Top 5 First Modifications For Your Foxbody Mustang 5.0
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a fan of the legendary Fox Body Mustang, or you’re at least thinking about jumping into the world of one of the most iconic muscle cars ever made. Whether you’ve just picked up your Fox or you’ve been rocking one for years, there’s always room for improvement. Today, I’m breaking down the top 5 modifications you should consider if you want to make your Fox Body stand out, perform better, and still keep its resale value intact.
But first, a quick disclaimer: These mods come from over 22 years of experience owning my own first Foxbody. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I’ve also learned a lot, so these recommendations are from a place of practicality, taste, and a bit of hindsight. Let’s dive in.
1. Get more of the Iconic Sound by Upgrading the Exhaust
Let’s start with the obvious — exhaust. The sound of a Fox Body Mustang is one of its defining features. I mean, if you’ve ever heard one coming from a mile away, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Whether you’re running Flowmaster, Borla, or Black Widow, the exhaust note can be absolutely intoxicating.
But here’s the thing: The factory exhaust? It’s just not cutting it. Swapping out that old muffler for something aftermarket is an easy, affordable mod that delivers a noticeable improvement in sound and performance. You don’t need to go overboard here — just a good, quality exhaust system will make your Fox sound like the muscle car it’s supposed to be. And the best part? It’s not an irreversible mod, so if you ever decide to sell, you can always swap back to stock.
2. Lower the Ride Height: Get That Aggressive Stance
Okay, let’s talk ride height. Have you ever noticed how Fox Bodies look like they’re riding on stilts? Factory ride height on these cars is downright awkward. The front end sits way too high, making the car look like it's got a lifted truck suspension. Not exactly the muscle car vibe you're going for.
The solution is simple: Lowering springs. For under $300, you can completely transform the look of your Fox Body by getting it closer to the ground. Not only will it improve the car's overall stance, but it will also enhance handling and give you that aggressive, muscular look we all want. Plus, it's a reversible mod. If you ever decide to sell the car or return it to stock, you can always put the original springs back on.
3. Get More Power Off the Line by Swaping the Gears
Now, let’s get into the gear ratios. If you’ve ever driven a Fox Body, you’ve probably noticed how it can feel a bit sluggish off the line. That’s because the factory gears (usually 3.08s) are too tall, meaning you’re not getting the full potential out of that engine right away.
Upgrading to 3.73 gears is a simple but effective mod that will make a *huge* difference in acceleration. This upgrade will make your car feel quicker and more responsive, especially on the street. And trust me, it’s a mod that any serious Fox Body owner is going to consider sooner or later. It’s also a relatively cheap and straightforward mod, and it doesn’t require a ton of technical expertise to install.
4. Freshen Up The Look with New Headlights and Taillights:
One of the most noticeable issues with the Fox Body is the headlights and taillights. After years of use, those lenses can start to yellow and fog up, which takes away from the car’s overall appeal. Fortunately, this is a super easy fix, and it’s a mod you can knock out in less than an hour.
There are plenty of aftermarket options to choose from. I went with clear lenses over the stock ribbed style, but there are tons of different looks available. Whether you’re going for a modern vibe or sticking with something that keeps it close to stock, new headlights and taillights will seriously freshen up the front and rear end of your car. Plus, the install is so simple, you can do it yourself in your driveway. And hey, if you decide to sell later, you can always keep the old lenses in a box for the next owner.
5. 5 Bolt/4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk brakes. If you’ve got a Fox Body, chances are you’re still rocking those ugly, outdated rear drum brakes. Not only do they look terrible, but they also don’t do a great job of stopping the car — especially at higher speeds or when you’re pushing the car hard.
The solution? A five-bolt, four-wheel disc brake conversion. It’s by far the most involved mod on this list, but it’s also the most rewarding. Not only will your Fox look a whole lot better with the disc brakes filling out the wheels, but you’ll also notice a huge improvement in stopping power. And here’s the kicker: With these upgraded brakes, you’ll open up a whole new world of wheel options. Whether you want to run classic five-spokes or go for something more modern, you’ll have the freedom to choose the wheels that match your style. Trust me, this one is worth the investment.
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In Conclusion: These are the 5 mods that I’ve personally tried and tested, and I can confidently say they’re the ones that truly make a difference.
Gary
KASL Customs