If you don't follow Donut media, go check out their most recent video. They just did a list of ten affordable, fun cars with good aftermarket support that can be had for under $10k.
When the s197 is classic, I’m gonna feel so damn old. That generation is the car I knew as a mustang as long as I can remember. It just looks like what a mustang should look like to me.
Agreed I own 2 of these cars , I honestly only drive one on weekends one sits . I’ve thought about selling the one that sits but as it’s actually a classic should I hold it a while bc value going up??? 🤷♂️ I think so 🤦♂️.
I bought a 1994 v6 mustang for $750 on Facebook market place and all it needed was a radiator, a brake line, a battery, and new tires. and the best thing: parts for these mustangs are really cheap, I didn't spend more then $2,000 in total!
Mine is getting things fixed, on an 03 mustang , Cost $1200,+ 1300 for tires and rims 1" over, and the Benbow's and slotted drilled wheels, at around 8 hundred total. Next stop Air conditioner module. I just bought a brand new Compressor $223+tax from the factory / Ford stock number , and a rebuilt AC Module from a Texas Pro repair facility of good reputation in part houses and internet reviews.. My old man car. The other old men can't drive one. They drive to slow and sleep at traffic lights like little high schoolers
Never did like the 4.6 platform. I remember watching my buddy throwing every paycheck at his 95 gt 5 speed....spent at least 10k..... aftermarket heads, cam, intake, headers, high compression pistons, lightened flywheel, aftermarket clutch....he made it to around 280 at the tires.....and still got smoked by nearly stock Camaros. constantly. He ended up selling it to go buy a turbo civic hatch.
Had a 95 v6 that had overheating problems. Turned out Ford had an issue with radiator fans burning up so they installed a heavy relay at the fan that would shake loose and damage the fans terminals, preventing it from going on "high". A new fan and some zip ties on the relay and it was good as a new
Non pi Gt was slow . But you can add pi heads to it get a bump in power and compression . You add some nice comp xe 274 cams, compression , cnc pi heads , exhaust , longtubes . The pi heads bump it up to 10.2 compression . Your knocking on the door of around 400 hp at crank . Not to mention a 75 mm throttle body , plenum . Throw in some 3.73 gears too .i have myself a new edge 2002 . It has an exhuast , rebulit , 3.55 rearend , cold air intake also . It is getting cnc stage 2 heads , stage 1 cams . You take my car or the build I just described ....good bye 4.0 jeep !!! If it sounds like I know something about modular 2v engine ....I do
I would take that gt in a heartbeat. When everything is going turbo and electric while becoming uselessly fast, give me a reasonably quick v8 with a manual any day. I would much rather hear a v8 sing to 60 in 8 seconds than silently reach it in 3 seconds
@The Real Cat of 2020 Why pay more to make a electric battery? The element's aa well as oil just like your car uses to make those batteries. There isn't even enough of those element's to make enough batteries for everyone in the world. How do you expect electric cars to survive if there isn't enough material to make them as well as oil to to make them. In reality it's cheaper to own a gas car if you run out of gas just get some gas if your car battery dies get a jump now your electric car dies in the middle of no where yea your looking at an expensive tow truck trip back home or closet charging station if any are close that is.
Really depends what you are going for IMO. Realistically neither of these cars are fast in stock form by today's standards, but both are fun, nice looking cars and should be pretty reliable if well maintained and not abused. If speed isn't important to you, the V6 is fine. If you want the extra power or plan on upgrading it for more power, the V8 is the obvious choice if you can afford it. I personally wouldn't buy the V6 with the intention of trying to upgrade it to be as fast as the V8 because for what you'd spend trying to upgrade the V6 you could just get a V8 and have a much better performance platform with a lot more potential. Just my opinions though!
I have a new edge V6 and the only thing i really want to do to it is give it some dual exhaust, its a great daily driver and in the new edge the V6 makes almost as much hp as this stock GT
You are joking right? These cars are garbage. My 4,000 six cylinder Jeep wrangler set up for rock crawling blows the doors of my friends 4.6 2v, with full bolt ons.
I bought the V6 hardtop manual brand new in 1994. I was so impressed by the performance of that V6 and by the styling of the car. And then the head gasket blew.
3.73 gears and a few bolt-ons/tune will drop that 0-60 on the GT by about 2 seconds with a better launch. It doesn't take much to make these cars pretty fast.
I had a 2000 Mustang GT (the next gen) with the 5-speed manual. Stock, it was 260 HP & 300 TQ. Great car but I got the mod bug and added Flowmasters, long-tube headers, Bullitt intake, shift kit, chip upgrade, and a 3.73 rear gear. When I was finished, the car was good for a quarter-mile in the 13's (in the heat of Florida). I miss that car.
Unpopular opinion but those 3.73s are where people screw up. The exhaust, intake, tune, etc don't change the day to day driving all that much. But when you put those slow gears in it, it may feel a lot faster, but now you're getting 14mpg driving it to work, and the only gains they get you are in first gear. Not saying they don't work because there are years of racing results to prove they do, but I don't think they make as big of a difference as people say. Sure you're car may pull as hard in 3rd now as it used to in 2nd, but that just means 3rd is now a similar ratio to what 2nd used to be. You didn't gain anything except in first gear from 0-wherever you shift
@@limprooster3253 All depends on the setup.. 3.73s are a nice change which in the street are good to have.. 4.10s seem a bit too much for the street as the rpms stay higher n exhaust more noisy.. Boost n highway gears are a good setup too, Some cams require lower gears tho so that needs to be taken into account..
For a much faster 0-60 in that GT, here's a trick I learned in my 1994 with that manual transmission. When shifting from 1st to second, do not let off the gas, leave it floored. Pump the clutch in and out as fast as you can while shifting from first to second (as fast as you can). No, you will not hurt the clutch, transmission, motor, or anything else. I could consistently get 0-60 in 6.5 seconds doing this.
What makes this generation of Mustang great is the ease of modification. You can often use OEM parts to make it faster and corner better. For example, you can take the heads and intake off a New Edge and have anywhere from 260-300 wheel horsepower with next to no other modifications. The single port 3.8 can also have the Eaton M90 from a Supercoup swapped over with somewhat minor modifications to make it fit and have a 200-250 wheel HP car.
@@Kingsoupturbo It was a pretty popular swap when I was younger. I know it's not super simple but it's not exactly impossible either and in fact in the 96-98, it was a lot easier to tune since they switched to OB2 tuning
@@alpha2gproject783 Interesting! well the junkyards aren't exactly full of those early superchargers anymore like they used to be, but still a pretty good bump from the 3.8's stock power.
@@Kingsoupturbo Honestly there's still a ton of the supercharged 3.8's mainly because the Thunderbirds and Cougars they were in were absolutely garbage and when the ABS pump would fail people often would park the car instead of getting it fixed. In my area alone I've seen at least 10-15 where people are parting them out or already yanked the engine and trans then junked the car.
@@alpha2gproject783 Thats interesting! To be fair I haven't looked for these things on my recent boneyard trips, with Covid even crappy condition v6 mustangs soared in price, along with pretty much everything else, its a pretty intriguing idea for RWD sports on the cheap!
I grew up in that era and clearly remember when the SN95 came out. The retro was a BIG deal, just adding the grill horse, but later going to the 4.6 was a disappointment vs fox 5.0. the update to the vertical rear lights later were a big deal too. All retro was well received so the 2005 was welcomed. The squared off 1999 was well received, I thought those still look much better than 94-98. They were cars of the era and I chose a 1995 formula vs mustang. For a car in the 1990s a 140 HP V6 wasn't considered underpowered, that was a relatively powerful V6 because in 1984 that was V8 power
@@midnight347 that was also the "HO" v8'. Regular ford 302 and Chevy 305 was only 140-150 HP. But only? Well when the 2.3l and 200 six only made about 85-90hp.... Should know, I lived it. So yeah over 200hp " net" was big power, enough to take on the 300 HP "gross" motors of the 60s
Eh I'd say 140HP from a 3.8L V6 in a relatively heavy performance car was mediocre at best considering many regular 4 cylinder 90's cars had around that much power or more. A regular Civic (not the Si) made nearly 130HP from a 1.6L 4 cylinder, 90's 4 cylinder Camrys, Altimas, and Accords had similar or more power, etc and those aren't even supposed to be performance cars.
@@averyalexander2303 considering all the owners of those civics had fart can mufflers and spoilers on them they thought they were the fast and the furious
@@stephenkowalski2448 Agreed, there's no shortage of idiot Civic drivers. But that doesn't change the fact that a Civic from that era made within 12HP of the V6 with an engine less than half as big in a car 500+ pounds lighter and could easily beat the V6 Mustang and the Civic wasn't even advertised as a performance car. Many other common family cars could easily beat the V6 Mustang too. Heck I know someone who beat one with a stock PT Cruiser. 140HP from a 3.8L V6 in what is supposed to be a performance car was pretty unimpressive even in the 90's compared to the competition IMO.
I wasn't a fan of this body style until I purchased and started looking more in depth at the sn95 platform. I feel that ford took the time to correct some of the foxbody short comings. The sn95 has different front suspension geometry for better handling. More body bracing for rigidity, and thicker away bars front and rear. It has rear disk brakes. The engine computer was more modern and offered better drivability (in stock form). Mine is a 94 gt 5spd with a 331 and she is very fun.
