1985 Ford Mustang
Third generation · Fox-body 1979–1993
The long-running Fox-body, built on Ford’s Fox platform from 1979 to 1993.
The 1985 model year
Overview
The carbureted 5.0 HO peaked at 210 hp — the most powerful carbureted Fox-body V8, thanks to a roller camshaft and freer-flowing exhaust — widely cited as the engine that closed out the malaise era. Mid-year, the SVO got a major upgrade to 205 hp (the '1985½' cars). A mild facelift sharpened the nose. (Horsepower figures are SAE net.)
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 2.3 I4 88 hp
- 2.3 Turbo SVO (early) 175 hp
- 2.3 Turbo SVO (1985½ upgrade) 205 hp
- 3.8 V6 120 hp
- 302 "5.0 HO" V8 (4-bbl carb, manual; roller cam) 210 hp
- 302 (5.0) V8 (CFI fuel injection, automatic) 180 hp
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual (T-5), AOD 4-speed automatic
- Body styles
- Coupe (notchback), Hatchback (3-door), Convertible
- Production
- 156,514
Year over year
What changed
- The carbureted 5.0 HO rose to 210 hp via a roller camshaft, revised lifters, and a tubular exhaust — the peak carbureted Fox V8.
- The CFI (automatic) 5.0 rose to ~180 hp.
- Mid-year, the SVO was upgraded to 205 hp (the '1985½' cars: smaller turbo housing, larger injectors, more boost) and got revised aero/flush headlamps.
- A facelift revised the front fascia and grille.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- The 210-hp 4-bbl 5.0 is a strong, durable engine; keep the Holley properly tuned.
- 1985½ SVOs are the most powerful and most sought-after SVOs but the hardest to find parts for.
- Inspect for Fox-body rust.
Worth knowing
Notable
- Peak carbureted 5.0 HO (210 hp) — a high point for the carbureted Fox V8.
- The 205-hp 1985½ SVO is the most desirable SVO.
Famous variants this year
Sources
- Wikipedia — "Ford Mustang (third generation)"
- Wikipedia — "Ford Mustang SVO"
- FoxStang — 5.0 Fox-body engine specs
- Steeda
Other Third generation years
Explore the Fox-body generation → All Third generation · Fox-body years →