Are there any drawbacks to owning/ building up a vert' over a hatchback or notch

Kamaro Killer · 07-17-2002, 01:04 PM

I was thinking about getting another mustang. I have an 88 GT now, but I've always wanted a convertible. I can't possibly see myself selling the car I have now, so I was wondering are most of the parts interchangable? Also, what does a 87-93 vert (GT) weigh? Are there any drawbacks to putting some serious power in a vert? Let me know any problems with vert's other than just normal mustang problems. Thanks, I appreciate it, Keith

chris91LX · 07-17-2002, 01:57 PM

I think the only real problem is that a 'vert weighs 300-500lbs more than a hatch or a coupe. All other parts should be pretty much interchangeable.

Oh and you need a roll bar any faster than 13.99 et.

Mr 5 0 · 07-17-2002, 02:03 PM

The Mustang GT/LX convertible weighs about 200 pounds more than a hatchback, more or less.

The convertible is made from a notch (sedan) with the roof cut off so it's structually weaker than a hatch or sedan.

You need some subframe connecters and bracing to tighten it up, which, unfortunately, adds even more weight.

Other than being vulnerable to theft and vandalism due to the soft top, the Mustang convert is fine, it's just heavier - but only by a few hundred pounds - which is not insurmountable. You just have to work harder to get the proformance you want out of it., like a 4.10 rear instead of a 3.73, stuff like that.

For serious power, a rollbar of some type may be indicated, depending on your mods. Flipping over with no top and no rollbar could easily be fatal.

I can't see a ragtop as a full-out serious racer but as a street car that hauls, it's fine.

It can be done.

tireburner163 · 07-17-2002, 02:16 PM

200 pounds heavier.....so in other words, it's gonna be .2 slower than a compareable hatch.

Kamaro Killer · 07-17-2002, 05:16 PM

Doesn't saleen make a roll bar? I am trying to plan out what I want in my mustang before I buy it to see what's most economical for me. So far I know I want a 12-13 second car that I could put nitrous, or a supercharger on. I am contemplating wheter I'd be better off trying to find a used vert' that already has what I want, or whether I want to buy one that's completely stripped and build it how I desire. In order to get a vert' to be a 12-13 second car on all motor what would I have to do?

chris91LX · 07-18-2002, 12:28 PM

Much cheaper to buy one than build one.

07-17-2002, 01:04 PM	#1
Kamaro Killer Mustang Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 528	Are there any drawbacks to owning/ building up a vert' over a hatchback or notch I was thinking about getting another mustang. I have an 88 GT now, but I've always wanted a convertible. I can't possibly see myself selling the car I have now, so I was wondering are most of the parts interchangable? Also, what does a 87-93 vert (GT) weigh? Are there any drawbacks to putting some serious power in a vert? Let me know any problems with vert's other than just normal mustang problems. Thanks, I appreciate it, Keith __________________ 1993 GT 5.0-My Stang Rice Hater's Club Member 22

07-17-2002, 01:57 PM	#2
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	I think the only real problem is that a 'vert weighs 300-500lbs more than a hatch or a coupe. All other parts should be pretty much interchangeable. Oh and you need a roll bar any faster than 13.99 et. __________________ My Ford Club http://www.midwestfords.org/ Best time N/A 12.9 @ 107 1.711 60' 125 shot - 12.04 @ 113 1.59 60'

07-17-2002, 02:03 PM	#3
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Convertibles The Mustang GT/LX convertible weighs about 200 pounds more than a hatchback, more or less. The convertible is made from a notch (sedan) with the roof cut off so it's structually weaker than a hatch or sedan. You need some subframe connecters and bracing to tighten it up, which, unfortunately, adds even more weight. Other than being vulnerable to theft and vandalism due to the soft top, the Mustang convert is fine, it's just heavier - but only by a few hundred pounds - which is not insurmountable. You just have to work harder to get the proformance you want out of it., like a 4.10 rear instead of a 3.73, stuff like that. For serious power, a rollbar of some type may be indicated, depending on your mods. Flipping over with no top and no rollbar could easily be fatal. I can't see a ragtop as a full-out serious racer but as a street car that hauls, it's fine. It can be done.

07-17-2002, 02:16 PM	#4
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	200 pounds heavier.....so in other words, it's gonna be .2 slower than a compareable hatch. __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

07-17-2002, 05:16 PM	#5
Kamaro Killer Mustang Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 528	A roll bar... Doesn't saleen make a roll bar? I am trying to plan out what I want in my mustang before I buy it to see what's most economical for me. So far I know I want a 12-13 second car that I could put nitrous, or a supercharger on. I am contemplating wheter I'd be better off trying to find a used vert' that already has what I want, or whether I want to buy one that's completely stripped and build it how I desire. In order to get a vert' to be a 12-13 second car on all motor what would I have to do? __________________ 1993 GT 5.0-My Stang Rice Hater's Club Member 22

07-18-2002, 12:28 PM	#6
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	Much cheaper to buy one than build one. __________________ My Ford Club http://www.midwestfords.org/ Best time N/A 12.9 @ 107 1.711 60' 125 shot - 12.04 @ 113 1.59 60'