1994-2004 Ford Mustang SN95 Buyer's Guide (Common Problems, Engines, Specs)

Did you know that Ford almost turned the Mustang into a FWD drive vehicle on two different occasions? In the middle of the 1980s, Ford spent a lot of time and money developing a FWD, 4 cylinder powered sports coupe that almost became the Ford Mustang. It later became the Ford Probe. After the introduction of the 1989 Probe, Ford had a limited budget to develop the next generation Mustang. They came up with an idea to use the FWD CT-20 platform that underpinned the 1991-1996 Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer. They changed course when they learned that General Motors had abandoned a plan to develop a front-drive Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird, but instead opted for a new rear-drive configuration for those corporate twins with an optional V8 engine.

Codenamed SN-95, the Mustang project relied heavily on input from consumer clinics and opinions from Mustang owners. The project leaders had a total of 36 months for development along with a budget of 700 million, of which $200 million was dedicated to design and engineering. The Bruce Jenner concept was deemed as being too soft and stylistically too weak. There was a lift-back Rambo-themed Mustang, which was deemed too aggressive and mean. Finally, there was the Arnold Schwarzenegger design had the best overall look, and was headed to production mostly unchanged.

1994-1998 Cobra:
SVT applied its unique blend of performance to the platform and introduced a new, more potent Cobra. The 1994 Cobra’s 5.0-liter V-8 delivered 25 more horsepower than the mainstream Mustang GT, thanks to modifications to the cylinder heads, roller rockers, valve springs and upper intake manifold to increase the engines’ breathing ability. Later in 1994, the first SVT Mustang Cobra Convertible was offered. Available only in red, it was selected as the Official Pace Car for the 1994 Indianapolis 500.

1995 Cobra R 250 Made:
SVT replaced the Cobra’s 5.0-liter with Ford’s 351 cubic-inch Windsor small-block that was re-engineered to produce 300 horsepower. Gasoline was stored in a 20-gallon Fuel-Safe fuel cell. Tremec five-speed manual transmission was installed. There was no back seat, radio, or air conditioning. Fog lights were removed will allowed air ducts to get cool air onto the front brakes. Heavy-duty progressive-rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace helped improve handling. Only 250 vehicles were built, available only in white, each with a unique center rise fiberglass hood tall enough to clear the engine and induction system.

1999-2002 Cobra:
The New Edge SVT Cobra was the first Mustang to offer a unique independent rear suspension (IRS) system. There was also a move to 13-inch Brembo disc brakes, ABS and standard all-speed traction control. The exterior features a unique front fascia, Cobra emblems on the fenders, forged alloy wheels. The 1999 Cobra had a pinch in the exhaust system to clear the independent rear suspension’s lower control arms and not scrap the pavement. 8000 1999 Cobras were recalled.

2000 Cobra R:
The 2000 Cobra R was a true, lightweight extreme performance machine. It had track-capable brakes and was stripped of speed restricting features, like the rear seats, A/C, and a radio. Recaro racing seats, unique Cobra R wheels, a side-exit dual exhaust system, a fuel cell, front air splitter and high-mount rear wing hinted at the car’s capability. Just 300 of these Mustangs were produced, available only in Performance Red Clearcoat.

2001 Mustang Bullitt:

The Bullitt featured Unique wheels, a free-flowing exhaust with rolled tips, the performance handling package, a Performance brake package with 13’’ front rotors with red colored calipers, "Bullitt" badging and a brushed-aluminum fuel-filler door, along with a factory serialized identification label to verify each 2001 Bullitt as a limited edition model. The 5,582 Bullitts sold were available in three colors, Dark Highland Green, Black, and True Blue.  

2003-2004 Mach 1

Featuring a functional “shaker" hood scoop along with other signature design cues inspired from the 1969 Mach 1's model, this Mustang had some serious style. Changes to the exterior included a matte-black hood stripe, black front air-dam extension, a black rear decklid spoiler, predominate rocker panels, body side scoops and classic-looking five-spoke wheels. The Mach 1's engine was special. Using the 4.6L DOHC modular engine originally developed for the SVT Cobra, the Mach 1 had wonderful performance.

2003-2004 Cobra
The 2003-2004 SVT turned up the performance factor for SN95 based cars. With 390 supercharged horsepower, the SVT Cobra was now capable of some truly exciting 0-60 and quarter-mile times. The exterior featured redesigned front and rear fascias, a new heat-extraction hood, special rocker moldings and side scoops. When combined with the nice-looking 5 spoke wheels, the 03-04 Cobras certainly looked special. These 03-04 cobras were available as a coupe or convertible.

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