Ford Mustang
History: Third Generation
1979 - 1993
Introduction: The third generation Mustang was built on the new global "Fox" platform
which would form the basis of future Mustangs well into the next century.
1979 Ford Mustang
Comments: 1979 saw the debut of the new Mustang (the "II" was dropped) based on the new
Fox platform. Compared to the 1978 Mustang II, the new Mustang was 4.1 inches longer,
with a 4.2 inch longer wheelbase, yet weighed nearly 200 lbs. less. The Mustang was
available in either two door coupe or three door hatchback models, as well as an
upgraded trim and appearance Ghia trim. Three suspension setups were available with
the top of the line Special Suspension package including retuned shock absorber valving,
front and rear springs, and front and rear stabilizer bars along with metric sized
cast-aluminum wheels and, for the first time on a Mustang, non-US tires (Michelin TRX
performance radial tires). Lessor Mustangs had to make do with other radial or
bias-ply tires. Despite the improved suspension, handling still suffered from the 60/40%
weight distribution when equiped with the heavy 302 V8. A total of six engines were
available, from the carryover 2.3 liter I4 now producing a mere 88 bhp up, a new 200 cubic
inch (3.3 liter) 85 bhp I6 to the now 10 year old carryover 302 V8. A new turbo-charged
2.3 liter I4 was introduced which was rated at 143 bhp and its lighter weight gave the
Mustang better weight balance than the heavy 302 V8. But the turbo was a mixed blessing.
It generated more horsepower than the old tech V8, but there was substantial turbo lag
which hurt driveability and performance. The Turbo engines also suffered from oil
lubrication problems that caused some turbos to fail and others to ignite(!) Clearly,
the Turbo Charged engine was not quite perfected yet. A Cobra package was available
which included the Turbo Charged I4, TRX tires and wheels, and additional trim items.
Also available was a new "flip-up, open-air roof" which was the closest thing to a
convertible available in 1979. The Mustang was picked to pace the Indy 500 race for 1979,
and Ford celebrated by producing about 11,000 Indy Pace Car Replicas which featured
outlandish decals and functional Recaro reclining bucket seats.
Production: 369,936
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 143 bhp.
2.8 liter V6 119 bhp @ 5200 rpm. 3.3 liter I6 85 bhp.
302 V8 134 bhp @ 3600 rpm, 247 lb-ft @ 1800.
Performance: 2.3 I4 Turbo: 0-60 in 9.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 17.4 seconds @ 82 mph.
302 V8: 0-60 in 8.3 seconds, 1/4 mile in 17.0 seconds @ 84.8 mph.
1980 Ford Mustang
Comments: For 1980, the Cobra option now included the Recaro seats. But this couldn't make
up for the loss under the hood. In order to comply with CAFE standards, the 302 V8 was de-bored
down to 255 cubic inches, reducing power from 134 bhp to 119 bhp.
Production:
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 143 bhp.
2.8 liter V6 119 bhp @ 5200 rpm. 3.3 liter I6 85 bhp.
255 V8 119 bhp.
Performance:
1981 Ford Mustang
Comments: The 2.8 liter V6 was dropped for 1981, with the 3.3 liter V6 receiving a slight
boost in power up to 91 bhp. The Turbo Charged I4 continued and was still the standard
engine in the Cobra package, although buyers could substitute the 255 V8 as a $144 credit.
But by the end of the model year, the Turbo Charged engine was dropped (due to nagging
realibility problems) and the V8 became the standard engine in the Cobra. Midyear,
Ford introduced a four-speed plus overdrive (effectively five speed) manual
transmission. This transmission could be hooked up to a new Traction-Lok rear axle, which
was a limited slip differential that was vastly improved from its late 1960's iterations and
finally was able to somewhat control axle hop and wheel spin. The 1979 Replica T-Top option
was brought back, which led to some aftermarket convertible conversions. Ford didn't seem to
notice (or care) about this pent up demand for Mustang convertibles.
Production: 182,552
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 143 bhp.
3.3 liter I6 91 bhp. 255 V8 119 bhp.
Performance:
1982 Ford Mustang
Comments: Performance fans finally were rewarded in 1982 with the reintroduction of the
beloved 302 V8, now named the 5.0 liter HO (High Output) and rated at a decent 157 bhp.