This video hit hard. Reminded me of the days I'd ride with grandma to the store and around town when I was little. This was before she passed after a long battle with breast cancer- she had a v6 auto sn95 and it was a really nice car back then.
The '99 and later SN95 V6s had 190hp, a lot closer to the base V8's 215 although still only 220 lb-ft torque vs 285. My sister-in-law had such a V6 5-speed; as a new car it was cheaper to buy, operate and insure while still providing some entertainment.
@working_country ___ It isn't. No Mustang has ever shared an engine with a Ranger. The SN95 V6s have always been the 3.8 Essex. The main difference for 99-04 was a split-port upper intake manifold & larger throttle body (65mm on the 99-04s, up from 56mm on the 94-98s), which provided better airflow. The Essex V6 was iron block, aluminum head. The Ranger was offered in a 3.0 & 4.0 V6 from 1993-2011, but the closest one to the Mustang engine - the 3.0 - was an iron block, iron head 145 hp engine. It's what's in my '94 Splash, and believe me - they are gutless. Having owned/modified two SN95 3.8s, I can tell you the Mustang 3.8 would demolish a Ranger V6. Incidentally, the 3.8 Essex really gets a bad wrap; they have tremendous potential but were severely de-tuned from the factory to meet emissions requirements. A bone stock 3.8 can be bored/stroked to a 4.3, and with a different cam, reworked heads, intake, full exhaust, and a retuned ECU, they have dynoed over 320 hp at the crank on pump gas (60 hp MORE than a stock 99-04 GT!). Turbocharged 3.8s have made as much as 474 hp at the wheels.
That's cool. The only thing is you'll never get the amazing sound of those two valves produce with the six cylinder. You throw x pipe and an SLP loudmouth exhaust on those two valves, and they sound extremely bada**. Maybe back when they released the six cylinders were cheaper, but nowadays you can get the V8 just as cheap if not cheaper than the 6 cylinders. I bought that beautiful 2002 mustang GT 5-speed manual that you see in my profile picture for only $3,500. It needed some cleanup underneath the car and it needed the idle adjusted because it was throwing a code and the driver seat is a little ripped, other than that the car is basically like brand new because the paint is absolutely amazing on it, the wheels are an amazing condition and the interior besides that seat that I mentioned is in amazing condition. It already has a cold air intake and MSD ignition as well. So there's no excuse to not buy the V8 nowadays, not even gas mileage since the V8 can get just the same with the cold air intake a tune-up and a good tune added to it.
@@stang-rv4pb No, the S197s had a SOHC 4.0 V6 and the Ranger's 4.0 was a OHV pushrod. That is until 2001, when Ranger swapped to a SOHC, in which case they probably are the same engine from that point on.
Ive owned two models of the 99-04 series, the first one was the 3.8 in the G2 red. The other was a GT in silver. Both were convertible tops, both had the fake leather, and both were manual. I lightly added cosmetic touches to both, such as HID bulbs, smoked headlights, aftermarket taillights that werent very flashy, but I added flowmasters to the GT to make the exhaust grunt a little more throaty. The both even eventually had similar mechanical issues. After all said and done with the both, the V6 was just more fun for me in the end. The GT begged to be drag raced by others at the stop light, but the V6 was left alone. It was more subtle, it was more invisible, and for some reason, women liked it better than the GT
Nice comparison video that has enough detail to be informative (staying on subject) without being boring. You guy's are onto something compared to other channels.
Got a 2004 with the 3.8 V6 and auto. It’s a one tire fire machine! Easily breaks that one tire loose from a dead stop when you punch the throttle. Fun car and reliable.
@@jmt8706official no it was not.05 was the new retro Mustang with the 4.0 v6. The 3.9 was a larger version of the 3.8 Essex v6. It was only advertised as the 3.8 but it was actually the 3.9 look it up the information is all over the internet.
@@jmt8706official Ford Had not produced enough 3.8 for the 2004 model because they were getting ready to switch over to the newer Mustangs with the 4.0 so they use some of the 3.9 versions of the essex V6 to fill the Gap that they used in the minivans to make the rest of the model year go smoothly but I assure you look it up it's advertising 3.8 but they really are 3.9 L essex versions of v6s in the 2004. Any Die Hard Ford person knows this.
I wish u guys could have had the cobra mustang there as well. I drove by a 1996 mustang Cobra coupe in the rare mystic color. It was for sale for $8,400 but had 84,000 miles on it. The cobras at least made 305hp and 300ft lbs of torque. But that mystic color was awesome. I am tempted to go buy it
@@jamescraig4479 the bumpers and side skirts need to be repainted the clear coat is faded and paint is chipped on bumpers. The rest could be paint corrected for buffed and shine
Yeah if you can get a mystic for that price get it ASAP. If paint is original and good. Thats a 25 grand car right now. Mystic is very rare. I had a new 96 Lazer Red Cobra. Loved it wish I never let it go.
Back in the late 80's you could get the 5.0 with the handling package in the LX, which was lighter than the GT. The tires/wheels and the 5.0 badge was the only giveaway you had a sleeper GT.
I remember seeing a few GT's back in the day with sagging rear suspension and always thought the LX looked better somehow without the thick body kit and the spoiler across the hatch. Sometimes less is more.
Had a 86 5.0 5-speed LX. No air, stripper. 2800 pounds. With a few basic mods intake, exhaust, gears was high 13's. With Nitrous and a few more mods was high 12's. Not bad for a car that cost me $11,000 brand new. Had it for 14 wonderful years...
There is that mod where you put the minivan v6 high rise intake on the mustang and gain 30-40 rwhp...tho you have to use the bulge hood from a factory COBRA R
The 4.6 2V is one of the most reliable engines there is. They are in every cop car and taxi for years and have done over 500k. I have had two that have had over 200k when I sold them and they ran like new. I have a Terminator Cobra that is a little quicker and has over 90k with no issues.
Ya, they are also one of the slowest cars ever build. My 4,000 lb six cylinder Jeep wrangler set up for rock crawling outran my friends 94 full bolt on 4.6 2v so bad he had to buy an 03 terminator just to ease the pain.
My first mustang was a v6 ‘98 5 speed manual. I put flow masters and made it a dual exhaust setup and it was very satisfied to listen to it. I had a lot of fun driving it.
@@Judgemental_Crow I have a ‘14 mustang GT premium 6 speed manual, not my daily. I enjoy it every time I take it out. My daily is an ‘18 Toyota Sequoia
In 94 everyone complained about the horizontal split on Mustang tail lights. The GTs factory carried over the Foxbody LX 5.0 2 inch polished tail pipes under the bumper. And the 4.6 GTs had the badge to show off the new high tech 4.6 engine. Sadly the 4.6 wasn't as powerful as the 5.0s of a few years earlier.
I sold cars for a while in the early 90's (Nissan) while also owning an '87 Fox body LX 5.0. The wood appliqué was a VERY common dealer add-on. The muffler on the GT might be a replacement, but OEM it came with polished long tips with slash cut ends, just like my LX did. I had a coupe version of the V6 a couple years ago as a beater spare. It wasn't fancy, but it had nearly 200k miles and still ran great.
Two years ago I bought a 98 V6 convertible auto. Been a fun little car to cruise in. I have plans to swap the 4R70W automatic transmission for a T45 5-speed manual in the future. I wish I had the 4.6 exhaust sound, but this is good for me at this point in life!
Personally I have a 2002 mustang GT and I absolutely love it it's insanely fun to drive and it's fairly quick and I am probably going to make it better by supercharging it, it has 74k miles and from past 2 owners never been redlined
I had a mid-90s Taurus with the 3.8 V6. For a relatively large car, it had plenty of go. It was a company car, of course. One of our VPs had the Taurus SHO with the 3.0 liter Yamaha V6 and it was really fast for its time. It would be great to see a mileage comparo between these 2 cars as well as the 0-60. I’m loving all these classic car videos (because I’m old enough to remember most of them when they were new LOL). Thanks.
A little factoid about the Yamaha V6 powered Ford Taurus SHO and V8 powered Mustang GT was the Taurus SHO was faster. The intake manifold on the SHO's motor was awesome and looked like it came from a Ferrari. Another car that had a Yamaha powerplant was the older Volvo XC90. It was known to be a fairly reliable motor that was rated at, I think, 300hp.
My last mustang was a 95 cobra. It was fast enough for me, but wasn't quite as fast as a 99 GT was, now a 99 GT couldn't hold a candle to the ecoboost mustang, let alone the 22 GT. Mustangs keep getting better, but the SN95 is a sweet spot. I still love them.
I’ve known people that were diehard fox body people, but had changed their minds after getting an SN95. I have a 94 Cobra myself with a 408W that I’m looking to sell.
A 95 cobra should Def be as quick as a 99 gt stock for stock if not slightly faster. Their 240 hp was underrated they put down about 220 wheel which is about what a new edge puts down. The cobras actual torque was higher too (not rated torque) and they're probably about the same weight wize. So it Def should be at least equal to a 99 gt if not slightly ahead equal drivers imo.
