im looking to buy a 1986 -1990 stang

[84LX89GT]

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.