A Mustang Legacy: The Fox Body 

The Ford Motor Company is responsible for more legendary cars than most other major automotive producers combined. No other company has a car as legendary as the Mustang. And let's face it, it would be difficult to find another car with as many separate iconic generations. Every Mustang enthusiast has their favorite generation and some may even have their favorite evolution of that generation. This blog, however, is about the Fox Body 1979-1993 Mustang - the car that saved Mustang after the 1970s fuel crisis.

Mustang’s Return to Glory

From 1964-1973, Generation 1 had everything from economical cars for efficiency with class thru muscle cars for speed and horsepower - with class. The 1974-1978, Mustang II… Ummm. Then there was the Fox Body or as many people call it, “The Correction.” The 1979 Fox Body was a huge change from the 1st generation and a massive upgrade from the Mustang II. This car was the future of Pony Car of Ford, living in the present. It combined a range of engine options including the iconic 5.0L V8, economy 4-cylinders, and some bulletproof 6-cylinders - straight and V. 1986 saw the return of the Mustang convertible which wasn’t for everyone but there was plenty of interest from specific Fox Body enthusiasts.

I Am a Pony Car, Hear My V8 Roar!

While the 5.0L V8 engine is what many think of first, the Fox Body Mustang offered a range of engines. 

The Ford Mustang Fox Body (1979–1993) came with a variety of engine options, including:

• 2.3L 4-Cylinder (Lima) Base Engine: Produced 89 HP with 120 lb-ft of torque
• 2.3L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (Lima): Produced 132 HP with 165 lb-ft of torque
• 2.8L V6 (Cologne): Produced 109 HP with 142 lb-ft of torque
• 3.3L Inline-6 (Straight-6): Produced 85 HP with 143 lb-ft of torque
• 5.0L V8 (Windsor): Produced 140 HP with 255 lb-ft of torque
• 4.9L V8 (Windsor): Produced 139 HP with 250 lb-ft of torque

1979-1993 Mustang Is a Tuner's Paradise

The affordability and relative ease of modification made the Fox Body Mustang a favorite among car tuners. You could upgrade your suspension and improve its already superior handling. Aftermarket engine mod options were and STILL are a booming industry for this Mustang. Fox Bodies have been highly customizable since day one so your upgrade limitations can only be stifled by your imagination.

A Legacy of Performance

The Fox Body Mustang was about more than just speed. Speed only wins races when there are no turns so handling was important, straight out of the box. When you combine this with its relative affordability it was easy to see why the Fox Body was such a welcome addition to the Mustang family. The success of the Fox Body on the track further cemented its reputation as a true performance car.

Owning a Piece of History

Since the newest Fox Body Mustang turned 31 years old this year, they are considered classics. Finding an original 1979-1993 model in pristine condition can be challenging, but if you look hard enough and have the money they are out there. There is an active community of enthusiasts that are keeping the Fox Body alive with their knowledge, repair parts, and available upgrades.

Fox Body Upgrades

Some more popular upgrades to these iconic Mustangs include prebent fuel lines, preformed power steering lines, complete performance exhaust kits, aftermarket Fox Body turbochargers, and so much more. If you need help or advice in customizing your Fox Body Mustang contact us and we will be happy to guide you.

Whether you're a gearhead or a casual admirer of automotive history, the Fox Body Mustang is a car that deserves respect. Its combination of affordability, performance, and style makes it a true icon of the American muscle car scene.