Looking for a good time. Shopping for a fox body

[Bobs69]

okay guys.  Opinions, suggestions, what do I need to look out for.  Money?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/belleville/1987-ford-mustang-gt-cobra-convertible/586397624

[6spd68]

What stroker kit was used?
Do they have documentation of the build?
Check for rust around the strut towers by the frame
Are there subframe connectors already installed to support the power of the 347?

Simple things I would check ^ 

Looks like a great car for the money...

Check this out for a more complete list:
http://www.fiveohinfo.com/tech/buying-a-foxbody.html

[PrisonHack]

 Not a bad looking car except those tail lights  .

[Bobs69]

I like the fact is has a proper fin on the trunk.  Proportional to the rest of the car.

What about spot welds and factory seems?  Spot welds in the quarter panels where the wheel tubs connect.  Probably the rocker panels underneath, which are likely hidden by ground effects................

I still think of these cars as new, so body work isn't first and foremost on my mind, other then looking at the gaps between panels.

[myk]

I know this is like asking you to find a Unicorn, but I'd try and hold out for a 'Fox that's either bone stock or 'modded very little; these cars were flogged all over the place and heavy 'modding strongly hints at that possibility...

[Bobs69]

I know this is like asking you to find a Unicorn, but I'd try and hold out for a 'Fox that's either bone stock or 'modded very little; these cars were flogged all over the place and heavy 'modding strongly hints at that possibility...

I hear what you're saying and that's what I originally we're thinking about you looking for but then I seen this and said everything's already been done I don't have to dream about doing anything else to it.

So yeah, this Fox has been around the block.  Could probably drive itself.  So I'm assuming this Fox knows all the tricks and is built to satisfy.  So long as it's healthy, and clean....................... and yes I realize "black cars look better in the shade."

[6spd68]

Myk is right, but wrong at the same time.  It really all depends on exactly what you're looking for.  Are you looking for a car you can drive everywhere without a care in the world?  Or are you looking for a speed demon?  (If so) How knowledgeable are you with Fords?  Can you work on the car yourself?

If you're looking for a fox with it's original driveline, then yes, I'd say go for one that's bone stock or modded very little.  After all, the cars with bolt on only upgrades, and maybe that 'legendary  ' e303 cam; would be the ones he describes as being flogged all over the place.  There are a lot of those tired cars out there.  A lot of fox body guys will just take their cars somewhere and pay to make'em faster.  Myk is very right in this case; those cars are usually beat to sh!t, and the worst part is, that's a beating on an engine that likely already has 125K+ on it.  BUT BOLT ONS MAKE IT FRESH RIGHT?!?!?! 

BUT!  That 347 car could be like my Thunderbird, where the only thing stock about the driveline is the rear-end housing, and everything else is new.  In that case, you've got a fresher build, newer performance parts, all in a pretty decent package.  The only thing with a more performance machine, is that it becomes less of something you want to drive everyday, and more something you only take out every now and then.

More things to ask about THAT car in those regards:
What has he done with the transmission?  Did he go with a Tremek?  If so, which Tremek?  If it's still a T5, which one?  Did he swap out the gears?  (If it's stock, find out what kind of power the 347 actually makes, else there goes 3rd gear...)
Does the car heat up? (High compression 302/306/331/347's don't like to idle in traffic for very long and can creep up quickly)
^What's the cooling system like?  (Should at least be a 3 core rad)  I've got a Mishimoto with a 19LB cap, electric pusher fan, and a mechanical fan.
Has the differential been serviced?  The 8'8 is a pretty stout rear-end, but the clutches in the diff wear out like any would in a 20+ year old car that's seen some real power.  Make sure there's no one tire fire

All in all, looks like you can have a lot of fun with that one, just know what you're getting in to.  Best of luck as always!

[Aero426]

I would want the car in the best condition, that has been messed with the least.   That would mean starting with something that is basically stock, or close to it.   Chances are, there will be less mess to undo.  

[Bobs69]

Alright guys I phoned the man and my friend and I are going to check it out tonight.  

