Oh where to start... The engine was the first thing to go. The tiny V6 started burning antifreeze and I had to install a rebuilt engine. That was quite spendy at $3000 (with labor). Shortly thereafter the transmission decided 2nd gear was a luxury I didn't need, that was another $2000 to rebuilt it. Did I mention that I only paid $5000 for the car? Since the Pony already matched it's buying price in repairs it was time for the rotors to warp, another $400. The paint also grew small rust spots all over it, they were easy to clean and cover up, but were still annoying.
The interior and exterior stylings were this car's high points. It's a beautiful car inside and out and people will notice you. Unfortunantely it isn't enough to compensate for the poor construction.
The V6 is WAY too small for this car. It couldn't accelerate up a steep hill at all. I loved the way this car looked, but hated the way it drove. If you're set on buying a mustang do yourself a favor and buy a V8 (GT or Cobra or more recently Mach 1). I feel that all of these problems were due to the fact that the engine and drive-train weren't powerful enough to accommodate this car.
The automatic is the main reason why your car feels so slow. Pair that V6 with a 5 speed and it'll feel much faster.
I totally agree with the last commenter. The automatic box drains all sportiness out of this car, cars with the 5 speed manual are completely different to drive. The 150hp 3.8L with the 3 speeder automatic was never meant to be sporty, but was meant to haul grocery getters like the Taurus. Interestingly I have the same experience with a 2003 rental, also equipped with auto and V6, but the 2003 have 50 more hp (200 vs 150), still this auto-box is able to zap every power out of this car. The Ford 3 speeder is a of pre historic design, and you may wonder why they have used this unit for so long. And why did not Ford offer a more efficient 4 or 5 speed auto-box as an option?
The C6 3 speed auto tranny hasn't been used since the late late 80s. This stang would have a 4 speed auto, but it still saps the energy of the car.
No, the car in question is equipped with the AOD-E transmission which is the successor of the C4/C5 transmission used from 66-86, the C-series was three speeders (C5 with overdrive) while the AOD-E is a four speeder. I think the last commenter is mixing the C4 and the C6 transmission. The C6 was only delivered in combination with the big-blocks and the big-block option disappeared with the introduction of Mustang II in 74.
Mustang slow?
Don't buy an automatic, SIMPLE.
The 5-speeds are 1 FULL SECOND faster in the 1/4 mile!!! (that's a pretty huge difference)
Secondly, the Mustangs don't have a lot of hp, but they DO have plenty of torque. (I pulled a buddies F-150 off of a frozen lake with my mustang, YES I said it!!! And the car barely even noticed!)
If you want more power, goto supersixmotorsports.com
The 3.8L V6 is an EASILY modifiable engine, and very solid and reliable.
The transmission isn't underpowered, it's the same transmission that's in the V8's, only made stronger for more horsepower. It won't give you any performance upgrades though...
The stock engine and tranny can hold at least 300hp on a nicely running system.(plus have less weight than the GT's and Cobras, which are WAAAY heavier.)
Anymore than that, you'll wanna do a forged rebuild!
I have a 1994 Mustang V6 with a 2001 3.8L block. I also have a V8 transmission connected to it. The 1994 3.8l connections are the same, but the block was changed in reason of the other one overheating. The V8 tranny is automatic. It's a 4 speed automatic. It's not bad, it's quite fast when you are going 20 and hammer it. Is it slower with the V8 tranny or does it make it faster? ((Russ))
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