Looking at buying a Foxbody at the moment. It's a 1993 notchback with a 2.3 and a 5 speed. It has the 5 lug conversion, front Cobra brakes, and the interior is fully restored. I'm stuck on buying this one or saving up for a 5.0 Fox. Would it be easier buying a 5.0 Fox or swapping the 4 cylinder out for a 5.0? Thanks guys.
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- Thread starter FordKyle04
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The short answer is save for the 5.0
The swap from 4cyl to V8 is doable but daunting, you'll be trading nearly all the wiring components and fuel lines, instrument panel from thhe V8 car.
The swap from 4cyl to V8 is doable but daunting, you'll be trading nearly all the wiring components and fuel lines, instrument panel from thhe V8 car.
I'd be bored of a 2.3L in a week.
Honestly, if this 2.3L is in great shape, clean and straight and has some good mods like the 5-lug Cobra brakes, I'd consider it if you are looking for a project.
If you just want a 5.0, it may be cheaper to just save up and buy a 5.0. Chasing down all the odd fittings and wiring will drive you nuts. To do a 5.0 swap easily, you really want a parts car of the same year
Honestly, if this 2.3L is in great shape, clean and straight and has some good mods like the 5-lug Cobra brakes, I'd consider it if you are looking for a project.
If you just want a 5.0, it may be cheaper to just save up and buy a 5.0. Chasing down all the odd fittings and wiring will drive you nuts. To do a 5.0 swap easily, you really want a parts car of the same year
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Thats up to you, there are advantages to owning a 4 cyl, good fuel mileage and cheaper insurance
And a turbo will put you in 5.0 territory with a lighter overall weight and better cornering and it will be a little different than you standard, belly button mustangs.
I'd do the 4 banger/turbo, you already got 5lug/brake upgrade on that one pictured.
And a turbo will put you in 5.0 territory with a lighter overall weight and better cornering and it will be a little different than you standard, belly button mustangs.
I'd do the 4 banger/turbo, you already got 5lug/brake upgrade on that one pictured.
Google folvo..... seriously dual ohc Volvo head on a Ford 2.3l block... add turbo hurt v8 feelings
Boostedpimp
Dirt-Old 20+Year Member
Paint done the right way gets costly quickly if your not in the painting business with access to a booth, spray guns and materials and skill.
Given your situation I would stick it out for a original 5L car because the swap even at it's easiest scenario is still a huge pita especially if you just want to buy and drive.
Given your situation I would stick it out for a original 5L car because the swap even at it's easiest scenario is still a huge pita especially if you just want to buy and drive.
A good paint job is maybe $3-5K or so.
Might be cheaper to just buy a 5.0 with a decent paint job.
I’m currently doing th body work and paint on my own car. It’s easy to think it won’t take much, but if you want it done right it’s gonna be a ton of work. If you don’t do it professionally, it’s gonna be even more work because of the learning curve. Add a costly drivetrain swap and you’ve spent more time and money that you would of just waiting for the right car. If I could do it again I would of waiting for a nice mostly stock car to start with. Unless it’s something rare or you’ve painted a car before I’d avaoid anything that needs paint... unless you don’t care about running down to Maaco
If a 4 cyl Mustang is your thing then go for it. They can be made to go fast. Either a Volvo head or a Ranger head is an upgrade for this engine. There are a lot of very fast turbo 4banger Mustangs out there with an aftermarket that caters to them. Check out Stinger Pimp forum if you don't believe me.
The reality is that regardless of whether it's primer or flat paint, it needs paint, I actually feel bad for people who got caught up in a trendy flat black paint job.
Coupled with a drivetrain swap, that car is only good for someone who wants to tear down the whole thing and start from scratch.
Pass on it.
Coupled with a drivetrain swap, that car is only good for someone who wants to tear down the whole thing and start from scratch.
Pass on it.
