al_ngl

I was planning for a long time to purchase a better car this year, but my parents are completely against the idea, saying "you can't be making payments right now" even though I have money saved up and I save money I earn well. I have mentioned that I can't stand my car as it is and I am going to do something about it, though. This leaves me with two options for getting a decent car. I can go ahead and buy one and anger my parents, or I can fix the Mustang up. I mostly want to know how much it would cost to get my car into good condition, but I'd be doing one upgrade at a time, probably for a long time. Anyway, I need some price estimates for a lot of things. Feel free to give me some suggestions.

Paint minus prep work- I'm thinking a dark metallic blue

*Upgraded suspension (shocks,struts,bushings,etc.)-MAYBE a small drop, but mostly for better cornering

*Upgraded brakes- I would want to do a disc swap for the rear if I swap in an engine.

Power- I'm looking at a few engine swap options, which I'd most likely have a Mustang specialist, who does this kind of work, install and set up for me. His rates aren't too high and will probably be about what you tell me, but I need to dig up his number. I need prices for the engines installed plus whatever computer or extra stuff I need for it.
2.3 turbo or
302/5.0 or
351/5.8 or
281/4.6
I'm not asking for building techniques or anything, just prices and opinions from the 2.3 section.

I'm not swapping in a non-Ford engine though. Nothing personal, I just don't mix badges.

I might modify the current engine if people think it's possible to get 200 hp out of it for not much money. I was thinking a big cam, TB, and ported intake might do that, as I'm probably 150 hp now.

If I do swap an engine, I'll want to ditch the A4LD for a T5 or similar.

I don't need this to be super fast, just a little faster than it is now. I mostly would like more poised cornering. My first plan would be the paint though, as every panel on my car is a different shade of white, and there are several rust patches. Thanks for your help, I'm looking forward to your responses.

Richter888

Ok I own an 89' mustang myself. I use to own an 87 thunderbird TC. After the TC caught fire i swapped the motor and got all the parts necessary to do it(wiring harness, ecu, vane air meter, etc...). I'll tell you personally that i think a 2.3 turbo swap wont be enough for you. Considering the huge aftermarket for the 5.0 and 4.6. The reason i say this is for reliability issues as well. I push my 2.3 to 15psi daily.

I have ARP head studs, main studs and rod bolts and i still blow head gaskets once in a while. I have a t3 turbo with volvo intercooler with a center mount header and the LA3 tc computer. I had a good friend of mine port the head and intake(port matched as well) along with tb upgrade with a crane roller cam, larger valves( stainless andwith 3-angle job) and esslinger roller followers. I have a lot of money in my car. Granted i still can beat on mildly modified 5.0s but they spent about 1/4 the money i have and they dont really work on thier motors. Go 5.0 or 4.6(i prefer 4.6) because when i kill my little motor im upgrading and not ****ing around anymore.

As for suspension i bought canuck motor sport springs with 1.4" drop. I have new shocks and aftermarket rear control arms along with new caster/camber plates. I'm happy enough i guess.

Brakes i cant really remember. My buddy showed me what to buy to do a rear disc swap. Heres the list as best as i can remember. This is for a 7.5" rear end by the way.
1. 99mustang v6 axles
2. Backing plates
3. rear rotors and calipers along with lines and fittings
4. adjustable brake proportioning valve
5. 99mustang master cylinder
6. A good solid day of running new lines and installation.
7. 99mustang front spindle and brakes(99-04 stangs come standard with pbr dual piston alum calipers)
8. balljoints

For you manual swap
1. manual t-5
2. Drive shaft from aod equipped or t-5 equipped stang(i bought alum frpp)
3. clutch pedal cluster from any foxbody ford
4. highly suggest buying adjustable clutch cable
5. 2.3 bellhousing
6. Manual flywheel(suggest going aftermarket aluminum)
On one note: If you go 2.3 turbo MAKE SURE YOU KNOW IF YOUR FLYWHEEL CAME OUT OF AN SVO STANG OR A N/A STANG!!!! THEY REQUIRE A DIFFERENT CLUTCH SET AND A DIFFERENT PIVOT BALL!!!! Yes they are different lengths and you can get one out of a 5.0 bell housing. You can still get them from ford. Don't let them lie and say they are not different. They even have different part #s lol.
7. ARP flywheel bolts(highly suggest for re usability)
8. Clutch kit
9. double hump tranny crossmember if you can source it

Hope this helps you in your decision. I havent really spent that much money because i've done all the work myself and i had a good friend guiding me. I'm not a mustang expert, but i know mine very well. PM me if you have more questions If anybody had anything to add please do and correct me if im wrong about something.

al_ngl

Ok I've tried several times now to post, forum must be acting up. I'd like to do a 4.6 swap, but I think it would cost too much. No matter what, I'd probably need to have the Mustang specialist install and set up a new engine, as I don't have a big garage or a cherry picker, or a truck. I definitely want better suspension and new paint before a new engine, though. No point spending money on the engine if I run out of money and it still looks like junk. Thanks for the tips.

I talked to my parents today, and maybe persuaded them to let me buy a car, as long as it's cheap and I get a better job, even though it's my money. I dunno though, either way is a possibility.

mg man 75

How skilled are you? This is not a smart question. Reason I ask a engine you may not of thought of. 3.8 v-6 out of a say 2001 Mustang. Around 200Hp and over 200 lbs of torque. Should be able to get cheap. [ Everyone going to v-8 or wrecked one]. If had to do the SHO project over that would have been it. Guy I know just bought a 50000 miles one with trans complete for 275 dollars for motor and trans. And heard it run and drive. Guy was converting to v-8. I would start with suspension etc and keep eyes and ears open for motor whatever it may be. I like the idea of blue. But then again partial to that color.

engineer1229

cool dude

mg man 75

Engineer1229 Welcome. Glad to have you Maurice

al_ngl

I am somewhat skilled, but I haven't done an engine swap before. I've assisted on pulling and rebuilding a Chevy engine my dad had, and I've rebuilt a VW engine on a sand rail, and an engine on a bike. I'm sure that with proper tools/facilities I'd be fine.

I would possibly do a V6 if I could find one for that kind of price. Main reason I haven't considered it much is because v6's seem so common. If I was to put in a v6, I'd feel like it had to be modified even more so than a v8 for it to be special. What kind of mods do people do to the v6's without tearing them apart? I wouldn't be at all opposed to intake and exhaust porting and such. I do feel kinda paranoid about ford v6's though, as every one my family has ever had crapped out early, though those were the Explorer 4.0 and Taurus 3.0. Would I need a different sized drive shaft and such?

Also, I love that MG. There's one in a town I drive through to get to school that has almost the same color, and I've always wanted one like my dad's old Midget or a MGB.

Richter888

I dont know whats involved but you might wanna look into the supercharged 3.8 from the thunderbirds. 210hp and over 300ft-lbs? of tq. Not a bad motor.

al_ngl

It's probably no harder of a swap than the normal 3.8. I still don't know about how I can do a swap right now, and I'm not going to do it or have it done until I can do without my car for long enough.

sleeper_inc

Easier to swap in a 2.3 trubo that makes 190hp with only 14 psi, up it to 20 and you'll be eating 3.8 subercoupes for lunch