1964 -73 Mustang Parts = Ford Mustang Restoration Parts

1964 -73 Mustang Parts = Ford Mustang Restoration Parts

In 1994, the Mustang underwent its first major redesign in 15 years. The design, code named "SN-95" by Ford, was based on an updated version of the rear-wheel drive "Fox" platform known as "Fox-4". It featured dramatically new styling by Patrick Schiavone that incorporated some stylistic elements similar to those on earlier Mustangs. In 1996, the 5.0 L Windsor engine was replaced by a 215 hp (160 kW), 4.6 L SOHC "Modular" V8 engine with two valves per cylinder. This engine had been introduced in Lincoln models and was part of Ford's plan to modernize its engine lineup. The Cobra version came with a high-revving 305 hp (227 kW), 32 valve DOHC 4.6 L V8. The Cobra's block, cast by Teksid of Italy, was an aluminum, cross-bolted block. The heads had split intake ports and 4 valves per cylinder. To compensate for the relative lack of low end response associated with these kind of cylinder heads, SVT also put an intake manifold with dual runners on the Cobra. With the short runner secondaries not opening until 3250 rpm, it made these early modular Cobras more responsive at low speeds.

The power output of the 3.8 L V6 was upgraded to 145 hp (112 kW). For 1998, the SOHC 4.6 L V8 power was increased to 225 hp (168 kW) via a more aggressive pcm calibration, a slightly modified fuel system, and larger volume exhaust system through increased exhaust pipe diameter. This was the last year of the "Round Body Mustang" and the only year that the "Sports" packaged was offered. The latter featured unique black stripe (regardless of car color) on the hood, which extended over to the wheel wells, and its famous styling cue, the three vertical strip taillights. A refreshed model with Ford's "New Edge" styling themes in mind came in 1999. Gone were many of the soft lines of the 94-98 but the car still rode on the SN-95 platform. The Mustang GT's power increased to 260 hp (194 kW) at 5250 rpm and 302 ft路lbf (409 N鈥) of torque at 4000 rpm via the new "Power Improved" (PI) heads, cams, and intake manifold.

The new 2-valve SOHC 4.6L Mustang exhibited characteristics associated with a performance engine when compared to the performance behavior of the earlier 2-valve SOHC 4.6 L engines. The Mustang GT was now capable of low 14 second 1/4 mile ETs with 100 mph trap speeds compared to the '98 GT's mid-14 second ETs and 93-95 mph trap speeds. However, many Mustang fans were disappointed as there was a rumored (and spotted) GT with a 5.4 SOHC V8 with a 290 horsepower rating that was never brought to market. On the V6 models, split-port induction replaced single-port induction, which increased the base model's power to 190 hp (142 kW). A different intake design in 2001 increased the V6 Mustang鈥檚 hp by 3 hp making a base model V6 193 hp from 2001 on, but the V8 remained untouched. While the Cobra claimed 320 hp (239 kW), some magazines and owners proved otherwise. 5.0 Mustangs and Super Fords claimed that it actually exceeded the torque rating, but didn't quite match the power rating. Ford responded to complaints by issuing a recall on the 1999 model Cobras, which were given computer, intake, and exhaust improvements, to match the original claim of 320 hp.

As a result, the Cobra production was halted in 2000 (except the limited Cobra R) while the company was developing new parts for the missing power. The changes were incorporated into the 2001 Cobra, which could achieve 1/4 mile times in the lower to mid-13 second range. As a "modular" family, the heads on the earlier 4.6 L SOHC motors can be exchanged with "Power Improved" heads as offered via the Ford Parts Catalog. Due to a different combustion chamber and pistons, the compression increases to 10.7:1 and subsequently requires premium fuel to inhibit detonation (knocking). The Cobras received similar improvements, as a switch was made from "B" style heads (aka Splitports) as used in the early 32 valve DOHC Modulars to "C" heads (aka Tumbleports). Redline was set at 7000 rpm for the DOHC Cobra. The Cobra also received an independent rear suspension, which was also modular. This redesign also saw the release of two separate Special Edition Mustangs. In 2001, the Special Edition Bullitt was released to the public.