1985 Ford Mustang GT: Ultimate Guide

1985 Ford Mustang GT

1985 Ford Mustang GT

The Mustang GT was back in 1984 as the sport upgrade package.

The most exciting part about this packages was that Ford continued to use the now high-performance 5-liter (302 cid) HO engine package in the GT. The 1985 GT Mustang came standard with this improved 5.0L unit that was producing 210hp in 1985, up 35hp over 1984’s unit. The increase in performance came from engine upgrades that included new stainless headers, low-friction roller tappets, high performance camshaft, and a more efficient accessory drive system controlling power to the air conditioner, power steering and alternator.

The automatic transmission upgrade reduced the power back to 175 hp by using the previous year’s engine setup. New to 1985 was the 10-spoke alloy wheel, lighter charcoal cloth interiors, charcoal body side molding with an embossed GT near the rear wheel, and a single lower half opened front grille with the Ford emblem just above. The 1985 Mustang GT  also came with hood stripes and decals, and functional front air dam with integrated fog lamps.

Optionally, you could still choose the 2.3L, electronic fuel injected Turbo 4-cycle engine could be chosen also. Known as the Turbo GT was it was a fun little car that was close in performance to the V8 GT.

Engine & Chassis

Engines also carried over with a few revisions. The base 2.3-litre four and optional 3.8-litre EFI V-6 carried over unchanged but it was the 5.0-litre V-8 that received all the attention. Once again V-8 cars equipped with a manual transmission got the carbureted version that now boasted a 35-horsepower increase to 210-horsepower. This power increase was accomplished with the installation of a new high-performance camshaft and low-friction roller tappets. Automatic V-8’s were still down on power compared to the manual transmission cars however they also saw an increase of power to 180-horsepower and did come equipped with electronic fuel injection for better drivability.

Suspensions on GT models were improved with a thicker rear anti-sway bar, gas-filled struts up front and gas filled shocks at the rear. Variable rate springs were used front and rear that would become stiffer when compressed thus improving ride characteristics. The largest improvement came with the addition of wide 225/60VR15 Goodyear “Gatorback” tires. Tire technology had surpassed that of the Michelin TRX and therefore the TRX suspension and wheel/tire option was discontinued since it was now considered obsolete. The Goodyear’s provided the Mustang GT better bite through the corners and more grip during hard acceleration.

Specs & Performance

ENGINE TYPE: Pushrod 16-Valve V-8 engine, iron block and heads, carbureted

Displacement: 302 cu in, 4942cc
Power: 210 bhp @ 4600 rpm
Torque: 265 lbs-ft @ 3400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 100.5 in
Length: 179.3 in
Width: 69.1 in Height: 52.1 in
Curb weight: 3167 lb

PERFORMANCE RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.8 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 11.2 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 11.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.9 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 135 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 206 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/24 mpg