In addition, the GT package came back and was available in either red, black, or metallic
silver paint and featured spoilers and a large (cosmetic) hood scoop. Two door coupes
got more pronounced B-pillars and were now formally known as two door sedans. The Ghia
model name was dropped and replaced with L, GL, GLX, and the GT package. Base prices
started at $6,345 and could top $6,000 for a fully loaded GT.
Production:
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 3.3 liter I6 91 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 157 bhp, 240 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm.
Performance:
1983 Ford Mustang
Comments: The convertible finally returned for 1983. All Mustangs also received a
redesigned grille and taillights. In addition, engine choices were shuffled up, mainly
for the better. The 3.3 I6 was dropped, and replaced with a new 3.8 liter V6 rated
at 112 bhp. The 2.3 liter I4 Turbo Charged engine returned, completely reworked and
more reliable due to the use of electronic fuel injection, and was rated at 145 bhp.
But the big news was the replacement of the old two-barrel carb on the 5.0 liter
V8 with a new four barrel Holley carb which resulted in 175 bhp. To handle this power,
GT models used 205/70R14 tires in place of the previous 185/75R14s.
Production: 120,873
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 145 bhp.
3.8 liter V6 112 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 175 bhp.
Performance:
1984 Ford Mustang
Comments: To mark the 20th anniversary of the Mustang, Ford released a special
Twentieth Anniversary GT model. This featured a GT350 badge were it had been 19 years
before. Unfortunately, although Carrol Shelby had licensed the Cobra name to Ford, the
GT350 and GT500 names were not licensed. Ford had to discontinue using the GT350 name,
making this a one year only model. The 20th Anniversary GT was offered with either the
turbocharged inline 4 or the 5.0 liter H.O. All cars were Oxford White with Canyon Red
stripes. A total of 5,260 20th Anniversary GTs were built, of which 3,333 were V8 coupes,
1,213 were V8 convertibles, 350 were I4 turbo coupes, and a mere 104 were I4 turbo
convertibles. Both the 3.8 liter V6 and the 5.0 liter V8 H.O. replaced their carbs
with a new throttle-body electronic fuel injection system. Although power for the H.O.
engine dropped from 175 bhp to 165 bhp, everything else improved from cold starting, to
throttle response, to fuel economy. Eager to rebuild its performance image, Ford introduced
its Mustang SVO for midway through the model year as a 1984 1/2 model. Named for its
Special Vehicle Operations unit, the SVO Mustang was designed with performance in mind.
Available only as a Black three door hatchback, the SVO came with a modified 2.3 liter
Turbocharged Inline 4 with a new intercooler for the turbo which raised power from 145 bhp to
a stout 174 bhp. The SVO was quite a performer as the improved Turbocharged engine was coupled
to Ford's Traction-Lok differential and a final drive ratio of 3.45:1, which
gave it decent acceleration. Visually, SVOs could be identified by their unique bi-level
rear spoilers, their hood scoop, and the "drooped" nose that incorporated no grille. All
cooling air was taken from openings below the front bumper. In addition, the SVO Mustang
featured a perfected four-bar link rear suspension system. For hard core enthusiasts,
a special option, 41C, was available which not only deleted the radio, but also
removed the power door locks, power windows, and air conditioning, saving the
buyer $1,253 and nearly 100 lbs. compared to the regular SVOs.
Production: 131,762 (5,260 20th Anniversary GTs, 4,508 SVOs)
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 145 bhp.
3.8 liter V6 112 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 165 bhp.
SVO: 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 174 bhp @ 4500 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm.
Performance: SVO: 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds @ 90 mph.
1985 Ford Mustang
Comments: The big news for 1985 was improvements to the 5.0 liter V8 H.O. The engine
received true dual exhausts, and 1960s era stainless steel tube headers. Along with
a longer duration lift cam and hydraulic roller valve lifters, power output increased
to a respectable 210 bhp.
The SVO continued into 1985, now in Dark Charcoal Gray instead of Black and
new flush-mounted halogen headlights which improved visual appeal. New
P225/60VR16 Goodyear Gatorback tires and a new 3.73:1 rear axle ratio shaved nearly
half a second in the quarter mile and raised trap speed by 4 mph. The steering ratio
was improved from 20:1 to 15:1, and the price dropped slightly. But the big news was
the introduction mid-year, of a newly improved Turbo Charged I4 with an increased boost
(from 14 psi to 15 psi), dual exhausts, and a wilder camshaft, which resulted in a
power increase to 205 bhp.
