1986 Ford Mustang Specs & Details

1986 is a Mustang carryover year without any substantial changes (1987 has more action, but that’s literally another story). Perhaps the most noticeable update is the addition of the federally mandated Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) at the back of every Mustang. The CHMSL was integrated into the fastback’s rear spoiler and the convertible’s luggage rack while it was mounted in the notchback’s rear window. The extra brake light also helps with easy Mustang identification, at least for 1986. If the Fox Body has quad headlights and the CHMSL, it can only be an ‘86. Same thing for the SVO. If it’s got the CHMSL, it can only be from 1986.

And speaking of the SVO, 1986 is the last year for this turbocharged wonder (and the engine even dropped five horsepower). The variant just couldn’t keep up with the V-8-powered GT. And that’s both in terms of sales and performance. Only 3,379 SVOs (just 1.5% of total Mustang production in 1986) were sold. That compares to 40,678 GTs (more than 18% of the year’s build total). Even in a straight line, the SVO couldn’t hang on as it reached 60 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds (the GT could do it in 6.3 seconds). Regardless, Mustang fans still maintain a reverence for the ahead-of-its-time SVO.

In addition, all Mustang V-8s moved to electronic fuel injection. The four-barrel carb and manual transmission combo became a thing of the past. This did cause peak horsepower to drop by 10 to 200 ponies, but the EFI configuration and reinforced engine block made for a longer-lasting powerplant. The 2.3-liter inline-four and the 3.8-liter V-6 continued without any changes.

Other less-noticeable updates included a larger 10.5-inch clutch (from 10 inches) and a beefier 8.8-inch rear differential (from a 7.5-inch setup). All V-8-equipped Mustangs also received gas-pressurized struts.

The LX, GT, and SVO trio carried on for one more year. The base trim is still available in the three body styles (notchback, hatchback, and convertible). The GT was still orderable as either a hatchback or convertible. And, of course, the SVO was hatchback-only. We also see the introduction of equipment packages (a practice Ford still uses today). The LX was available with four different groupings that offered increasing levels of features. Two packages were available with the GT, and the SVO only came in fully loaded form.

1986 Ford Mustang Specs

1986 Mustang Articles

• 

  Fox Body Mustang: Everything You Need To Know

• 

  Mustang Pushrod vs Overhead Cams

• 

  Mustang SVO: Everything You Need To Know

Check out other 1979-1993 Mustang Specs: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993