Learn me early Fox bodies

So tell me about early Fox bodies. Here recently I have been seeing early 80's Mustangs popping up all around my area in the sub $1k range. The aftermarket and junk yard availability alone make these tempting over my current Olds project.

So how different are the early cars from the later models? Are there particular years or packages to look out for? Rust generally isn't a huge issue out here but what are to top places to check for it?

Right now there is an 82 With V8 I could more then likely trade an extra rifle for (wouldn't be the first time I traded a gun for a car). Anything specific to that year I should watch out for?

I thought they were all bought up and turned into Pony Stock cars by now.

The steering geometry isn't so hot on the early cars. I remember there used to be charts of which applications had the best geometry (I'm thinking it was the late Continentals) but in 2014 it's probably best to just bolt up everything from an SN95.

Off the top of my head, I'm seeing that the 4.2 liter V8 was still offered along with the return of the 302. You do not want the 4.2.

Honestly, you're not afraid of engine swaps or other such things, I'm not sure if I would put a premium on a V8 car. In fact, an inline 6 or 4-cyl Mustang would probably have suffered less stress to kind of floppy chassis over the years, and one of those would be prime swap candidates to something else. Like mixing in the entire driveline from a 5.0 SN95 along with a 5 bolt swap up front.

I'd avoid a car with an inline 6, since they use a different k member.. but a V8 is a bolt in swap to any other car as long as you change the trans at the same time. A 351W bolts in like a 302 with an oil pan from a fullsize 80's LTD.

Look for structural rust where the rear lower control arms bolt to the body.

95-04 suspension and steering goodies bolt right in, including the complete IRS setups from some Cobras..

Knurled wrote: I thought they were all bought up and turned into Pony Stock cars by now.

Oh plenty of those are popping up as well.

SN95 Mustangs are starting to show up at $1500 or so.

You might want to keep looking and try to turn up an '86 or so. Something with a roller cam in it and the later fuel injection. Also, stay away from the automatics with the AOD transmissions, very weak. On certain years, the automatic cars came with a terrible CFI set-up and distributors that suffered from frequent module failure.

Best to do some extensive research before jumping in. Not all Fox Bodies are alike.

rebelgtp wrote: SN95 Mustangs are starting to show up at $1500 or so.

If keeping it to appreciate is what you have in mind, I'd look for one of these with low miles and no mods and hold onto it for ten years. Stock, clean Fox bodies are already going up around here. Even the earlier ones....ESPECIALLY the earlier ones. Most of them were swapped in the 90s from later models. So a nice SN95 might be a good investment. If you mod it lightly keep the stock parts in storage. When was the last time you saw a bone stock 5.0?

If the aim is to mod or update, go nuts. Just keep in mind if you butcher an early Cobra or Turbo for a track car, you may kick yourself later on if you need to sell it.

TeamEvil wrote: You might want to keep looking and try to turn up an '86 or so. Something with a roller cam in it and the later fuel injection. Also, stay away from the automatics with the AOD transmissions, very weak.

The early chassis was the lightest, though. And, it seems like easier to find a notchback, if that's your fancy.

The AOD isn't that bad of a transmission. They don't tolerate being stupid but neither does the T5. Just make sure it has fluid in it (the H-pipe burns the gasket and makes huge leaks), make sure the TV cable is adjusted and that 50 cent bushing on the throttle body hasn't broken, and a shift kit to eliminate the sliiiide shift will go a long way for longevity.

On certain years, the automatic cars came with a terrible CFI set-up and distributors that suffered from frequent module failure.

The ones with frequent module failure can be identified by the Ford badge on the car. I wasn't aware of a "good" or "bad" era, they just sucked and sucked and then they stopped using distributors. A lot of people seem to carry a spare module, module wrench, and timing light with them (fast way to change involves rotating the distributor 90 degrees or so) similar to how some VWAG people keep a spare coil in the trunk.

Junkyard_Dog wrote: When was the last time you saw a bone stock 5.0?

I service one from time to time. IIRC he paid $8,5 if the for sale tag had any credibility. Very clean AOD/hatch LX, MAF era. Definitely a diaper-rubber.

