The Fox Body Mustang marked the third generation of the Mustang story, running from 1979 through 1993
atop Ford’s versatile Fox platform. No other Mustang generation lasted longer, and few have inspired as
many project builds. The reasons are simple: parts are everywhere, the pushrod 5.0L is a hands-on engine
that welcomes new wrenches, and the platform itself is a blank canvas for restoration, street, or strip.
Here’s a closer look at every model year, the engines and special editions, and what you need to know
before you buy or build your own.
The Fox Body Mustang at a Glance
Years
Front End
Engines and Power
Notable Models
1979 to 1981
Four-eye
139 hp 5.0L V-8 (1979), then a smaller 4.2L V-8 from 1980;
2.3L turbo four and six-cylinder options
Cobra, Indianapolis 500 Pace Car (1979), M81 McLaren Mustang
(1980)
1982 to 1986
Four-eye
5.0L H.O. returns at 157 hp (1982), 175 hp (1983), 210 hp
(1985); fuel injection arrives in 1986 at 200 hp and 285 lb-ft
GT relaunched (1982), convertible returns (1983), SVO (1984 to
1986)
Why the Fox Body Mustang Is the Ultimate Project Car
The Fox body earned its project-car reputation for three practical reasons: you can find parts, you can
do the work yourself, and you can take the car in almost any direction.
Parts are easy to find
Fox body parts are everywhere. You can find new, used, and reproduction pieces through swap meets,
used-parts dealers, online marketplaces, and companies that still develop parts for the platform.
Steeda's 1979-1993 Mustang parts catalog covers suspension,
chassis, brakes, exhaust, drivetrain, and
more, so a project rarely stalls waiting on a part that no longer exists.
The 5.0L is easy to work on
The pushrod 5.0L is a simple engine with room around it, which makes it a friendly place to learn.
Compared with the later two-valve and four-valve modular engines and the Coyote, there is less to decode
before you can start turning wrenches. Cars from 1986 on are fuel-injected, and 1989 and later cars use
a mass air system, which our Fox body buying guide covers as the easier base for modification.
Build it how you want
LX, GT, and Cobra cars share a lot of hardware, so parts and ideas carry from one trim to another. Some
owners restore a car close to stock. Some build a street car with a stronger 5.0L, better suspension,
and upgraded brakes. Others go all the way to a drag car or a modern engine swap. See what Steeda did
with its own car in the 1993 Fox body Mustang build.
Which Fox body should you start with?
Starting Point
Why People Choose It
What to Watch
1987 to 1993 5.0L LX
Same 5.0L V-8 as the GT with simpler trim, a common base
for a build
Condition matters more than trim; check for rust and past
modifications
1987 to 1993 5.0L GT
Adds the GT appearance package and options, ready to go in
factory form
Same checks as the LX; originality can matter if you plan to
restore
1993 SVT Cobra
The most collectible factory Fox body, with 235 hp and 280
lb-ft
Special parts are harder to replace; the 1993 Cobra R was built
in just 107 cars, which puts it
outside normal project territory
1979 to 1986 four-eye cars
A wide range of engines, a classic look, and often a lower
entry point into the platform
Engines vary by year, so confirm what is under the hood before
you plan upgrades
Rust: Check the frame rails, floor pans, and A-pillars first. Rear hatches are
replaceable, structural rust is not.
Mass air: 1989 and later cars use a mass air system, which makes them a stronger
base for modification.
Trim and driveline: Confirm the trim, engine, and transmission match what the
seller says. LX and GT cars can look similar from a distance.
Wheels: Most Fox body Mustangs use four-lug wheels, and the 1993 Cobra uses
five-lug. If you want modern wheel options, browse Steeda’s 1979-1993 wheels and tires.
Buy the best car you can afford: Our buying guide recommends the nicest car you can
afford, because a cleaner car needs less body and structural work before the fun part starts.
