Interesting. I don't have any specs in front of me, but I was thinking the engine of those years were weaker then the 88 & up.
Mustang Experts(Zoodiver): 5.0 vs 4.6?
- Thread starter Warborg
- Start date
No they have forged piston. Not sure if its just the 86-87 you'd have to do a little research on that. I do know that the later fox body styles had cast pistons and the motors weren't nearly as accepting of mods.
They auto 99-04s are a little faster. Mainly due to the torque curve of the 4.6. It likes to make more power on the top end. The 99-04 makes around 260hp and around 300 lbs tq. The 5.0 for all years makes 225 hp and 300 lb tq. Keep in mind a vert weight more than a coupe and a 99-04 weighs more than a fox body.
Fox body's are where it's at in my opinion. My parents had a teal 93 cobra and that thing was so smooth to drive. The drivetrain in it was the smoothest shifting car I have ever driven. You could be cruising along and dump it into second gear and point the tires where ever you wanted and it would just slide with ease. They had it for 13 years and only put 30k miles on it. I'm sure the hardest that thing was driven was by me. But dude you got to get a stick. Just teach the wifey how to use it.
Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Fox body cars are great if you want to dump a ton of money into restoration or racing. For a street car, most are too old and worn out. If they are in good shape, you'll have to pay the price. The '93 5.0L missed out on the good pistons in favor of the hypereutectic (hyper-you-cracked-it).
The 99-04 are fairly easy to find in good condition and a good price these days. I would lean that way - especially for a street car that you don't want to dump a ton of money into. You can also pick something a little flashy as well (Bullitts, Mach 1, Cobra, Roush, Saleen, Steeda...).
In the end, make your choice on a few factors: Budget, goals of the car, personal taste and what you can find on the market.
The 99-04 are fairly easy to find in good condition and a good price these days. I would lean that way - especially for a street car that you don't want to dump a ton of money into. You can also pick something a little flashy as well (Bullitts, Mach 1, Cobra, Roush, Saleen, Steeda...).
In the end, make your choice on a few factors: Budget, goals of the car, personal taste and what you can find on the market.
I've been leaning towards the newer ones: They may still be making parts, dealer will be more willing to touch one. I like the interior style better. Parts are newer and in general better shape. I'm sure the auto tranny is improved. I thing I hate of the Fox style was that silly 85mph gauge.
With the Fox style(88-92(93 removed as suggested)) - smaller, lighter, old style engine(easier for me to work on).
With the Fox style(88-92(93 removed as suggested)) - smaller, lighter, old style engine(easier for me to work on).
My '98 is the first 4.6L I've had. It's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be (coming from the pushrod background). In fact, a lot of the normal upkeep is easier. They also respond very well to boost without anything but extra fuel. It seemed like you were either doing major H/C/I work or having to build the bottom end/boost to get power on the 5.0L based motors.
Like you said, the newer interiors are much easier to ride around in. Seats are better, dash lay out is more 'user friendly' and the factory Mach 460 stereo isn't too bad either (for that generation of cars).
Like you said, the newer interiors are much easier to ride around in. Seats are better, dash lay out is more 'user friendly' and the factory Mach 460 stereo isn't too bad either (for that generation of cars).
