Can anybody list the major differences between the two models? Did the v8 cars get a stronger rear diff and axles? Better brakes? etc.

I am doing an engine swap with a friend and I want the best 79-92 chassis I can get. I want to know if I can use a 4 cyl car for the swap or if the v8 cars have better conponents.

I have worked on vw's since I was 15 and I have experience with engine swaps, suspension, efi, etc but I am totally new to mustangs. My friend and I have a lot of stuff planned for this project. We already have the engine built which was the easy part and only took 2 months. A lot of fab work and frustration is still ahead of us!!!

- Thanks

 

Also, where should I look for rust on these cars? I live in the Northeast (new york) so rust is common here.

 

only thing different is the motor mounts of course, double hump tranny member (vs single) and location of the member, rearend, and springs. i think the brakes are the same. <not sure. 4 and 6 bangers used 7.5 vs. 8.8 rearend. and yes you can use the 4 banger for a swap. its recomended mainly because the 4's didn't get whopped on in their life times and are usuallyin better condition. and rumor has to keep the 4 banger springs for drag racing. due to faster rebound

 

if its a notch look around thedeck lid. always look underneath for floor pan rust. floor pans aren't bad to change though... and rocker panels. (where the door meets on the bottom of the car when shut.)

 

Thanks, I think I will go with a 4 banger for my swap then. It seems like the 4 cylinders are almost always unmolested and are usually owned by more responsible people. I'm checking out a few cars this week with my friend.

One more question. Will I have to build up the rear end or will the stock unit handle an upwards of 285whp?

 

285rwhp? You better get a V8 axle, ESPECIALLY if you intend on slamming the gears.

But if you plan todrive it like a grandma then the 4cyl axle will do