New to mustangs!

[vincentpghpa]

And also new to this group. I bought an 88 mustang 2 days ago and am  curious about my options. It's says 5.0 on the side but the engine is really a 3.2 swapped out years ago. It runs, but poorly. I only drove it around the block and it stalled twice. It stalls after letting it idle for about 45 seconds. I sounded like it was going to stall a few more times but it didn't. I got it from my neighbor and he says it needs a heating coil. (whatever that is) There is also a few other things wrong with it that I have noticed but nothing major. ( I.E. the dome light, power locks paint job)

I am really asking for some newbie/beginner advice. I am just ok with cars. I know how to change oil,tires, Basic maintenance type stuff and that's about all. I signed up for a bunch of mustang groups and will send out messages to them to get more opinions. I am also looking to see what others recommend.

Any websites, Magazines, or mustang clubs in Norfolk VA area? Any other advice is astronomically appreciated.

Thanks
Vincent

[01_blue]

best advice I can give you is to start going to local mustang car shows and meet a few people who are willing to lend you a hand now and then. 
Get yourself a chilton's and haynes repair book too.  they're a great resource.

[Evil95GT]

Welcome to the Mustang world!

As far as learning, you'll want to read as much as you possibly can. A few good sources of info are two magazines called "Muscle Mustang & Fast Fords" and "5.0 Mustang and Super Fords". The net is of course a wealth of infomartion. As Liz said, a good car manual that is "year specific" (1987-1993) will also help you learn more. Are you wanting to keep the 2.3L? If not, there's a few sites with a play-by-play on how to swap from 4 cylinders to 8.

[MurPHy]

Do an engine swap as soon as possible. If it originally came with a 5.0, then all you will have to do is put in a new (V8) engine. If it came from the factory with that four banger, then you have some work ahead of you. Good luck with her mate! 

EDIT:

Don't listen to me. Just get some books and read read read. That's how I learned most of what I know. The rest is from experience. You cannot teach that.