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!!

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

 

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

 

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