Dave's Not Here Right NowMy name is David Owens. I am the owner of an '81 Mustang LX. I am unable to obtain the VIN and data plate information at this time because I don't have the car with me. I know it has a four-cylinder engine. I would like to know what size engine is usually found in those models, where I can get new performance parts for the engine, and where I can find the body plates for it. I would appreciate any help on this.David OwensBryan, TX
The four-cylinder engine Ford used in the '79-'93 Mustang lineup was a 2.3L inline four-cylinder with an overhead camshaft design. Initially, the engine was carbureted, then later saw fuel injection, and even dual spark plug designs (four on each side of the head). Some models, such as the SVO and the Turbo GT used a blow-through or draw-through turbo system (depending upon the year and whether it was carbureted or EFI). The 2.3 has many fans, and you can find plenty of speed parts from shops specializing in four-cylinder performance, such as Racer Walsh, Esslinger, and others. We hope you are reunited with your Mustang soon.
Chamber Music for a CobraI'm a first-time Mustang owner. To start off, I own a '96 Mustang SVT Cobra with a 4.6L V-8 that drives and handles great. In my opinion, it's just as good as a 5.0-any 5.0, if not better.
I would appreciate your help on a few performance ideas I have. I want to install a set of Walker DynoMax two-chamber mufflers with a set of Walker ceramic-coated headers (because I work at an auto parts warehouse, Middle Atlantic Warehouse Distributors-MAWD for short).
Do you think this upgrade would improve my car's performance? What do you think I can expect from this?
I have a set of Firestone Firehawk ZR245/2R17 on 17-inch Cobra rims.Thanks for a great magazine.David C. SmithSt. Louis
The DynoMax system has a nice rumble to it without being a droning, overbearing exhaust. There are several other systems to choose from, such as Flowmaster (the original two-chamber design-DynoMax's are actually designed around perforated flow tubes), MAC, Ravin, Pacesetter, Thrush, and more. A good after-cat system will give you a few horsepower (8-15 on average), but more importantly, that nice, mellow tone a Mustang deserves. The headers, on the other hand, are a real bear to install on the 4.6 motor and usually aren't worth the hassle unless you plan on some big power later, such as a supercharger or heads/intake/cams. If you want to install aftermarket headers, get the best you can afford, ceramic-coat them, and get long-tube headers, because you want to install those babies only once! Trust us.
Send your late-model questions or comments to:Late-Model Corralc/o Mustang MonthlyP.O. Box 7157Lakeland, FL 33807-7157
Please include your VIN and/or data plate information, daytime phone number, and e-mail address. You also may reach us via e-mail at:latemod@emapUSA.com