I'm trying to decide whether to fix the 88 2.3 OR part it out and play with the 97 GT...
The 88 has a cracked block at the moment. The cheapest and easiest fix would be to swap in a junk yard 2.3 turbo short block, for around 2-400$. However, I won't be able to go much faster with the current parts. The turbo is too small, the injectors and EFI are at the absolute limit, the rear end lucky to still be alive and the torque converter is a ticking time bomb. Needless to say, I don't have the money, nor ambition to upgrade these parts to go faster.
The other option would be mild modifications for the 97 GT. It is my daily driver and would be my only transportation still. I would make changes slowly and in steps... I could go with PI cams, PI intake, underdrive pulleys, nitto 555R drag radials, and even a 75-125 shot. I own all the parts to do this except the PI intake and cams, which are affordable.
If I fixed the 88, it would be very rarely driven. I don't much enjoy driving it on the street, so it mostly just goes to the track and back. It looks like crap and for that is embarrassing. But it sure is fun at the track. Most people I line up against must laugh at my car, but that is quickly erased when the light goes green.
The 97 on the other hand is great fun to drive. I enjoy the V8 sound, and love the color. However, it needs to be reliable and would never run fast as the 4cyl.
So what do you suggest?
97 GT all cleaned up:
88 2.3 mustang in it's natural habitat:
The 88 has a cracked block at the moment. The cheapest and easiest fix would be to swap in a junk yard 2.3 turbo short block, for around 2-400$. However, I won't be able to go much faster with the current parts. The turbo is too small, the injectors and EFI are at the absolute limit, the rear end lucky to still be alive and the torque converter is a ticking time bomb. Needless to say, I don't have the money, nor ambition to upgrade these parts to go faster.
The other option would be mild modifications for the 97 GT. It is my daily driver and would be my only transportation still. I would make changes slowly and in steps... I could go with PI cams, PI intake, underdrive pulleys, nitto 555R drag radials, and even a 75-125 shot. I own all the parts to do this except the PI intake and cams, which are affordable.
If I fixed the 88, it would be very rarely driven. I don't much enjoy driving it on the street, so it mostly just goes to the track and back. It looks like crap and for that is embarrassing. But it sure is fun at the track. Most people I line up against must laugh at my car, but that is quickly erased when the light goes green.
The 97 on the other hand is great fun to drive. I enjoy the V8 sound, and love the color. However, it needs to be reliable and would never run fast as the 4cyl.
So what do you suggest?
97 GT all cleaned up:
88 2.3 mustang in it's natural habitat:
