93svt cobra. it's kinda like the xb, like it or hate it, there really isn't too much middle ground :lol2:

If you want to go with a carb setup, go for a <86. they aren't as fuel efficient, but you can get some massive power out of them without having to program an ECU.

In your case, i'd recommend the cobra 93 or gt 93 because bolt on's will give you the power you want and still keep you in your price range. Dropping a bigger cam in the car isn't something i would recommend unless you are mechanically inclined.

however, a 93 cobra has a very nice cam in it, and if you were to go by a 5.0L shop, they would be much cheaper than a 4.6L cam.

If you can find a 93 cobra, grab it. If not, go with the GT and just use some of that money left over on H/I/E

Excellent.
Ballpark, what kind of an increase would I be looking at if I installed CAI, Headers, Mid Pipe and Exhaust?

What about a cam?

I would definitely not be installing all of these components myself, especially the Cam. I have a friend who is qualified and experienced and would do the work for me. I wish I had that kind of knowledge, but its nice to know the right people too.

Excellent.
Ballpark, what kind of an increase would I be looking at if I installed CAI, Headers, Mid Pipe and Exhaust?

What about a cam?

I would definitely not be installing all of these components myself, especially the Cam. I have a friend who is qualified and experienced and would do the work for me. I wish I had that kind of knowledge, but its nice to know the right people too.

H = 10hp
I = 5-7hp
E = 7-10hp


Now, I have heard gains of 30+ hp on H/E/I but I wouldn't bet on it. 27hp is still quite a bit for the small amount of money.

a new cam would net you 20 or so but will require you to do engine work beyond what you were mentioning previously. I'd recommend (especially if you don't want a race car, just something fun to drive) go with the H/E/I and see how you like it from there

H = 10hp
I = 5-7hp
E = 7-10hp


Now, I have heard gains of 30+ hp on H/E/I but I wouldn't bet on it. 27hp is still quite a bit for the small amount of money.

a new cam would net you 20 or so but will require you to do engine work beyond what you were mentioning previously. I'd recommend (especially if you don't want a race car, just something fun to drive) go with the H/E/I and see how you like it from there

Great, thanks.
I'm just looking at some for sale ads...
Was there a Cobra version in 1990?

Great, thanks.
I'm just looking at some for sale ads...
Was there a Cobra version in 1990?
not to my knowledge, url me.

I remember the cobra was first in 93.

not to my knowledge, url me.

I remember the cobra was first in 93.

The guy selling this one claims its a 1990 "GT Cobra"
http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=713&Region=-1&subcategory=&CAT=1&ADID=7054054&ADS=7054054%7C

he's a liar. it's just a GT

"The 1993 Mustang Cobra was the first vehicle produced by Ford's newly minted Special Vehicle Team. The model was based on the Third-generation Ford Mustang, built on the Fox platform. This model featured the availability of red, black, or teal exterior hues with a choice of either black or smoke interior colors in cloth or optional leather. The car was powered by a Windsor 5.0 L engine rated at 235 hp (175 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) torque. A limited run of 107 Cobra R units was produced."

Thanks for the info. I have always wanted to buy a mustang

mustangs are great cars. You will definately love having one. The Fox's that i've driven and seen are all dependable and fun to drive. let me know what you get!

he's a liar. it's just a GT

"The 1993 Mustang Cobra was the first vehicle produced by Ford's newly minted Special Vehicle Team. The model was based on the Third-generation Ford Mustang, built on the Fox platform. This model featured the availability of red, black, or teal exterior hues with a choice of either black or smoke interior colors in cloth or optional leather. The car was powered by a Windsor 5.0 L engine rated at 235 hp (175 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) torque. A limited run of 107 Cobra R units was produced."

No YOU are wrong, in Canada, Ford sold many mustang GTs as Mustang GT Cobra in order to legally keep the "Cobra" name as a Ford trademark. Ford lost the Boss moniker, hence you can't buy a Boss Mustang from Ford because the family of the late Lawrence Kiyoshi (Larry) Shinoda owns that name. Ford also lost the Furtura trademark name to Pep-Boys here in the US. You can easily tell if it's a Canadian Cobra by looking at the speedo which is in Kilometers Per Hour instead of Miles Per Hour.

No YOU are wrong, in Canada, Ford sold many mustang GTs as Mustang GT Cobra in order to legally keep the "Cobra" name as a Ford trademark. Ford lost the Boss moniker, hence you can't buy a Boss Mustang from Ford because the family of the late Lawrence Kiyoshi (Larry) Shinoda owns that name. Ford also lost the Furtura trademark name to Pep-Boys here in the US. You can easily tell if it's a Canadian Cobra by looking at the speedo which is in Kilometers Per Hour instead of Miles Per Hour.

That explains it.
So its just the name that changes, the engine is still a GT 5.0 engine, correct?

No YOU are wrong:shakehead :shakehead :shakehead

Wow Technically it's not an SVT Cobra, so it's not classified as a "cobra" here in the states. That is what I was recommending to the origional poster. Thanks for the 2 cents, however it doesn't matter since the SVT cobra was not produced until 1993.

the GT 5.0 engine was used in the gt's since 1970's, however the SVT released engine boasted 30 more HP and 5 more Tque.

Technically it's still a 5.0, but it's got different internals

"So its just the name that changes"

not really, the engine's are built differently from the "canadian" GT and the "american" SVT. The SVT has more power, is worth more and is rarer to find in canada than the "cobra"

it's like saying that the "mustang GT and the Mustang LX" are the same car, just a different name.... which anyone will tell you is bogus.

Technically it's still a 5.0, but it's got different internals

Not really. If I remember right they changed the heads, intake manifold, and cam. I don't think the crank, rods, or pistons were changed from the stock GT. Probably a reason they have "Cobra Kits" in magazines where you can buy all that stuff and turn your GT into a "Cobra" per say.

Another big thing though were the rear disc brakes and the upgraded suspension. Also the transmission was beefed up a bit and I think the rear end was made a little shorter as well but don't quote me on that.