Hey everyone. I had a thread like this over in another section of the forum, but I'm pretty sure it's in the wrong place.

Basically, I'm getting my first car in the near future, and am looking heavily at 5.0 Fox Mustangs. Are there any little oddities or common problems with these? I know the insurance and gas won't be very good to my pocket, but I really don't want annoying little issues popping up all the time.

 

Heater cores are notorious for failure and they are a lot of work to replace for an inexpensive part but there are lots of guides on the internet to help you do it yourself.

Alternators are weak; about 75 amps max, this isn't a problem until you add a thumping stereo or especially an electric fan then it becomes a big problem, but a 3G alternator upgrade is fairly cheap and easy.

What are your plans for the car? All-out race or a quick street car or just a low and slow cruiser? The tranny and stock suspension will be weak points if you start drag racing. These cars are very loose from the factory and benefit greatly from chassis stiffening; 150 bucks for good subframe connectors and 130 for a strut tower brace and you'll really stiffen the car up and make it feel and drive better.

I can't think of any other notorious things that will need addressed so maybe someone else will chime in. Don't believe all the environmentalist BS- not all V8s are gas hogs. I just got about 23mpg driving down to Harrisburg and back for CJ Pony Parts Customer Appreciation Day while traveling 60mph down and 70mph back up with the AC off and the windows open and WITH 3.73s! A tuned up engine with some high-output ignition stuff helps. Good luck with your car search.

 

I know a V8 can return decent mileage if you keep your foot out of it. My dad often got 23 or so mpg in his '67 Cougar with an auto and 302.

My plans for the car are pretty minimal really. After hearing what the sound system in it sounds like, I may or may not upgrade it. The only real plans are some LOUD Flowmasters, and maybe a K&N Cold Air Intake. Just minor stuff.

I just need it to be a cool, reliable DD with *****. Maybe after I get my second car I can turn the 'Stang into something else, but there's too many variables right now and in the future as to whether or not that will happen.

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About that heater core, that really shouldn't affect me too much, living in Florida and all. Just need enough to make sure the windows don't get foggy on the occasional night, so as long as it works, there shouldn't be too much in the ways of problems there.