1988 Mustang GT Convertible - Where to find info? (seats, engines, aftermarket)

[DezertGirl]

I just acquired a beautiful 1988 Mustang GT Convertible with the 255 hp 5.0 HO, 5-speed, loaded, alloy wheels, etc. The car is in great shape, but the motor needs a rebuild. Got that in the works. Now I would like info on this year car, such as optional equipment offered, and want to make sure she is completely stock. When I had my 1973 Mach I, I learned all I could, down to the production numbers of the cars with 351 Cleveland 4 bbls and what options and accessories were offered at the dealer and what was aftermarket. I've been out of the Mustang game for way too long and would love to be brought up to speed (LOL!) on the '88s. Thanks for any advice, links and resources!

[southernnaturelover]

Join a Mustang forum.

http://mustangforums.com/forum/5-0-mustang-14/

I own a GTA I have learned loads of info from Camaro/Firebird forums.

[DezertGirl]

Nice car, southernnaturelover! OK, have done that at mustangforums.com. It seems most of the threads are technical questions...well...I do need to know more about the HO engines. Thanks!!!

[mustang84]

Just FYI, but unless it's been modified it should be 225 hp. Mustang 5.0's from 1987-1992 put out 225, and 215 in 1993 (with the exception of the Cobra, which was good for 235).

[DezertGirl]

Originally Posted by mustang84

Just FYI, but unless it's been modified it should be 225 hp. Mustang 5.0's from 1987-1992 put out 225, and 215 in 1993 (with the exception of the Cobra, which was good for 235).

OK! There was only 2 engines offered in '88...2.3 and the 5.0. This is exactly the kind of info I need.
Now, some sources say tilt was standard and one guy claimed it was a "rare option". Huh? This car is loaded...everything, from what I can tell, except leather seats. If anything, I might be inclined to add stock options like the leather seats.
Pix coming as soon as I can wash the car!

[Bosco55David]

Stangnet.com is my preferred Mustang forum. Its much better than most, IMO.

Here is a great site for production info. If it's not listed on the page itself, it should be included in one of the links.

TheMustangSource.com | Timeline: 1988 Mustang

Also, I believe the tilt steering wheel was standard. It was standard on my parent's 1988 Thunderbird LX (also had the 5.0) and every fox body Mustang I've seen.

[NorthwoodsZJ]

I dont recall seeing any non-tilt fox body cars either... at least not in the 80's.

You may want to try http://www.corral.net/new/ & http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/50resto.aspx as well.

[DezertGirl]

Thanks! I'm finding that Mustangforums.com is a slow website with a lot of technical problems. Half the time the threads aren't available...and the pages take forever to load...on broadband...
Of course, I have absolutely no forum social status there...starting from zero...and one post....LOL!

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by DezertGirl

Thanks! I'm finding that Mustangforums.com is a slow website with a lot of technical problems. Half the time the threads aren't available...and the pages take forever to load...on broadband...
Of course, I have absolutely no forum social status there...starting from zero...and one post....LOL!

LOL, that was just the first one that I pulled up, there may be others. Google the words "mustang forum" and you'll probably find other websites.

[Bosco55David]

I'd just stick with Stangnet. Lots of extremely knowledgeable people there.