Click the Logo to see what Ford is up to now!

1982 through 1986 are the years when Mustang became re-defined back to its roots as a performance Pony Car. The choice by Ford  to "hop up" the 302 and put it back into the Mustang may the most pivotal decision made by a car builder in the 1980s. Lots of othe changes were made in tha period, including the installation of direct port fuel injection in 1986.

1982
"The Boss is Back!" declared 1982 Ford ads. The biggest news of the year was the return of the 302 cu. in. (5.0-liter) V-8, coupled with the disappearance of the turbo four. Mustangs were now available with a "high-output 302 V8" with four-speed manual overdrive transmission, a combo not offered since 1979. (The famous "5.0" badge also made its appearance on the 302 equipped GTs).

The 1982 302 V-8 had a 356 CFM two-barrel carburetor, larger-diameter  and freer-flowing exhaust system (still single pipe), and low-restriction air cleaner with dual inlets. The new setup delivered better acceleration than the old 1979 version. It was able to hit 60 MPH in less than 8 seconds, which for that year, pretty quick.

1983
A restyled nose and rear end improved Mustang's aerodynamics, but the model was otherwise essentially a carryover for 1983. The high output 302 V-8 utilized a new hood scoop design. Most noteworthy, though, was the return of the convertible as part of the GLX series.

The high-output 302 V-8 with four-speed manual transmission received a four-barrel carburetor replacing the former two-barrel. Horsepower jumped to 175 from 157. The 302 also got an aluminum intake manifold and less restrictive exhaust system.

1984
Performance-oriented Mustang buyers had a new temptation this year - the new SVO Mustang. Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Operations department and named for such, the SVO was fitted with a 140 cu. in. (2.3L) turbocharged, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine which was also fitted with an an air-to-air intercooler. This helped boost the horsepower up to 175, and a different size turbo improved low-end performance.

The SVO's major hurdle for buyers was that it was was more than double the price of a base Mustang. Offered in 'three-door' hatchback form, SVO came only in black, silver metallic, dark charcoal metallic, or red metallic. It's euro look nose was quite a departure from the "four eyes" look of the regular Mustang line.

The L series, previously two-door notchback only, was now also available in the 'three-door' hatchback form. GL and GLX models of 1983 were gone, replaced by a single LX series. A convertible was offered again this year, in both LX and now GT form.

An odd-ball, a Mustang GT Turbo engine option, that had been introduced in spring 1983, was continued for '84. GT customers also had a choice of two V-8 engines, carbureted for the 5-speed and an EFI throttle body for the overdrive automatic transmission, which was now avalable. Both the 5.0 5-speed and the AMT were available on all models except the SVO.

1985
All models wore a new front-end look with a four-hole integral air dam below the bumper, flanked by low rectangular parking lamps. GT also had integral foglamps. The front facia grille opening was now similar to SVO on all Mustangs - a single wide horizontal slot with angled sides in a sloping front panel. Inside that panel was a Ford oval. Taillamps were full-width with ust an opening for the license plate, with backup lights at the upper portion of each section closest to teh license plate. A Ford script oval was placed on the trunk/hatch lid above the right taillamp. The look was especially impressive on the GT, and is considered by many to be the cleanest, best looking of all the Fox GTs.

The base L series was dropped, making LX the bottom-level Mustang. The convertible's quarter trim panels were revised to accommodate a refined seatbelt system. The 2.3L four was standard. The Mustang GT's high-output carbureted 5.0L V-8 gained a high-performance camshaft, roller tappets and a two-speed accessory drive system. That engine now produced 210 horsepower, while its 5-speed gearbox had a better shift pattern and gear ratios. The H.O, fuel-injected 5.0 V-8 also moved up to 180 horsepower. The redundant and unispired non-intercooled 2.3L turbo disappeared.

Significant on the GT and any 5.0 equipped Mustang was the abandonment of the TR performance packagein favor of new 15"x7" HD cast aluminum wheels and Z rated 205 or 225 series radials.

The turbocharged SVO now sported Eagle 50-series tires on 16-inch wheels. It also received a significant increase in power - now up to 200 HP.

1986
Model lineup was the same as in the previous year: LX two-door sedan, hatchback or convertible, GT hatchback and convertiible, and SVO hatchback.

The base engine remained the 2.3L OHC four mated to a four-speed manual gearbox.The 3.8L V-6 utilized throttle-body fuel injection remained an option, but it was standard on the LX convertible. All V-8 engines had abandoned the 4-barrel Holley and now used sequential multi-port fuel injection. Now rated at 200 horsepower, it used EEC-IV electronic engine controls,and was either hooked to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic overdrive. Mustang's rear axle was upgraded to 8.8 inches with the standard 2.73:1 axle ratio.

Once again, the SVO carried a computer-controlled 200-horsepower 2.3L four with intercooled turbocharger and multi-port fuel injection. A five speed transmission, with Hurst shifter  was standard. As in 1984 and 1985 disc brakes were on all 4 corners.