[Bandithh]

Hey everybody,
My old man and I are planning on getting a Mustang this spring and aren't wealthy enough to buy a new one. The question that I have is what are the best year models to go with from 1995-2001. I know that from 95-98 they are pretty much the same except the 95 had the 302, and 99 and up had the PI 281. Other than the engine and body differences were there other things to look for when we try to figure out what we want. Obviously we want a GT with a standard transmission. Thanks for all the help.

Matt

[Flintstone]

It depends what you want. Which body style do you prefer. You can have a 5.0 (94/95) or a 4.6 (96-98) in the same body style but you start with less than if you go with a 99+ 4.6. If you want a 96-98 4.6 I believe the 98 was the best year (powerwise) The 94-95's are the last 5.0's and have a larger aftermarket than the 4.6 but you need to spend some cash just to keep up with the 99+ cars. If you go the 96-98 route you get the 4.6 but you may want to price in the cost of a PI swap/upgrade.

As the cars get newer the brakes are a little better, the suspension is a little better. etc, etc. However one year can be made to run with any other year depending on your cash flow.

I believe they started using a tremec transmission in 99 replacing the T5 in earlier GT's (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

They all use the same 8.8 differential. Parts are somewhat cheaper for the 5.0 and for the most part easier to install IMO.

[GTRaptor]

Flint is right, 95 5.0s have an easier to work engine and parts are cheaper

99-2001 have a power advantage, you will need at least headers, heads and intake to make a 95 5.0 smoke a 99-2001.

The 95 uses a T5 trans, 96-2001s use a T45 , later models use a T3650 (all are tremecs, since they bought borg-warner, the original fabricator of the T5)

Suspensions are practically the same, brakes are better on the 99-2001s with dual piston alum calipers)

I will "pass" on the 96-98s, those were the first 4.6s and some had its problems and recalls.

If i were to choose based on body style the 95s are nicer in my opinion, if based on engine performance the 99-2001s

[Fordgazm]

Originally Posted by GTRaptor

I will "pass" on the 96-98s, those were the first 4.6s and some had its problems and recalls.

If i were to choose based on body style the 95s are nicer in my opinion, if based on engine performance the 99-2001s

Could'nt have said that better myself . Rob , you have excellent taste

[Fiat Freak]

Gotta pick your body style first....it's the one thing that won't change without tremendous effort. Speed and power can be tricked into (or out of) any body style, and any engine. Only YOU can say which body YOU like best.

Every one of your picks listed have their good and bad points. And, even the '05 won't be completely immune to recalls.

Look for the best overall package in your price range (be reasonable). Remember, the more you spend in start up costs, the less you have for mods. The less you spend in start up costs, potentially the more you're gonna need to spend to make it motate safely.

Remember, we want you around the day after tomorrow. So, if you give it the go, make sure the brakes are there to stop you at the end of the track. If the brakes are bad, PARK IT until they're fixed !

[stang99svt]

id say go with a late model vehicle 99-04, you can find some used ones on autotrader for 4K and in good condition. From there you can outline the performance products you want to install from there.