Mustang LX convertible a good alternative to a Miata?

60mga wrote: I've also driven a supra and I haven't completely ruled one of those out. The head gasket issue is a concern. I would consider a second generation Miata, but I don't think it would be much different from what I have now and it would be alonger wait to get to the 25 year collector plate requirement. That miata is going to be a hard classic to beat...!

Toyota had the cars leave the factory with improper torque specs (not enough torque) on the head bolts. By now I would think the vast majority of MKIII Supras have had this corrected. I really wouldn't mind one for your intended purposes.

How about a Jeep Wrangler?

nderwater wrote: ymmv, but the fox mustang convertible ranks several rungs below the chrysler sebring convertable on my list of 'most miserable cars i've ever had this displeasure of driving.' malaise-era materials and build quality paired with 70's-era chassis engineering crowned with a noisy top that struggles to keep out the elements. these cars are best enjoyed sitting still with vanilla ice pumping from cheap aftermarket speakers.

dammit, you beat me to it

Rupert wrote: Good Luck! Maybe a BMW 3 or 6 series convertible but you're gonna pay a lot more for parts than you're used to!! You also want to make sure it isn't a later model with all the driving nannies installed. All German cars can get so into gadgets that they can nickel and dime you to death. The newer the car, the more gadgets to replace!

If he's looking for vintage-ish years, an e30 or e36 vert is just fine, and can be found for relatively cheap (similar price to a comparable-condition Miata). Parts are most certainly NOT more expensive for an e30 than for a Miata (at least not mechanicals, can't speak for convertible top parts).

I'm not a convertible type of guy or even a lowered car kind of guy but I think this looks pretty damn good!

Tons of performance companies make bracing kits that fix the Fox Mustang's inherent lack of tumescence.

Do eet!

Aside from the fact that it's hideous compared to the hatchback version, i think the 240sx convertible is the closest thing to the Miata that's a little roomier and almost 25 y/o while still being pretty dang reliable. If it doesnt get high 20s hwy mpg im sure there is some taller-geared diff carrier that swaps right in.

In reply to Vigo:

The problem with the 240sx convertibles is that they were all automatics from the factory. That, and the goofy "turret" used for the shoulder belt. although that's an aesthetic issue and not functional. That said, something like an RB20DET and a manual transmission swap fixes a lot of what I find wrong with this thing. Or just a manual swap and keep the 2.4.

Sound like we need to know your budget. I'm liking this;

or this;

or this;

3rd gen F-body cloth tops are probably even more floppy than the Fox.

In reply to pres589:

I refuse to believe you

Crikey? Seriously?

Mentioning a Fox Mustang and a sports car in the same sentence is like saying 'would you like your operation done today with a scalpel or a chainsaw?"

Fox Mustang = garbage and certainly not anything even close to a sports car.

Far better off to fit an MGB engine and 5 speed to your MGA (I've toured thousands of miles in my MGA's but I grant you that my favourite choice for cross country work is an MGA coupe. We use the MGC for drop top touring

The problem with the 240sx convertibles is that they were all automatics from the factory.

I didnt know that. The only person i ever knew who owned one must have converted his to 5spd. I never asked many questions about the car because i was appalled by its looks.

In reply to wspohn:

I think the route to making a Fox Mustang into a "sports car" would be SN-95 bits on the front to improve steering / handling and make it easier to add large brakes from the Cobra/Mach1, as well as five bolt hubs. The rear would be Cobra IRS + a trip through the Maximum Motorsports catalog to fix said IRS. After that it's subframe connectors and the other various braces that are available from the aftermarket.

Finally I'd think about a 3.2 from an SHO. All of this in a sedan bodystyle should get you a car that weighs, what, 3000lb? But that's swap city and that isn't what this thread is about.

Also what about the 944 convertible?

A couple more I didn't see mentioned yet.

