MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums - View Single Post - im looking to buy a 1986 -1990 stang

84LX89GT · 03-06-2003, 02:06 AM

If i were you i'd just buy a 5.0L LX.

The 2.3L's are fairly simple to swap an engine into, but there's alot of tedious tasks you have to do, plus you have to get the exhaust hangers, 2+ core radiator (instead of stock 1 core), the rearend is the weak 7.5", the springs are softer (good or bad depending on what racing/driving you're into) with no rear sway bar, smaller brakes you would seriously want to upgrade, you'd also need to put in a new trans since the A4LD and 4 cylinder T5 manual are weak, plus rewiring depending on if you're installing an EFI engine or carbureted engine.

A 5.0L LX is cheaper than a GT and already is engineered for a V8, all you have to do is improve on what you want.

Basically for the cost of changing a 2.3L over, you will probably exceed the cost of 5.0L project car ready to modify, plus all the time you put into it, unless you have a parts car available.

Just something to think about, good luck on your project.

03-06-2003, 02:06 AM	#4
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	If i were you i'd just buy a 5.0L LX. The 2.3L's are fairly simple to swap an engine into, but there's alot of tedious tasks you have to do, plus you have to get the exhaust hangers, 2+ core radiator (instead of stock 1 core), the rearend is the weak 7.5", the springs are softer (good or bad depending on what racing/driving you're into) with no rear sway bar, smaller brakes you would seriously want to upgrade, you'd also need to put in a new trans since the A4LD and 4 cylinder T5 manual are weak, plus rewiring depending on if you're installing an EFI engine or carbureted engine. A 5.0L LX is cheaper than a GT and already is engineered for a V8, all you have to do is improve on what you want. Basically for the cost of changing a 2.3L over, you will probably exceed the cost of 5.0L project car ready to modify, plus all the time you put into it, unless you have a parts car available. Just something to think about, good luck on your project. __________________ 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300-R 1980 Ford Thunderbird - 255 V8 ported heads, 5.0L ported stock headers, O.R. H-pipe and Flowmaster 2-chambers, dual roller timing chain hi-po Mack Truck hood emblem 1985 Mustang GT 5.0L T5, F-303, GT40p, headers, off-road h, flowmasters, MSD stuff, etc. Sold 02/06/04 1989 Mustang GT ET: 13.304@102.29 mph (5-24-03) Sold - 1998 Mustang Cobra coupe, 1/4 mile - street tires: 13.843@103.41 (bone stock)