88 Mustang auto performance

PTM · 11-21-2007, 02:45 AM

Hi everyone, or should I say G'day.

I'll start off by saying I'm in Australia so you understand what I'm on about.

I am thinking of buying an '88 Fox GT 'stang which are very very rare down here. Thing is I was really after a manual but the one I am thinking of buying is an auto.

My question is what sort of performance can I expect from an auto Fox? I have read that the manual will do low to mid 6 second 0-60 but I can't find any figures on the auto. I know what power the 5.0L makes (we have similar 5L Windsors here and they made about 220hp in the early to mid 90s. In fact we used them until 2002 at which point they had 295HP from the factory) and the weight of the car etc but I would prefer some real world numbers.

I currently own a 2005 Ford Falcon (large 4 door sedan) powered by the 295HP 5.4L 3 valve engine out of the F-Series backed up by a 4spd auto, and if the Mustang isn't going to be much quicker I wont bother. As you can expect a Fox Mustang's rarity here has made it more expensive than the same thing in the U.S. so it has to be worth it.

machnjo · 11-21-2007, 11:55 AM

Howdy and welcome. Sorry, I can't personnally give you the numbers your looking for in regards to performance of stock 5.0L fox, but I can tell you, they are an awesome platform to build up from, especially if you do something like the 347 stroker kit. Parts here for foxbodies are cheap and plentiful, not sure what your situation would be as far as that goes. Good luck with the project. Personally, if the body is straight, little rust and the engine is in good shape, I'd jump on it and then look into doing a manual 5 spd conversion if thats what you truly want. Or keep the auto tranny, get like a 3500 rpm stall converter, 150 hp nitrous boost

and hold onto your nuts when you launch it.

Turd Ferguson · 11-21-2007, 10:18 PM

Cool...

1988 Mustangs... Both GTs and LXs were equal from a performance perspective.

The motor is 5.0HO, it has forged internals, and makes 230hp and 315ft*lbs TQ to the fly wheel stock.

If I recall correctly, the auto tranny in that car is an AOD. AKA, garbage. But suitable for stock specs.

Its not very difficult to swap over to manual and drop in a T5. Where I live, I can buy a tranny and everything I need to convert an auto to stick for under 400bucks... Not sure how it is down there...

The GT hatches were slightly heavier then the LX notches... I think a GT hatch is around 2800-2900lbs...

If you want more detailed info... I suggest you check out www.foxbodyforum.com

That website is dedicated to 79-93 mustangs, you will get the most info there then any other website...

PTM · 11-22-2007, 02:41 AM

Thanks guys. I've decided to hang onto my current ride for now and wait until a manual fox body pops up. I might even import one myself...mmm '93 Cobra...

The manual conversion was definitely a consideration. The problem is the only car the T5 came out in over here was the Falcon. And being a large sedan, manuals are few and far between, especially V8 ones. Because of the rarity the necessary parts are about $2000AU and most are quickly snapped up by guys doing conversions to their '90s model Falcons. They did use a 5spd for the first couple of years of the current model but it was designed to suit the 5.4L modular V8. They now run a 6sp, which I believe is the same box as GM use only with different ratios.

In the meantime I will check out that link Turd Ferguson.

11-21-2007, 02:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
PTM Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2	88 Mustang auto performance Hi everyone, or should I say G'day. I'll start off by saying I'm in Australia so you understand what I'm on about. I am thinking of buying an '88 Fox GT 'stang which are very very rare down here. Thing is I was really after a manual but the one I am thinking of buying is an auto. My question is what sort of performance can I expect from an auto Fox? I have read that the manual will do low to mid 6 second 0-60 but I can't find any figures on the auto. I know what power the 5.0L makes (we have similar 5L Windsors here and they made about 220hp in the early to mid 90s. In fact we used them until 2002 at which point they had 295HP from the factory) and the weight of the car etc but I would prefer some real world numbers. I currently own a 2005 Ford Falcon (large 4 door sedan) powered by the 295HP 5.4L 3 valve engine out of the F-Series backed up by a 4spd auto, and if the Mustang isn't going to be much quicker I wont bother. As you can expect a Fox Mustang's rarity here has made it more expensive than the same thing in the U.S. so it has to be worth it.

11-21-2007, 11:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
machnjo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,086	Howdy and welcome. Sorry, I can't personnally give you the numbers your looking for in regards to performance of stock 5.0L fox, but I can tell you, they are an awesome platform to build up from, especially if you do something like the 347 stroker kit. Parts here for foxbodies are cheap and plentiful, not sure what your situation would be as far as that goes. Good luck with the project. Personally, if the body is straight, little rust and the engine is in good shape, I'd jump on it and then look into doing a manual 5 spd conversion if thats what you truly want. Or keep the auto tranny, get like a 3500 rpm stall converter, 150 hp nitrous boost and hold onto your nuts when you launch it. __________________ 2004 Screaming Yellow Mach 1 (5spd) 2002 Mineral Grey GT (auto, DD) http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2534038/1 Sig courtesy of wnracing

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11-21-2007, 10:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Turd Ferguson Kicked Manbearpig's ASS! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Jackson NJ Posts: 162	Cool... 1988 Mustangs... Both GTs and LXs were equal from a performance perspective. The motor is 5.0HO, it has forged internals, and makes 230hp and 315ft*lbs TQ to the fly wheel stock. If I recall correctly, the auto tranny in that car is an AOD. AKA, garbage. But suitable for stock specs. Its not very difficult to swap over to manual and drop in a T5. Where I live, I can buy a tranny and everything I need to convert an auto to stick for under 400bucks... Not sure how it is down there... The GT hatches were slightly heavier then the LX notches... I think a GT hatch is around 2800-2900lbs... If you want more detailed info... I suggest you check out www.foxbodyforum.com That website is dedicated to 79-93 mustangs, you will get the most info there then any other website...

11-22-2007, 02:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
PTM Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2	Thanks guys. I've decided to hang onto my current ride for now and wait until a manual fox body pops up. I might even import one myself...mmm '93 Cobra... The manual conversion was definitely a consideration. The problem is the only car the T5 came out in over here was the Falcon. And being a large sedan, manuals are few and far between, especially V8 ones. Because of the rarity the necessary parts are about $2000AU and most are quickly snapped up by guys doing conversions to their '90s model Falcons. They did use a 5spd for the first couple of years of the current model but it was designed to suit the 5.4L modular V8. They now run a 6sp, which I believe is the same box as GM use only with different ratios. In the meantime I will check out that link Turd Ferguson.