Toyota W20 MR2 w/ T-Tops

Lotus M100 Elan

pres589 wrote: In reply to wspohn: I think the route to making a Fox Mustang into a "sports car" would be SN-95 bits on the front to improve steering / handling and make it easier to add large brakes from the Cobra/Mach1, as well as five bolt hubs. The rear would be Cobra IRS + a trip through the Maximum Motorsports catalog to fix said IRS. After that it's subframe connectors and the other various braces that are available from the aftermarket. Finally I'd think about a 3.2 from an SHO. All of this in a sedan bodystyle should get you a car that weighs, what, 3000lb? But that's swap city and that isn't what this thread is about.

Saleen, Steeda, Kenny Brown...etc., made the Fox chassis into 'sports cars' as well.

911 Cabriolet would be a sweet option: enough luggage for two, good top, great driving experience, reliable, simple, already 25 years old. Initial buy-in might be too high.

Boxster does all of that as well, just not 25 years old.

Both are great road trip cars.

David

Here's a video of a p.o.s. Fox Mustang that has a wiggly chassis, could never be a proper sports car, and is nothing but Vanilla Ice garbage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rhl6ZUaDVs

I had a properly modified Fox coupe for years. 441 rwhp and 2950 lbs. It would wipe the posers (posters?) off the track on most driving events and was an absolute blast to drive. There are a ton of fully sorted out suspension and chassis bits out there. Maximum Motorsports is one. C900 Saab convertibles of the same era are a better choice for what you want to do though. Absurdly solid. Very happy cars. You should buy one of my 900 Turbo convertibles for cheap...

I have an '88 LX 5.0 L notchback, completely stock and I'm enjoying running it around the cones. There is lots of potential and I will slowly fix what needs to be fixed. For now I've got some Kumho 710's on stock 10 hole rims and it turns in okay, just having fun kicking the back end around if needed. Here's a video of what I'd love my Mustang to end up like:

proper autox mustang

I don't think anyone is arguing that the Fox Mustang Notch and Fastback can be competent car with enough modifications.

Compared to a Miata of the same vintage, the Mustang will best be described as a collection of car parts traveling in close formation.

I have yet to drive a car that was as good long distance as my 90 Miata; several 1000 mile non-stop hauls. I can tell you for a fact that the new champ is not going to be FRS after a 17 hour blast to MN. NOT looking forward to the return trip!

My first car was a 1992 Mustang convertible (a GT ). I loved that car. Sure, it didn't have a very rigid chassis, but that was a non-issue driving it around town, on three hour trips to college, and to the beach. If you're looking for a cruiser car, and for some reason Miata isn't the answer, this might be a good alternative.

Maybe this was said already, but can you switch the Miata's insane-o final drive ratio (is that 4.10:1?) to something more road-trip-friendly? I wonder what that would do to the already stellar fuel economy of the car?

Edit: Good luck finding one that hasn't been modified out the wazoo. It seems like every ad for that era Mustang starts with "Original Mustang" in the title and then, somewhere in the second paragraph, "And now for the list of extensive modifications". Usually the modifications involve homemade wiring that would make even the Brits cringe.

Super Edit: Boy, you guys sure don't like Fox Mustangs, do you?

Celicas came in a converable version over a long range of years starting '84

'84 and '85 will get you rwd. All else are fwd.
It wont be as "sporting" but will make a grand tourer.

http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/cto/3994352141.html

I would consider "sporty" as opposed to "sports car" for a highway trip classic. Having a bit more space for the wife to fill up with stuff would come in handy. The miata always seems to be packed with more stuff than anticipated. Rear wheel drive is a must. I don't think I could go back to front drive. I've never had a car with AC and cruise and I figure with modern cars getting to be 25 years old there would be more options to have this included. My MGA already has an 1800 in it and MGB diff. 5 speed would be nice, but there's no bloody way that it would become the regular trip highway beast. I know many of you guys do it, blood and guts, hardcore, yaddyadda, that doesn't interest me. My Miata is bare bones enough for that and way more comfortable. My MGA is the spit and polish, comes out on nice days car. Short 2 hour jaunts down across the border on back roads are perfect for that car. Not screaming up the Coquihalla at 110k. Budget? Not much more than what my Miata is worth so 4-6 grand, 10 tops for something exceptional.. That should weed most of them out!