Where most owners start
Most first upgrades go into chassis and suspension, then the drivetrain and engine. Steeda’s top five Fox
body mods walk through exhaust and shifter, rear gears and pulleys, strut tower brace and frame rail
connectors, intake, cam and heads, and upper and lower control arms. Steeda is also developing new parts
for the platform. See Steeda’s renewed development on Fox, SN-95, and S197.
1976 Mustang Fox Body Concept Car
Let's head back to the mid-1970s when the U.S. had just come off the first oil embargo that caused oil
prices to increase by 300%. At the same time, the effects of the federal Clean Air Act were imposing
stricter emission standards and limiting engine performance. The initial waves of the Japanese auto
invasion also gained strength as consumers could choose from import sports cars like the Datsun 240Z.
Add in that the Pinto-based second-generation Mustang II was underwhelming consumers, and Ford executives
were undoubtedly enjoying heartburn and sleepless nights. So, the need for a re-invigorated Mustang was
paramount for the automaker to stay competitive. The race was on to develop the third-generation
Mustang.
It began in 1975 when Ford veteran Jack Telnack was tasked to be the chief designer of the third-gen
Mustang. Fresh from his company assignments in Europe and Australia, Telnack had visions of a completely
new Mustang with design influences from the Old Continent. At the same time, company honcho Henry Ford
II mandated specific body characteristics like a blunt front end from earlier Mustangs.
Fox Body Designs Conflict With Henry Ford II's Instructions
"Thou shalt never do a slantback front end. Henry Ford II only wants vertical front end, and he'll show
us the door if we ever try anything like it." Ford vice president of design Gene Bordinat was quoted
saying in a 2013 Road & Track article. Further complicating Telnack's task
was the requirement that his
new creation uses the new Fox Body platform that would first appear in 1978 with the Ford Fairmont and
Mercury Zephyr.
Three separate design teams were formed to develop new looks for the Mustang. This included one group
based out of the company's Ghia design studios in Italy, which Ford had acquired in 1970. Design
concepts ranged from a fastback coupe to a Mustang station wagon with "woody" body panels. Yes, there
could have been a Mustang wagon.
In a HowStuffWorks story, Telnack recounts how he had to convince Henry Ford II of
the
proposed Mustang's
aero looks as a better choice than the boxy designs of old Mustangs. "I consider the '79 Mustang a
breakthrough car. It was the first project I worked on when I returned from Europe. It was such a
departure from anything we were doing here." Telnack would later go on to design the groundbreaking 1986
Ford Taurus and its jelly-bean body style.
Fox Body Mustang: Through The Years
The 1979 Mustang launched the Fox Body era for Ford's pony car. We'll take a year-by-year stroll through
history as we explore Fox Body Mustang specs and other essential details. We'll also point out many of
the horsepower and torque numbers, but if you're looking for more detail, check out our full breakdown
of Fox Body Horsepower &
Torque Numbers.
1979 Mustang: Details
Indianapolis
500 Pace Car
Ford opened the third generation of the Mustang for the 1979 model year with a dizzying array of engine
choices and a completely new car inside and out. Top power comes from the venerable Windsor 4.9L V-8,
making 139 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque with a reported 8.3 second time for a 0-60 run. At launch, other
powerplant choices include the Cologne 2.8L V-6 with 104 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque and a 2.3L I-4 with
89 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. A turbo version of the four-banger was offered, which produced 130 hp and
165 lb-ft of torque.
Midway through 1979, the Cologne V-6 was swapped for a 3.3L straight-six with 89 hp and 143 lb-ft of
torque. The Mustang was offered in both notchback and fastback body styles. Be sure to check out the
Steeda article revolving around the Notchback
vs Hatchback when it comes to Fox Body Mustangs.
Special editions for 1979 include the hatchback-only Cobra, which had the turbo-four under the hood, and
the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica. The first Mustang Indy pace car since 1964, buyers could choose
from the V-8 or turbo-four.
1980 Mustang: Details
M81
McLaren Mustang
The second year of the Fox Body Mustang saw no significant changes other than saying goodbye to the
Windsor V-8. This powerplant was replaced with a small-block 4.2L V-8 (a neutered version of the
Windsor) that offered only 119 hp and 194 lb-ft of torque.
