This is one of the reasons why I went the appearance route instead of the engine mods first, a fresh 5.0 will smoke most modded 4.6's with ease. I plan on trading my 2010 when I pay it of if not sooner.

 

Normally I would say get the v6 (as you DD your car, you can get a lot of options, and we can still be v6 buddies lol). But the 5.0 is still pretty awesome.

BUT, I remember you have a really great affinity for your current ride. Why part with something you really care about that much? And if you have the money, why not just build it up, gives you a chance to get closer to your car (nothing like spending a day with your hands under the hood, a great hobby), and gain some valuable technical knowledge that will come in handy someday.

Moreover, it seems like a pretty financially responsible move (short term at least). As you will likely not be taking loans to pay for mods, as opposed to (I am assuming here) you having to take some type of interest loan to pay for an all new car.

 

Yes Tanner, we will definitely miss you when you move on up to a big ol V8

 

Kinda a loaded question, but I personally think a car built from the ground up is definitely more impressive. On the other hand, buying is much easier (and probably cheaper) but it depends on your knowledge and skills (paying someone to do all the work is definitely going to be tough to justify).

I'd probably go with the 5.0, building of your car and MCA v6 in that order. The 5.0s are obviously nasty and the fact that I wouldn't buy a V6 again combined with the fact that I'm still not 100% sold on the new body style has my ranking as stated above.

I've kinda been going through the same dilemma. Keeping putting money into mine vs selling and picking up something else. But all the coin that I have into mine combined with the sentimental value is making it a tough decision

Honestly it sounds stupid/cliche but what's meant to happen, will happen. I've become a firm believer in that. If it's meant for you to get a 5.0 or whathaveyou, a great deal will pop up.

Best of luck in whichever you decide!

 

Have you driven a 5.0? I think that will make the decision for you.

 

I dont know why anyone hasnt floated this yet, so I guess I will.

Why not consider swapping in a 5.4 liter from a GT500??? I know ford racing sells the crate engine, although if you could find a donor car with an intact engine bay and tranny that would be much cheaper. I believe the 5.4 swap should be easier to complete, due to wiring.

If I had $20k to drop into my current car, thats what Id do. I love the styling way too much to go to something newer.

 

She's been looking into that already...
Or at least a 5.4 4V

 

I think that dropping $20k into a V6 would be a waste... IMO. I would do the 5.0 and build on that platform.

 

Ha you know me too well, Pascal.
I didn't really think about that. You have a very good point, as soon as I got a new car I would want to do something to it, at least appearance mods.


That was something else I was thinking about, Aaquib. If I keep my car = no car payment. If I get a new car I would have the same payment I do now, which doesn't sound very good. I am very attached to my car as well, but I was thinking as long as I got another Mustang I wouldn't regret getting rid of mine... maybe.


Alec, you have a good point. I'm glad I'm not the only one dealing with 4.0 seperation issues. Lol


MustangFirst, I don't want to leave the 4.0 group. Lol

Oh that is happening, most likely this weekend. There is a BASE 5.0 at a local dealer for $25k, seems like a good deal.

Hopefully I can find a parts car. I was thinking about a 5.4, and I still am kind of, but I think a 5.4 parts car is going to be more expensive than a 5.0. Even if we do the crate engine the 5.0 is $7k and the 5.4 is $20k. I'm only looking for 400-500 HP so the 5.0 would suit my needs just as well as the 5.4.

Adidas, it wouldn't be dropping $20k into a V6. By the time it was done it would have some sort of V8, be it a 5.0 or 5.4.

 

Tanner, I'll give you my personal experience and maybe (hopefully you can relate).

I've dumped a lot of money into my v6 because it's my first real car (I don't consider my I4 Ranger much of one...) and a v8 with a warranty out of highschool is just unaffordable. However, if you're making money and can swing that base V8, why not go for it?

Now I'd have to say that you have to test drive the new v6's and v8's first. How else will you know if you like the platform that you may be building on? I started out with a base v6 with the IUP silver trim. It has a/c, the base stereo, cloth interior, with a manual transmission. That's more than enough for me. Is it enough for you?

If you bought the 5.0, would you mod past an intake and tune? Would 450hp at the crank be enough? How long would you plan on owning it for? 100k, 200k miles? Would it be money well invested? How about gas prices? I see gas prices creeping up again in my area. Will you be able to afford the fuel costs or would a v6 be more sensible to you?

How attached to your car are you? I, for one, LOVE my car, but I'd yank out the subwoofers, radar detector, and amp in a heartbeat if I knew I could afford the 5.0 and all of the gas and possible dollar increase in regular maintenance (don't know how much oil changes run if you're not doing your own for in the new 5.0 but I imagine it can't be terrible).

All of these questions have to be answered by you! I'm sure the 5.4 swap would be very rewarding! But are you looking forward to dealing with the headaches that come with it, not to mention the fact that you won't have a warranty? Break downs would be coming out of pocket...

I'm sure that whatever you decide, you'll have a great ride because with any of those three options, I don't see where you could go wrong!

Oh, and if the new v6's power ain't enough for you but the loaded platform looks enticing, check out AM's v6 project car. That thing is an animal.