On the phone I asked him what stroker kit was in it.  He couldn't tell me.  He bought the block and heads from a local mechanic looking to liquidate, AND (red flag?) he couldn't remember the guys name.  Ah ha.,.....hmmmm.  He does know someone at my friends place of work so HOPEFULLY things can be verified to some extent.  All he could say about the motor was that different people told him the mechanic had $8000 in it.

If this was an everyday ordinary car for double or triple the money I wouldn't even look at it after that.  However I too am thinking that a stroker motor would require a skilled builder and more new parts.

The rims are Cobra rims................what would the stock one have been?  

I do like the looks of this car.  Tastefully done.

The taillights?  I'll have to get a better look.  Stock would have been long narrow slits correct?

I was wondering why he wouldn't have included a lot more pictures.................... the wife says some people just don't like a lot of attention.

[Aero426]

Anything in a four lug wheel is not a Cobra wheel.    Those are nice looking, but aftermarket.  

Stock 1987 wheels are the 15" turbine style or the 10 hole for an LX.

Yes, the 87-89 GT taillights have those slots.

[Aero426]

1990-1993 16" 5 spoke factory wheels.

[Aero426]

1990 LX with the stock 10 hole wheels.   These are 15".

I personally prefer the clean looks of the LX.   The body cladding on the GT is somewhat dated.  

Don't forget, you can also go with the 1994-98 body, of which the unibody platform underneath is virtually identical to the earlier 1979-1993 models.    But you get some powertrain, wheel and suspension updates.      

[Aero426]

This was my '85 GT which I owned for almost 20 years.   I upgraded the brakes and springs on it.   I did a stock engine rebuild on it and I upgraded to an 8.8 rear.   That's all over that whole period.   The '85 was the last carbureted GT.  The car was good fun and cost little to run.

The current owner has taken it to the next level and really hotted it up mechanically and has a short rear gear in it.  It is much faster than when I owned it.   But he is now breaking parts and the engine is apart for the second time.   This is why I would prefer to find a car fairly close to stock to start with.  

[Bobs69]

Anything in a four lug wheel is not a Cobra wheel.    Those are nice looking, but aftermarket.  

Stock 1987 wheels are the 15" turbine style or the 10 hole for an LX.

Yes, the 87-89 GT taillights have those slots.

thank you I did not notice that what is wrong with having a4 lug system I see a lot of people like to brag that they got an upgraded too five lugs

handles more power do I really need to worry about that

excuse my grammar fellas I'm talking into the phone

[Aero426]

Aside from strength, there probably are more wheel choices with the five lug.   If that was done, that's a good upgrade.   Anything brake or suspension related is probably money well spent compared increasing HP.   These cars go pretty well in stock trim.   When you add power, you can run out of brakes quickly.

Starting with 1994, you get five lug wheels stock.   

[Bobs69]

Didn't even bother driving it.

Wasn't expecting it to be that rough.  amateur paint job.  I'm sure I would have done better.  shock towers going bad, one in the trunk was real bad.

The car was lowered 1.5 inches.  That was a plus.

Wasn't what I was looking for.

OK Myk.  I'm back to looking for a more original car.

Something from the Southern States, or protected from Canadian winters.

[Cooter]

Had a 85 GT. Started out was just gonna do 3.73's, headers, and Flowbastards.
by the time it was over, it was caged, 331ci., 200 shot NOS KIT, ran 6.70'S and had the trans (T5) out 7 times.

Got to where I could have it out, on the bench, torn down, an upgrade kit from D&D Performance which I kept one in stock at all times, in and back together in 2hours.

[PrisonHack]

 The five lug swap is a preference thing, and gives you a huge selection of rims.  I personally prefer the factory 4 lug Pony rims or the 10 Hole rims but that's all in the eye of the beholder.

[6spd68]

Didn't even bother driving it.

Wasn't expecting it to be that rough.  amateur paint job.  I'm sure I would have done better.  shock towers going bad, one in the trunk was real bad.