Production: 156,514
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 145 bhp.
3.8 liter V6 112 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 210 bhp.
SVO: 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 174 bhp @ 4500 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm.
SVO (midyear): 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 205 bhp @ 5000rpm, 248 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm.
Performance: 5.0 V8 H.O.: 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds @ 89.7 mph.
1986 Ford Mustang
Comments: The regular turbo charged I4 was dropped for 1986, while the SVO engine was slightly
detuned for 1986, its last year, to meet the requirements of lower octane gas. A total of
9,842 SVOs were sold over the three year period, less than the first year target of 10,000.
Although it helped the Mustang's performance image, its marginally better performance
didn't justify the almost $4,000 price premium over a Mustang GT. And it never got
the European car shoppers that were its original target.
Production: 224,410
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 3.8 liter V6 120 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 210 bhp.
SVO: 2.3 liter I4 Turbo 200 bhp.
Performance:
1987 Ford Mustang
Comments: There was a significant restyling for 1987. Although the SVO Mustangs were gone,
a lot of their parts found their way to lesser Mustangs. All Mustangs received the SVO
drooped nose, and thus all radiator breathing was from under the front bumper. Headlights
were changed to the former SVOs aero-headlamps with halogen bulbs. In addition, GTs now
came with the SVO's quad-shock rear axle suspension as standard equipment. Ford
perfected its electronic fuel injection (EFI) system on the 5.0 V8, resulting in a gain to
225 bhp. The 3.8 liter V6 was dropped, leaving a significant gap between the entry level
4 cylinder engine and the V8. A five speed manual transmission was standard on all models.
Visually, the GT differed from the base LX model with multilouvered taillights, front and
rear air dams, and side-aerodynamic valence with scoops to front and rear brakes. The former
three door sedans were now called two door hatchbacks.
Production: 159,145
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp.
Performance: 5.0 V8: 0-60 in 6.7 seconds.
1988 Ford Mustang
Comments: The T-Top option was dropped for 1988 as the only change.
Production: 211,225
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp.
Performance:
1989 Ford Mustang
Comments: There were no changes for 1989.
Production: 209,769
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp.
Performance:
1990 Ford Mustang
Comments: For 1990, all Mustangs received a new 140 mph speedometer to replace the
previous 85 mph unit. In addition, Ford created a special run of 2,000 Emerald Green GT Convertibles
with white leather interiors that it refered to as the Limited Edition Twenty-Fifth Anniversary
model (evidently forgeting that the Mustang's 25th anniversary was in 1989). It was quite
successful and a total of 3,837 were built.
Production: 128,189
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp.
Performance:
1991 Ford Mustang
Comments: Sales dropped again in 1991 as prices for the base Mustage rose past $10,000.
Production: 98,737
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp.
Performance:
1992 Ford Mustang
Comments: A new special edition Mustang GT in Red with a white leather interior was
introduced for 1992. A total of 2,196 were sold. Overall sales continued to decline.
Production: 79,280
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp.
Performance:
1993 Ford Mustang
Comments: For 1993, Ford released three limited edition Mustangs: A yellow LX 5.0L
convertible with white interior (1,419 produced), and a white on white convertible
(1,460 produced) were available from the beginning of the year. A new Cobra model
was introduced mid-year with its 5.0 liter V8 tweaked to 235 bhp, while changes to
the SAE rating method dropped the regular 5.0 V8 to 200 bhp. The Cobra was
produced by Ford's Special Vehicles Team (SVT) which had taken over the functions of
the former SVO group. The Cobra benefited from engine improvements developed by Ford
tuner Jack Roush, as well as huge 245/45ZR17 Goodyear Eagle tires on 17" wheels.
Performance was good and a remarkable 4,993 cars were sold in just half a year.
Although the Cobra injected some excitement in the Mustang lineup, the basic design had been
unchanged for 14 years. But big things were in the works for 1994.
Production: 79,280
Engines: 2.3 liter I4 88 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 200 bhp. Cobra: 5.0 liter V8 HO 235 bhp.
Performance: Cobra: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds @ 98.0 mph.
