<DIV>forgive my ignorance here. im usually in the 4x4 group but have been thinking of going and getting a mustang.( always been a fan but never owned one)</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>here are my questions.</DIV>
<DIV>we will use a 89 model as example.</DIV>
<DIV>1) what is the difference between a regular mustang with the HO 5.0 and the gt mustangs?</DIV>
<DIV>2) and notorious problems to look for when out stang shopping? there seems to be more verts available in my area than hard tops. in your oppinions which are better and why?</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>thanks in advance guys and gals</DIV>

 

1) none.
2) converts are more flimsy. They twist more meaning it is more important for subframe connectors and rollcages. Most people don't want a rollcage in their convertible, so you see less of those being built. Also, the convert is heavier by a few hundred pounds over the hatch. The notch is favored because it is the lightest. As far as problems with mustangs.....
there is a reason they were nicknamed rustangs.

 

ok so humor me here... i know what a hatchback is so i gather a knotchback is just the version with a trunk?

 

bingo.

 

alrighty thanks for the info. so other than rust there are no problems abnormal to other vehicles that are known to go wrong with the mustangs? that makes me feel better about looking for one.

 

More on that "rustang" comment. You will find a ton of hatchbacks with rust on the hatch overhang, near the keyhole. Water collects there like crazy. Also, I don't think i've seen an 87-93 mustang that has a working ash tray door. </P>


Ignition module also gave me a lot of trouble on my 87. I had to replace it twice. In fact I had a ton of problems with my 87, but my 93 has been nearly perfect. I guess it just depends on the car and how you treat it. </P>

 

I have a '93 5.0 vert, and it supposedly hits the scales at 3297lbs without me in it. That's pretty hefty, showing the need for more reinforcement to cut down on body flex. The only chassis mod I've done so far is a g-load brace, which ties in the front end tighter. I haven't gotten the shock tower brace yet, but it handles real good, plus I get to put the top down on nice days. I've had many a camaro that couldn't keep up with me on highway 1 on the coast north of San Francisco, and it's like driving a go-kart. Great fun.

 

Highway 1, by the coast? The windy mother f**ker?<edited><editID>jeep45238</editID><editDate>37780.0729513889</editDate></edited>

 

I have an 89 and my ashtray door still works..

 

Mine's a '90 GT conv and love it. Here's some other things to think about.

The convertibles up to 1993 are just coupes with their tops cut off. In 1994 they started building them as convertibles, much better built.

85 and earlier, carbureted.
86-89 speed density fuel injected
90+ air flow sensor FI-easier to modify
5.0 went roller rockered in '89 (not 100% sure)
'86 had 205 horse, lowest of modern stangs
All 5.0's have 8.8 rear-ends most w/o posi
My '90 has quad shocks (4 shocks on the rear axle, my '86 doesn't)
Things to watch for=stock seats/latches, rubber window molding-(hard to change), ragtop window regulators, Sun-damaged interiors.

If you like the newer body style, the 94-95's are last of the 5.0s.

Hope some of that helps. Good luck!