Special editions for 1980 included a tweaked Cobra that had elements from the '79 Indy pace car: modified
grille, hood treatment, and rear spoiler. Thanks to a $25,000 price tag, only five copies of the M81
MacLaren Mustang were sold. However, the M81 did serve as the foundation for Ford's special vehicle
options (SVO) unit.
1981 Mustang: Details
For 1981, Mustang carried with no virtually unchanged other than the addition of a t-top roof option and
that the turbo-four was entirely dropped from the engine lineup. Cobra power now comes only from the
4.2L V-8. Interestingly, hatchback sales have now exceeded notchback sales for the first time. The trend
will continue for the remainder of the Fox Body generation.
1982 Mustang: Details
To the relief of enthusiasts, 1982 Mustang specs include the return of the Windsor V-8, now called the
5.0 H.O. (high output) engine. At the same time, the Mustang GT is relaunched. This legendary
combination is one of the hallmarks of the Fox Body Mustang, although the 5.0 could be ordered as a
stand-alone option. All things seemed right with the world as the new engine was rated for 157 hp and
240 lb-ft of torque. Ford reworked the Mustang's trim levels with the base L available only in the
notchback, while the upscale G.L. and GLX could be ordered in either body style. The 2.3L four-cylinder
and the 3.3L straight-six carried on unchanged.
1983 Mustang: Details
Turbo
GT
1983 marks important updates to America's favorite sports car. After a decade-long absence, a Mustang
convertible is returned to the lineup, while a mid-cycle refresh included a new front end and updated
taillights. Improvements continue for the Fox Body Mustang as the 5.0 engine now makes 175 hp and 245
lb-ft of torque. The Essex 3.8L V-6, with 112 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, becomes the sole six-cylinder
engine for the Mustang.
Special editions include the Turbo GT, which saw the return of a boosted four-cylinder engine making 145
hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to less power and a higher price than the 5.0, the Turbo GT never
took off.
1984 Mustang: Details
20th
Anniversary Fox Body
There were no significant changes for 1984 among standard Mustangs. The base L model could now be ordered
in either notchback or hatchback body style and the mid-tier G.L. and GLX models were blended into a
single LX trim. In addition, the Essex V-6 became standard equipment for the convertible.
1984 is perhaps most memorable for special-edition Mustangs. Beyond the carryover Turbo GT, buyers could
choose the memorable SVO Mustang (with a turbo four-cylinder making 175 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque) or
the 20th Anniversary GT (with a choice of non-SVO turbo four or the 5.0L V-8).
1985 Mustang: Details
Mustang
SVO
1985 Mustangs lost the egg-crate grille and received a more streamlined front end that more closely
mimicked the SVO. At the same time, the 5.0 engine received a nice output upgrade, now making 210 hp and
270 lb-ft of torque.
Special editions for 1985 welcomed the Turbo GT (in its last year) and a slightly reworked SVO Mustang
that saw flush-mounted headlights for a more modern look and a more powerful turbo-four, now making 205
hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.
1986 Mustang: Details
1986 Mustang specs now include fuel injection on the 5.0 V-8, which caused horsepower to drop slightly to
200 while torque increased to 285 lb-ft. The center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) becomes mandated on
all passenger vehicles for 1986, so this third brake light makes for an easy visual clue to distinguish
Fox Bodies from this point forward.
Thanks to the robust performance of the Windsor V-8, 1986 marks the last year for the turbo-four equipped
SVO Mustang--the only special edition available this year.
1987 Mustang: Details
The sleek and modern design cues from the departed SVO inspire the major updates received by the Mustang
for 1987. These changes were particularly noticeable with the GT's ground effects kit. Significantly,
the V-6 is dropped with the stalwart four-cylinder and 5.0L being the only powerplant choices. At the
same time, the 5.0 output gets a nice bump to 225 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. In light of the revamped
Fox Body, no special edition Mustangs were offered for 1987.