My first car was a 98 Mustang V6 vert. Of the 6 cars I've had, it was the quietest and smoothest running engine I've ever had. After replacing and cleaning some sensors and installing under drive pulleys, I had no lag between throttle input and rpms wouldn't "hang" when off the throttle. Man, I still miss it. Got 14.5 mpg consistently city driving
@@potatochobit Nice and smooth operation, efficient and consistent mpg, and plenty fast when city traffic is bumper to bumper. In my opinion better then the stereotypical, obnoxiously loud, bolt on boys who have something to prove for some reason
The sweet spot for the SN95 is a '94 or '95 with the 5.0L pushrod V8. They're cheaper to modify and get decent power out of. A decent cam, intake manifold, and if you want to splurge - a set of aluminum heads, and you are in the neighborhood of 310-330whp, and similar torque. That, and you get the glorious thumpy idle from the cam.
The last 4.6 I had blew a head gasket and was impossible to change without jacking the truck's body off of the frame to get to the rear head bolts. It was too expensive to get someone to do it because it had 245K miles on it, would have drained my bank account, for something that could possibly not have been done right and it happen again. Had it been a pushrod engine it would have been doable by me and I'd probably still be driving it. But that ruined the whole thing. Ford fixed the head gasket issue on the 3.8 in 99 up Mustangs and I now have an 02 V6 specifically because it's a pushrod over the OHC V8 and if something does go wrong, I can actually do the job, and do it MUCH, MUCH cheaper. Having done my research I found out how durable and reliable the 3.8 Essex actually is aside from the old head gasket issues. The only reason the 4.6 is more famous for being so reliable and durable is because it got the chance to prove it in hundreds of thousands of fleet vehicles. The 3.8 was in more understated vehicles like the Taurus, base trucks, minivans, etc - vehicles that didn't get near the attention or glory.
@@ThatLoud3v what do you think of Shelby’s? Gt350 or gt500? I do not know what to prefer or look in too, I dream of owning a muscle car like that one day, I probably might be able to afford a Gt one day
Only video that shows how to open the top. We had replaced all the parts but still couldn't get the tip to work. Even talked to some mechanics and they were stumped so thank you.
I love my SN-95s. I'm on my third one right now (fourth Mustang overall, turbo fox body several years ago) and it's still my favorite body style. My 97 Cobra is getting a new and improved motor built right now.
The problem with these cars back when they were new or new-ish, was insurance. Same with the GM F-Body. I was 19 in 2002 when I went in the Navy. Tried to buy an LT1 Z28 on a used lot. The insurance would've been DOUBLE the payment. Needless to say, I ended up finding a nice 94 3.4L V6 model. Luckily it was extremely mint and only cost me $4000. I did end up with a 1998 Z28 when I was 25 though.
Same when I tried to buy a new 08' GT back when I was 19. The insurance was going to be literally double the car note and I still remember how upset I was lol.
Yeah I was 23 in 02, got a used 2002 SS Camaro, insurance alone was $250/mo. That was with a clean driving record and a student discount. That's 2002 dollars, when my apartment was $900/mo lol
@@davidryan7981 Exactly! My quote for the first one was $250 as well. The payment was going to be maybe $230. I was in Pensacola. Even when I came back to Pensacola in 2006, my apartment was $650. lol.
@@watchandjewelryloft4713 yeah you only live once though. 23, no wife, no kids, no responsibilities. Had a 97 V6 Firebird since I was 18, always wanted the V8. Sold it in 2001, bought a new 2002 Tundra, but missed the Firebird, so I traded in the Tundra 6 months later on the 2002 Camaro SS auto, had that for 6 months and traded that on a 2000 Formula Firebird w/ the 6-speed manual. Had that for 3 years, got married, knocked my wife up, and I figured I'd need something for a baby seat so I sold it and bought a new 2005 tundra. Came full circle lol. Never did put a child seat in that Tundra. Baby girl is now 16, and I'm still missing my Firebird. Miss the Camaro too, that car was a beast.
@@davidryan7981 Sounds about how my life went lol. Went from the 94 V6 to a Cadillac Seville STS. Mostly because it was MINT and not too bad on price at the time. I actually had more fun with that than the V6 Camaro. Upset a lot of import owners and even some Mustang and 350Z owners back then. 😂 I wish I had kept it honestly. But, sold it in 2006 when I found a mint 1998 Z28 6 speed with only 45k miles. It had been kept under a car port with a car cover. It was stupid clean. Again, another car I should've kept, but 3 years later I was married with a baby on the way. So, it went bye bye. 😭
So many memories...I daily drove a 94 v6 auto coupe from 2006 to 2012 including coming home 2hrs one way from college every weekend to work. It ended up parked near the end of my ownership after I got my fox body project up and running. It was white with a red interior and she served me well
Counterpoint, I have a built 5.0 SN95 and a mildly warmed up 3.8 SN95 ... I enjoy driving both of them equally. As delivered the 3.8 single port is pretty bad but three pretty simple adjustments completely changed the V6 . Gears, dual exhaust and shortened/widened intake runners.
@@shoveI I did gears, dual exhaust and cold air intake on mine, and it was a bit more entertaining. I still have a video of it in my videos. But for my next Mustang, V8 no question.
I bought a 1998 Mustang GT convertible with a manual transmission back in February 2021 for only $1700. It had very few issues and now 6000 miles later it's still doing great! Working A/C, original Mach 460 speakers and head unit, leather seats, working key fob. She definitely needs some tlc, but man I got lucky with this purchase.
Chase, if you think that trans is trucky and agricultural, you haven't driven the really old trucks. That trans is smooth as silk compared for the time. The new short throws are way better, but it was good for the day.
SN-95 grew on me several years ago. I don’t have one though lol. My brother did for a while, 96 GT. At one point I had a 97 Thunderbird with the 4.6, but that’s an entirely different platform lol
I almost bought a 1998 mustang v6 5 spd for $2700 for my first car. Thank goodness I looked around and found a 99’ mustang v6 5 spd with the newer nicer body for $3000. That 3.8 was VERY reliable during the time I owned it.
My SN95 v6 5-speed has about 260,000 miles, doesn't burn any oil between changes, no motor noises. They last as long as Toyota Camrys, like Crown Vics of the same era
Looking to buy my first sn95 mustang tomorrow found a nice little cheap one it’s the v6 1996 but I’m not looking for power just something that looks nice and is a good one on gas for a daily and I think it’s gonna fit just well it’s gotta be better then my scat pack on gas lol
I'd probably spring for the V8. I had a Thunderbird with the 3.8 in it and it was nothing but trouble. The final nail in the coffin for that car was the head gaskets failing and after that I got rid of it and bought an F body a couple years ago.
Great video! It is funny that I always see complaints when referring to the SN95 interior (New Edge included). It may be just age, but I grew up when all the cool muscle cars had a black (vinyl) interiors, think 1st Gen Camaros, Mustangs, Cudas Challengers etc. Only thing you’d want was buckets, floor shifter and factory gauges was a plus. The SN95s tick all those boxes and honestly wouldn’t look right with a plush interior anyway. It’s a pony car after all and I personally think the interiors definitely have a more Mustang style compared to the previous Fox’s.
I had a 97 3.8 v6 150 hp Mustang (Pacific Green) automatic. I bought a V2 SQ supercharger off ebay used, with 42lb injectors, lightning Maf, and a Ford-chip tune. It put down 173rwhp and 233rwtq. I also added 373 gears and T-Lok, and some suspension mods. Stock I ran 16.5 through 16.9. After all the mods I ran 14.7-15.3. This was back in 2001-02
I love this video. First video i see from you guys and it was on my youtube recommendations. I love the review about both cars their pros and cons. your thoughts. I also like the presentation. I like the camera work and editing. Not too long and with good information.
Love these cars. I'm on my 5th Mustang. I've owned: 1989 LX 5.0 2001 GT 2002 GT 2006 GT 2012 GT (my 1st auto Mustang) While I like & appreciate each one, the 2012 GT is a BLAST to drive (the fastest 1 I've owned thus far).
I had a 98 GT. did a PI swap and port and polished the heads. It was a blast to drive. Just get a short shifter for it which makes shifting much better and you can actually have a drink in your cup holder. Anything bigger than a soda can and you will smack the drink while shifting into 2nd and 4th.
Had a 96 Mustang GT first year with the 4.6 and had a manual. 2002 minivan with that V6 and an automatic. My then wife let me buy the Mustang because she didn’t like the minivan on two wheels around corners. My Mustang was set up for cornering on the track, but in a straight line or wide highway corners I’m going to say my 2.7 F-150 crew cab is faster. Mustang was still way more fun until it snows.
Actually 94 was the only year with the horizontal tail lights. In 93 I do believe the 2.3 was also the last year. Still made the 2.3 for the Ranger though In 95 was the last year of the 5.0. 94 to 2004 was the last year's of the Foxbody's also. Only thing was the body's wrap around part's was different. They still beautiful vehicles.
I was 16 in 1998. I remember test driving a 1996 v6 with red interior/red exterior. I wanted it so bad, but my mom said she wasn't making payments. I only had $5,000 to spend. The 2 year used v6 was around $12,000 in 1998 used. The dealership let us take it home for the day and I drove it around town feeling like a boss. I remember the 96-98 GT's around town sounding amazing I will never forget sounds of the 96-04 GT cars back in the day, a very unique sound.
