I've always wanted a Mustang for as long as I could remember.
I'm thinking of purchasing one in about 6 months-1 year. In this time I plan on doing as much research as possible so I know exactly what I want when its time to buy.

Here's what I know I want so far -
-A V8
-Manual transmission

I plan on keeping this car around for a long time, hopefully to pass along to my kids in the future. I don't plan on keeping it completely stock, I'd really be interested in getting some more power out of the motor. Nothing too insane, but something thats lots of fun for the street. I don't want to get into Forced Induction, Nitrous or any high dollar power adders.

Based on this information, which Mustang (year & model) would be most suitable for this?

Based on my price range (around $6000) it looks like I can get into a fox body GT or a 94-98 GT.

Which engine is known for being more reliable and trouble free/easier to work on? The 5.0 or the 4.6?

Which engines have a bigger assortment of after market parts?

Is there a big difference in performance between the Fox Body GT's and the 94-98's with the 4.6?

Thats my long, winded post. Thanks for reading, I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

For a $6K limit you'll belooking for Foxbodies, if you want one in decent shape without a gazillion miles on it. So, that also means a5.0 engine.

Good thing too,, because5.0's are cheaper to mod than 4.6's

Fox bodies are lighter than SN95's. And you DON'T want a 4.6 isn't "PI improved" ('94-2000)

 

Good to know, because I have always leaned more towards the Fox body designs.

You lost me when you said "And you DON'T want a 4.6 isn't "PI improved" ('94-2000)"

 

96-98 4.6Lare refered to as NON PI heads. In 1999-2004 Ford added "power improved" heads to the 4.6L GT. This also meants a slight change in the intake plenum. Most can't tell by looking at them. Somewhere I've got a pic of the two sitting next to each other for the visual differences. The earlier cars (96-98) were somewhat dissapointing in power.

 

a fox body seems to fit the best for you.

they fit your budget, are easier to work on than a 4.6, and the 5.0 has a massive aftermarket following.

a fox body is faster than a non-pi 4.6 GT.

 

Are there any "red flags" I should be aware of for the Foxbody GT's with manual? Were there any big defects or known, reocurring issues with the 5.0 engines and the 5-speed manual transmissions?

 

i really didn't know that, good thing to keep in mind.

yeah you will want to look for a 5.0 foxbody.. they look nice, and have some potential for some crazy times

 

96-98 on the left, 99-04 on the right.

 

^^ good photo comparison