Opinions wanted on buying a 84 mustang project

JonBoy

Active Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Hampstead NC
First off I have not done that much work on cars. I have changed clutch, and a timing belt once and have replaced starters alternators and brakes. Just to give you an idea what I have done and would this be going way over my head or just a BAD idea. Thinking about buying this http://wilmington.craigslist.org/car/488805660.html
I need something that gets OK MPG and still something I want to drive. I currently drive a 98 K1500 Ex-cab 60 miles a day. So I dont expect 30mpg or anything just a little better than I am currently getting 14MPG. As far as projects go I dont mind working but I want it to be usable while I do it.
 
im not sure that body is going to like the 5.0. I think i remember reading somewhere the older body convertibles couldnt handle the stress from a 302. i wouldnt expect better than 14mpg. for $1500 you can find a diesel rabbit that gets 50 mpg. if want fun and mileage, get a vw buggy. you'll have to get creative with the the enclosure for rainy days, but hell we've been in a drought for a year and no prediction of coming out of it!
 
why couldn't it? it had a 302 stock. sure, with a built motor and traction it could become a problem, but even that 86 motor only makes a touch over 200hp...

that's a hell of a good price for a somewhat rare 4 eyes car. fox bodies seem to be rising in price daily.
 
I would go for it. I trade my dirt bike for an 89GT vert and it had a wore out motor in it. Got it rebuilt and it runs awesome. Looks rough though. That body looks pretty good to in them pics. Get the MAACO paint Job and call it done.
 
Actually, in 1984 the HO 5.0 only put out 165. It wasnt til '86 that the 200 5.0 came out. which is the engine thats been put into this car.

in 1984 (when the car was built) the turbo 4 cyl. made the same horsepower as the v8...low horsepower.

From what i understand...if it didnt come with a V8, its not a good idea to swap one in. Check the Vin numbers to see what the factory put in that car. If it doesnt come back as V8 save your money, for the same price you can find one that originally came with a V8. i like the late 80's body better than that year too.
 
yeah, like i said...
even that 86 motor only makes a touch over 200hp...
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that car definitely came with a v8, it's a gt. besides that, 4 cylinder to v8 swaps are ridiculously common in fox bodies and aren't a problem at all. the chassis is the same. the only major differences are the suspension and rear axle. the 8.8 didn't come until 86 though, even for v8 cars. for drag racing, a lot of people actually keep the softer 4 cylinder springs.
 
either way...he still isnt going to improve mpg over his current ride so if thats the goal, i wouldnt make the purchase.
 
BigRedB2 said:
either way...he still isnt going to improve mpg over his current ride so if thats the goal, i wouldnt make the purchase.
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yeah he will. my 85 easily got 17-18 in mixed driving, and that was with a holley 4bbl. efi cars do a little better. it's pretty obvious you don't know much about these cars, why post bad info?

Pacfanweb said:
Big difference from 84 to 89.
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not really. that 86 motor should be speed density unless it was converted in the swap, and an 89 is mass air. as far as gas mileage is concerned, the difference is negligible.

sure, it's not going to be a honda but he also said he doesn't expect that kind of mileage. i believe he also hinted at wanting something fun to drive as well.
 
I have an 84 turbo gt for sale, you could have mileage, and with a little work, decent power too. Needs valve seals, possibly an oil pump( oil pressure drops after it gets hot), and a heater core. It's an on going project but runs fine now, just a little smoke on startup.
 
Ground clearance sucks, not too flexy, only 2wd, doesn't do too well on rocks. good enough reasons for me not to buy!

Seriously if you want MPG then look elsewhere. A good used Honday or Toyota. Heck my 95 Olds gets 30 mpg and is comfortable and has a V-6 so power is there if I need it.
 
mustang

go for it man. I have been messing with these cars for last 7 or 8 years. Mine is for sale but will be a big project. No major problems with cars unless you up the power quite a bit. First thing that will break if it isnt all ready broke is the back left seat mounting bracket and the floorboard will start to tear. No big deal though
 
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