The first car I ever bought was a 1983 Mustang GL (bought it in 1987) and I've had it every since. When I bought my second Mustang in 1991 I kept the '83 (I'm still not really sure why, but I did.) I always had the plan to paint this thing Jet Black and put a 5.0 in it. (its got a little 2.3 in it. Never could afford the insurance for a GT) Anyway, never had the Money or Time. Finally go some money set aside for it but I figure I'll never have the time so I'm just gonna pay to have the Big Stuff done for me. I've never done anything like this and don't really know were to start. Long story short I want to start out with the motor. Like I said I wanna replace the 2.3 with a 5.0 but don't want something out of a junk yard. Professionally rebuilt motor would be OK I think but don't know were to go. I had the Transmission rebuilt but figure I need something else to go with a new engine and I'm guessing a new rear end too. I would appreciate any advise you have for me. Moved a couple of states away and don't know any good "Car Guys" around here.
25 Years And Finally Starting Project
- Thread starter 83mustangGL
- Start date
Welcome to Stangnet brother!
An '83! Right on, got one myself.
Here's what will help you out. Post a new thread in the '79-'95 general talk subforum. Include lots of pictures of your mustang and tell the guys there generally what you want to do. We have a big fox mustang contingent here (I have two myself). You'll get help on any stage of your build that you could want.
It's good to have you with us, look forward to your engine swap and all the rest that you'll do to your mustang.
An '83! Right on, got one myself.
Here's what will help you out. Post a new thread in the '79-'95 general talk subforum. Include lots of pictures of your mustang and tell the guys there generally what you want to do. We have a big fox mustang contingent here (I have two myself). You'll get help on any stage of your build that you could want.
It's good to have you with us, look forward to your engine swap and all the rest that you'll do to your mustang.
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You'll need a rear end, front and rear springs, v8 front spindles- brake calipers -master cylinder- booster- proportioning valve, transmission, motor, double hump crossmember, front and rear shocks/struts, carb, intake, fuel pump ( on motor ), not to mention all the support stuff ie : water pump, alternator, power steering pump, radiator, fan, belt, hoses, the four cylinder rack is different, k member, wheels + tires....
To be honest... The best thing for you to do is buy a running v8 fox with a terrible body. You can source everything from a good donor car.
I just swapped my 4 cylinder to turbo v8. Most of my parts came from a previously owned v8 that met the crusher. [emoji106]
To be honest... The best thing for you to do is buy a running v8 fox with a terrible body. You can source everything from a good donor car.
I just swapped my 4 cylinder to turbo v8. Most of my parts came from a previously owned v8 that met the crusher. [emoji106]
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Something else to add is that your mustang has the narrow front suspension....that means you need front control arms, too. I'm a professional master mechanic and would much rather have someone bring me a car and a donor car for the project you want done. Alot of guys here will help with advice. We all love seeing these cars saved.
That car will be awesome, man. Keep us posted.
That car will be awesome, man. Keep us posted.
skyline247
Advanced Member
Welcome! These guys have given you great advice. The guys in the fox forum can help you out with any questions you have.
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Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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I'd focus on 87 to 93. With a doner v8 you'll still may want to do some motor refreshing..... And you'll need to buy an intake and carb. Its not a hard swap....just takes time.
When you find a donor there are a lot of parts that you can sell off to recoupe some money.
When you find a donor there are a lot of parts that you can sell off to recoupe some money.
With having to switch out so much suspension/chassis components to run a V8 I highly recommend going straight to a 5 lug conversion. I also recommend checking out Maximum Motorsports for their suspension and chassis catalog. They will set you up with top quality parts. It won't be cheap though.
I guess first question is what do you want to do with the car? A nice modern EFI driveline with 8.8 and 5-lug disk brakes is nice, but is that what you want?
What's up with that back rim btw?
What's up with that back rim btw?
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He could also use a standalone efi system. Better in my opinion. Just trying to give the him the least expensive route. The brakes would be nice to upgrade.....he may find a donor that already has the 5 lug swap an sub frame connectors.
Using other folks to do the work would make a harness change out expensive and time consuming. Nothing wrong with a carbed car. Mine got 26 mph. and ran flawlessly.
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It was an edelbrock 600cfm ... Surprised the hell outta me with 373 gears. I tuned it with a norrow band gauge and o2 sensor. Started every time. The only thing I had to do was adjust the idle bleed screws in the summer and winter.It would only go 26mph? That sucks!
'94-95 SN car would make a good parts car- has the 5.0, has all the 5 lug brakes and suspension etc. some other random things lol
