Possible new car...Input please!

97Snake1668

Founding Member
Aug 11, 1999
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0
37
San Diego, CA
Hello all,
It has been awhile since I have been in the Mustang world since my 03 Cobra got stolen but I am ready to jump back in. I have found a 91 LX that is a former Utah State Trooper car. The body isnt too bad but it needs some serious paint. I am thinking that a cheap paint job to get it looking good for a while will be ok for now. It seems to be mostly stock except for a Flowmaster exhaust. The guy is only asking $3500 but I am sure I can get it for a bit less since he really doesnt want it sitting around. There is only minimal rust on the car and it seems as though it runs really well.

Now the big questions.....Is there anything that I should really look for before jumping on this car? I have had lots of Mustangs but never a notch. I am more used to the modular motors and want to have some fun with this 5.0. So please let me know what you all think and what you would do first if you were picking it up. I know I am dropping it down and putting some new rims/tires on as some of the first things I do. Thanks for your input and it feels good to be back in the Mustang world again.

Semper Fi,
Kris
 
hi...nice avatar btw ...i plan on going into the marines after hs :flag: ...anyway. What kind of performance are you looking for powerwise? If you just want something simple that will give you around 300rwhp I recommend the trick flow street heat engine kit from summit. Its a great package from what I have read and it has been proven to give 300+rwhp :nice:
 
I'd say $3500 is definitely too much for a '91 with exhaust, unless it's got a lot less miles than being a cop car would suggest (often stop and go traffic). Depending on how much time you have with it before buying, you might want to compression test several or all of the cylinders. If it's a 5 speed, you can expect it to be a little stiffer clutch than your Cobra. T5's are pretty cheap to fix if there is anything wrong with it, but the asking price seems a little high nonetheless.
 
Hey man, I think the guy is crazy if he doesn't take 3,000. To answer your questions in you first post this is what to look for.

1. Look at where the floor pan meets the body in the front of the car, and in the rear of the car...they always rot out there.

2. Look at the quarter panels, between the rear wheel and the rear bumper...even pop the trunk and look under the carpeting in the same area.

3. As far as doors fenders hood trunk, if they have surface rust it can be rapaired or replaced..so I wouldn't worry too much about that. It is nice you found a stocker though, because you can mod it yourself.

4. As far as wheels..17X9 will look great on there...or option #2 would be some aftermarket welds all the way around...when I see a notch with welds..it makes me feel like a little kid again!!..not really but you know what I mean..

good luck man!!
 
97Snake1668 said:
Hello all,
It has been awhile since I have been in the Mustang world since my 03 Cobra got stolen but I am ready to jump back in. I have found a 91 LX that is a former Utah State Trooper car. The body isnt too bad but it needs some serious paint. I am thinking that a cheap paint job to get it looking good for a while will be ok for now. It seems to be mostly stock except for a Flowmaster exhaust. The guy is only asking $3500 but I am sure I can get it for a bit less since he really doesnt want it sitting around. There is only minimal rust on the car and it seems as though it runs really well.

Now the big questions.....Is there anything that I should really look for before jumping on this car? I have had lots of Mustangs but never a notch. I am more used to the modular motors and want to have some fun with this 5.0. So please let me know what you all think and what you would do first if you were picking it up. I know I am dropping it down and putting some new rims/tires on as some of the first things I do. Thanks for your input and it feels good to be back in the Mustang world again.

Semper Fi,
Kris

How many miles are on the car????
 
Well I have just finished cleaning it up and driving it around all afternoon. I forgot how much I enjoy raw horsepower (not as much as my old Cobra obviously)! While I was cleaning it I found a business card for a Trooper in Utah inside of the original owners manual. I called the number and the lady says that he still works there! I left my number for him to call me so hopefully I can find out some good (or bad) stuff about it.

As it is now it has a new windshield coming tomorrow, tint going on on Thursday, and scheduled for paint next week. The guy painting it is just learning how to paint and has only done about 15 cars. He is basically doing it just so he can learn how. All it is costing me is the materials. I have seen some of his work and it looks pretty good. Good enough until I find some time and pictures of what it used to look like for when I do a complete restor of the original Highway patrol setup. I think some 17" Cobra R's will look real nice too! Let the modding begin (dont worry I will keep all the stock stuff)!!!!!!

Thanks all!

Kris
 
First, thanks for your military service. :flag:


I would not use cheap paint. If the guy is painting it for free, it may not turn out that great but do not skimp on the materials. I have painted a few cars and last one I did was my daily driver and I used OMNI by PPG. Lasted about 2 years before the top part of the car is completely dull. You never know what will happen in a few years in your life and you may not get around to re-painting it as soon as you think. You may even consider just having the guy throw some flat black primer on it so you can take the time to research the correct paint. Then strip it completely and spend some money on a good job.
 
That is a very helpful thread. Thankfully I think I got a pretty good one. I just cant wait to start modding it. I love these cars and have missed the pure power given off by a nice 5.0! Thanks for everyones help!

Semper Fi,
Kris
 
97Snake1668 said:
Hello all,
It has been awhile since I have been in the Mustang world since my 03 Cobra got stolen but I am ready to jump back in. I have found a 91 LX that is a former Utah State Trooper car. The body isnt too bad but it needs some serious paint. I am thinking that a cheap paint job to get it looking good for a while will be ok for now. It seems to be mostly stock except for a Flowmaster exhaust. The guy is only asking $3500 but I am sure I can get it for a bit less since he really doesnt want it sitting around. There is only minimal rust on the car and it seems as though it runs really well.

Now the big questions.....Is there anything that I should really look for before jumping on this car? I have had lots of Mustangs but never a notch. I am more used to the modular motors and want to have some fun with this 5.0. So please let me know what you all think and what you would do first if you were picking it up. I know I am dropping it down and putting some new rims/tires on as some of the first things I do. Thanks for your input and it feels good to be back in the Mustang world again.

Semper Fi,
Kris


Not anything in specific. **** your not dumb your a stang guy! You know what to look for :)


As you were


Hope to see you on the forums.