1998 Mustang GT
 

Hey there guys,
I am considering to purcahse a 1998 Mustang GT for a daily driver and was wondering a couple of things:

1) Is this car really neck-breaking fast? In compairson to an S2000 or Trans Am/Z-28?

2) How realiable is this car? (daily driver)


Thanks in advance!

1. No

2. Other than a known intake problem, its very reliable....

Whats the intake problem? (The engine is starved for air? or is there a physical problem with the tube/manifold?)

My 98 GT is dead stock and it is not all that fast, although it does feel good to drive a car with some V8 power. There are some modifications that people on this board have done to make these cars respectable and even "neck-breaking" fast. A set of 99-up cylinder heads and a supercharger would make a 98 GT a lot faster. People will also typically add gears, maybe underdrive pullies. Exhaust is a common project but as I understand not real valuable on a stock setup (other than for sound).

The intake problem is its made of plastic and prone to cracking. Ford fixes this under recall for the 96-97 GTs, but I don't think the 98s are included in this. Many people on this board have had the intake problem so you may ask around for more info. There are other manifolds that are better constructed and better flowing but they are very expensive.

Could I fix this by adding a cold air intake?

Or Just getting a K&N filter???


I will be printing this to car illerate people, so please help me out with relaiblity.

No...what you are referring to as a cold-air intake is the pipe that replaces the air filter housing, usually putting the air filter inside the fenderwell.

The intake manifold sits on top of the engine, and has "runners", or tubes that direct airflow to each of the cylinders. This is the weak part.

I should mention that at 60,000 miles, my 98 GT has experienced no problem with the intake manifold, starts right up every morning, and requires only routine maintenance. The only real work done on the car was the repalcement of an outer tie rod end which was done at Ford's expense under warranty. They're very reliable cars.

The stock intake manifold had a latent weakness, and was issued a service bulletin. Check to see if it has been replaced by Ford, on the car you are looking for.

The one on mine was replaced before I bought it. Usually they are good about doing it for you.

I have had my 98 for a little over a year.....i had to replace my upper intake immediatley when i bought it...ford covered with no issues on a recall......also i had problems with the rear end..which ford has also covered with no problems.......since having my intake fixed i have added a vortech and have had no other issues with anything......dont know if that helps......

Matt

buy the stang stay away from the rice even if it`s faster it un american to buy as for the z-28 no not as fast but my 98 is faster than the new stock ones because of all my mods

Not as fast at all! But dollar for dollar and with all the available Mods and such the 98 is a good deal. Just don't expect to outrun everyone cause you have one!

Welcome, everyone addressed the major issues that may concern a new owner.

1. Intake - prone to cracking
2. Rear - some leakage/unnecessary noise

Reliability - no problems here at +80K miles.

And ford fixed them with no problem?

If you're under warranty, yes.

How much would I be lookin at if not? :confused:

BTW, Sweet car. I love your hood. :D

The car can be made VERY fast. There are lots of after-market toys for the mod engine -- Stock they put 225 ~ at the crank -- but, spend between $1500 and $2500 on mods and you'll have one hell of a sleeper!

There are many sources for info -- start at http://www.svtperformance.com and at UPR --

The block is strong.
Many aftermarket intake choices these days.

Gave my '98 to my son -- he's having a ball modding it -- he's doing 14s now -- shooting for 13s -- we'll see what summer brings.

I would look at some 99 and up Gt. (260 HP at the crank.) Much faster than previous Gt . And with a little work even better. Can't be much more money than a 98 GT.

1). Don't even think about racing a newer 98+ TA/Z28 with your 98GT if it's stock. They won't have any problems slamming you. My 02 M6 TA went 13.2 @ 108.7 stock w/ 2.25 60.

2). Stock intake is POS, mine blew just sitting at redlight. Didn't have rearend probs till I lowered the car, and that was the shop fault for not adjusting the snubber. Your heads suck for flow, replace them or get a better intake and S/C it. If you want to make power, talk to some of the guys on here like Hammer, and Mustang92. They've got some really nice times and know how to get where you need/want to be