The thing probably only cost $13k brand new...

The next trick is going to be convincing the wife. As mentioned in another thread her brother had his wreck in one so it can be a tough sell. An SN95 actually might be an easier sell for her.

Basically car would be getting built into something I can have fun with maybe start making the road trips to hit up the local (like 150+ miles away) auto crosses.

That 82 ended up as an auto smaller V8 one. Sounds like I would want to go later anyway.

I just have one suggestion, if you can find a Mercury Capri pick one up. I never see them anymore. There is a neat ASC McLaren version as well.

In reply to kanaric:

Actually there is one driving around this town that I see every now and then.

I'd aim for an SN95, if you can find one with three pedals that fits your budget.

Of course, you know I'm going to say

I got an urge for a 5.0 convertible a while back and got to know a thing or 2. First, the Fox Mustang got better as the years rolled by. Second is that they are getting to the age of stuff wearing out and an upgrade to replace stuff is a good thing.

Found a lot with bad automatic transmissions that I swapped 5 speed into.

Bought a couple of 83s that were fun! A GT turbo 4 cylinder convertible is a rare and fun ride, but the GLX convertible (Just checked...this was an 84!)302 with carburetor and single rail 4 speed was fun but a bear to work on. My simple 85 coupe 2.3 with a 5 speed was bulletproof and fun.

An 82 should have a 302 with a 2 barrel carb and is a good engine, but was changed for a 4 bbl or fuel injection for 83. 1979 through 86 had a blinding array of changes every year and often mid run so sometimes parts are a bit difficult to find. Coupe, hatch, no convertible available. GT was pushed as the return of the Boss but 156 hp is not really a hot rod!

If you can live with the purchase price and ready for a 32 year old car with the repairs needed I say go for it!

Bruce

In reply to kanaric:

http://annapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4408258374.html

someone else mentioned turbo models as well (NMNA on the link)

rebelgtp wrote: So tell me about early Fox bodies... So how different are the early cars from the later models?...

I assume we're talking Mustangs. In comparison to '87-93 the '82 will have smaller front brakes, a smaller, weaker 7.5" rear end (most likely without limited slip)rather than an 8.8", a carbed non-ECU controlled engine with a flat tappet camshaft instead of roller that features a different firing order than the later 5.0 H.O. version. There's more but those are some of the highlights.

Jeff

In SN-95's the V6 cars have weaker rear ends and smaller brakes all around. Also, if you are thinking about messing with a 3.8 V6 anyways, they pop headgaskets really easily.

Early foxes have deficiencies, most things I have tracked only bother with '87+, I think 89+ there was a switch from speed density to MAF which is much more easilly tuned (at least when I tracked mustang stuff closely about 10 years ago). Earlier cars will be a bit more floppy, but then again, they all are, plan on subframe connectors. (dont get a convertable)

IIRC the 4cyl foxes also had the weaker rear end. So, the swap is the whole drivetrain, not just the motor/trans. Not that its hard to do, just more parts to get and change.

If possible, check for tearing of the floor where the drivers seat mounts and under the rear where the control arms mount (torque boxes). Its all repairable, but just another PITA.

"I wasn't aware of a "good" or "bad" era, they just sucked and sucked and . . ."

I thought that certain year distributors couldn't be improved while other years could be modified to run with the GM HEI modules wired in externally. Sort of a different set-up entirely kinda like a different induction set-up was used on earlier automatics vs standard transmission optioned cars.

Might be just rumors. I'm still wondering what year distributors will fit the '89 5.0? I'd like to use a simpler pre-1968 point-style with a Pertronix installed, but I heard that the shaft is a different length and firing order is different as well. Sure wish that SBF engines were as universal as SBC engines are.

Apexcarver wrote: In SN-95's the V6 cars have weaker rear ends and smaller brakes all around. Also, if you are thinking about messing with a 3.8 V6 anyways, they pop headgaskets really easily.

FYI, the head gasket problem was fixed for the 3.8 in '99. They also added a split port intake resulting in a 40hp increase.