The notchback-bodied Ford Mustang is one of the more desirable configurations of the Fox chassis out there, and combined with a period-correct color like the teal paint this one wears, it’s hard not to see this as a perfect engine swap candidate. The seller also notes that the four-cylinder currently under the hood isn’t running all that well, so it seems like the perfect time to find a cheap 5.0L in good running condition and a 5-speed manual to drop into this otherwise clean and stock coupe. Find the Mustang listed here on eBay with an asking price of $6,900 or best offer.
I always forget there was a four-cylinder option in this era of the Fox body. When you realize how many LXs came with a V8 and those iconic 10-hole alloy wheels, it’s easy to see why you might mistake this for a more powerful specimen. These days, an entry-level Mustang comes with an EcoBoost engine that produces over 300 horsepower, so we have certainly come a long ways. The seller notes there are some paint flaws up close with regards to clearcoat failure, but overall, this notchback looks pretty tidy and is a car you can definitely go into an engine swap knowing you don’t have to touch the paint (for now.)
The interior is a bit tatty in places, but the seller already has an answer for that: he’s going to throw some decent Mustang GT seats, which makes you wonder if he had the same plans we’re discussing here to convert this Mustang to GT specs. When it comes to deciding whether to engage on a project of some substance, you have to consider a range of factors: first, your time – do you have the bandwidth for such a project; and two, is it worth it? The market for Fox bodies is still strong, but not nearly as frothy as it used to be. Would this LX coupe with average paint always be worth about the same, even with an engine swap?
The seller hasn’t done much mechanically with the Mustang, which seemingly confirms he never intended to live with the four banger for long. He did do some heavy lifting, however, including replacing the dash pad, center console pad, headliner, and instrument cluster, none of which is work I’d characterize as trivial. The Fox body Mustang will always be sought after with the right body configuration, condition, and specs, so for me, I suspect there’s still good ROI if you convert this to GT specs, especially if the seller comes down to $5,000 or so. Would you convert this Mustang to V8 power?
Could make it a real sleeper Lavery by keeping it a 4cyl automatic….
By way of the new 2.3T you mentioned. 😲🏁
I agree. My Bronco has the 2.3T – 300HP and 10 speeds – it is far more than adequate. In fact, it makes that vehicle fly. I put on an aftermarket Flowmaster and it actually has a nice growl.
This one SOLD – Best Offer Accepted.
Got to agree with you Stan. You may not even have to go with the eco boost crate engine. There are turbo kits for that 2.3 l engine aplenty. Too bad it wasn’t a stick though.
Everyone likes the notches because they make good drag racers, but the hatchbacks were pretty slick. I bet the 2.3 four by 93 wasn’t all that bad, had FI, even the auto was better then a 3sp one by that time. I wouldn’t mind it at all, just the way it is right now. Someday people will lament on all the standard engined Fox bodies that got engine transplants, just like the slant six E Bodies ended up. I once was at a show with a 225 Challenger there, it drew bigger crowds then the big block ones. Of course, maybe I am just saying this because at my age, only the four cylinder is what I could afford to insure. Is there a way around that?
Insure it the way it is, then do the engine swap.
My guess is that only works until you have an accident, then it gets investigated. You could be on the hook for a whole lot of cash if it all gets canceled for fraud.
I suspect you are right Jeff, this car’s future is likely a V8 transplant. But I like to see the base or “regular” cars of their day; for example, economy cars of the 60’s-80’s… you know, the cars no one kept. This Fox fits that perspective. I’m with Andy, there could come a day when a 4 cylinder automatic Fox will be very rarely seen.
Paint it in the cool Teal, spruce it up, get it running good, and just enjoy it for what it is.
I’m with everyone above about keeping the, or at least, a 4 cylinder in the car. Some pretty impressive power can come from the Lima 4 cylinder and, as noted, modern Ecotechs will spank an 80s vintage 5.0. And you’re not changing the weight distribution of the car.
An 88 5.0 LX was the first car my wife and I bought new and I have a soft spot for them but if I ended up with a 4 cylinder I think I’d be more tempted to build a modern take on the SVO.
Of course, this is idle chatter. Whoever buys it will spend his/her money as they see fit and more power to them.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be swapped, beaten and neglected later in life. I agree with others though, the new owner should keep it a 4….. do the turbo swap. Make an SVO tribute of sorts. Not every 4cyl Mustang needs a backyard engine swap, especially this car. I’ve owned enough Fox bodies (around a dozen/probably 2 dozen Mustangs in total) to know, this is a cool little Fox for what it is. Make the existing drivetrain more fun and keep it a four!
I see 2 upgrades.
– 5pd, you need to shift 4 cylinders to get most out of them.
– Add a turbo, cam or other hop up bits as desired.
Then drive the wheels off it.
Rear wheel drive! Fix it as you go.
As most everybody has said, keep the 4 in place!
I almost went with the manual in the Bronco, but I wanted some options that the Base model did not include.
The 10 speed automatic is more than capable. I keep it in Sport mode and it only upshifts when needed and actually downshifts to keep the revs up before I would. I am very happy with the performance of the 2.3T auto, despite being a manual fan.
SVO sleeper