What to Look for When Buying a Fox Body

Looking to buy a Fox Body? Here's what you need to know from equipment to body styles as well as common problems to look for on these cars. 

Model Year Differences

The Fox Body Mustang reached showrooms in 1979

Powered by a 302, a 2.3 liter “Lima” engine with or without turbocharging, or a straight 6. The 5.0, a heavily revised version of the 302, was added to the GT in 1982.

The car got a facelift in 1987, but most of the mechanical changes came in 1986. The carburetor-equipped dome piston 5.0l was replaced with the new 5.0l EFI H.O. To handle this added power, the 7.5 rear end was replaced by the 8.8. This makes the car much easier to tune and able to handle more power, which is why most buyers look for cars built from 1986 to the line's end in 1993. These are by far the most popular models for modification. All other engines were dropped except the naturally aspirated 2.3l.

86-88 models use speed density induction, while 89 and later models use a mass air flow sensor that can better adjust to current air conditions including density changes due to altitude.

A driver's air bag was added in 1990.

Side moldings were matched to the exterior color in 1992 and 1993.

The Limited Edition, SVT Cobra and SVT Cobra R were only available in 1993. Their rarity and high prices put them out of range for most buyers looking to modify a Fox body.

Trim

The GT was the top model, getting a unique body kit, tail lights, grille and loads of standard equipment. However, the LX could have all the same equipment as the GT aside from fog lights. An LX will weigh at least 50 lbs. less thanks to the simpler exterior.

Body Styles

The notchback has a trunk and is the lightest body style. Curb weight can vary significantly depending on the year and equipment, but it should be somewhere around 3,100 lbs. with the 5.0.

The hatchback is around 70 lbs. heavier than the notchback, but its styling makes it the most popular body style.

Convertibles are the heaviest, weighing around 200 lbs. more than a notchback. The lack of the roof increases chassis flex issues.

2.3l vs 5.0l

The 2.3 liter “Lima” is a SOHC engine that made 88 hp from 1986-1990, while a few revisions including dual spark plug heads increased output to 105 hp for 1991-1993 models. It was available as the base engine in the LX. 

Cars equipped with this motor use a weaker version of the T5 manual or the performance-averse A4LD in place of the V8's AOD automatic. It also uses a 7.5 axle without a limited slip differential instead of the stronger LSD-equipped 8.8 and has a standard two shock rear suspension instead of the four shock setup used on the V8s to reduce wheel hop. Front brakes on these models are smaller than the V8, but rear brakes are the same size for both models. Springs are also different to accommodate the engine's lower weight.

Common Issues

Frame twisting: The unibody design uses a pair of subframes that are connected only by the floor pan. This allows the frame to twist enough to cause damage, even with the stock V8. Bulges and cracking at the base of the pillars next to the windshield and rear window are a sure sign that the frame has issues. The torque boxes should also be inspected for broken welds: repairing them is time consuming and expensive.

• Rust: As with any vehicle, the body and frame should be inspected for rust. On their cars, the strut towers are particularly susceptible.
• Suspension mounts: These can crack with age and stress.
• Leaking main seals: This can let oil leak out of the rear of the engine, dripping onto the ground beneath where the engine and transmission meet.
• Stretched or broken clutch cable: This will keep the clutch from disengaging, making it impossible to shift. A cable near the end of its life will engage near the bottom of pedal travel, but this also could be a misadjusted cable.
• Water pump: Make sure the drive pulley doesn't feel loose, and check the weep hole at the bottom of the pump case for drips.
• Oil pressure: Rev up the car and watch the oil pressure gauge. As the pump starts to wear out, it won't be able to supply enough oil at high RPM.
• Hard shifting on automatics: Make sure the fluid doesn't smell burnt and it's at the right level.
• Getting Your Build Off to a Good Start

Once you have your project car, visit www.andersonfordmotorsport.com. We've been helping owners turn Fox bodies into their dream cars for over 25 years by providing them with a wide range of performance parts and even building our own parts to fit our customer's needs.