Shawnk7706

Hi to everyone. 1st, i would like to say this is a great website and im just glad to be a part of it. I've had a couple mustangs (2000 gt, 95 3.8) and i enjoy them quite a bit. An oppertunity to own a 1979 gt Mustang has presented itself and i would like to get your guys opinion on what to do. Its for sale for 1000$ And definitely needs some work. I will post the ad at the bottom.

I've done some research on the 79 gt's and i was dissapointed to find that the engines of that year were only rated at 140 hp!? Seriously? The 95 mustang i had had 145 hp. And..it was slow to say the least. I just dont understand how a v-8 has such little horsepower.

My question is would it be worth it to buy this mustang? I'm a speed freak to say the least and i have a feeling this mustang isnt gonna live up to my standards. Although i could likey drop a beefier 302 in it right?

Any info or advice is greatly appreciated. Here is a link to the ad

http://columbus.craigslist.org/car/738157935.html



Thanks,

Shawn

Pony 5.0

One advantage a 79 Mustang has is that it is light as hell. Other than that, you would have to change things. The brakes are smaller than 87-93's, the rear end is 7.5. That's what I know from the top of my head. As for the motor you could put a anything from a carbed 302 to a Windsor stroker to a 460+. As with any Mustang, it all depends on how deep are your pockets. Also it appears that someone already pulled out the four eyes and started an 87-93 conversion. That's a shame. I think four eye Mustangs rock. Hopefully the engine and drive train were updated as well.

Blckstng93

If youre not sure itll live up to your standards, then you already have your answer. Depends how much work, time, and money youre willing to put into it.

I see they list it as a 5.0 with an auto. Many associate 5.0 with HO but not all 5.0 were HO and some 302 were rollers and some were not which will help when picking cams or lifters and such later should you keep the motor. Theres lots of questions to ask before buying someone elses project. Last thing you want is to acquire someone else headaches.

Just by the pics youll need to check it inside and out, and underneath for rust. Winters will take their toll on the usual places, wheel wells, hatch area, fenders and rockers, and ive even seen a few with rusty trans cross member mounts (where it bolts to the floor). Also check the rad support. A lot of 'stangs tend to be hit in that area. Externally it looks decent but it what you cant see that will get you, know what i mean? Personally, id keep looking.

But if you do buy it, please reconvert it to a 4 eyed model. I own an aero nose 93 but i love the 4 eyes and it is a shame to see them converted. Those 4 eyes have that tough look that the aero just doesnt have.

sgstang84

If you are a speed freak and you want a fox body buy a 87-93 mustang.

tinman

The 302 V-8 used in '79 is of the flat tappet type. It's a smog moter all the way. Rea-end being a 7.5", I think I'd look for a later car.
To change all that stuff out would be a lot of work.......