1988 Mustang: Details
1988 Mustang specs were a carryover from the previous year. No surprise, given the reworking that Ford
applied to the Mustang for 1987. There were no special editions either.
1989 Mustang: Details
Ford appeared to be resting on its laurels as 1989 was another year without any significant updates.
Thanks to introducing the mass air sensor system, tuner modifications to the engine, intake, and exhaust
would be automatically adjusted by the ECU. Despite 1989 marking the Mustang's 25th anniversary, Ford
only offered a badging package to commemorate the occasion.
1990 Mustang: Details
The Fox Body Mustang entered the new decade with minimal changes, and the car-buying public responded by
shopping elsewhere (a recession at the time didn't help either). Mustang sales plummeted from more than
208,000 cars during the previous year to less than 128,000 units for 1990. One update included an airbag
within the steering wheel.
1991 Mustang: Details
Mustang sales continue to drop as the car's staleness becomes more evident in the face of competition
from the Nissan 300ZX and Mitsubishi 3000GT, among others. 1991 was more a year for refinements than
anything else as the convertible received an improved top, and four-cylinder horsepower was increased to
105 with the addition of electronic fuel injection.
1992 Mustang: Details
Summer
Edition
Knowing the end was near for the Fox Body Mustang, Ford made minimal changes for 1992. It’s no surprise
that sales continued to drop, and the ongoing recession wasn't helping either. Perhaps the only thing of
note for this year was a special edition LX 5.0L convertible. Available only with a Vibrant Red over
white leather configuration, the "Summer Edition" featured unique body accents like a custom decklid
spoiler.
1993 Mustang: Details
Cobra
R
While the regular editions soldiered on basically unchanged for the Fox Body Mustang's last year, sales
did improve thanks to perhaps nostalgia and special editions that Ford smartly offered as a proper
send-off of the third-generation Mustang. Making 235 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the SVT Cobra
incorporated a reworked 5.0 engine, improved suspension and brakes, and a manual transmission. The
track-oriented SVT Cobra R special edition benefitted from reduced weight thanks to no radio, sound
insolation, or back seat.
Source: Road & Track, How Stuff Works, Mustang Specs
Fox Body Mustang Frequently Asked Questions
What years are Fox body Mustangs?
Fox body Mustangs are the 1979 through 1993 model years, a 15-year run and the longest of any Mustang
generation. They are called Fox bodies because they share the Fox platform that Ford introduced on the
1978 Fairmont and Zephyr.
How much horsepower does a Fox body Mustang make?
It depends on the engine and year. The 5.0L V8 started at 139 hp in 1979 and reached 225 hp and 300 lb-ft
from 1987 to 1993, while the 1993 SVT Cobra made 235 hp and 280 lb-ft. Four- and six-cylinder cars made
less. See Fox body horsepower and torque numbers by year.
Is a Fox body Mustang a good project car?
Yes. Parts are plentiful, the 5.0L is easy to work on, and the platform supports restorations, street
builds, drag cars, and engine swaps. The best predictor of a good project is the car's condition,
especially rust in the frame rails, floor pans, and A-pillars. Start with our buying guide.
Which Fox body Mustang is best to start a project with?
A clean 1987 to 1993 5.0L LX or GT should be your go-to choice, and 1989 and later cars with mass air are
a
strong base for modification. A rust-free body matters more than the trim badge. The 1993 SVT Cobra is
the collector option.
What is the difference between a hatchback and a notchback Fox body?
The hatchback has a rear hatch, and the notchback is the traditional coupe with a trunk. Both were
offered across the Fox body run, along with a convertible that returned in 1983. For a full comparison,
read Fox body hatchback vs notchback.
How many 1993 Cobra Rs were built?
Ford built 107 1993 SVT Cobra Rs. It was a track-focused version with no rear seat, radio, or air conditioning, and with sound insulation removed. Read the full story in Mustang SVT Cobra R: The Full Breakdown.
Indianapolis
500 Pace Car
M81
McLaren Mustang
Turbo
GT
20th
Anniversary Fox Body
Mustang
SVO
Summer
Edition
Cobra
R
