Pros and Cons of different Mustang models
06-15-2006, 07:54 AM
#12
Originally Posted by Ponyryd
The '96-98 GTs were pretty weak, unless you do an upgrade to PI heads/intake or engine swap, you're wasting your time. For good power, get a '96-'98 Cobra, or '99-present GT/Cobra. The '94-95 GT 5.0s had hypereutctic pistons, which can only safely handle up to 120shot of nitrous, or 8psi of boost, although many have run more with no problems, when properly tuned. All 4.6s have those same pistons though, so you're kinda limited on what you can do unless you get a '03-04 Cobra, which have cast pistons and are much stronger, all '96-04 Cobras have forged cranks, which are super-strong. Basically you can make 400ish hp on stock internals. Transmissions all depend on how you drive/race, any Mustang tranny is pretty weak, but not bad considering what we put them through, the strong ones are the 6sp T56 which come in '03-04 Cobras, but can easily be fitted to an older car.
The strongest of the bunch, engine-wise is the 03/04 Cobra. They have a stronger rotating assembly (forged everything) and the blocks can handle close to (and some people have gone over) 1,000RWHP on stock internals, which is TWICE what that of an 87-92 block can handle.
The Hypereutectic pistons in the late 92+ cars somewhat limits your power output because, as many people have already mentioned, you can only run moderate spray/boost on them. They are very fragile and can shatter under detonation. Forged pistons are MUCH more forgiving, but not as good for emissions (not to mention more money) which is part of the reason Ford stopped using them. Forged piston motors require looser clearances because the pistons expand when they get hot. Hypereutectic pistons have a very high silicon content and thus don't do that. Thus, the use of Hypereutectic pistons allow the engine to be built with much tighter tollerances, which help with emissions and keep the car "cleaner".
The mod motors also have cracked-powder rods (except the 03/04 Cobra) which are no where near as strong as forged rods and cannot handle spray/boost any where near as well as even the old fox rods.
The rotating assembly in the Fox cars (87 up to early 92) is stronger than the block; they have forged pistons and rods with a cast crank. The blocks have a tendency to split at around 500RWHP, some people have gone higher and gotten away with it, others have split them much lower.
The 03/04 Cobra also has the strongest transmission of the bunch (T56) but its also the most expensive to buy. It also comes making the most power.
06-15-2006, 03:33 PM
#13
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 694
I'd say go with either a 87 - 93 fox body or a 94 - 95 GT. The foxes have been proven time and time again and the 94 - 95 models give you the 5.0 with a much more comfortable ride. And they handle great and have alot of the upgrades you would normally do to a fox body. The early 4.6 were not great but it's the same as everything the more money you throw at it the faster it goes. IMO the best mustang is the 03 Cobra, so if you have the cash the choice is obvious.
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