d0r1en0

Hi. I'm need to the forum & also mustangs. I'm 19 live in san diego, & currently drive a 99 honda accord. I was never really into cars like that. Just have 20" rims with a system in my honda. My gf for v. Day is given me $3000 to get this 1983 5.0. The guy is selling it for $2000 because he has to pay off a DUI. He says it has a new trani & a new engine. [Hence I don't know anything about cars]. The only thing wrong with it is the little triangle window in the back is broke; sum1 broke into it & took out the deck. I plan on getting it getting the window fixed; taking the system out of my accord & putting it in the 5.0. He says it tops out at 140mph. Any sugestions? Before I buy it I was told to have him do an engine diagnotic test on it to make sure it's all good. Anything else I should know or look forward to doing off the bat. As I'm going to have 1000$ to put in it from the jump.
Once again I know nothing about cars. . . = /

tinman

Even the early 4-eye will be an upgrade from a Honda anything, IMHO.
I'd really try and get the facts about the car BEFORE you buy it.
Stuff like what engine is in the car, what mods are on the engine/drivetrain etc.

d0r1en0

okay; ill be sure to ask that. .. if it turns out to be okay; what are things to do to it?
starting off small...

onesickstang01

before you buy it make sure its not leaking tons off oil. check all the turn signals, headlights tail lights ect(these cars are known to have electrical issues) smell the exhaust and make sure its not blowing funny colors, make sure all gauges are working right and reading safe numbers ect. dont take peoples word for things, most people will tell you what they think you want to hear. dont tell the guy you know nothin about cars, that will just make it easier for him to hide everything from you. if you know someone that does kno about cars bring them with you. thats a pretty decent deal for that car, as long as it is in decent shape. if you question anything don buy it before you get on here and ask all your questions, it will pay off. good luck

d0r1en0

^^^
man; i didnt even think about all that. okay. im coping this and putting it into my sidekick. yea, thats a must to make sure EVRHING is working right.

PJC Racing

I someone told me "it tops out at 140" I would be skeptical.

d0r1en0

^ you think so?
hmmm; well ive been driving an accord since my senior year, so im pretty sure this 5.0 would be faster than the acord v6.
when i asked how fast it goes he replied "tops out at 140, and it out ran the crown victoria" but then again hes trying to sell it. im most likely going to have my friend who has a 240 come with me.

nitrous_bob

it tops out at 140 cuz it has 2.73 gears in it

you really want 4.10's , then it will feel like you added 100 hp to it.

w/ $1000 to spend....get 4.10 gears and a pair of mickey thompson et street radials. the 1/4 window you speak of is actually about $800 brand new and ford does not make them, you can find them used on ebay for about $50-$150 depending on condition.

spend the $25 on a carfax, all you need is the VIN , cali is real good about info since the car needed to be smogged all the time, all those records are in the carfax report. not passing smog would be my bioggest concern other than the car running good period, not exempt unless a '76 or older right ? i moved almost 4 years ago so i forget

ask for reciepts or some documentation on the motor and trans. if it's an automatic i'd think twice about getting it.

stock hp that year was175 , and if your lucky...really lucky....it might have the 8-track player in it still. last year for it

i'm assuming it's a 5.0 right ??? if not i wouldn't even bother

CantStopTheFox...

Check out this link:

http://home.pon.net/hunnicutt/50must.htm

It has a lot of great tips to get started.......

92lxsleeper

welcome to the 5.0 scene... now dump that honda[8D]

if its running right when you get it... i would start with 4.10 gears, get an edelbrock intake, and a 500 cfm 4 barrel edelbrock carb... better fuel mileage, and lots more power up top... you might have a little left over for a cam while your at it too.