[Kevmustang83]

Hey. I've got a 1983 GLX v6. Im trying to figure out the best way to add power and keep a good budget. So far I cant think of anything. What would you guys recommend to add hp? I dont have a budget it'll be a long term goal to save up money for the parts but im trying not to go over 2000ish.
Thanks,
Kevin

[b1lk1]

In your case it only makes sense to install a V8. Normally I would never recommend this swap to people with newer 1997+ cars, but the older V6 in the 80's cars are quite low on power and it would take far more money to make the V6 stronger than installing a V8.

If I were you, I'd be looking for a 351W and transmission. You will eventually need to upgrade the rear end, but as long as you used some common sense you'd be OK for the short term. Also, look for a wrecked GT around the same year as your car as I would dare say you could find a complete car with every part you need to do the conversion for under $1000. You should also consider swapping in the drivetrain from an 80's T-Bird Turbo Coupe or even a newer supercharged Super Coupe. You would only be limited by your resources as to which way to go since using a carbed V8 would most likely be the cheapest and easiest route.

Again, I would not normally advise a swap like this but it is the only logical way to go if you want performance.

[Kevmustang83]

I agree with you on the 80's cars having low power. I pretty sure mine has 112 stock =/. Truthfully I don't think dropping in a v8 would help me since my insurance is pretty high as it is. and i think my income would drop a lot from just insurance. Would it make sense to put in a newer v6 with more power and turbo it? or is that just a complete waste of money since the transmission might not handle the power.

[Kevmustang83]

What about adding a turbo? would it be worth it?

[b1lk1]

The engine is not capable of handling a turbo. The fuel system could not handle it as well as the transmission.

As for the V8, your car is a V6 model and it would stay insured as a V6 model legally. That is the benefit of doing this swap in your particular case. Otherwise, if you really want to keep it a six cylinder then look for the newest possible wrecked V6 car, preferably a 99-04. Then you get all the parts to do the swap. Again, if I were you I'd either go V8 or get a mid-late 80's T-Bird Turbo coupe. They were 4 cyl cars but they packed a helluva wallop.

[Kevmustang83]

Yea I hear what you mean about the 6cyl not handling it. I didn't know that about the insurance. That's great! I might consider doing the v8 swap. I'll look into what I'd need to get. Thanks for the info!

[mustangman1966t]

If your car is a 83.5 ragtop, I would leave it a V6. 83.5 is when Ford started making ragtops since the vintage cars.

[Kevmustang83]

yeah it is a ragtop =/. should i just say screw it and get a diff project car? its my dads car and he said i could work on it since it sat for 4 years. i want a turbocharged car though. i saw an svo that needs work but looks sweet.

[b1lk1]

Originally Posted by mustangman1966t

If your car is a 83.5 ragtop, I would leave it a V6. 83.5 is when Ford started making ragtops since the vintage cars.

A 1983 Mustang will never be a collectors item.

Originally Posted by Kevmustang83

yeah it is a ragtop =/. should i just say screw it and get a diff project car? its my dads car and he said i could work on it since it sat for 4 years. i want a turbocharged car though. i saw an svo that needs work but looks sweet.

Well, technically the SVO is a better platform and would be a better car to modify.

[mustangman1966t]

The SVOs are great cars and handle so much better than the 5.0s. The best are the '85.5 to '86.
There is more than one school of thought. You have a collector. Before I get in to this, let me give my opinion from a vintage Mustang lover. I don't believe in making changes that can't be undone. This is for schools #2 and #3. Converting to a V8 can still be viable for this philosophy. You can also get a suped up V6 from supersix.That said, let me give you the different schools...

1. Restore and keep original.
2. Restore and update where possible to make the car safer to drive. This includes drivetrain and suspension upgrades.
3. Mildly modified. Number two with personal style added to the paint and body, interior, etc...
4. Go hog wild.

[Kevmustang83]

The SVO sounds like a great car. The one I want to get looks nice but the engine and tranny are out and the body is faded but it looks like its in good condition. Any ideas if its a good buy? He's asking 2200 with stock tires. It has mostly everything except exhaust and a rubber turbo hose piece.

[mustangman1966t]

I personally have never bought a car that was not put together. Does the seller have the original tranny, clutch linkage, and all the the engine bay components....engine, turbo, wiring, etc... What year is it and do you have any pictures? I would also suggest to check out this website. SVOCA Mustang SVO Frames
They are all about preserving the SVOs, modifying and getting together. They also have a "Wall of Shame" for people who have perfectly restorable SVOs that they are stripping and selling the parts. This club can't stand these guys. If you want to know anything and everything about these cars contact them.

[Kevmustang83]

The guy got it that way from a lady who took it in to get her engine worked on but she said she didnt want it and the guy offered to buy it. it sat for like 10 years i think he said. it looks alright. the engine has some rust but looks fine other than that...

Mustang Classifieds

http://www.pixa.us/view.php?url=2/1/...O_BB_Email.jpg

http://www.pixa.us/view.php?url=2/1/...VO_Z_Email.jpg

http://www.pixa.us/view.php?url=2/1/...O_CC_Email.jpg

http://www.pixa.us/view.php?url=2/1/...VO_Y_Email.jpg

I'm really appreciating all this feedback!
Thanks,
Kevin

[mustangman1966t]

I saw the 84 earlier today. He has an 85 that is in better shape. Does he have the original turbo? I would check around like the website I showed you. If you want the car, join the website I told you about.

[Kevmustang83]

Yea all the parts are original. I saw the 85' but the price is too high for me at the time... I'd like to get an SVO but i wsh i could find something close. i live in s. florida.