Our 1984 Mustang L Hatchback (which still needs a project name) has a reasonably new 3.8 liter V6 and after doing a tune up and some other routine maintenance it runs very well.

Now we can either go the typical route and swap the motor for a 5.0 liter or we can do a build-up of the existing V6 to make as much power as a typical 5.0 (225-250 hp).

We're not sure which way to go. On one hand, we want the car to stand out and be different from what everyone else is doing. This is what makes the V6 build up very appealing. However, on the other hand we want the car to be as desirable as possible to all of you. So let us know which way you think we should go and why.

 

if by desirable you mean valuable theen the 3.8 is not the way to go. As cool as building a V6 up is, its not something that appeals to everyone. you'd get a couple crazy fools like us interested and most of the rest of your audience would "meh" and walk away

I'd say the determining factor is how long do you plan on owning this car and what do YOU want to use it for?

 

I had an 84 3.8L V6. You can't polish a txxx.

Well, okay, Mythbusters proved you can, but I'm not sure it would be worth it.

(if by "reasonably new" you mean it's already had an engine swap to a later model 3.8, then it's not so bad)

I hope it's not equipped with the 3-speed automatic. That would really make it a winner.