I had a 04 v6 awhile back with some aftermarket parts here and there, was fun and cheap to keep going but just never felt or sounded like a real mustang. I now have an 01 gt and still get pretty decent mpg on the highway, not so much in town though lol
My 03 v6 mustang has the absolute worst ergonomics of about anything I have driven . Even that stupid inside door handle, The Trany, brake ,ignition thing is pretty weir to figure out, in a mind that grew up with Normal access and easier operation. I am still figuring this out, like setting anti-theft with the key fab, or just making the horn beep while its parked is an easy push of a button. As low as that sits, you can search awhile sometimes when trucks, vans, and suvs hide the car
the 5.0 or the 4 valve were the engines to buy. However, I just got rid of my 98 3.8L v6 last year. Roughly 300,000 miles, never had the valve cover off it once and i got it at 200k. It was incredibly rusty. Got it for $1200 with a fuel leak and broken windshield in 2016. I got about 30mpg with those long ass 2.73 gears. My 2nd 4r70w blew up and I bought a ranger to replace it.
the 3.8 L v6 convertible, to the rims and EVERYTHING is just like mine but instead mine is a blue instead of red, and I'm inheriting it through my family as well, they had it as original owners back in 94, and god do I love the car, I just be whippin that v6 around like its no ones business fr, no but honestly such a fun car to own, definitely recommend if you just want a nice little car, been driving it for over a year and a half now.
That foe wood in the gt was never a factory option, one of the previous owners added that. Ive owned several gt and cobras of this era (sn95). Im a huge fan of this body style. The cobra for a few thousand more is EXTEMELY worth the $. For a few thousand more its significantly faster and has nicer factory options. Infact I had a bolt on 97 cobra with a blower and it was probrably the most fun I ever had behind the wheel and ive had/have much faster cars.
This video is awesome! I really love the SN95's. But holy cow, my v6 accord smokes both of those cars. Not a surprise. But aftermarket for the 4.6 is crazy good though.
I had a 5 speed 2003 Mach1. With a 32v 300+ HP engine and 3.55 rear end, in stock form, it had plenty of get up and go. First gear was so short it would often roast the tires.
I have a special place in my heart for the SN95. My first mustang was a 96 GT and later had a 95 GT -- last year of the 5.0 -- that was quite heavily modified and a lot of fun to drive. I miss both of them!
If you are newer and hear different terminology at times with a 79-2004 Mustang, they are likely right. This is still a Fox body, but we don't call it that with the major rework. But it is a Fox platform, called the Fox 4. Correct me if I'm wrong, SN95 was the Ford name for the development of the new body and updates.
4:28 those are not aftermarket exhaust pipes they are factory 6:21 the "wood" trim is not OEM, it's a cheap stick on trim you can probably find on Ebay etc
I've had the opportunity to test drive both the 3.8 v6 and 4.6 v8 mustangs, to me the 3.8 is no slow poke, I noticed that the 3.8's power comes in at lower rpm more like pushrod v8s. The 4.6's power comes in at higher rpms it loves to rev high. I never owned a mustang but I do own a 97 thunderbird with the 4.6 and to me the thunderbird is really just a large mustang.
The GT handled well..... the v6 handled like a ford tempo Also wonder how many head gaskets were replaced on the 3.8, they don’t make much power or have a good reputation
There's a 3.8L V6 mustang in my area that is a fully gutted and the rear diff has been welded. It's pretty quick from what I heard compared to the miatas
I live in Colorado as well and have a very clean first generation Ford Probe GT Turbo that was meant to get rid of the Mustang and did not I would love to see you feature that on your show I may even loan it to you
Growing up as a car kid in the 90's I despised V6 Mustangs and Camaros, the feeling still sticks with me lol. However its still neat to see some oldies tested.
I wish you had mentioned the difference in fuel economy, for me being in my mid 50's I don't really care about 0-60 times I care more for fuel economy and long jevity.
Average mpg over ownership daily and trips. Minivan with that V6 got 18. Mustang with the V8 17. 3.7 V6 Mustang 24. 2.7 F-150 (because I’m fifty and need a backseat for my parents and grandchildren) 21.
Though I'm not a mustang fan, its refreshing to see videos of vehicles for the working man. Not all of us can afford 80k pickup trucks.
If you don't follow Donut media, go check out their most recent video. They just did a list of ten affordable, fun cars with good aftermarket support that can be had for under $10k.
That was a good video. I love donut media.
Exactly./
Drive a Boss 302. Will change your mind
And many of us have no need for a pickup truck.
It's so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that sn95 mustang's are classics now
When the s197 is classic, I’m gonna feel so damn old.
That generation is the car I knew as a mustang as long as I can remember. It just looks like what a mustang should look like to me.
I know right?! I still own a 2000 SN95 I bought in 2007, and there's a video on YT where a guy takes one around a track for "vintage racing."
@@PeterGriffin-kb2hf the s197 is a classic also by the body style the car is 15 years old but looks like a car from the 60s
Agreed I own 2 of these cars , I honestly only drive one on weekends one sits . I’ve thought about selling the one that sits but as it’s actually a classic should I hold it a while bc value going up??? 🤷♂️ I think so 🤦♂️.
@@paulw9732 hold it unless you want it in the junkyard it’s a MUSTANG American classic ALWAYS✅
I bought a 1994 v6 mustang for $750 on Facebook market place and all it needed was a radiator, a brake line, a battery, and new tires. and the best thing: parts for these mustangs are really cheap, I didn't spend more then $2,000 in total!
Mine is getting things fixed, on an 03 mustang , Cost $1200,+ 1300 for tires and rims 1" over, and the Benbow's and slotted drilled wheels, at around 8 hundred total. Next stop Air conditioner module. I just bought a brand new Compressor $223+tax from the factory / Ford stock number , and a rebuilt AC Module from a Texas Pro repair facility of good reputation in part houses and internet reviews.. My old man car. The other old men can't drive one. They drive to slow and sleep at traffic lights like little high schoolers
That GT with the 4.6 I believe has tons of aftermarket support to make it a fairly reliable and quick car.
Never did like the 4.6 platform. I remember watching my buddy throwing every paycheck at his 95 gt 5 speed....spent at least 10k..... aftermarket heads, cam, intake, headers, high compression pistons, lightened flywheel, aftermarket clutch....he made it to around 280 at the tires.....and still got smoked by nearly stock Camaros. constantly. He ended up selling it to go buy a turbo civic hatch.
@@ryurc3033 You need to get the 4 valve Mustang Cobra to get the power. But I did like the GT 1998 stock was fun to drive.
95 GT model came with 5.0, not 4.6L as an FYI.
@@ryurc3033 Lmao 😂,I always said the 4.6 sounds better but the coyote is a better engine every other way
And you can drop in a coyote 5.0 easy peasy
I had a 5.0 5 Speed '94 GT back in the late 90's, and I loved it. I learned to drive manual on it and I had a ton of fun racing it around. Good times.
Ever race a 5 speed Taurus SHO?
@@Eztops a lot of people don’t know about this, my dad had a 94 stang when it came out and he raced a sho thinking “eh, sedan” absolutely destroyed
@@Eztops they were both slow
@@RRR-jd2oyThat's fair for today. back in the day they were sweet.. these days i have to spray a big shot of nitrous to keep up lol
@@Eztopsnobody wants that damn Taurus go somewhere.
I'll always love those GTs. Easy to mod, work on, repair, very reliable. My opinion is of course. The v6 always had head gasket problems.
Lol I don't know if you're joking, but the v8 is the one with the head gasket problems
Had a 95 v6 that had overheating problems. Turned out Ford had an issue with radiator fans burning up so they installed a heavy relay at the fan that would shake loose and damage the fans terminals, preventing it from going on "high". A new fan and some zip ties on the relay and it was good as a new
No it isn' t .....the 3.8 had head gasket issues .
Non pi Gt was slow . But you can add pi heads to it get a bump in power and compression . You add some nice comp xe 274 cams, compression , cnc pi heads , exhaust , longtubes . The pi heads bump it up to 10.2 compression . Your knocking on the door of around 400 hp at crank . Not to mention a 75 mm throttle body , plenum . Throw in some 3.73 gears too .i have myself a new edge 2002 . It has an exhuast , rebulit , 3.55 rearend , cold air intake also . It is getting cnc stage 2 heads , stage 1 cams . You take my car or the build I just described ....good bye 4.0 jeep !!! If it sounds like I know something about modular 2v engine ....I do
I had one...there was a recall I got done...this was over 20 years ago now lol but I think it was the Head Gaskets. -Im in Canada-
I would take that gt in a heartbeat. When everything is going turbo and electric while becoming uselessly fast, give me a reasonably quick v8 with a manual any day. I would much rather hear a v8 sing to 60 in 8 seconds than silently reach it in 3 seconds
Hey people should buy whatever car they want.
