So here is my dilemma. I need a new daily driver. (This will be a long read)

[Bryce]

I love my 95 mustang with the 5.0; however, it has 120K miles on it. So I need to decide should I build a new motor or start a new project. The issues I have with the mustang; I live in California and it needs to pass smog, not really a family car and its kind of heavy so economy suffers a little bit. Plus the car is already running and has great brakes and suspension and interior (modifications I have already done to the car). So to make this a really good DD would only require me building a new motor. Motor build is just a 302 with AFR 165 heads and the E303 cam with shorty headers and Edelbrock CARB legal intake. Approximately, I would spend $6-$7K for the motor and a rebuild of the transmission, but this would be a quicker project than building a new car. And yes I know any money I spend on the 95 is wasted as I would never recoup the investment. The mustang would be safer with airbags and crumple zones.

The other option is to keep the mustang as a future project and make it an awesome street car. And buy a pre smog car that is more suited for a family, UGH…..four doors? Lame! But what is out there, preferably Ford with small block room in the engine compartment? This would have to be a relatively cheap initial cost for the car and a cool car that could increase in value when I finish the project. I would build a nice SBF with some EFI and make the car light so it would get decent mileage, over 20mpgs shouldn’t be too hard. My first thought goes to a 65 falcon wagon then maybe a 49/50 ford. I would also make it safe, whatever it takes. I would like it to weigh in under 3000 lbs.

I’m just looking for ideas. Maybe I should get a pinto wagon. ProMav did a rendering of a pinto a while back and it looked really cool. Maybe I build a 4 door maverick. I’m just brainstorming now. If I do start a project I need to be looking for project cars soon.

Thank for the ideas!

[Nicks67GTO]

Well my first answer is forget all that mess and buy a 2010 Fusion. But if its style and oldschool cool you are after and budget isnt an issue I would say your falcon wagon idea is great for everything except safty. Remember youll be putting your kids in this thing day in and day out. I would say go for a falcon wagon. Stock interior and exterior maybe upgrade to a shoulder belt of some sort if they dont have them. Suspension upgrades, good brakes, and maybe a newer generation V6/Auto from a mustang. Im sure that would get you the mileage.

[Shiro666]

Subaru WRX Wagon.

Drive one and thank me.

[SatisTraction]

if the 5.0 only has 120,000 miles then it has another 100,000 in it. i say drive it.

[Bryce]

thanks for the input!!

To give a better idea about myself. i dont like new cars. I do all work on my cars myself. And new cars have a bunch of stuff i dont want. I dont like power anything etc...

If i built a falcon i would do something similar to what i did on my suspension and brakes and interior. safety would be key and it needs to be a V8. i want 300hp 300 torque and get 30mpg on the highway. The later would be dependent on how aerodynamic the car is.

The subaru would be nice. i agree they are an awesome car. But with my need to modify everything i own, its hard living in california and dealing with carb and smog checks. i really want to get away with from that.

HaHa, I plan on driving the mustang for awhile longer. The plan needs to start now if i hope to have this new car built before the mustang needs a new motor. i work really slow. this will take me 3-4 years. LOL

[Ash]

1975 Volvo 240 sedan or 242 wagon. add the front end from a 83 240 to modernize it. It's pre-smog, 4 wheel disc brakes, energy absorbing front/rear ends, passenger compartment surrounded by steal beams. pretty safe car and the engine bay is roomy enough for your needs.

V8 conversion Manuel : http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Gifs/Volvo240_Engine.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Volvo_200_V-8.html&usg=__rKHswemfeihCocuAV_zk-HZGS9Y=&h=400&w=540&sz=57&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=4Y4IlqU8TiMDBM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1975%2Bvolvo%2B305%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/1710/2061/4273530002_large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cardomain.com/ride/427353&usg=__3WWtoyv0FTJKaWF5pJfMVM249IE=&h=431&w=575&sz=53&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=c6cggIWabkq59M:&tbnh=100&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1975%2Bvolvo%2B305%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1

[John Wright]

Refresh the motor(engine) and swap in a T56:idea:

[Bryce]

ford still owns volvo right? HAHA. i will look into that. thank you

[Lowend]

You ain't getting that Engine Build and a Trans Build done for $7K
Just buy a daily driver car and leave the Mustang until you have the budget to do it right.
Early 2000's Subaru's have gotten really cheap latley

[Bryce]

so im leaning towards a 60-65 falcon wagon. Build the suspension and motor. Try to find one with a decent body. maybe even an original 6 cylinder to make i cheaper. Make it lighter and faster and handle and make it look good. stance and wheels will be everything with this project.

