The 1986 Mustang had some interesting new changes. For example, 1986 proved to be the last year for the SVO that had lasted a full three model years. Also, a third brake light was introduced on the Mustangs this model year as well. The 1986 Mustangs were very similar to the 1985 Mustangs regarding the available engines as well as exterior design. The 5.0L V8 was reduced to 200 horsepower from 210 and the 302 small block was changed for a specialized head that reduced emissions. Unfortunately, the new high swirl valve head did not enhance Mustang performance but rather hindered it. Due to lack of performance and plenty of competition Ford decided to dump the new valve heads and return to the wedge heads that had been used from '68-'85. After this, the fuel injected engines were just a step away.
The lineup for 1986 was pretty basic and Ford was more focused on having a well performing lineup than a large lineup with several models that did not perform so well. The production for 1986 increased and sales were really great with 224,410 Mustangs being sold in 1986.
1986 Mustang Lineup
Powertrain and Performance
Although the 1986 Mustangs were very similar to the 1985 models changes definitely occurred. For example, the 1986 5.0 HO had a fuel injection induction system. This new system resulted in 19 lb-hr injectors on a 58mm throttle body with an aluminum intake manifold. The resulting horsepower was 200 on the manual and automatic GTs. A dual exhaust system was introduced as well that meant two catalytic converters that led the exhaust to the ‘Stang's tail pipes.
And while the '85 and '86 Mustangs were very similar in regards to their exteriors the engines were not. The fuel injection system replaced the 4V carburetor and it rested on a changed 302 HO V8 block. The horsepower was equal for both the automatic and manual transmissions as the same engine was installed with both. The overall horsepower went down from the year before while the torque was increased.
The Mustang GT saw an increased compression ratio. In 1986 it was 9.2:1 which was higher than the 8.4:1 of the year before. The pistons were flat tops and the cylinder heads were revamped for a faster burning combustion chamber.
The previous 7.5 inch ring gear was improved and resulted in an 8.8 inch rear axle on the 1986 GT. The clutch also received an enhancement from 10 inches to 10 and a half inches. The axle ratios were the same as the previous model year while the motor mounts were fluid filled in '86.
Exterior
Many Mustang enthusiasts can't really tell the difference between an '85 and an '86 Mustang. The biggest change that allows you to tell the two apart is a third brake light on the 1986 model.
The GT came standard in 1986 with 15x7 inch wheels and the ever popular Goodyear uni-directional Gatorbacks. A rear spoiler, side moldings blazoned with GT, a charcoal hood stripe, and an aerodynamic air dam with fog lights were also part of the standard GT.
GT exterior colors for 1986 included Black, Oxford white, dark gray metallic, dark sage, silver metallic, light regatta blue metallic, bright red, and metallic medium canyon red.
Other Mustang exterior colors for 1986 included dark gray metallic, black, silver metallic, bright red, metallic medium canyon red, metallic light regatta blue, dark sage, dark slate metallic, shadow blue metallic, sand beige, dark clove metallic, and oxford white.
Interior
The 1986 Mustang interior was not so different from the previous model year. In fact, the GT interior looked almost identical in 1986 as it did in 1995. These features included the tilt wheel, full instrument panel, console, dual visor mirrors, and sport seats. The 1986 GT convertible also had the option of leather seats in charcoal or white. Other popular options included power windows and locks, rear defrost, air conditioning, sunroof, T tops, light group, stereo systems, and speed control. Vinyl seat trim and tinted glass were also on the Mustang option list in 1986.
The interior colors available in 1986 included charcoal, regatta blue, canyon red, and sand beige. The convertibles were available with white/red, white/blue, and white/charcoal.
Final Thoughts
The 1986 Mustang had an outstanding year as far as sales are concerned and it performed well, too. It would be the last year of the SVO, however it had never been the best selling Mustang and Ford was ready to concentrate and bigger and better things. Mustang fans were encouraged with the continued success of the pony car that continued to maintain its performance and kept getting better every year. After the 1986 model year consumers couldn't wait until the 1987 Mustangs hit the dealerships!
