Hey everyone, I'm new here, please help a girl out with some advice! Sell or restore?

I miss my 2003 GT. Really want to pick up another one (convertible) at some point when the Fox build is done. I want a stock cruiser with V8 rumble

I've been hanging onto mine for so long my neighbors are over it haha. I'm looking at an 02 convertible gt tomorrow and hopefully will buy it if all goes well! I'm going to take them both to a shop near me and have the exhaust taken off the broken pony and put onto the new one. So excited! I miss the rumble too!!
 
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Hey, greetings from someone who just spent A LOT of time trying to find a clean new edge convertible...(its tough!) in socal (i'm in San Diego). With that said, based on everything you mention, I think it's worth moving on from that car unfortunately...
 
Seriously, thank you everyone for all the great advice and knowledge! I have another question, I really, really loved the way my old Mustang sounded....when I had it up on the lift I remember seeing Spintech on the exhaust. So my old Mustang is a 2001 gt automatic. New car I want to buy is a 2002 gt stick. If I take this to a shop can they take the exhaust system off of my old car and install it on the new one? I'm wondering if I'm on the right track to get that loud rumble back. One mechanic I spoke with told me around $600 to do that. Does that seem right? Oh and the old car has no keys, and I really didn't want to pay $250 for a replacement. Is that going to be a problem for the shop getting the car up on a lift?

Thank you!
 
Hey, greetings from someone who just spent A LOT of time trying to find a clean new edge convertible...(its tough!) in socal (i'm in San Diego). With that said, based on everything you mention, I think it's worth moving on from that car unfortunately...

Thank you yes, I feel like they are hard to find out here. Well, not ones that have 150k+ miles on it. Everyone around here in Orange County has V6s that they have put GT badges on, poorly replace side scoops and hood scoops...they just look terrible. Hope you were able to find your pony!
 
In my area there are "Park and Ride" locations for people who car pool. I have seen a lot of vehicles sat there for 24 hour periods on and off with signs in them and they move fast. You know your area and where it would be "Safe: to set it for a few hours to get visibility. Plus, put that sign in it while getting groceries and such. All Parking Lots are Car Lots!!!
 
In my area there are "Park and Ride" locations for people who car pool. I have seen a lot of vehicles sat there for 24 hour periods on and off with signs in them and they move fast. You know your area and where it would be "Safe: to set it for a few hours to get visibility. Plus, put that sign in it while getting groceries and such. All Parking Lots are Car Lots!!!

Hmmm, I'll check it out for sure! I'm hoping someone close to where it's parked buys it!
 
Im not sure of this but Spintech mufflers are expensive. you may want to save those because Mustang parts cover many years. I never had them but guys on here swear they are the best sounding muffler You do like the sound of a nice Mustang
 
Im not sure of this but Spintech mufflers are expensive. you may want to save those because Mustang parts cover many years. I never had them but guys on here swear they are the best sounding muffler You do like the sound of a nice Mustang

Okay, that's my plan so far. Tow the busted Mustang to a muffler shop and drive the new Mustang there and have them install the old Spintech exhaust! I looked the cost up when I first got the car in 08 and I saw anywhere from $1500-$2500 for the system? And YES, the stock sound is nice but I need a little more rumble!
 
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OMG you guys. The guy with that Mustang sold it from underneath me. Got the cash and contacted him just to be told that he already sold it. Long story short, my older sister overdosed about 2 weeks later in Michigan so I flew to CHicago and drove there. Just got back home! But!! I rented, don't hate me, a 2019 Mustang Ecoboost. I had SO MUCH FUN (in the car). It was responsive and everyone was staring at me haha. It didn't sound anything like a V8 which is something I don't want to live without! But has anyone driven one here? What did you think about it?
 
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My neighbor has a 2016 one that I have driven and rode in. Its fast but doesn't seem relaxed about it like a v8. Great mileage but(it might be me)it didn't sound happy at the limit. The less weight is nice for handling too. I am so damn biased on v8 normally aspirated engines, probably weening on them and owning one most of my life, that I am set in my ways. The way cars are going though if I live long enough I am have to buy a v8 recording . I had a bad experience with a Turbo 2.3 in a Mercury Capri too. Still that Ecoboost will smoke my '02 GT but I can still rev it up next to him with my Dynomax Mufflers.
 
On the one hand, it sounds like you're going to have more in reapir than buying another one. On the other hand, it sounds like you have a sentimental attachment. Only you can answer the question as to if the sentimental value is worth the cost of the needed repairs.
From the sounds of things, I think you have a build project on your hands. That said, you know, if you go ahead with the repairs, you know you don't have to put another 4.6 in it, right? You may have to weld in new engine mounts and change or even delete the computer, but you could put a 351 Cleveland in it, or a Boss 302, they sky is the limit. Then back that with whatever transmission you want. A build project is an opportunity to make something unique. And not just in the engine bay, but body and interior as well. Do you homework/research and go nuts with it!!!
But, if it's eat'n tires, I'd say it needs to go back on the frame straightener before you do anything else.