[JohnUlaszek]

On my second STi right now, a 2008 wagon -- best daily driver ever.

[79-TA]

I don't see how your refresh could possibly cost that much unless you're paying a shop to do the work for you. My fox is currently at 198.5k and runs just fine. Forget rebuilding the transmission (assuming it's an auto), just buy a new/used one with a bit of a warranty. Even better, swap in a manual.
Some heads and a cam are what I'm currently looking into for my own car. GT40 heads will give you way more bang for the buck, but aren't nearly as good as the pricier AFR's. Unless you decide to machine the entire block and replace bottom end components, I don't see how it could cost that much. I say your bottom end has another 100k miles in it.

And for daily driver ideas:
If you're really looking to spend over 5k, just buy a much lower mileage 5.0 Mustang.



Lincoln MKVIII's
- they come with what is essentially an underbuilt cobra 4.6 and can be had pretty cheap

Taurus SHO's with the Yamaha V6's can be had for not too much money.

Former police car Crown Vics offer right wheel drive, a bullet proof V8, and a cheap price . . . and possibly an interior that would need some TLC.

[MCMLXIX]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1402676400.html

4 DOOR cruiser....

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/1415792695.html

Cool 4 door wagon....

[Bryce]

I don't see how your refresh could possibly cost that much unless you're paying a shop to do the work for you. My fox is currently at 198.5k and runs just fine. Forget rebuilding the transmission (assuming it's an auto), just buy a new/used one with a bit of a warranty. Even better, swap in a manual.
Some heads and a cam are what I'm currently looking into for my own car. GT40 heads will give you way more bang for the buck, but aren't nearly as good as the pricier AFR's. Unless you decide to machine the entire block and replace bottom end components, I don't see how it could cost that much. I say your bottom end has another 100k miles in it.

And for daily driver ideas:
If you're really looking to spend over 5k, just buy a much lower mileage 5.0 Mustang.



Lincoln MKVIII's
- they come with what is essentially an underbuilt cobra 4.6 and can be had pretty cheap

Taurus SHO's with the Yamaha V6's can be had for not too much money.

Former police car Crown Vics offer right wheel drive, a bullet proof V8, and a cheap price . . . and possibly an interior that would need some TLC.


HA, I already had a Mark VIII. probably one of the best used cars for the money. it was an awesome car until someone spun me out on the freeway and i hit the k-rail at 65mph head on.

but my main concern is getting away from the smog regulation in CA. If i get a 75 or older car i will avoid smog checks and abbiding to CARB regulations.

If i rebuilt the 95stang i would build a complete new motor (myself) and drop it in when the time was right. I would probably go with a Performance Automatic AODE.

I still need to plan for the future. As i currently have 3 vehicle and none of them are really good for putting a child seat in the back. Im still a few years away from needing it but i just want think about the next project as having more of a purpose than just a fun car. I still want it to be fun to drive, look cool, hold people and be safe and fast. So 300hp nice streetability and less than 3000lbs.

[Bryce]

Now Im thinking a maverick. I have always loved them and the 95 mustang would be a pain to keep CARB legal.

[Z06killinSBF]

Why not a Fairmont? They have 4 doors, all the 5.0 Mustang stuff fits and are sleepers.

Look into www.sbftech.com before you waste any money on bad "performance" parts i.e. E cam.

[MCMLXIX]

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/1483255064.html

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/1499566383.html

[78 Type-LT]

A 4 door Maverick or Fairmont

[Bryce]

Why not a Fairmont? They have 4 doors, all the 5.0 Mustang stuff fits and are sleepers.

Look into www.sbftech.com (http://www.sbftech.com) before you waste any money on bad "performance" parts i.e. E cam.


I have built enough SBF's to know i dont want to build a smog car.

