1986 Ford Mustang GT

The 1986 Mustang GT was nearly identical to the 1985 Mustang GT on the exterior. However, there were significant changes under the hood of the Mustang as Ford introduced it's all new sequential multi-port fuel injection system (EEC-IV).

The exterior of the Mustang GT was indistinguishable from the 1985 model in all regards but the addition of a 3rd brake light on the rear spoiler. Color choices were varied although no new exterior colors were introduced. All GT Mustangs received the 10 hole aluminum wheels with the Gatorback tires developed by Goodyear. Included on GT's were GT badging in front of the rear wheels, hood strip, front and rear spoiler, and fog lamps.

The interior of the Mustang GT was also a carryover from 1985 with the exception of a new Canyon Red interior color and optional leather seats for convertible models.

The big news for 1986 was the new fuel injected high output 5.0L roller cam engine that was rated at 200hp. This engine featured a newly developed SEFI fuel injection system tuned to a long runner alumninum intake and a 58mm throttle body (550cfm). The engine block featured additional supports around the cylinder and deck areas and used siameses bores for greater rigidity. Pistons were cast forged and when stuffed in the block achieved a 9.2 to 1 compression ratio. The heads were E6SE fast burn combustion chamber heads which breathed through tubular exhaust. Unfortuneatly, these heads really didn't breath well above 4000 rpm which severly limited their performance value. Fortuneatly, in the 1987 Mustang Ford utilized a better head design which resulted in greater power gains. The brains of the fuel injection system was the EEC-IV processor which was truly a marvel of electrical engineering at the time it was released. The processor manages all aspects of the engine operation ranging from cold starts to wide open throttle bursts. Using a variety of sensors (ex. barometric pressure, coolant and air temperature, exhaust oxygen, throttle position and more...) the system controls the fuel and timing ratios to manage performance and efficiency.

The only change to the suspension of the 1986 Mustang was the use of the 8.8 inch rear axle. This stout rearend was far superior to the 7.5 inch unit it replaced. Axle ratios remained the same.

1986 also featured the final year of the SVO Mustang. The car was built on a fox body platform but featured many high tech features not currently found on Mustangs. It featured a turbo charge 2.3L motor delivering 205hp. The exterior received special enhancements such as unique aerodynamic chin spoilers, wheels, and a hood scoop. The interior also featured custom seating, steering wheel, and a host of other unique options such as a high and low boost switch. The suspension was also upgraded and used koni shocks and struts and four wheel disc brakes. The lower weight of the 4 cylinder engine and the upgraded suspension made for a very solid handling and performing vehicle.

The 1986 Mustang GT was a sign of things to come for the fuel injected Mustang. In a few short years and entire aftermarket industry would be formed by the demands of new young hot rodders.

Models: GT, LX, convertible, SVO

1986 Mustang GT Specifications

Recommended links:

• Stangnet
• Mustang photos
• Mustang VIN Decoder