I'm looking at getting a '94 to '98 GT or Cobra. I really don't have a preference on which year although I like the horizontal taillights of the 94/5's better. The question I've got is what is everyone's preference between the 5.0 and 4.6. The 5.0 would likely have better torque and be cheaper to upgrade. I'm already intimately familiar with the 289/302 motor but the 4.6 is the newer technology. Any thoughts?

 

The 5.0 will be much easier to modify, and cheaper. More under-hood space to work with too. Still, if you're going Cobra, get the 96-98. GT, get the 94-95.

 

302

The 5.0 is smaller than the 4.6, parts will be way cheaper, and the beefy low end torque is your friend. Plus, you said you're familiar with the way they work.

 

Go with the 5.0 for all the above reasons. I prefer the look of the 94-95 myself.

 

Just to play devils advocate here, aside from the engine choices, I've always felt that it is best to buy as new a car with as few miles as possible.

There is a 4 year difference between a 94 and a 98 (captin obvious eh?). One is also going to be 10 years old and one will be 6 years old. What's the point of modding a 5L if the car is not going to be around.

Anyway, just my $0.02.

 

So you guys are saying the 4.6 is larger than the 5.0? That's one thing I always liked about the 289/302, it being relatively small and lightweight. I've swapped them in cars to replace 4 and 6 cyl engines (240Z and TR7) and it doesn't affect the weight distribution and handling or overload the front springs.

I think I'll go with a 5.0 unless I can score a Cobra for a decent price (thanks Kotzenjunge for the good advice).

Dan, what's wrong with cars over 10 years old? I live in Arizona where the cars last forever if you take car of them. And quite a few of the ads I've seen for 94-98s have mileage from 45-75k. Not too bad really. Besides I really like old cars.

 

Old models are the better of them... "They don't make em like they used to!"

 

Well someones gotta take the modular side around here....well, it all depends on what you got to spend. Stock for stock the 4.6 is more efficient and better tuned, not to mention faster than a 5.0. And if you're looking for a quick solution to speed which is usually the trend these days, then slap a charger on it and call it a day. Of course the parts for the 5.0 are going to be cheaper as it has been around for quite a while now, but it seems that you either get a decent one or a slug. I believe the future is the 4.6 and other modular variants but in the end it all comes down to your personal preference.

 

ill take the mod side also. since i currently own one of each. i wish i could get the gas mileage in my 92 like in my 04 when i run them hard. and the 04 feels just as quick. parts for the 4.6 are more expensive. but for the amount you spend in a nice package like from holley for the 5.0 you can get a blower for the 4.6 and be just as quick maybe even quicker if you can go up to a 99. and then you can lift the hood and show off your blower.

 

Right on LoL

 

Not to offend any 5.0 owners (it's all in the family) but back home in San Antonio, all of the 5.0 drivers were arrogant jerks. I'd ask what they got and they'd say like 400+ at the wheels and I'd say well a 302 with a 500 shot of nitrous will do that.

 

This was discussed awhile back.

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=1649

 

Ahh, I missed that one. Thanks. I did do a search before I started a new thread but it wouldn't take a search of less than 4 characters. ( I tried 5.0, 4.6 among other things.)

All good info.