I like those fairmonts, ulitamate sleeper. But I live in california and really dont want to deal with all the CARB regulations thanks for the suggestion.


Have any of you seen the four door maverick wagon? those look sweet. But really rare. only sold in south america from what I have heard.

MCMLXIX, Thanks for the craiglist links.

[tonykim]

I'd drive the 5.0 until it explodes. You can replace items as they break (exhaust, brakes, suspension, etc.) My '89 GT made it to 200k miles without ever cracking a valve cover.

There are good options even though you have the CARB issues to deal with. Coast High Performance makes a 50-state CARB legal 347. You could reuse your AFR 165 heads,
Edelbrock intake, etc. This engine is mild enough you could still use 3.08 or 3.55 gears and get good fuel economy. I've found on my 5.0s that as you make power the efficiency also improves as long as it's tuned properly (and you keep your foot out of it).

I do like your 65 falcon wagon idea. I love 64-65 falcons. My grandfather had one for years and I have many great memories of the car. maybe try to find one with the
200 cid straight six. do some brake/suspension upgrades, maybe even convert it to EFI with the Holley 2-bbl TBI (http://www.holley.com/types/Avenger_EFI_-_2_BBL_TBI_Systems.asp) for something different, and a long tube hedder and 2" exhaust, maybe some 17x7" steel wheels with dog dishes for retro look but modern rubber.

[Bryce]

i think i can make it 200K. I dont think i want to invest any money into the 95 mustang. Just enough to keep it reliable.

[ponchopwr70]

Id drive that mustang for now. I'm kind of in the same boat. I have my lemans, 01 s10 and my 94 silverado. The s10 is a summer cruiser and gets awesome mileage but can't use in the snow. It has 108,000 and runs perfect. My 94 silverado I've had for 6 years now and it has 234,000. I just re-did the rear frome and rebuilt the suspension all the way around (about 1500-1800$) and it was only worth 1g if I was lucky. Driving last week and the trans finally went and so did the flexplate. Just rebuilt that with a new converter blah blah another 1,000. I was thinking about selling both trucks and getting one but it really isn't worth it because winter will kill anything. My silverado really won't bring a return but I don't care I'll abuse it and fix it on the cheap. So I would say keep the mustang and build an engine if you think you need too and have fun. Just know your lucky you live in the none salted road portion of the country.

[spider97]

crown vic police interceptor?

i wanna get a 80s crown vic wagon and use it as a parts hauler :)

[MonzaRacer]

OK so if you want a daily driver but older I always loved my 66 galaxie 500. It would have held ANY ford engine, wasa frame car so upgrading the suspension and brakes would have been non issue.
Think of it, a 66 Galaxie 500, decent gears, do a simple Mod motor swap but with a carb or Megasquirt, 5 speed or auto(Bowler trans are great people to deal with) keep decent gearing and with proper adapters in front you should be able to run later model Mustang repop wheels an d newer tires.
I figured that or a 351w or look at www.ohiocrank.com for stroker kits and there are lots of good heads to be had out there.
$6k-$7k IS doable.
Any good 5.0 Short block ,http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Trick-Flow-Specialties-51400015-Cylinder-Heads-SB-Ford_W0QQitemZ330394979793QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4ced134dd1, these heads.or these ,http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/289-302-347-351w-5-0-Ford-Procomp-Aluminum-Heads-190cc_W0QQitemZ200427683609QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMoto rs_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eaa6bbf19 .

Rotating assembly, http://www.ohiocrank.com/ford_rotate.html
Figure $2k for reasonable trans with lots of mods or less.
You could take an old Galaxie, add in Ridetech CoolRide with manual guages, heck you could even lookaround and find an old underdash addon AC system, if its setup with a TXV control it would work both R12 and R134a (ie find an old no air car).
As you go on upgrade to power locks and windows with adapted parts.
The brakes would be fairly easy if you use your brains, heck you might even be able to use/adapt Mustang brakes with little work, lots of 9in disc conversions.
Simple, clean, easy to do ,and it would look killer and fit a family!

[Bryce]

Wow, good idea Monza. And good research too, it sounds like you have thought about building one. HAHA.

those cars do look good. And I like the idea of a full frame.

