Keep car stock or modify

Jmunk · Aug 12, 2009

I recently got a 89 GT that has 160k miles on it and I got it for $2700. I got it from the original owner and its in excellent shape. It has cold A/C (R12), cruise works, factory rims, factory clutch still, dist. boot and all covers still in engine bay along with all smog equiptment, and factory tape deck. This car is just like it came from the factory. My question is do I leave it alone or modify it. I know it's not worth much as it sits and wont be worth too much more its I put aftermarket parts on. The fan clutch is bad and I was wondering if I should upgraade to an electric fan and 3G alternator or if I should just get a new fan clutch and not mess with anything. Only thing I've done so far is had a X pipe put on and Flowmasters.

Mustang5L5 · Aug 12, 2009

Just mod it.

A stock 160K mile fox is not really gonna be a collector item

Beasty306GT · Aug 12, 2009

mod it...its the thing to do

NIKwoaC · Aug 12, 2009

Mod it you fajita. The only Foxes that will EVER be worth much of anything as stock are Cobras, SVOs, Saleens, and other limited run special editions. Factory LXs and GTs are MEANT to be modded, just like a deuce roadster or shoebox Chevy. Dig in, my friend. But don't ditch the air, you'll regret that.

Darkwriter77 · Aug 12, 2009

NikwoaC said:
Mod it you fajita. The only Foxes that will EVER be worth much of anything as stock are Cobras, SVOs, Saleens, and other limited run special editions. Factory LXs and GTs are MEANT to be modded, just like a deuce roadster or shoebox Chevy. Dig in, my friend. But don't ditch the air, you'll regret that.

Bingo. That car lost its collectability status about 100k miles ago. Time to make up a wish list of goodies and an estimated budget ... and then take that dollar figure and double (or triple) it to get the actual amount you'll wind up spending on mods.

Honestly, I would say that you probably overpaid a bit for a stock run-of-the-mill '89 GT with high miles, but it sounds like it was pretty well taken care of, so I guess maybe that could help justify the higher price tag. Damn near every Fox GT I've ever seen has either been run through the wringer to a point where nobody wants to deal with it, or it's been beaten to death and then rebuilt and someone wants a friggin' fortune for it. So, finding one that's all-original and not ragged-out is a definite plus - a very nice starting point, since you don't have to spend so much time undoing all of the damage done by idiot prior owners.

90mustangGT · Aug 12, 2009

Same situation here, so let me help you steer, and the choice is clear, modding do not fear, for not to do so would be queer... I'll stop now.

Other post before mine hit the nail on the head. I understand not going all out but even if it was a DD I would still do some things to it.

S&B · Aug 12, 2009

keep one stock and mod the rest

mob · Aug 12, 2009

I think the fact that it is in such good condition is just a sign that you bought a VERY solid car and not some 5.0 that a teenager had and molested and did hackjobs on. Like others said the car lost its value few thousand miles ago, so I wouldn't be afraid to mod it, like i said just means you have a very solid foundation.

67coupe · Aug 13, 2009

As other have said, mod it! Do everything you can to keep the A/C system R12.

IMO, if the paint is as you describe, then that price is more than fair.

You've already installed exhaust. Next should be:

1) 10 minute tune-up. Remove silencer.
3) Gears
4) 3G
5) Electric fan w/ controller
6) Pulleys

That would give you a great starting point. Then you can decide what your goals are and mod the engine to fit those goals.

Notchbck93 · Aug 13, 2009

bump your base timing to 14-16 degrees and run 91-93 octane.

I would do a cyl leak down test to check out the condition of the engine internally. @ 160K I'm sure she could use a freshioning up.

If you do not plan to spray it or boost it hard, you could get the 699 shortblock special from LRS. Don't forget to throw a new harmonic balancer at your beastie!

ill advised · Aug 13, 2009

Unless it's a pristine, low mileage stocker I would definitley mod it...actually I would mod a pristine, low-mileage stocker too. Without much hesitation. lol

Depending on the budget I would just get a new fan clutch for now. The e-fan can always be added later. Since you already have exhaust I agree the 10 minute tune-up and gears are a next good bet (get the differential checked out while you're at it. From there I would focus on tightening the car up: shifter, sub-frames, tires.

