Just joined... looking at a 1998 mustang convertible as a donor.

[Vpminneci]

Hello! I’m working on finding the right donor car, and think a 1998 mustang convertible... any issues, concerns, or things to look for? Any reason I DON’T want to use a 1998 mustang?

[Just puttering]

You have , found , or want a 1998 mustang? And then how many miles does it have?

[edwardb]

A 1998 Mustang (SN-95) doesn't have a ton of usable parts. What were you hoping to get from it? Tell us more about your planned kit purchase and build.

[Vpminneci]

A 1998 Mustang (SN-95) doesn't have a ton of usable parts. What were you hoping to get from it? Tell us more about your planned kit purchase and build.

I was thinking MK4 roadster... wouldn’t I use the engine, transmission, rear axle, front spindles, fuel tank, pedal box, etc? Why do you say I wouldn’t use many parts?

[Jeff Kleiner]

I was thinking MK4 roadster... wouldn’t I use the engine, transmission, rear axle, front spindles, fuel tank, pedal box, etc? Why do you say I wouldn’t use many parts?

All of those parts are usable although in some cases not necessarily preferred or considered ideal.

Jeff

[Vpminneci]

All of those parts are usable although in some cases not necessarily preferred or considered ideal.

Jeff

Okay, that’s what I’m trying to understand... why wouldn’t I want to use those parts from the donor? I’m determined to use a donor and will wait until I find the right one... why is that a bad plan...

[edwardb]

I was thinking MK4 roadster... wouldn’t I use the engine, transmission, rear axle, front spindles, fuel tank, pedal box, etc? Why do you say I wouldn’t use many parts?

As Jeff said, are usable to some degree but maybe not the best choice. Keep in mind, the donor concept was originally around the Fox body Mustangs. I personally would stay away from donor spindles in any case. The Factory Five spindles are vastly superior. I've had both and the difference is significant. There are a bunch of threads on the in/outs of donor builds, and specifically with the SN-95. Here are a few:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?5169-Fox-vs-SN95-donor

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29148-Donor-Car-Questions

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?13834-What-Donor-car-for-MK4

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?23044-Donor-guidance-please

[Vpminneci]

As Jeff said, are usable to some degree but maybe not the best choice. Keep in mind, the donor concept was originally around the Fox body Mustangs. I personally would stay away from donor spindles in any case. The Factory Five spindles are vastly superior. I've had both and the difference is significant. There are a bunch of threads on the in/outs of donor builds, and specifically with the SN-95. Here are a few:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?5169-Fox-vs-SN95-donor

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29148-Donor-Car-Questions

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?13834-What-Donor-car-for-MK4

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?23044-Donor-guidance-please


Thank you. Very helpful!

I’m still thinking I’m better off with a donor even if I only use the engine and transmission. From what I’ve found I can get a good running car for less than I can buy an engine and transmission.... so maybe I get a full kit and pull the engine/transmission...

That being said, what year range would be the best drop in?

[Connedale]

OP, sent you a PM

[Vpminneci]

Sorry I missed your post... I found one but haven’t pulled the trigger

103k miles