Thats the argument of those cheesy coffee can exhaust Civic guys
@The Real Cat of 2020 Why pay more to make a electric battery? The element's aa well as oil just like your car uses to make those batteries. There isn't even enough of those element's to make enough batteries for everyone in the world. How do you expect electric cars to survive if there isn't enough material to make them as well as oil to to make them. In reality it's cheaper to own a gas car if you run out of gas just get some gas if your car battery dies get a jump now your electric car dies in the middle of no where yea your looking at an expensive tow truck trip back home or closet charging station if any are close that is.
@The Real Cat of 2020
Exactly! Be modern like the snowflakes of today who don’t know which gender they are!
@The Real Cat of 2020 Microwaving hamburgers is waaaaay faster than grilling them. How many times have you wanted a microwave burger?
Really depends what you are going for IMO. Realistically neither of these cars are fast in stock form by today's standards, but both are fun, nice looking cars and should be pretty reliable if well maintained and not abused. If speed isn't important to you, the V6 is fine. If you want the extra power or plan on upgrading it for more power, the V8 is the obvious choice if you can afford it. I personally wouldn't buy the V6 with the intention of trying to upgrade it to be as fast as the V8 because for what you'd spend trying to upgrade the V6 you could just get a V8 and have a much better performance platform with a lot more potential. Just my opinions though!
I have a new edge V6 and the only thing i really want to do to it is give it some dual exhaust, its a great daily driver and in the new edge the V6 makes almost as much hp as this stock GT
I think Grandma would be proud to see her car being talked about in this video. And I'm sure she is happy to see it's still in the family.
God this era of car was sooooo good. Underpowered over built. Easy to fix. Tons of torque. Not too complicated.
You are joking right? These cars are garbage. My 4,000 six cylinder Jeep wrangler set up for rock crawling blows the doors of my friends 4.6 2v, with full bolt ons.
@@bdd1469 my 4.0 6 cylinder Jeep Wrangler broke a tie rod and fried the ECU in the same day so
@@ec6933 Too funny..lol i agree with your comment tho..
The fox was even better. Still had a distributor
@@bdd1469 what world are you living in where a 190hp square chassis can outrun a 215hp coupe that has more torque?
"Two inches goes a long way" ill never forget that
I bought the V6 hardtop manual brand new in 1994. I was so impressed by the performance of that V6 and by the styling of the car. And then the head gasket blew.
😂
How many miles before that?
Ford= fixed or repaired daily.
I love my 98 GT. I've had it 9 years, I drive the hell out of it all the time and it just keeps going!
3.73 gears and a few bolt-ons/tune will drop that 0-60 on the GT by about 2 seconds with a better launch. It doesn't take much to make these cars pretty fast.
Stock they were 6.1 seconds to 60 this kid is stupid
I had a 2000 Mustang GT (the next gen) with the 5-speed manual. Stock, it was 260 HP & 300 TQ. Great car but I got the mod bug and added Flowmasters, long-tube headers, Bullitt intake, shift kit, chip upgrade, and a 3.73 rear gear. When I was finished, the car was good for a quarter-mile in the 13's (in the heat of Florida). I miss that car.
Now that you're older, get a Crown Vic or other Panther platform car n mod that, same 4.6L 2v n trans to mod up.. Check out mine, 09 P71..
I just picked up a 2000 GT five speed a few weeks ago, I’m planning to do the exact same mods you did
Unpopular opinion but those 3.73s are where people screw up. The exhaust, intake, tune, etc don't change the day to day driving all that much. But when you put those slow gears in it, it may feel a lot faster, but now you're getting 14mpg driving it to work, and the only gains they get you are in first gear. Not saying they don't work because there are years of racing results to prove they do, but I don't think they make as big of a difference as people say. Sure you're car may pull as hard in 3rd now as it used to in 2nd, but that just means 3rd is now a similar ratio to what 2nd used to be. You didn't gain anything except in first gear from 0-wherever you shift
@@limprooster3253 All depends on the setup.. 3.73s are a nice change which in the street are good to have.. 4.10s seem a bit too much for the street as the rpms stay higher n exhaust more noisy.. Boost n highway gears are a good setup too, Some cams require lower gears tho so that needs to be taken into account..
@@limprooster32531/4 mile times should tell different
For a much faster 0-60 in that GT, here's a trick I learned in my 1994 with that manual transmission. When shifting from 1st to second, do not let off the gas, leave it floored. Pump the clutch in and out as fast as you can while shifting from first to second (as fast as you can). No, you will not hurt the clutch, transmission, motor, or anything else. I could consistently get 0-60 in 6.5 seconds doing this.
What makes this generation of Mustang great is the ease of modification. You can often use OEM parts to make it faster and corner better. For example, you can take the heads and intake off a New Edge and have anywhere from 260-300 wheel horsepower with next to no other modifications. The single port 3.8 can also have the Eaton M90 from a Supercoup swapped over with somewhat minor modifications to make it fit and have a 200-250 wheel HP car.
Interesting on the supercharger for the 3.8, I"ll have to look that up!
@@Kingsoupturbo It was a pretty popular swap when I was younger. I know it's not super simple but it's not exactly impossible either and in fact in the 96-98, it was a lot easier to tune since they switched to OB2 tuning
@@alpha2gproject783 Interesting! well the junkyards aren't exactly full of those early superchargers anymore like they used to be, but still a pretty good bump from the 3.8's stock power.
@@Kingsoupturbo Honestly there's still a ton of the supercharged 3.8's mainly because the Thunderbirds and Cougars they were in were absolutely garbage and when the ABS pump would fail people often would park the car instead of getting it fixed. In my area alone I've seen at least 10-15 where people are parting them out or already yanked the engine and trans then junked the car.
@@alpha2gproject783 Thats interesting! To be fair I haven't looked for these things on my recent boneyard trips, with Covid even crappy condition v6 mustangs soared in price, along with pretty much everything else, its a pretty intriguing idea for RWD sports on the cheap!
I grew up in that era and clearly remember when the SN95 came out. The retro was a BIG deal, just adding the grill horse, but later going to the 4.6 was a disappointment vs fox 5.0. the update to the vertical rear lights later were a big deal too. All retro was well received so the 2005 was welcomed. The squared off 1999 was well received, I thought those still look much better than 94-98. They were cars of the era and I chose a 1995 formula vs mustang. For a car in the 1990s a 140 HP V6 wasn't considered underpowered, that was a relatively powerful V6 because in 1984 that was V8 power
1984 they had like 175 hp by that point in the v8 and alot more torque than the later 3.8 had. 140 is significantly lower than 175.
@@midnight347 that was also the "HO" v8'. Regular ford 302 and Chevy 305 was only 140-150 HP. But only? Well when the 2.3l and 200 six only made about 85-90hp.... Should know, I lived it. So yeah over 200hp " net" was big power, enough to take on the 300 HP "gross" motors of the 60s
Eh I'd say 140HP from a 3.8L V6 in a relatively heavy performance car was mediocre at best considering many regular 4 cylinder 90's cars had around that much power or more. A regular Civic (not the Si) made nearly 130HP from a 1.6L 4 cylinder, 90's 4 cylinder Camrys, Altimas, and Accords had similar or more power, etc and those aren't even supposed to be performance cars.
@@averyalexander2303 considering all the owners of those civics had fart can mufflers and spoilers on them they thought they were the fast and the furious
@@stephenkowalski2448 Agreed, there's no shortage of idiot Civic drivers. But that doesn't change the fact that a Civic from that era made within 12HP of the V6 with an engine less than half as big in a car 500+ pounds lighter and could easily beat the V6 Mustang and the Civic wasn't even advertised as a performance car. Many other common family cars could easily beat the V6 Mustang too. Heck I know someone who beat one with a stock PT Cruiser. 140HP from a 3.8L V6 in what is supposed to be a performance car was pretty unimpressive even in the 90's compared to the competition IMO.
I wasn't a fan of this body style until I purchased and started looking more in depth at the sn95 platform. I feel that ford took the time to correct some of the foxbody short comings. The sn95 has different front suspension geometry for better handling. More body bracing for rigidity, and thicker away bars front and rear. It has rear disk brakes. The engine computer was more modern and offered better drivability (in stock form). Mine is a 94 gt 5spd with a 331 and she is very fun.
This video hit hard. Reminded me of the days I'd ride with grandma to the store and around town when I was little. This was before she passed after a long battle with breast cancer- she had a v6 auto sn95 and it was a really nice car back then.
The '99 and later SN95 V6s had 190hp, a lot closer to the base V8's 215 although still only 220 lb-ft torque vs 285. My sister-in-law had such a V6 5-speed; as a new car it was cheaper to buy, operate and insure while still providing some entertainment.
The base V8 had 260 hp starting in 1999, up from 225 in 98, and 215 from 94 to 97.
@working_country ___ It isn't. No Mustang has ever shared an engine with a Ranger. The SN95 V6s have always been the 3.8 Essex. The main difference for 99-04 was a split-port upper intake manifold & larger throttle body (65mm on the 99-04s, up from 56mm on the 94-98s), which provided better airflow. The Essex V6 was iron block, aluminum head.
The Ranger was offered in a 3.0 & 4.0 V6 from 1993-2011, but the closest one to the Mustang engine - the 3.0 - was an iron block, iron head 145 hp engine. It's what's in my '94 Splash, and believe me - they are gutless. Having owned/modified two SN95 3.8s, I can tell you the Mustang 3.8 would demolish a Ranger V6.
