John GT

Which model should I focus on?

I drove a '98 that I liked, but the clutch was real tight and it didn't shift smoothly. Does that sound like it needs a new clutch?

Evil_Capri

Do you want a 5.0 or a 4.6? Once that decision is made the decision should be easy . . . .

harristotle

^ What he said. 94-95 you get vertical taillights and a pushrod 5.0. 96-98 horizontal taillights and 2 valve 4.6. I would personally recommend going to Cobra route. My buddy had a 5.0 Cobra that was a blast, and I've got a 4.6 Cobra that I absolutely love.

GTJOHN

Like the previous posters have said, you have the 5.0 or the 4.6. The Cobra is another option.
I've been looking for a GT convertible for my wife, and I too have been looking at GT's from 94-98. I prefer 98. Some of these older GT's are pretty ragged out, so I've been seeing better quality with the newer cars - 97 & 98. All these cars(including the Cobra's) are pretty affordable.

Yes, it sounds like a bad clutch.

eliyarbrough

Uh, that's backwards. Right? The 94-95's have horizontal & the 96-98 have vertical.

Poco

I got very lucky and found my 98GT for $2500.00 a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty much optioned out. And it had never been modified. Since I found it I've added a set of factory bullitts,K&N drop-in and a pair of chambered mufflers.
I ordered a set of Bilsteins,Steeda lowring springs for the GT and due to selling a builder 70' Chevelle SS I'm looking at purchasing a 96-98'Cobra.

Good luck and happy hunting!

mustangGT90210

Just be aware the clutch will be heavy! Besides that, I'd buy a '94 or '95 for the 5.0. It'll respond better to mods on a very small budget. The 4.6 can be made faster, but it costs more

harristotle

Yup lol, must have been asleep when I wrote that...

John GT

Thanks, I want something that is bone stock.

DynamicmustangGT

Go 5.0 but swap for 96-98 taillights

97GT03SVT

If you do not plan to modify your car than I would suggest a Cobra. The Cobra has a nice blend of looks and performance that is factory reliable and fun to drive. The 96-98 Cobra are by far the best of the breed here. If you are patient you can probably find a nice low mile Cobra, it seems that there are quite a few people who don't drive them as they would a GT.

The 4.6 4V is a great motor that still performs well by today's standards. I feel if you get a GT that is stock you may be a little underwhelmed by it's power output. The biggest reason why I purchased my 2003 is because I knew it was not cost effective to modify my 1997 GT. Just something to think about, my friend's V6 Honda Accord is as fast as my 97 GT.

mustangGT90210

It doesn't sound as good though!

John GT

Thanks for all the advice.

Today I bought a very clean '96 automatic GT white vert with a black top with 59K miles. We should get the paperwork signed in a couple of days after the owner returns from a business trip.

I'm very pleased.

Evil_Capri

Congratulations, John!

StangMahn

congrats!

Poco

NIce! Low miles and a vert! Congrats!

mustangGT90210

John GT

Thanks. I put about 75 miles on it yesterday test driving it. I even drove it to my mechanic and he checked it out, drove it with his gauges on it, and he was pleased with it too.

It's stock except for flowmasters and a BBK intake. I think there are 4 different settings on the intake. I'll have to figure it out once I get it home. I wish it was bone stock, but it is a sweet ride. I'm thinking about removing the BBK, but I'm not sure. I really would like to keep the engine totally stock. I can live with the flowmasters.

I can't wait to get it on Friday or Saturday.

BTW, we have a 2011 candy apple red V6 on order for my wife's daily driver. It should be here in about 2 weeks.

mustangGT90210

Flows on those cars are awesome, don't go back to stock on that! The intake I can understand

tom_vilsack

Congrats! nice find with them low miles...bbk intake should be ok (did he/she happen to keep stock one?)

looking forward to some pics....