[MonzaRacer]

Well it makes it easy to use CoolRide all around as you remount the front shocks.
Well my "What If,,," Caprice will be basically the same idea, on the cheap, my old 402, may freshen it up a little, I am gonna redo my TH400 with switch pitch conversion and a 1400/3000 converter, CoolRide allaround and then save for good adjustable shocks from Ridetech. Hellwig makes sway bars.
And I can run 18 Corvette Z06 wheels in repros for $649+ shipping and then tires of course.
Then later on maybe switch to FI.
Simple bolt ons for suspension to make handle better. With Vette wheels I can use Kore 3 big brake adapters and run big 14 in fronts, use S10 rear disc so I can bolt up slicks.
My Monza is gonna be little more complicated. 283, some kind of head to keep compression decent , twin T04s with integral wastegates, LT EFI intake I got donated, TH350 or TH700r4.
Its getting an S10 4wd rearend with disc brakes, Corvette 325 brakes on front(using ZQ Blazer spindles) and 17s all around, and Megasquirt for control.
CoolRide in back my prototype 4 link, SC&C control Arms up front for adjustments and Ridetech ShockWaves up front.
I will have a lot to cool in Monza so I am looking into buying several 5 gallon containers of NPG+ from Evans cooling if not a barrel.
But Monza MAY need some time as me and co worker are thinking of starting our own shop, soon.
Oh well.
and yeah I had idea on my 66 Galaxie long time ago but frame was rusted too bad, then got crushed out of buddies field soooo.

[Z06killinSBF]

NO on the Procomp heads!!!

[MCMLXIX]

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/1520082216.html

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/1523887602.html

[Bryce]

how about a volvo 1800es, the 2 door wagon. It looks really cool and a SBF would fit perfectly.

[Jim Nilsen]

how about a volvo 1800es, the 2 door wagon. It looks really cool and a SBF would fit perfectly.

Those are the sleekest looking wagons ever, I have loved the way they looked since the day I saw one in Playboy when they came out, or was it the model was the sleekest looking model ever.LOL

[MCMLXIX]

just found this while lokking around for something...

http://www.bellstrim.com/current.html

[Bryce]

thats cool looking. I would love to have a wagon falcon as my daily and tow my other falcon to events. HAHA.

[Bryce]

My 95 mustang just passed smog with 0 HC and 0.1 CO and 71 NO. So I guess the motor is still pretty good for having 134K miles.

I plan on keeping it another 2 years. Plus my wife now wants a jaguar s-type. So i guess thats what I will be buying.

[Z06killinSBF]

Those old 5.0s run for ever. Regular maintenance goes a long way.

[Bryce]

Those old 5.0s run for ever. Regular maintenance goes a long way.

Absolutley!

It still pulls hard and runs great. MPG is averaging 21.

[DynoDon]

Your goal of 300/300 and 30MPG is NEVER gonna happen with a 66 Galaxie, or any year Galaxie for that matter. Just too big and HEAVY! My ex shop partner has a 63 and it barely gets 12 MPG - just a pig, a very cool pig but nevertheless....

I built my Wife a 60 Comet wagon. Found a completely rust free, low mile fo doh for $2,500.00. Original black, very clean. By the time I rebuilt the suspension, swapped the original 144/2 speed auto for a 200/C4, did disc brakes, new interior, exhaust, tires etc. doing all the work myself, I had $11,000 in it. It still only got about 25 MPG (regardless of Ford's original claims that they should get 32 MPG back in the day) but made for a cool daily
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/DSC04158-1.jpg

[Bryce]

Problem solved......

So my dad bought a 65 ranchero for his new DD and tow vehicle for the race cars. So i am buying his 97 dakota. Its an awesome truck that we built over the last 13 years to make the way we wanted it. Check out the build here.... https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?p=710924#post710924

[Bryce]

Well, I did not get my dads dakota. He is holding on to both right now.

So I am now in the process of searching for a 95-01 explorer or mountaineer. I like the 5.0 motor and wide ratio AOD transmission. It has a lot of similarities to my 95 mustang, at least in the drivetrain.

Any one have experience?
Is there anything special about the years? 98 and newer got a rear swaybar and the license in the tailgate (looks worse than in the bumper), 97.5 got improved heads.