Looking for info

[Firewolf]

Okay.... I've got two mustangs at this point. One of which is a 96 3.8 v6. Useless as far as trying to get a lot out of it. I've done minor bolt ons to it to make it sound and feel better, and look better under the hood.

What I need info on, is my 83 5.0 v8. It's in a little rough condition, interior wise, the body isn't finished, but can be quickly. But as far as it goes, the car is older than I am.... I basically just need a general lay out of what major differences there are between my current car and this one... I have looked about for upgraded performance parts but have found few that claim fittings to the 83 model, most start at 86....Just concerned this may prove to be a problem. If anyone knows a good place for parts for that particular year bracket 83+ and/or have suggestions on what to work on first I'd be glad to hear them. Thanks much

[chris r]

The only differance between a 83 and 86 and on is that 86 and up are injected most parts you find for a 86 will work on a 83 unless it has to do with the fuel. The first things I would work on is heads, cam and intake. Some headers and exhaust would be great to.

[Firewolf]

Ah, I see. Isn't it possible to alter the car from Carb to Injected? And if so how complicated is it? And another thing....rebuild the engine right away or...?

[SpectorV]

you can without a doubt change your 83 motor to a fuel injected motor, it isnt that hard, its just kinda expensive.

The 3.8L can push 250rwhp or so if you stroke it and bulid it (4.2L) but thats N/A about the limit.

[Firewolf]

Turns out the kid who owned it before me just spent 500$ under the hood before he traded it to the fellow I'm buying it from. Brand new carb and a few other things

[Otlaw80]

The joy of a pre-86 mustang I used to have the same issues with my 79. But if you look at it in a different way. Almost every single part made for a SB ford from the late 60's and up will fit your engine. The few things you have to watch for when buying parts are the headers, oil pan, motor mounts, and maybe a couple other small things. As i believe there are differences between pre-86 and 86+. Heads/cam/intake are great starting points for you. The early 80's 302's were pooches for the most part. Though you can squeak out sufficient power with the stock heads if you do a port and polish job. Cam and intake are fairly cheap.

[silverstangboy]

I'd stay carb'd, look into the basics first, exhaust, gears, pullies.

study the moves twice and spend the money once.

[Firewolf]

Sounds good to me. The kid just bought a brand new carb for it before he traded it, no need to go and change it now.