LaserSVT · Aug 13, 2009

Everyone has been spoy on!
The car loves mods and since it had 160K original parts on it then they need to be replaced anyway.
Do a 3g cause the stocker has to be only putting out 50 amps if its original. Since you have to get a new fan may as well get a nice Lincoln Mark VIII fan too. 160K on a stock clutch is impressive so I would go get a Centerforce DFX and an aluminum flywheel since the stocker will be worn and need to be resurfaced. I would also get some 3.73s or 4.10s (I like 3.73) and a trac loc rebuild kit and some fresh fluids. Check the ball joints and all the front end bushings. I would go ahead and swap the rear controll arms as the bushings have to be shot.
Since the struts and shocks also have to be shot its the perfect time to get some Eibach Pro springs and the best shock your budget will allow. Dont get KYBs unless they are the adjustable ones. Tokico Blues are alright, Eibachs are the best riding one I know of, Bilstiens are excellent but quite firm and the Tokico Illuminas are great as are the Koni adjustables. Also get a set of FLSFCs as they will make a huge difference on that old chasis.

fivespeedsteed · Aug 13, 2009

fivespeedsteed · Aug 13, 2009

LaserSVT said:
Everyone has been spoy on!
The car loves mods and since it had 160K original parts on it then they need to be replaced anyway.
Do a 3g cause the stocker has to be only putting out 50 amps if its original. Since you have to get a new fan may as well get a nice Lincoln Mark VIII fan too. 160K on a stock clutch is impressive so I would go get a Centerforce DFX and an aluminum flywheel since the stocker will be worn and need to be resurfaced. I would also get some 3.73s or 4.10s (I like 3.73) and a trac loc rebuild kit and some fresh fluids. Check the ball joints and all the front end bushings. I would go ahead and swap the rear controll arms as the bushings have to be shot.
Since the struts and shocks also have to be shot its the perfect time to get some Eibach Pro springs and the best shock your budget will allow. Dont get KYBs unless they are the adjustable ones. Tokico Blues are alright, Eibachs are the best riding one I know of, Bilstiens are excellent but quite firm and the Tokico Illuminas are great as are the Koni adjustables. Also get a set of FLSFCs as they will make a huge difference on that old chasis.

bilstein hd's and mm road and track springs. ive done the cheap route by getting 265 dollar for a set tokico blues, and c springs. dont dick around with shooddy crap. just get good shocks and struts. might as well do the balljoints and such. dont go crazy with prothane stuff.

fasttcars · Aug 19, 2009

stock if u dont get on the gas,,,modded if u like to drive it hard

67coupe · Aug 19, 2009

ill advised said:
From there I would focus on tightening the car up: shifter, sub-frames, tires.

Good call on the subs. Forgot to mention those.

1987LXragtop · Aug 19, 2009

Dead on with the collectible foxes but unless its the first one made or the last one made or a cobra, svo or limited edition then don't feel bad about modding it up ...just keep it a clean looking mod ...in other words - dont add rice. good luck!

MAC'n89Blckstng · Aug 19, 2009

S&B said:
keep one stock and mod the rest

Thats how I think, my LX is alot like that. I would keep that thing stock, its only stock once. I love a stock fox, comfortable and still kinda quick. If I were to mod my LX it would only be with Ford Motorsports stuff.

ill advised · Aug 19, 2009

MAC'n89Blckstng said:
Thats how I think, my LX is alot like that. I would keep that thing stock, its only stock once. I love a stock fox, comfortable and still kinda quick. If I were to mod my LX it would only be with Ford Motorsports stuff.

:Word: A stock 5-speed 5.0 in good running condition is still a pretty stout little street car. A few months back I drove my buddies 88 LX 5-speed (3.73, exhaust, shifter). It had been a long time since I'd driven a 5-speed with the stock cam. Granted his car isn't bone stock but driving it reminded me of how much fun a 5.0 can be even without a ton of mods.

Cjfoxbody13 · Aug 23, 2009

Im in the same situation you are are in. I have a 91 LX 5.0 that my Father purchased brand new in '90. And i went back and forth on the topic, but now I decided to mod it. They are fun cars stock but after driving my friends notch... Im going mod all the way.

Keep car stock or modify

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