Before SVT, there was SVO, the Special Vehicles Operation of Ford. These lucky guys were charged with one mission; build a drivers car. SVO had a brand new Mustang platform, dubbed the Fox body to work with and so they went to town, applying racing technology for a production model.
Among the many innovations that were a first ever standard for Mustangs, were fully adjustable Koni gas shocks, ventilated disc breaks, and a 3:73:1 Traktion-Lok rear end. Improved aerodynamics, functional hood scoops, and a unique bi-wing spoiler all set the SVO apart from other Mustangs of the day, but what has solidified its place in history is its unique engine; a 2.3 liter turbocharged, four cylinder.
Before the RX-7, Supra, or the DSMs had turbochargers, the Mustang SVO was made with fuel economy and entry-level luxury in mind. Introduced in 1984, the four-cylinder engine initially made 175 horsepower, but by the end of its production run in 1986 the engine was producing 205 horsepower and 240 ft-lbs of torque thanks to improved cooling and tuning from the EEC IV port injection system, and utilizing only 15lbs of boost.
Based on the 2.3 liter Pinto motor but beefed up Garrett turbo and a water-based intercooler the OHC engine rivaled any other four cylinder engine of the time and even many eight cylinder engines. The 8 valve SVO engine also virtually eliminated turbo lag and made peak power around 3000 rpms and it included a switch which allowed it to be optimized for running on either premium or regular fuel, a rather advanced option for the time.
Picture: Myprojectcar.net
In stock trim these cars were as powerful as their eight cylinder carbureted brethren. It even included a short-throw shifter from Hurst and many of these rare Mustangs are still raced at drag strips and auto-cross events across the country. Unfortunately, sales amounted to just two percent of the total Mustang sales because of a high entry price for this turbocharged race car. But with gas prices unpredictable and fuel economy at the forethought of many peoples minds again, perhaps we will see the return of the SVO?
Check out
Mustang SVO.net for a detailed history and some sweet rides.
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