Okay, after many years of ownership and more money in modification than I care to recount, I'm considering replacing the foxbody. Basically, it's just turned into more of a heap than I really care to keep putting money into, and I'm not getting much faster in it.
I'd like to just buy something that's in better shape (i.e. worth upgrading) and doesn't need to be completely re-engineered to be a good handler. However, I'd also like to not just flush the time/money investment I have in the foxbody completely down the drain. I'd also like to be competitive at my local autocross, which uses VERY loose classing (4, 6, and 8 cylinder versions of street and race tire classes with boost bumping you up on the cylinder side).
Here're my thoughts.
I can get an SN95 Cobra, transfer over what parts work (like my full rear suspension setup), and continue to be able to use almost all of my parts/skills/knowledge for these cars. I've been lusting after a chrome yellow SN95 for a while now, so that definitely is a big tick in the "do I want to actually own this car when I'm done with it" box. Of course, this still leaves me with a lot of the same issues I have now, just in a much sexier candy shell.
I could pick up a S197 V6. Couldn't swap any suspension parts over, but at least I can keep my wheels. There's a cali-smog level supercharger available for it that should at least get the power:weight up to the same as to where I have the fox. I know this is a much better platform for motorsports, but there's also a part of me that doesn't want to own a V6 Mustang 
I can get something totally different. Miata and C4 Corvette immediately jump to mind, and I wouldn't mind another AE86 assuming I could find one for a respectable price that wasn't drifted to hell and back.
Even though the power levels are so high on the modern V6 stuff...I'm with you: I just can't see owning (or at least being proud of owning) a V6 pony car if a V8 is available...
I don't have much more to add except: I think if I were in your shoes, I'd look for a solid unibody to build and transfer my goodies over to. The fox will always be popular (I imagine) and a respectable platform to build from.
Clem
Oh, in before 5.0-swapped Miata, hahaha.
I think you'll find the SN95 just as frustrating after a few years. Cut the thing up and build a Factory 5 Cobra!!! 
I'd be totally on-board with an FFR kit if I didn't have to get one of the special build permits to make it CA legal.
Though, if I went that route, it'd be the Coupe all the way... I don't really care for the roadster much anymore.
I keep thinking monster Miata...
scardeal wrote:
I keep thinking monster Miata...
To be completely 100% legal, that'd require me starting with an '89.
Other than that, how are 5.0 Miatae? Seems like a lot of weight to put on the nose.
See its such a good idea the board posted it twice!
ReverendDexter wrote:
I'd be totally on-board with an FFR kit if I didn't have to get one of the special build permits to make it CA legal.
Though, if I went that route, it'd be the Coupe all the way... I don't really care for the roadster much anymore.
Dex - I've got a friend who's built at least 6 SB100 cars, and he's never had a problem. Now that the economy sucks, it's even easier. Don't let that slow you down.
FWIW however, you can get the fibeglass parts for a Cobra pretty cheap. I'd like to try making my own underpinnings with a proper space frame. You could probably manage to get the weight a couple hundred pounds under your average FF.
If you can't make the Cobra work, why not a 5.0 RX-7? 1st Gen would be easier for Kommifonia, but the FC is the better overall car.
There's gotta be a ton of unfinished Cobra Kits out there though, even the Coupe's.
Javelin wrote:
I think you'll find the SN95 just as frustrating after a few years. Cut the thing up and build a Factory 5 Cobra!!!
Javelin is right, the SN95 chassis is barely better than the Fox, mainly just a bit wider track. The newer S197 chassis is a good bit better.
I'm with you on the coupe. have one in rotation for my desktop bg right now, though the background has been stuck on the rauh welt 930 for quite some time.
81cpcamaro wrote:
Javelin is right, the SN95 chassis is barely better than the Fox, mainly just a bit wider track. The newer S197 chassis is a good bit better.
Wider track, stiffer chassis, slightly improved geometry, better brakes, better looks.
e36v8.com, swap a 5.0 into a e36. Cheap hp in a much more capable chassis.
Tony D
You have ford mustang parts, and like them.
You need a better chassis.
I think you are FFR's dream customer. Didn't GRM even race one?
Kimini/Midlana dude got the California registration thing worked out for his ground up car projects; so it is feasible.
No sure how much fab work you are into or your budget, but with time and garage space I know what I would be doing.
ReverendDexter wrote:
81cpcamaro wrote:
Javelin is right, the SN95 chassis is barely better than the Fox, mainly just a bit wider track. The newer S197 chassis is a good bit better.
Wider track, stiffer chassis, slightly improved geometry, better brakes, better looks.
Just to clarify, as a former fox-body owner, I love the SN95. When I do a Mustang project, it will be a 94 or 95 Cobra as a base. So if you were just starting into them, it's the place to go. They are not, however, different enough from the fox they were born from to be worth upgrading to if you are mad at the fox. Which is why I said FF Cobra.
I definitely would need to drive a FFR before I dropped $15k on the kit and spent a year in my garage putting it together
I'll have to see if there's some way I can kick the tires on one 'round my parts.
I also need to run the numbers and see what it'd take to get the foxbody to acceptable status. Right now I'm staring at ~$2k in front suspension goodies, plus however much in bodywork/paint and a complete restore on the 'vert top (frame and cloth).
Seems like just picking up a clean SN95 could be done for the same price as doing the bodywork/paint/top, and I'll end up lighter (and happier) ditching the soft-top for a tin roof.
And now for something completely different... Since you're tired of the Fox why don't you get a fourth gen LS powered F-body or, for even less dough, an LT powered one. It looks like you already have an LT powered Buick in your fleet. You'd get a torque arm rear and double wishbone front suspension right out of the box. You'd still have a V8 and back seat and you can fit 11" wide tires under both ends without flaring the fenders.
Sell your go fast bits from the Fox to recoup some cash. As others have said. If you're tired of the car you have now the SN-95 won't keep you happy for long.
ReverendDexter wrote:
Though, if I went that route, it'd be the Coupe all the way... I don't really care for the roadster much anymore.
I have a few friends who have coupes. Both of them now trailer them to events because of the discomfort related to heat from driving them distances. (note I am talking Maryland, not Florida or Texas)
Air circulation was problematic on the originals and it remains a problem on the newer replicas. You will want to figure out a strong AC system or something if you want to drive it around much. (note the guys I know dont have AC in them, one of them ran a coolshirt for highway driving over an hour before going to the trailer)
The one I really liked was the daytona spyder (coupe style droptop) that they discontinued. Had a real classic vibe to it like the Ferrari from ferris bueler.
Volvo 780 with whatever swap bits make you excited.
5.0 FC sounds interesting... those were available with 5x4.5" bolt patterns, right? I see Granny's speed shop even has a TA kit that should let me reuse my existing rear axle.
What's the largest wheel that actually fits up front of those? More specifically, is it possible to fit a 17x9 on the front of an FC? What's the maximum backspacing?
17x9 FR500 knock-off's fit the stock fenders. I don't remember the backspacing. FC 302 FTW!
Is there any disadvantage to the FC chassis over the Miata chassis? I had an FC for all of about 6 weeks before I sold it to a friend who couldn't stop drooling over it. I know Miatae are SLA front and rear, What's up front on a FC? I thought they were McP struts.
