Lotsa 94-98 V6 Questions

[StangGrrLy]

Hey guys! I am kinda new to this section seeing as I currently drive a 93 4 cyl. Mustang.....but it's starting to cost me more than it's worth to keep it on the road, so I'm thinking about selling it in the near future. I love it to death, but I'm itching to get into something a little newer. I likely won't be able to afford a GT and I like the thought of better gas mileage (I am a broke university kid ) so I'm looking into getting a 94-98 V6.

Even though I am a hard-core fox body lover, I'm a big fan of the look of these cars too. My bf has a 96 GT so I am kinda familiar with some basics about the newer body style GT's, but when it comes to the V6's, I'm pretty much clueless. I'm leaning towards a 96 or newer (hopefully standard), but it totally depends what I can find around here.

Can you guys enlighten me about any of the following?

- Any weird problems I should look out for with certain years
- The differences between the years guts-wise (like engine, tranny, suspension, what's the best stuff to look for)
- Links to pages with all the colours/rims/options packages available
- What are some of the first things I would want to mod (I'm thinking exhaust, minor engine stuff, what are the little things that most people do to their V6's?)
- What are the HP/TQ ratings for the different years?

Thanks in advance guys, if I think of anything else, I'll post it up!

 

[peyotesands]

so I'm looking into getting a 94-98 V6.

Can you guys enlighten me about any of the following?

- Any weird problems I should look out for with certain years
- The differences between the years guts-wise (like engine, tranny, suspension, what's the best stuff to look for)
- Links to pages with all the colours/rims/options packages available
- What are some of the first things I would want to mod (I'm thinking exhaust, minor engine stuff, what are the little things that most people do to their V6's?)
- What are the HP/TQ ratings for the different years?

Thanks in advance guys, if I think of anything else, I'll post it up!

If you like any kind of performance then avoid getting any Mustang with a automatic tranny. It's a dog. There's about a 40HP difference between the 99+ v6s(190hp) and the pre 99s(150). Torque is about the same, I think. I'm too lazy to do search right now. 8)

Generally speaking, when I first bought my v6 I replaced the exhaust with true duals (flowmasters), but it sounded gay as hell until I installed a CAI (cold air intake). That gave it a nice little growl. So if you're going to get duals then get the CAI first. The next and probably last thing I'm going to do to my Mustang mechanically is change the rear end gears. After that I'm going to do some visual alteratioins, like a carbon fiber hood and backseat delete... I need to get a mach 1 chin spoiler... i saw one in a catalog for $70.oo... Ok, now i'm just blabbing ... 8)

 

[GREENBIOCH]

94 to 95 had headgasket problems but most are/were fixed under recall or warrenty, so if you go with those years make sure you get that checked. You said you were thinking 96+ so that is a good start.

HP is 145 up to 96/97(can't remember)?? and 150HP after due to better stock headers. I would definately try for a 5 speed as said before the auto is a dog, but you can pep it up with a shift kit and gears, obviously. Trq is around 215.

If you go with a 96 to 98 model they are pretty tough and can take some abuse so any of those years I'm sure you will be happy.

first mods would inc CAI, UD Pulleys*, Dual Exhaust, Gears/tlok*, Short throw shifter, those are few to get you started. The two I starred(*) are your best bang for the buck.

 

[StangGrrLy]

Thanks guys!

I most likely won't be getting a 95 or 95 just because the car I have now is already a 93, and I want to go as new as I can possibly afford. I would consider a 94-95 only if I happened to find one that was in awesome shape with low mileage, etc. I'm also really leaning towards a standard, because I drive an auto now and I am getting sick of it. I suck at driving standard, but hey, ya learn right?

Basically what I really am curious about it what would be the difference between a 96 GT and a 96 V6? I know my bf's 96 GT almost inside out, so I guess knowing the differences would help me out. I know the exterior and interior are almost exactly the same, but how about the suspension and brakes?

 

[StangGrrLy]

One more question, what am I looking at for gas mileage?

 

[GREENBIOCH]

Well the GT has two more cylinders ...seriously though I'm not too sure about the exact differences, I think the suspesion on the GT has a rear sway bar and we don't? I could be wrong on that though, and as far as brakes I htink they are the same?? someone else could probably do a better job at a comparison of the two then me.

Gas mileage is about 18 to 23 MPG on avg.

 

[Sally00V6]

well i don't know about those years but i know my 00' is basically the same as a v8 in almost every way except i lost 2 cylinders somewhere. i'm told suspension, tranny brakes and most else are all the same. in fact i think the gears are the same too. the gt just has those 2 cylinders. oh and i would like to say you are my dream girl.

 

[pinski]

Thanks guys!

I most likely won't be getting a 95 or 95 just because the car I have now is already a 93, and I want to go as new as I can possibly afford. I would consider a 94-95 only if I happened to find one that was in awesome shape with low mileage, etc. I'm also really leaning towards a standard, because I drive an auto now and I am getting sick of it. I suck at driving standard, but hey, ya learn right?

Driving a stick is a piece of cake, especially in a six-cylinder Mustang, and I'm sure you'll pick it up no problem! I went from five-speed to automatic because I'm lazy (and I got a great deal on the car )

Basically what I really am curious about it what would be the difference between a 96 GT and a 96 V6? I know my bf's 96 GT almost inside out, so I guess knowing the differences would help me out. I know the exterior and interior are almost exactly the same, but how about the suspension and brakes?

