For all you "Original" car keepers out there.

[MSM0075]

Well Out of all the boards on this site I figured this would be the most proper place to post this question. Since perhaps half of you have 'restored' you cars or would like to keep them original. I own an '82GT, I know, I know, its not a 64-73 but Its just about all original despite the stuff in my sig. Anywho. I love this car and its been in the family since '83 and has about 60K miles on it. I want to restore it sometime but I also would like to do few modifications to it like intake and exhaust. Nothing like dropping a 460 in it and nitrous or something.

The main question is. Would I get more props for having the crappy sounding cloged up original exhaust and the weak 2bbl intake on it, or having a nice clean duel exhaust flowmaster system? beacuse Its due for exhaust and OEM parts are going ot be ALOT of money, IF I can even find them...

-Mike

 

[6t6stang]

Mods

I also have an 85 gt and I am only going to do little things to it.


1. Exhaust
2. Pulleys

and maybe rear gears.

The 82's are nice and getting rare, just don't do anything you cannot undo.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

Unless you are going to do a concourse restoration, do the things that make you happy. I'd go with the aftermarker exhaust every time. I'd also ditch that junk original intake & carb, then replace it with a good edelbrock RPM intake and holley carb... but that's just me.

 

[MSM0075]

I would like to put Full Exhaust, Intake, Cam, Better Oil pump (82-84 i hear are crap), put a T5 in, Alum. Driveshaft, Spec Stage 2 Clutch. Its already got the 8.8" Rear with 3.73's only beacuse the 7.5" broke on my father back in like '84. Subframe connectors (must for a t-Top 5.0). Its going to need MINOR body work...I hate to do it cause the paint is so buitiful and original...In my opinion I think keeping the car original and being anal about one little scratch, or getting on it one time is a bit too much for me..I want to have fun with this car. BUT! at the same time NOT regret what I've done to it later on down the road. Do you guys understand what I'm trying to say?

BTW, I would save all the old original parts...I even saved the original busted lower hose.

 

[crushnut]

BTW, I would save all the old original parts...I even saved the original busted lower hose.

May i ask why?

 

[Sicarius428]

I would hop it up. There is not any real resto respect in the 5.0 foxes. Look nice and Run hard is the 5.0 way. Keeping the original parts probably won't help the value of the car and it doesn't sound like you aren't going to sell it since its just about a family thing so no need to hold onto it. Just have fun with your car put your own personal touch to it... thats the main point of owning a Mustang.
Kevin

 

[2bav8]

Nothin wrong with improving the car.
If you're worried about originality try to keep your mods to ones that are reversable.
Exhaust, intake/carb, ignition are great examples of this.

Welding in roll cages etc are things to avoid

 

[harryo007]

Do what ever you feel like. Chances are that by keeping it "original", you won't get anymore for it when you sell and you won't have as much fun. If it was a Shelby or an early boss I would say "keep it stock".

 

[MSM0075]

Thanks guys for all the advice! I'm going to try my best to do only mods that are reversable, as mentioned above. I just took her for a spin tonight since Sept. 03? What a difference between those 4cyls I've been drivin' around in for winter

You think welding subframe connectors in is too much? I just want to not wind up with a twisted body since its got t-tops.

 

[Sicarius428]

Subframes are great. If there is one thing Ford should have done from the factory was put some subframes on. Think of them as safety and preventative maintainance. Especially with the T tops you should do it. The sub frames are not that intrusive of a modification like the roll bar/cage either because you probably never see them after you put them on.
Kevin