Incidentally, the 3.8 Essex really gets a bad wrap; they have tremendous potential but were severely de-tuned from the factory to meet emissions requirements. A bone stock 3.8 can be bored/stroked to a 4.3, and with a different cam, reworked heads, intake, full exhaust, and a retuned ECU, they have dynoed over 320 hp at the crank on pump gas (60 hp MORE than a stock 99-04 GT!).
Turbocharged 3.8s have made as much as 474 hp at the wheels.
That's cool. The only thing is you'll never get the amazing sound of those two valves produce with the six cylinder. You throw x pipe and an SLP loudmouth exhaust on those two valves, and they sound extremely bada**. Maybe back when they released the six cylinders were cheaper, but nowadays you can get the V8 just as cheap if not cheaper than the 6 cylinders. I bought that beautiful 2002 mustang GT 5-speed manual that you see in my profile picture for only $3,500. It needed some cleanup underneath the car and it needed the idle adjusted because it was throwing a code and the driver seat is a little ripped, other than that the car is basically like brand new because the paint is absolutely amazing on it, the wheels are an amazing condition and the interior besides that seat that I mentioned is in amazing condition. It already has a cold air intake and MSD ignition as well. So there's no excuse to not buy the V8 nowadays, not even gas mileage since the V8 can get just the same with the cold air intake a tune-up and a good tune added to it.
@@sixstanger00 didn’t the 2005-2010 V6 Mustang have the 4.0 OHC engine from the Ford Ranger?
@@stang-rv4pb No, the S197s had a SOHC 4.0 V6 and the Ranger's 4.0 was a OHV pushrod.
That is until 2001, when Ranger swapped to a SOHC, in which case they probably are the same engine from that point on.
I owned a 1998 Mustang GT. Was a great car. Had a manual. I currently own a 2006 Mustang Gt with auto and it is nice also.
I had a '98 GT coupe with cloth seats. Still the favorite car I've ever owned.
I have a 97 gt wit leather an I need to find cloth asap. Can’t stand leather seats
I love my Modular powered Sn95. The swap to an aluminum 32v 4.6 Aviator engine was simple and cost effective. Super light weight and fun to drive.
Ive owned two models of the 99-04 series, the first one was the 3.8 in the G2 red. The other was a GT in silver. Both were convertible tops, both had the fake leather, and both were manual. I lightly added cosmetic touches to both, such as HID bulbs, smoked headlights, aftermarket taillights that werent very flashy, but I added flowmasters to the GT to make the exhaust grunt a little more throaty. The both even eventually had similar mechanical issues. After all said and done with the both, the V6 was just more fun for me in the end. The GT begged to be drag raced by others at the stop light, but the V6 was left alone. It was more subtle, it was more invisible, and for some reason, women liked it better than the GT
Nice comparison video that has enough detail to be informative (staying on subject) without being boring. You guy's are onto something compared to other channels.
Got a 2004 with the 3.8 V6 and auto. It’s a one tire fire machine! Easily breaks that one tire loose from a dead stop when you punch the throttle. Fun car and reliable.
2004 is the 3.9 version of the Essex 3.8
@@kskip4242 Nope, it was still the 3.8 under the hood in 04.
@@jmt8706official no it was not.05 was the new retro Mustang with the 4.0 v6. The 3.9 was a larger version of the 3.8 Essex v6. It was only advertised as the 3.8 but it was actually the 3.9 look it up the information is all over the internet.
@@jmt8706official Ford Had not produced enough 3.8 for the 2004 model because they were getting ready to switch over to the newer Mustangs with the 4.0 so they use some of the 3.9 versions of the essex V6 to fill the Gap that they used in the minivans to make the rest of the model year go smoothly but I assure you look it up it's advertising 3.8 but they really are 3.9 L essex versions of v6s in the 2004. Any Die Hard Ford person knows this.
I wish u guys could have had the cobra mustang there as well. I drove by a 1996 mustang Cobra coupe in the rare mystic color. It was for sale for $8,400 but had 84,000 miles on it. The cobras at least made 305hp and 300ft lbs of torque. But that mystic color was awesome. I am tempted to go buy it
If the Mystic paint is in good condition, that is a fantastic price with that low mileage! Run and buy it!
@@jamescraig4479 the bumpers and side skirts need to be repainted the clear coat is faded and paint is chipped on bumpers. The rest could be paint corrected for buffed and shine
@@jakewiththemark8 Tell then you got $7k, might end up in the middle, then get the paint done, could maybe sell it for more..
Yeah if you can get a mystic for that price get it ASAP. If paint is original and good. Thats a 25 grand car right now. Mystic is very rare. I had a new 96 Lazer Red Cobra. Loved it wish I never let it go.
Back in the late 80's you could get the 5.0 with the handling package in the LX, which was lighter than the GT. The tires/wheels and the 5.0 badge was the only giveaway you had a sleeper GT.
I remember seeing a few GT's back in the day with sagging rear suspension and always thought the LX looked better somehow without the thick body kit and the spoiler across the hatch. Sometimes less is more.
Had a 86 5.0 5-speed LX. No air, stripper. 2800 pounds. With a few basic mods intake, exhaust, gears was high 13's. With Nitrous and a few more mods was high 12's. Not bad for a car that cost me $11,000 brand new. Had it for 14 wonderful years...
It’s worth buying the V8 just for the sound alone.
There is that mod where you put the minivan v6 high rise intake on the mustang and gain 30-40 rwhp...tho you have to use the bulge hood from a factory COBRA R
I had a 98 Stang in the V6 Red. Loved that car. That thing refused to die. It took a head on collision to put it down.
The 4.6 2V is one of the most reliable engines there is. They are in every cop car and taxi for years and have done over 500k. I have had two that have had over 200k when I sold them and they ran like new. I have a Terminator Cobra that is a little quicker and has over 90k with no issues.
Ya, they are also one of the slowest cars ever build. My 4,000 lb six cylinder Jeep wrangler set up for rock crawling outran my friends 94 full bolt on 4.6 2v so bad he had to buy an 03 terminator just to ease the pain.
Just wait till you start blowing spark plugs out the hood, can't tell you how many I've had to fix.
@@idontwant2makeaname I have had a 98 GT since 2002 I have heard of the problem glad I never had this problem. At about 215k now
@@idontwant2makeaname My Cobra has the improved 7 thread head so no problem here :)
And they sound wonderful easily one of Ford's best engines and best sounding engines besides the 351 Windsor.
My first mustang was a v6 ‘98 5 speed manual. I put flow masters and made it a dual exhaust setup and it was very satisfied to listen to it. I had a lot of fun driving it.
What you drive now?
@@Judgemental_Crow I have a ‘14 mustang GT premium 6 speed manual, not my daily. I enjoy it every time I take it out. My daily is an ‘18 Toyota Sequoia
@@mr.c493 sweet
In 94 everyone complained about the horizontal split on Mustang tail lights. The GTs factory carried over the Foxbody LX 5.0 2 inch polished tail pipes under the bumper. And the 4.6 GTs had the badge to show off the new high tech 4.6 engine. Sadly the 4.6 wasn't as powerful as the 5.0s of a few years earlier.
Set of romeo heads, some mhs cams, and pi intake manifold and you're at a solid 300 horse. non pi 4.6 platform is pretty underrated IMO
I sold cars for a while in the early 90's (Nissan) while also owning an '87 Fox body LX 5.0. The wood appliqué was a VERY common dealer add-on. The muffler on the GT might be a replacement, but OEM it came with polished long tips with slash cut ends, just like my LX did. I had a coupe version of the V6 a couple years ago as a beater spare. It wasn't fancy, but it had nearly 200k miles and still ran great.
Two years ago I bought a 98 V6 convertible auto. Been a fun little car to cruise in. I have plans to swap the 4R70W automatic transmission for a T45 5-speed manual in the future. I wish I had the 4.6 exhaust sound, but this is good for me at this point in life!
Understandable!
It's a shame having a Mustang without a V8, but maintaining one isn't for everyone unfortunately...
Personally I have a 2002 mustang GT and I absolutely love it it's insanely fun to drive and it's fairly quick and I am probably going to make it better by supercharging it, it has 74k miles and from past 2 owners never been redlined
Never get rid of it
I have an 03 GT, I just ordered the kenne belle 2.1…I’ll be installing it on my channel next summer…
My 2016 mustang v6 has 305hp that's 45 more than the 2002 GT. They have really increased the HP over the years!
I had a mid-90s Taurus with the 3.8 V6. For a relatively large car, it had plenty of go. It was a company car, of course. One of our VPs had the Taurus SHO with the 3.0 liter Yamaha V6 and it was really fast for its time. It would be great to see a mileage comparo between these 2 cars as well as the 0-60. I’m loving all these classic car videos (because I’m old enough to remember most of them when they were new LOL). Thanks.
A little factoid about the Yamaha V6 powered Ford Taurus SHO and V8 powered Mustang GT was the Taurus SHO was faster. The intake manifold on the SHO's motor was awesome and looked like it came from a Ferrari. Another car that had a Yamaha powerplant was the older Volvo XC90. It was known to be a fairly reliable motor that was rated at, I think, 300hp.
