1981 5.0 Confusion
11-25-2010, 04:42 PM
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4
1981 5.0 Confusion
So I'm interested in buying a Mustang, and need a little help. I found this gorgeous 5.0 (or so I think it is) 5-speed for sale near my house, and I want it. Only thing is, I ran the VIN code and it says that it is actually a 2.3... But the car has 5.0 badges and dual exhaust. I have yet to see what's under the hood or drive it. Could someone give me an example of what a 5.0 VIN should be? I want to make sure that it has the original engine and isn't a conversion.
11-25-2010, 04:47 PM
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4
Here's a pic to better determine what it is.
11-25-2010, 05:01 PM
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: point pleasant,west virginia
Posts: 1,212
if the vin says its a 4 cyl then thats what it used to be.but hey its cheaper on insurance
11-25-2010, 05:03 PM
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4
I just hope it's not still a 2.3 with 5.0 badges. Man, that would be lame.
11-25-2010, 05:23 PM
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: point pleasant,west virginia
Posts: 1,212
just look under the front of it and you will know if its got a v8 in it.and its also got a 5 lug conversion
11-25-2010, 06:18 PM
D.R. THE PATHETIC DORK
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 30,863
that's not an 81, 85 or 86, take a pic of the gauge cluster, i doubt it's a conversion
11-25-2010, 06:21 PM
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NC
Posts: 590
those are five lug wheels too, aren't they?
11-26-2010, 09:47 AM
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4
Sorry, I know nothing about Mustangs, which is why I came here. I'm heading out now to further inspect it, the guy at the dealership is there, so I will be able to see what's hiding under the hood.
11-26-2010, 10:59 AM
D.R. THE PATHETIC DORK
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 30,863
take pics of everything!!
11-28-2010, 08:58 AM
M.A.D. Motorsports
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 8,014
Well if it is an 81 it has alot of work done to it to make it a 85/86 look alike. It could very well be converted Mike. Notice the door moldings are missing? Save themselves some time and just do the little ones closest to the bumper covers.