96-98 because the 5.0's just aren't as special because it's just a 5.0 with GT-40 heads and intake were as the 4.6 DOHC is a completely different motor and the dual snorkel hood is much cooler and just makes the car look much better overall. The 4.6's have also been reliable not that the 5.0 hasnt been though.
There is less to mod on the mod but for H/C/I cost on the 5.0 you can get a blower on the modular and make 100hp more then the H/C/I 5.0
Headers are more expensive but everything else is not
The 5.0 block splits at the same point a 4.6 loses a rod or piston. A $200 5.0 block will still only hold 500ish hp. A Cobra engine with forged pistons and rods will hold well north of 1200hp. So if you took a 5.0 and put a blower and cams and heads and intake and have it making 500 rwhp FOR LESS MONEY you can put the forged pistons/rods in the Teksid and put a big centri on it and make 700+ rwhp and have room to grow just by cranking the boost
Plus it will still idle like stock and be quiet when just sitting there, the better to reel in the unsuspecting idiot.
I would stear clear from that car for a DD. Even a mild HCI car might not be the best DD. Not to mention 188K miles on the chassis... unless a lot has been replaced, your looking at future costs coming into play shortly after you buy it...
I think for a DD, the 96-98 is the better of the two.
I think for a DD, the 96-98 is the better of the two.