History of Mustang Performance

SN95

1994-95

New Fox-4 platform. A stiffer, but larger, heavier platform.  Ford said better breathing increased HP to 215 (240 for the Cobra).

In '95 Ford built 250 Cobra R's, probably the best performing Mustang ever.  Sound proofing, A/C, the stereo and the back seat were deleted to save weight.  It came with a 351 Windsor and a firmer suspension.

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1996-97

’96 saw the introduction of the 4.6L SOHC with 215 HP in the GT and a 305 HP DOHC for the Cobra.   The original small-block that became the 5.0L had been around since 1961.   Because of tightening emissions and economy standards Ford decided it was time for a new generation of small-block engines.  The modular design makes it cost effective to create engines of different cylinder configurations--like inline 4's, V6's, even a V4, V10 or V12.

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1998

Exhaust porting added 10 HP for the GT.

1999-04

The SOHC GT and  DOHC Cobra get a significant HP increase and a slight increase in torque in 1999 via better intake, cams and larger valves.  Most of the increase is at higher RPM's.  The 3.27:1 axle is standard.  The Cobra gets an independent rear suspension.  There are moderate styling changes.  
Stiffer springs, smaller anti-roll bars, different shock/strut setup, and heavier steering feel is an attempt to get the same handling with a better ride. The 2000-02 carry over basically unchanged from the 1999's.

For '99 the base price of a GT was $21400, Cobra coupe $28k, Cobra convertible $32k.   2000 prices are about the same. 

In 2000 300 race-ready   street-legal Cobra R's  were released with a 5.4L DOHC, 385 HP and a 6-speed.   It comes with Recaro seats, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks & struts, a Borla exhaust, plus many other modifications. 

Limited edition models offer a hint of the future powertrains.

For 2003 (a late 2002 model actually) the Cobra gets a supercharger with a rating of 390HP plus additional driveline and suspension changes and a 6-speed.

Related Events 1995 The national 55 MPH speed limit ends
1998 First U.S. fuel cell-powered car takes to the streets with a 35 mph top speed and 30 mile range.
2001 New York state bans cell phone use while driving.
2003 Toyota passes Ford as world's #2 automaker.
  
 99MustangRear.jpg (12535 bytes) 2000 2000COBRAR2.JPG (19988 bytes) 2000 Cobra R

Power ratings of the SN95 GT's & Cobra's

Year Displacement Valve train HP Torque
1994-95 5.0 OHV 215 @ 4200 285 @ 3400
  5.0 OHV 240 @ 4800 285 @ 4000
1996-97 4.6 SOHC 215 @ 4400 285 @ 3500
  4.6 DOHC 305 @ 5800 300 @ 4800
1998 4.6 SOHC 225 @ 4750 290 @ 3500
  4.6 DOHC 305 @ 5800 300 @ 4800
1999-02 4.6 SOHC 260 @ 5250 300 @ 4000
  4.6 DOHC 320 @ 6000 317 @ 4750
2001 Bullitt 4.6 SOHC 265 @ 5250 315 @ 4000
2003 MachI 4.6 DOHC 305 @ 5800 320 @ 4200
2003-04 4.6 DOHC 390 @ 6000 390 @ 3500

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Page last modified on 02/18/07