@@mlc7boosted the V10 in the Lexus LFA was also co-developed with Yamaha. Really anything Yamaha touched was great
My last mustang was a 95 cobra. It was fast enough for me, but wasn't quite as fast as a 99 GT was, now a 99 GT couldn't hold a candle to the ecoboost mustang, let alone the 22 GT. Mustangs keep getting better, but the SN95 is a sweet spot. I still love them.
I’ve known people that were diehard fox body people, but had changed their minds after getting an SN95. I have a 94 Cobra myself with a 408W that I’m looking to sell.
True!
The fact that a modern Ecoboost model would smoke an old GT is meaningless to be honest!
*V8 in a Mustang or nothing!*
A 95 cobra should Def be as quick as a 99 gt stock for stock if not slightly faster. Their 240 hp was underrated they put down about 220 wheel which is about what a new edge puts down. The cobras actual torque was higher too (not rated torque) and they're probably about the same weight wize. So it Def should be at least equal to a 99 gt if not slightly ahead equal drivers imo.
My first car was a 98 Mustang V6 vert. Of the 6 cars I've had, it was the quietest and smoothest running engine I've ever had. After replacing and cleaning some sensors and installing under drive pulleys, I had no lag between throttle input and rpms wouldn't "hang" when off the throttle. Man, I still miss it. Got 14.5 mpg consistently city driving
because that is what everyone wants in a mustang, quiet and smooth and... slow.
@@potatochobit Nice and smooth operation, efficient and consistent mpg, and plenty fast when city traffic is bumper to bumper.
In my opinion better then the stereotypical, obnoxiously loud, bolt on boys who have something to prove for some reason
The sweet spot for the SN95 is a '94 or '95 with the 5.0L pushrod V8. They're cheaper to modify and get decent power out of. A decent cam, intake manifold, and if you want to splurge - a set of aluminum heads, and you are in the neighborhood of 310-330whp, and similar torque. That, and you get the glorious thumpy idle from the cam.
Why do all that when a supercharger in a 4.6 makes 400 whp? Look at the terminator cobra.
@@angelgjr1999 You're not making 400 whp with a 4.6 2V with just a blower. A 4V, sure.
@@blakenichols4957 Uhh, yes you are.
@@angelgjr1999because the supercharger for the mod motor costs as much as the car with the 5.0
@@BeagleBob-zw7wg agreed
4.6 liter is such a better engine, in terms of reliability, than the 3.8.
I had 3, 3.8s all blew head gaskets so yea 😂👍🏽
Agreed. Do your PM and don't abuse it and the 4.6 should last at least 300K miles with no problems.
The last 4.6 I had blew a head gasket and was impossible to change without jacking the truck's body off of the frame to get to the rear head bolts. It was too expensive to get someone to do it because it had 245K miles on it, would have drained my bank account, for something that could possibly not have been done right and it happen again.
Had it been a pushrod engine it would have been doable by me and I'd probably still be driving it. But that ruined the whole thing.
Ford fixed the head gasket issue on the 3.8 in 99 up Mustangs and I now have an 02 V6 specifically because it's a pushrod over the OHC V8 and if something does go wrong, I can actually do the job, and do it MUCH, MUCH cheaper.
Having done my research I found out how durable and reliable the 3.8 Essex actually is aside from the old head gasket issues. The only reason the 4.6 is more famous for being so reliable and durable is because it got the chance to prove it in hundreds of thousands of fleet vehicles.
The 3.8 was in more understated vehicles like the Taurus, base trucks, minivans, etc - vehicles that didn't get near the attention or glory.
The GT is always worth it….no matter what year. We can tell it’s not your favorite haha. But thanks for the video, always fun.
Exactly!
Is it really a Mustang without a V8...?!
v8 mustangs any day
@@TopG800 👌🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@@ThatLoud3v what do you think of Shelby’s? Gt350 or gt500? I do not know what to prefer or look in too, I dream of owning a muscle car like that one day, I probably might be able to afford a Gt one day
@@TopG800 there awesome cars for sure
Only video that shows how to open the top. We had replaced all the parts but still couldn't get the tip to work. Even talked to some mechanics and they were stumped so thank you.
A short shifter is great in either one of those cars. A friend is high-school had a v6 and we swapped out a ss kit, and it made a world of different.
I love my SN-95s. I'm on my third one right now (fourth Mustang overall, turbo fox body several years ago) and it's still my favorite body style. My 97 Cobra is getting a new and improved motor built right now.
The problem with these cars back when they were new or new-ish, was insurance. Same with the GM F-Body. I was 19 in 2002 when I went in the Navy. Tried to buy an LT1 Z28 on a used lot. The insurance would've been DOUBLE the payment. Needless to say, I ended up finding a nice 94 3.4L V6 model. Luckily it was extremely mint and only cost me $4000. I did end up with a 1998 Z28 when I was 25 though.
Same when I tried to buy a new 08' GT back when I was 19. The insurance was going to be literally double the car note and I still remember how upset I was lol.
Yeah I was 23 in 02, got a used 2002 SS Camaro, insurance alone was $250/mo. That was with a clean driving record and a student discount. That's 2002 dollars, when my apartment was $900/mo lol
@@davidryan7981 Exactly! My quote for the first one was $250 as well. The payment was going to be maybe $230. I was in Pensacola. Even when I came back to Pensacola in 2006, my apartment was $650. lol.
@@watchandjewelryloft4713 yeah you only live once though. 23, no wife, no kids, no responsibilities. Had a 97 V6 Firebird since I was 18, always wanted the V8. Sold it in 2001, bought a new 2002 Tundra, but missed the Firebird, so I traded in the Tundra 6 months later on the 2002 Camaro SS auto, had that for 6 months and traded that on a 2000 Formula Firebird w/ the 6-speed manual. Had that for 3 years, got married, knocked my wife up, and I figured I'd need something for a baby seat so I sold it and bought a new 2005 tundra. Came full circle lol. Never did put a child seat in that Tundra. Baby girl is now 16, and I'm still missing my Firebird. Miss the Camaro too, that car was a beast.
@@davidryan7981 Sounds about how my life went lol. Went from the 94 V6 to a Cadillac Seville STS. Mostly because it was MINT and not too bad on price at the time. I actually had more fun with that than the V6 Camaro. Upset a lot of import owners and even some Mustang and 350Z owners back then. 😂 I wish I had kept it honestly. But, sold it in 2006 when I found a mint 1998 Z28 6 speed with only 45k miles. It had been kept under a car port with a car cover. It was stupid clean. Again, another car I should've kept, but 3 years later I was married with a baby on the way. So, it went bye bye. 😭
So many memories...I daily drove a 94 v6 auto coupe from 2006 to 2012 including coming home 2hrs one way from college every weekend to work. It ended up parked near the end of my ownership after I got my fox body project up and running. It was white with a red interior and she served me well
As someone who drove a 1998 Mustang V6 for 17 years: yes, the V8 is worth it.
I agree, it's worth it!
Plus let's be honest:
Is it really a Mustang without a V8...?
Counterpoint, I have a built 5.0 SN95 and a mildly warmed up 3.8 SN95 ... I enjoy driving both of them equally. As delivered the 3.8 single port is pretty bad but three pretty simple adjustments completely changed the V6 . Gears, dual exhaust and shortened/widened intake runners.
@@shoveI I did gears, dual exhaust and cold air intake on mine, and it was a bit more entertaining. I still have a video of it in my videos. But for my next Mustang, V8 no question.
I just bought a 5.0 1995 sn95 and I Love that car. It's such a fun daily car
I love how they're trying to make the V6 seem better than the GT
I mean if you want to be slower than a minivan, then a v6 is perfect. Lol.
@@angelgjr1999 😂
A Mustang without a V8 isn't really a Mustang...
I own a 2002 base v6. I bought it from a family member for $300. It still runs like a dream. 230k miles
If I had a dollar for every time an automotive journalist, who has never driven a tractor, calls a transmission "agricultural"...
He’s a kid he doesn’t know what real drivings experience is
I bought a 1998 Mustang GT convertible with a manual transmission back in February 2021 for only $1700. It had very few issues and now 6000 miles later it's still doing great! Working A/C, original Mach 460 speakers and head unit, leather seats, working key fob. She definitely needs some tlc, but man I got lucky with this purchase.
I thought the Mach 360 with the in dash 6 disc changer was the coolest thing ever back in the day.
I'll bet my 1996 Ford Aerostar would put that sixer in the hurt locker...😂
Facts and a 4 cylinder honda could put that v8 one in the hurt locker🤣
It’s basically a fox body chassis. Trying to find one of these and put a 7.3 or 5.0 in it for drag racing before the prices of these skyrocket….
Back in the day my Jeep Cherokee 4.0 was faster than a V6 mustang from the 90s.
A V6 Mustang no matter the generation, is just ridiculous... 😂
Chase, if you think that trans is trucky and agricultural, you haven't driven the really old trucks. That trans is smooth as silk compared for the time. The new short throws are way better, but it was good for the day.
