Hello, one of the sixers here, but good news: I'm planning on upgrading. SO, because of a lack of funds and a general infatuation with the fox body Mustang, I have come here. Basically, I wanted to know which was the best year for the 5.0 Foxs. I'm NOT interested in the 94-96 5.0s, and not really anything under 1983, thats a bit too old for me. So, anyways, I just wanted to know, in your opinions, which year and make of the 5.0 was best. Also, any opinions on the 93 Cobra would be appreciated, as I might have a chance at one of these in about three months. Thanks for the input.

 

93 Cobra would be great if you can find it. And they wont be cheap. I would get a 89 Fox cause of no air bag and Mass Air.

 

I'm not sure if it's 1990 and 1991 or 1991 and 1992 come with factory forged internals. But if you have the chance get the 93' Cobra. Stronger block. Good luck bro and seriously you'll never want another car when you buy a Fox.

 

+1

 

89 thru 92 mass air and forged pistons

 

Which years came with forged internals? And what might these forged internals be? Hopefully, I can get a loan for the '93 Cobra if the guy sells it. Would be SOO cool to have the premier year of Mustang Cobra.

 

As far as I know from 1989, the 5.0 came with forged pistons, but a cast crank and I beam rods, nothing special- but a forged bottom end is not necessary until you start making about 450hp+ so don't let it keep you from buying an 87,88. forged pistons are nice though, hook up a bottle! (but don't go nuts)

 

Disclaimer: The following is only about 87-93 cars. Some of these things may apply to earlier and later models.

Forged pistons were 87-92. 1993 was hypereutectic pistons. The stock rods and crank will out live the stock blocks in all years. They are not a weak link. Mass air was 89-93 or 88 California cars. Speed density is faster in stock form though so don't be scared of it. LX cars had black body molding through 1991. 92-93 were body color moldings. 87-89 had big headrests. 90-93 had small headrests. 87-90 had turbine wheels. 91-93 had Pony wheels. 87-89 had tilt steering. 90-93 had airbags. 87-88 had 85mph speedometers. 89-93 had 140mph speedometers. 93 had a different fuel pump relay location (I can't remember if the 92 had it also - I think it did). 87-90 and 92 were 9.2:1 compression. Interestly the 91 was rated 9.0:1 compression. All the 87-92 were rated at 225hp though. In 93 the compression was 9.0:1 and power rated at 205hp. The 93 Cobra was 9.0:1 compression and 235hp. There were also differences in seats. Some had extendable leg rests. I forget the year split on this though. I think it was 92 but I'm not sure. There is also differences in map lights between the years.

Personally, the 89 is my favorite year. It's a mass air car with 140mph speedometer and tilt wheel. I like tilt wheel because I'm 6'7". For most people 92 is the most desireable year. They want airbag, Pony wheels, body color side molding (if an LX), late model of fox without hypereutectic pistons.

 

Sorry, double post.

 

So, looking for an '89 Stang LX or GT would give me a good looking car, forged pistons and crank, a 302, and mass airflow? Sweet, now i really want an '89, haha. One other quick Q: Differnces between the GT and LX? Which model is better for an '89 mustang? Also, is the 5.0 in the '89 carborated or fuel injected? Thanks for all of the help, its really appreciated.