The car was lowered 1.5 inches.  That was a plus.

Wasn't what I was looking for.

OK Myk.  I'm back to looking for a more original car.

Something from the Southern States, or protected from Canadian winters.

Tragic, shame you don't want a Turbo Coupe...  Mine is mint underneath, just needs a repaint on the hood if you care enough.

Did it at least sound nice?

[myk]

Didn't even bother driving it.

Wasn't expecting it to be that rough.  amateur paint job.  I'm sure I would have done better.  shock towers going bad, one in the trunk was real bad.

The car was lowered 1.5 inches.  That was a plus.

Wasn't what I was looking for.

OK Myk.  I'm back to looking for a more original car.

Something from the Southern States, or protected from Canadian winters.

There's nothing wrong with a project car if that's what someone wants; to each their own.  Personally, I don't like picking up someone else's mess; I want to buy it drive it and enjoy it, and the likelihood of doing so with a Frankenstein'ed car isn't very likely.  Good luck with your search...

[PrisonHack]

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/4473500418.html

I'm not really looking for a Fox but if I was I would be all over this one. My favorite mustang body style NOTCH

[Mike DC]

Insert Quote

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/4473500418.html

I'm not really looking for a Fox but if I was I would be all over this one. My favorite mustang body style NOTCH

This is what I was talking about.  

The raggedy project-cars will probably continue to be cheap for while.  But if you want a nice near-stock survivor then I wouldn't wait around any longer to start looking.   It's already been 25 years since the 1990 models were hitting the streets.

[PrisonHack]

 Must have sold quick the as is already gone, it just posted this morning

[69bronzeT5]

At one point I owned 4 Fox Bodies. 3 were 5.0Ls, one was a 4 cylinder. I have none left, I sold them all.


This was my main Mustang. 1990 5.0L 5 speed LX hatchback. I purchased it in September 2010 for $2,300. It had no badges, stock 10 hole LX wheels, missing trim, blown heater core. For mods, it had Flowmaster exhaust, BBK H-pipe, BBK Shorty headers, BBK short throw shifter, K&N CAI, 2004 Mach 1 seats, 2004 Mach 1 3:73 gear set. I put a set of Pony wheels on it, did a bunch of maintenance to it (new rad, water pump, ball joint, brakes etc), installed a BBK adjustable clutch cable, put 2012 5.0 badges on it. I sold it to my dad in October 2011 for $4,000 when I purchased my Magnum. He ended up owing me a bunch of money so he gave it back in April 2012. After that I got the transmission rebuilt, put new headlights in it, a Hurst white shifter ball and Weld Draglites. I sold it back in May 2013 to a close friend of mine for $5,000. She still has it.





My dad bought this one in 2008. It was another 1990 5.0L 5 speed LX hatchback. He ended up bouncing it off a pole in March 2009. The insurance company wanted to write it off so he decided to keep it and fix it. He gave it to me back in 2011 after he lost storage for it and I ended up dragging it around for him. I put it into storage at his ex's house and decided I wasn't going to do anything with it so I gave it back to him. He still has it stored at his ex's house.




This one I purchased from a wholesaler at my old work. It was a 1993 5.0L automatic LX hatchback. Bone stock, never messed with. Factory cats, exhaust etc. It even had the original owner manuals and leather sunroof bag. 125,000 original kms. The original owner traded it in on a 2012 Mazda 3 SkyActiv when I worked at Mazda. They gave him $1,500 on trade for it and sold it to the wholesaler for $2,000. I bought it off of the wholesaler for $2,800 and did a quick flip on it for $3,600. I only owned it for about a month. It was REALLY clean. My buddy purchased it off of me and unfortuntely kind of trashed it a bit. He still has it though.





This one was a 1989 LX hatchback 4 cylinder automatic. I paid $400 for it with the idea of using it as a parts car for my dad's wrecked one. I ended up selling the front seats, using a bunch of parts on my black 5.0L and then gave it to my dad as well.

[F8-4life]

Mustang this, mustang that, a whole lot of mustang crap.