I just recently bought a 1988 5.0 5 speed mustang. The only thing that I can't figure out though is why it would have a gauge cluster for a 2.3l unless it was converted from a 2.3 to a 5.0. Anyway I was wondering if there was a way to tell if it had been converted (differences in vin numbers or any differences in the engine bay or underbody, etc.).

88GT_03V6

Why do you think it is a 2.3 cluster?

Put your Vin in on this page, and it should give you the original engine type

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/626.shtml

If the 8th digit in the vin is an "E" then its a true V8. If the 8th digit is "A" then it is a swap.

I am thinking that it used to be a 2.3 because the speedometer only goes up to 80mph, and in every other 5.0 mustang that I have been in and read about it goes up to 140. In that web site nothing happens when I press decode even if I wait awhile. And the eighth digit of my vin number is neither an E or an A.

88GT_03V6

Never mind guys sorry, I read the VIN number wrong the first time. It is a original 5.0. Thanks for your help.

88GT_01V6

My old 1984 GT350 5.0 had an 85mph gauge.. It didnt bother me, because I knew I was already in trouble once the needle got burried past 85mph.. So I thought, who cares how fast I'm going, if I get caught, mom's is takin the keys! I was 16 years old when I had my 1984 5.0..

Man, you made me think of some good times man.. Thanks!! :nice:

I never thought I would ever miss highschool.. But as I look back, and remember my first Stang, it truley is heart breaking! :D

i'm told some late production '89s had the 140mph speedo but before then they were 85mph and in '90-93 all 5.0's got the 140mph unit

:nice: he's right! they started using the 140mph cluster in 89

Thanks guys I never knew that. I ran the VIN though and it is a true 5.0, but I learned something new.

88GT_03V6