Like GREENBIOCH said, two cylinders for starters . The suspension is a different set-up, GTs have better shocks and struts, beefed up swaybars and anti-roll bars, etc. I don't know for certain, but I'll bet the UCAs and LCAs are the same on both. I'm not sure on the brakes, so I won't comment there. The GT will also have a beefed up rear end, but I don't know about the gearing...I know *most* GTs of that vintage came with 2.73 gears, so maybe someone else here can say what the V6's come with.

I would recommend going with a 99+ V6...you'll get the newer bodystyle (if you like it) and 40 extra horsepower! These can be had relatively inexpensively as well, I've seen some advertised for around $6k here.

 

[GREENBIOCH]

The gears are 2.73's in the 6 as well for 94 to 98, and 3.23's in the 99+. Driving stick is easy weather its in a 6 or an 8 Although if your driving an 8 with a stick there is the special button you have to press while shifting so it makes it that much harder and hence why they don't go much faster than the 6 because it takes them much more time to shift. They are special.

The rear end is a 7.5" as opposed to the much superior 8.8" rear of the GT.

 

[marvinmycat]

As far as the 98 Mustang is concerned, you can run into problems trying to find certain exhausts and other suspension component upgrades. Apparently Ford changed some things under the car in 98 as opposed to all the other years. Also, there is no rear sway bar in the 98's.

I would be mostly concerned with the condition of the body and engine. Try to get a lower milage car from a saltless state!

Go here for pricing, trim, and specs....

http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/compare.aspx?src=URES

Go to the Custom Compare section at the top.

First mods should be, exhaust, CAI, U/D pulleys, gears/T-lok, possibly lowering kit.

 

[pinski]

Driving stick is easy weather its in a 6 or an 8 Although if your driving an 8 with a stick there is the special button you have to press while shifting so it makes it that much harder and hence why they don't go much faster than the 6 because it takes them much more time to shift. They are special.

Cars with less motor typically have lighter clutches and are easier to modulate, therefore making them easier to drive and learn on

 

[GREENBIOCH]

Cars with less motor typically have lighter clutches and are easier to modulate, therefore making them easier to drive and learn on

I've never found that to be the case, but I guess if you say so. I do find it different on every car(clutch feel) but I never really notciced a diff because of motor size. But it makes sense so you're probably right, never really thought about it.

 

[Ghostalker]

... I need to get a mach 1 chin spoiler... i saw one in a catalog for $70.oo...

much better price here
http://www.mustangtuning.com/ma1chsp.html
$57.99 with free shipping!
Also, they have the 94-98 chin spoiler for the same price.

 

[rvlyssup]

As far as the 98 Mustang is concerned, you can run into problems trying to find certain exhausts and other suspension component upgrades. Apparently Ford changed some things under the car in 98 as opposed to all the other years. Also, there is no rear sway bar in the 98's.

I agree on the swaybar only...ervithing else mentioned above is the same.

 

[marvinmycat]

I agree on the swaybar only...ervithing else mentioned above is the same.

Then explain to me why MAC offers a cat-back exhaust for the 98 year only, and long tube headers are offered for the 98 year only as well?

 

[GREENBIOCH]

Then explain to me why MAC offers a cat-back exhaust for the 98 year only, and long tube headers are offered for the 98 year only as well?

EGR placement is different, but if deleted your ok from my understanding, I know your response is to rvwhatshisname, but your right about the exhaust.

I concur my good man!

 

[marvinmycat]

EGR placement is different, but if deleted your ok from my understanding, I know your response is to rvwhatshisname, but your right about the exhaust.

I concur my good man!

As well as some full length subframes for 98 convertibles. Thanks for the info tho!

 

[Silentst2000]

94 to 95 had headgasket problems but most are/were fixed under recall or warrenty, so if you go with those years make sure you get that checked. You said you were thinking 96+ so that is a good start.

HP is 145 up to 96/97(can't remember)?? and 150HP after due to better stock headers. I would definately try for a 5 speed as said before the auto is a dog, but you can pep it up with a shift kit and gears, obviously. Trq is around 215.

If you go with a 96 to 98 model they are pretty tough and can take some abuse so any of those years I'm sure you will be happy.

first mods would inc CAI, UD Pulleys*, Dual Exhaust, Gears/tlok*, Short throw shifter, those are few to get you started. The two I starred(*) are your best bang for the buck.

I thought the early 96's had the headgasket problem as well??

Ok msn auto is staying the 96 has it as well.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/reliability.aspx?modelid=1101

 

[ElecBlu]

Driving a stick is a piece of cake, especially in a six-cylinder Mustang, and I'm sure you'll pick it up no problem! I went from five-speed to automatic because I'm lazy (and I got a great deal on the car )
QUOTE]
I have a question about driving my 98 standard v6 long distance. We are driving it home to Arkansas from NY after our trip up here. I wanted to know what rpms are okay to drive long periods of time at? We are trying to keep the speed around 60/65 mph as to not exceed 2000 rpms. But most of these highways are 75 mph... We also don't want to break down or blow anything up.