|
The 1980 MustangThe 1980 Mustang based on the Ford Fox-4 platform (now commonly called a Fox body Mustang), was now into it's second year of development in the all new Ford Mustang and continuing its evolutionary development of styling and design sophistication. Or perhaps it was the belief that smaller turbocharged engines were the answer to the future of performance. Either way, major changes were developing in the new 1980 Fox Body Mustang's engine bay.
Engines and Drivetrain OptionsEngine Choices Things were not like the old days of the 302 or 351 cubic inch powerhouse engines. A New V8 Engine ? The venerable 5.0 liter V8 (a good motor, saddled by emission controls and low fuel efficiency) was replaced with a new 4.9 liter V8 ( 255 cubic inches ) which produced an uninspiring 119 horsepower, compared with the 1979 Mustang's 5.0 liter V8 engine which in the 1979 Mustang, was capable of producing 140 hp. A New six cylinder Engine The 2.8 liter V6 was not so much replaced, as shoe-horned into the 1980 Mustang engine compartment. The new engine, which appeared later in the model year was a 3.3 liter inline six cylinder which could be had with 91 - 94 horsepower, depending on whether you chose the automatic or the standard transmission. Rumors were, that it only was added to the Mustang line due to too few 2.8 liter V6 engines available for customer demand. Although horsepower was down slightly, additional torque from the bigger engine made up most of the deficit in responsiveness. Four Cylinder Options
At the same time, many V8 Mustang fans, were understandably put off, by what looked like the planned end of the V8 Mustang! The M81 McLaren MustangProbably the most interesting event in the 1980 model year was The development of the M81 McLaren Mustang. Whether it is really a 1980 or 1981 may be up to argument. The fact, is however that the concept that started in the spring of 1980, led to the formation of a special vehicle operations ( SVO ) who was responsible for designing and producing the car, and set up specifically to create limited production performance vehicles to enhance Ford's performance image through motorsports. The engine was a modified version of the 2.3 liter turbocharged motor. Increased boost and standard hot rod technology,bumped the power up to 175 hp. Although some 250 of these cars were planned, its been said that only 10 were actually produced and with a price tag almost 5 times that of a standard Mustang, which was just over $5,000 at the time. Exterior Changes
A Convertible Mustang ?Well not really.....many fox body Mustang enthusiasts might have thought that Ford had brought back the convertible, but looks were deceiving.
What appeared to be a new convertible roof was in fact a decor option called a Carriage Roof, which was available only on the 2 door hard top models The 1980 Mustang Cobra borrowed heavily from the 79 pace car, with its distinctive grille,hood treatment, lower front air dam and rear lip spoiler on the rear deck lid.
Interior ChangesMinor changes in the 1980 interior were made, including the addition of high back bucket seats for the base models. |
