ok, i've got a choice of either a paint job along with a few other cosmetic improvements or i can get $3000 to spend on performance parts, what do ya'll think would be the better choice and if you think i should get the parts feel free to list some good part combinations. the car is stock except for the cats being removed and some flowmaster 50s

 

hmm you can get a lot of go fast goodies for $3K. A conversion to MAF would be a good start, and maybe top it off with a full on top end kit from edelbrock ot trickflow. If there'es enough left after that, beef up the drivetrain and maybe some exhaust too.

 

With an 86, you need to look at brakes and suspension first.

 

+1 to that.

If you can't stop and handle, putting "go fast parts" or "cosmetics" on can cause other issues: like broken bumpers (talk about expensive, price one lately?), bent fenders, and broken limbs when you can stop worth a darn on 21 year old brake setups.
Also ask yourself "what do I want to do with this car?" Run 9's at the strip? Or, have a safe daily driver (mixed with some weekend romping)?

 

hmm.. take that 3000 and invest in a apenny stock... and once the penny stock goes to 2 cents then sell and you will have $6000 to fix both body and engine.

....if only it were that easy. pics of said car?




man i answered that in my head before even getting to the other choice.


Run 9's at the strip!

 

with me being a high school senior getting ready to go start college next year so it would be a daily driver but also have some fun on the weekend, but i'm thinking about just puting the money in a savings acount and wait until i'm done with college so i don't have to worry as much about any thing hapening to the car right after sinking a good amount of cash into it

 

Oh My 9 sec answer didn't mean it was a track only car. I would daily drive my 9 sec mustang if i had one.

 

I second doing the suspension first, it will make the car feel stiffer and better all around and you can lower your ET without adding any power. If you make a lot of power before you do the suspension you'll be thrashing those 21 year old rubber bushings around and they won't like that for long.

Like Ralph said brakes should be on your list, good brakes cost a lot of money (look up the Baer kit!), but if you do something like swap for SN-95 spindles you could get good modern brakes for a decent price. Then you need 5 lug wheels too...

get subframe connectors, now!

 

+ 1 on suspension and chassis - good to have a "solid foundation" to build on in the future.