SN-95 grew on me several years ago. I don’t have one though lol. My brother did for a while, 96 GT. At one point I had a 97 Thunderbird with the 4.6, but that’s an entirely different platform lol
I almost bought a 1998 mustang v6 5 spd for $2700 for my first car. Thank goodness I looked around and found a 99’ mustang v6 5 spd with the newer nicer body for $3000. That 3.8 was VERY reliable during the time I owned it.
My SN95 v6 5-speed has about 260,000 miles, doesn't burn any oil between changes, no motor noises. They last as long as Toyota Camrys,
like Crown Vics of the same era
Looking to buy my first sn95 mustang tomorrow found a nice little cheap one it’s the v6 1996 but I’m not looking for power just something that looks nice and is a good one on gas for a daily and I think it’s gonna fit just well it’s gotta be better then my scat pack on gas lol
I'd probably spring for the V8. I had a Thunderbird with the 3.8 in it and it was nothing but trouble. The final nail in the coffin for that car was the head gaskets failing and after that I got rid of it and bought an F body a couple years ago.
Great video!
It is funny that I always see complaints when referring to the SN95 interior (New Edge included). It may be just age, but I grew up when all the cool muscle cars had a black (vinyl) interiors, think 1st Gen Camaros, Mustangs, Cudas Challengers etc. Only thing you’d want was buckets, floor shifter and factory gauges was a plus. The SN95s tick all those boxes and honestly wouldn’t look right with a plush interior anyway. It’s a pony car after all and I personally think the interiors definitely have a more Mustang style compared to the previous Fox’s.
I had a 97 3.8 v6 150 hp Mustang (Pacific Green) automatic. I bought a V2 SQ supercharger off ebay used, with 42lb injectors, lightning Maf, and a Ford-chip tune. It put down 173rwhp and 233rwtq. I also added 373 gears and T-Lok, and some suspension mods. Stock I ran 16.5 through 16.9. After all the mods I ran 14.7-15.3. This was back in 2001-02
I love this video. First video i see from you guys and it was on my youtube recommendations. I love the review about both cars their pros and cons. your thoughts. I also like the presentation. I like the camera work and editing. Not too long and with good information.
I bought a 1986 LX with a GT performance package brand new of the lot. That car was blast. I loved it.
I own a 97 Cobra and love that car! Had it for 10 years now, finally doing the whole suspension so Im excited to see how it will be once im done.
Love these cars.
I'm on my 5th Mustang. I've owned:
1989 LX 5.0
2001 GT
2002 GT
2006 GT
2012 GT (my 1st auto Mustang)
While I like & appreciate each one, the 2012 GT is a BLAST to drive (the fastest 1 I've owned thus far).
I had an 06 GT in tungsten grey. Fun car.
just copped a '96 gt a few months ago, manual 4.6 with a cervinis body kit, can't wait to get behind it in the coming months
The only 90s "rad" equivalent wheels to those V6 Mustang rims are the square cap mags on the 1990 Cavalier Z24.
I had a 98 GT. did a PI swap and port and polished the heads. It was a blast to drive. Just get a short shifter for it which makes shifting much better and you can actually have a drink in your cup holder. Anything bigger than a soda can and you will smack the drink while shifting into 2nd and 4th.
I like these mustangs looks. Miss em you dont see many of em on the streets anymore
Had a 96 Mustang GT first year with the 4.6 and had a manual. 2002 minivan with that V6 and an automatic. My then wife let me buy the Mustang because she didn’t like the minivan on two wheels around corners. My Mustang was set up for cornering on the track, but in a straight line or wide highway corners I’m going to say my 2.7 F-150 crew cab is faster. Mustang was still way more fun until it snows.
Actually 94 was the only year with the horizontal tail lights. In 93 I do believe the 2.3 was also the last year. Still made the 2.3 for the Ranger though
In 95 was the last year of the 5.0. 94 to 2004 was the last year's of the Foxbody's also. Only thing was the body's wrap around part's was different. They still beautiful vehicles.
I was 16 in 1998. I remember test driving a 1996 v6 with red interior/red exterior. I wanted it so bad, but my mom said she wasn't making payments. I only had $5,000 to spend. The 2 year used v6 was around $12,000 in 1998 used. The dealership let us take it home for the day and I drove it around town feeling like a boss. I remember the 96-98 GT's around town sounding amazing I will never forget sounds of the 96-04 GT cars back in the day, a very unique sound.
I had a 04 v6 awhile back with some aftermarket parts here and there, was fun and cheap to keep going but just never felt or sounded like a real mustang. I now have an 01 gt and still get pretty decent mpg on the highway, not so much in town though lol
My 03 v6 mustang has the absolute worst ergonomics of about anything I have driven . Even that stupid inside door handle, The Trany, brake ,ignition thing is pretty weir to figure out, in a mind that grew up with Normal access and easier operation. I am still figuring this out, like setting anti-theft with the key fab, or just making the horn beep while its parked is an easy push of a button. As low as that sits, you can search awhile sometimes when trucks, vans, and suvs hide the car
the 5.0 or the 4 valve were the engines to buy. However, I just got rid of my 98 3.8L v6 last year. Roughly 300,000 miles, never had the valve cover off it once and i got it at 200k. It was incredibly rusty. Got it for $1200 with a fuel leak and broken windshield in 2016. I got about 30mpg with those long ass 2.73 gears. My 2nd 4r70w blew up and I bought a ranger to replace it.
the 3.8 L v6 convertible, to the rims and EVERYTHING is just like mine but instead mine is a blue instead of red, and I'm inheriting it through my family as well, they had it as original owners back in 94, and god do I love the car, I just be whippin that v6 around like its no ones business fr, no but honestly such a fun car to own, definitely recommend if you just want a nice little car, been driving it for over a year and a half now.
That foe wood in the gt was never a factory option, one of the previous owners added that. Ive owned several gt and cobras of this era (sn95). Im a huge fan of this body style. The cobra for a few thousand more is EXTEMELY worth the $. For a few thousand more its significantly faster and has nicer factory options. Infact I had a bolt on 97 cobra with a blower and it was probrably the most fun I ever had behind the wheel and ive had/have much faster cars.
This video is awesome! I really love the SN95's. But holy cow, my v6 accord smokes both of those cars. Not a surprise. But aftermarket for the 4.6 is crazy good though.
I put a LeBra on my 89 Pulsar 😅 , bought in Jan 1990 w/17 miles on it, cars were cheep back in da day 😊
3:57 That's what I keep telling my wife!
BTW, yeah those 3 spoke wheels really are "of their time."
2" goes a long way..lol Too funny..
I had a 5 speed 2003 Mach1. With a 32v 300+ HP engine and 3.55 rear end, in stock form, it had plenty of get up and go. First gear was so short it would often roast the tires.
I have a special place in my heart for the SN95. My first mustang was a 96 GT and later had a 95 GT -- last year of the 5.0 -- that was quite heavily modified and a lot of fun to drive. I miss both of them!
If youre going to a proper shoot out, you need a 94/95 SN95. That has a 5.0 in it. As between the 4.6 vs 5.0 is completely different platforms
If you are newer and hear different terminology at times with a 79-2004 Mustang, they are likely right. This is still a Fox body, but we don't call it that with the major rework. But it is a Fox platform, called the Fox 4. Correct me if I'm wrong, SN95 was the Ford name for the development of the new body and updates.
4:28 those are not aftermarket exhaust pipes they are factory
6:21 the "wood" trim is not OEM, it's a cheap stick on trim you can probably find on Ebay etc
I've had the opportunity to test drive both the 3.8 v6 and 4.6 v8 mustangs, to me the 3.8 is no slow poke, I noticed that the 3.8's power comes in at lower rpm more like pushrod v8s. The 4.6's power comes in at higher rpms it loves to rev high. I never owned a mustang but I do own a 97 thunderbird with the 4.6 and to me the thunderbird is really just a large mustang.
That is because the 3.8 is a pushrod v6.
The GT handled well..... the v6 handled like a ford tempo Also wonder how many head gaskets were replaced on the 3.8, they don’t make much power or have a good reputation
There's a 3.8L V6 mustang in my area that is a fully gutted and the rear diff has been welded. It's pretty quick from what I heard compared to the miatas
My first car was a 94 Red V6 Mustang. Not a powerhouse or fast by any means but I Loved that car so much!
I live in Colorado as well and have a very clean first generation Ford Probe GT Turbo that was meant to get rid of the Mustang and did not I would love to see you feature that on your show I may even loan it to you
Growing up as a car kid in the 90's I despised V6 Mustangs and Camaros, the feeling still sticks with me lol. However its still neat to see some oldies tested.
I had an 87 fox body thunderbird with the 3.8 v6 and it has an eye watering 120hp!
I wish you had mentioned the difference in fuel economy, for me being in my mid 50's I don't really care about 0-60 times I care more for fuel economy and long jevity.
Average mpg over ownership daily and trips. Minivan with that V6 got 18. Mustang with the V8 17. 3.7 V6 Mustang 24. 2.7 F-150 (because I’m fifty and need a backseat for my parents and grandchildren) 21.
My 160k mile 96 gt with the terrible 4r70w trans did 7.2 0-60 bone stock only lost .2 seconds from the factory 0-60 I loved that car