Meet the 1986 Mustang GT, A Phenomenal Classic From the 80s That Changed the Game

In 1964, Ford launched the Mustang and due to its raw power delivery, and iconic appearance, the Mustang not only shook the market during that era but even today, this iconic muscle car is considered one of the best and most powerful machines available. Since its inception, the Mustang went through a lot of updates, from powerful engines to cosmetics. Multiple trims were available, such as the GT, Convertible, Fastback, etc. Observing the craziness, in 1986, Ford launched a sportier Mustang GT, which seemed to be just another update like yesteryears, but in reality, the 1986 GT marked a significant place not only in Ford’s credentials but also in the automotive history of the USA. In the following chapters, we have talked about the attributes of the machine. 

Why is 1986 extremely significant for Ford?

As mentioned before, the Mustang is known for raw power delivery. Moderate refinement is not available there, but what you would get is the hold of the wild power. And as you know, more wild power subsequently lowers the fuel economy. In 1973, the USA was hit by the Great Oil Crisis, and in 1975, the legislators enacted the national corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards which roughly means that by 1985, all the automakers had to double the average efficiency to 27.5 mpg for cars, while for the light-duty trucks, it was 19.5 mpg.

In 1986 Ford launched a sport package called the GT for the Mustang. However, unlike the regular packages, this time, the Mustang GT not only delivered the shivering power output of 200 horsepower but also met with the stringent efficiency norms set by the legislators, by introducing the sequential multi-port fuel injection system (EEC-IV). In a nutshell, the 1986 Mustang GT was one such muscle car that delivered the ultimate thrill without making a hole there.

What did the 1986 Mustang GT pack under the hood?

Being the best of both worlds, the 1986 Mustang GT packed the 5.0-liter EFi high-output V8 under the hood. However, what made it stand out from the crowd was the inclusion of the fuel injection functionality that along with the extreme output returned a good mpg rating too. In the 1986 GT package, Ford installed the sequential multi-port fuel injection system (EEC-IV), which was in development since 1978. The first EEC (electronic engine control) debuted in 1978 and by ‘84, the EEC reached its 4th gen, which was called EEC-IV, the same system that was installed in the 1986 Mustang GT.

Coupled with either the 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual or the 4-speed automatic, the ‘86 Mustang GT crunched a whopping 200 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque under the hood, to propel its rear wheels, so much that the GT could sprint to 60 in just 6.4 seconds, while the ¼-mile lap took just 14.9 seconds to complete, with a top speed of 135 mph.

Talking about other important aspects, the ‘86 Mustang GT covered 206 ft. to come to a complete stoppage, from 70 mph. The inclusion of the Fi engine owned the market overnight, by selling over 50,000 GTs, and if talking about the regular ones, then the number was even bigger, standing at a whopping 224,000 units.

 Incredible Mechanism

This iconic Ford muscle car was born to serve the gearheads, and by packing the 5.0-liter EFi HO underneath, the ‘86 Mustang GT just not only justified the performance but arranged the chance of the ultimate thrill also. Mechanized with a 26.5 mm anti-roll bar at the front coupled with coil-sprung suspension, and rear semi-floating coil-sprung suspension with a 23 mm anti-roll bar and gas-pressurized hydraulic shocks.

The hydraulically-assisted steering wheel was perfectly responsive and coming with the 2.46 lock-to-lock turning cycle, it was quite easier to maneuver the performance machine even at tight spots. For perfect handling, the ‘86 Mustang GT was also mechanized with a limited-slip differential, sticky Goodyear Eagle VR60 tires, and power-assisted hydraulic vented front disc brakes along with rear drum brakes.

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