EddFear

Just sold my track-ready Miata and Volvo 850R wagon, and plan to buy a Mustang Convertible in the next couple weeks.

I have my eyes on a 2001 GT with 110K miles. Current owner has had all recommended service done at the dealer when the mileage called for it, and the car has no issues that I can find.

Question: are there any issues I should prepare for with this mileage? How does the 4.6 and the 5-speed trans hold up over time?

I'm also looking at a 96 GT with 141K miles, but it has a 4.6 crate motor that was installed (professionally) 15K ago. He replaced the clutch and put on new headers at the same time. Still has the old trans. No mechanical issues.

What's the advice? I know a lot about Mazdas but am still getting back up to speed on American Iron. Thanks in advance for any help!

-Edd

SVTeeshirt

110 really isn't that many miles, the mod motors will hold up pretty good. The synchros tend to go bad in the transmissions... but they are usually not too bad. Just to let you know it'll take a bit of suspension to get her track ready . However we have a good bit of people who enjoy and are throughly knowledgable about suspension for the twisties.

huey_33

My car is a 98 GT with 168,XXX miles on it and still runs great. I get the minor problems everybody gets with that mileage but I can't complain. Only big thing I have had to do since I have had it is get the tranny rebuilt. These 4.6L modular engines last forever if taken care of so you should feel at ease with either car you purchase.

EddFear

About how much was the tranny rebuild? Probably less than the 850R, I'm sure, but I may as well start setting the cash aside just in case.

SVTeeshirt

Idk about the rebuild, but if you are making this car a track car buy a t-56 (same trannys in the 03/04 cobras.) its not a necessity, but if you do road race,(is the impression i got when you said you had a miata and a volvo) you might as well get a t-56 IF your stock tranny breaks, its a 6 speed tranny with pretty good ratios.

EddFear

Thanks for the info. I do plan to take the car on the track (eventually - kids are almost old enough to help with tire changes and such) so I'll likely get the 2001 next weekend and then start sourcing a T56 as well as look for a good performance shop here (NW of Los Angeles). Can't wait to join the ranks!

945LSTANG

One quick thing...if you are going to track it, skip the vert. If the car is mainly just for fun on the street than it doesn't really matter.

huey_33

Tranny rebuild was $1,200.

EddFear

Gotta have a vert in So Cal!

Among the first mods will be 4 or 6 point rollbar, more for stiffness than rollover protection. But I have witnessed some gnarly Miata flips, so my wife insists on the rollbar. Plus I love the look if it's painted to match or complement the paint.