What SVO to look for?

Saleen Owner · 02-23-2003

I've always loved the one of a kind looks of the SVO, and now I'm thinking of hunting one down. What is the best year to look for? Any trouble areas to look for? Other words, what whould you have done different in buying your SVO, if any, now that you have one and have read and researched the model to death?

Twister · 02-23-2003

personally, I would look for an 85 1/2 or an 86 due to the looks and a little more power

Saleen Owner · 02-24-2003

I was thinking that too. A 85 1/2 SVO parked next to my 85 1/2 Saleen, now that whould be sweet.

Mugger · 03-14-2003

Yup the '85 1/2 is the true collectors SVO very rare and 5hp more than the '86 which had 205hp....

140cilx · 03-15-2003

the 85.5 was rated at 200 hp, the 86 was 205. However they are the same - no changes barring 3rd brake light. It was a marketing thing.

Any available are great. The 84's are the most common of the uncommon SVO, over half of the 9800 made were '84's.

With a few items, Adjustable boost valve (ABV) and cone, perhaps a TC IC, you can put the '84-85's over the 205 mark. Total cost, $60.

Of course, I'd rather have an '85.5 myself, but thrilled to have my '84.

Mugger · 03-19-2003

"At its introduction in 1984, the Mustang SVO produced a whopping 175 horsepower from its small 2.3 litre, 4-cylinder engine with its EEC-IV engine management system. But the men at SVO didn't stop there. By 1985-1/2 and 1986, many changes were made throughout the vehicle, and the little port fuel-injected, turbocharged, and intercooled engine produced 200 bhp at 5000 rpm (205 bhp for 1985-1/2), and generated 240 lbs of torque at 3000 rpm. Now water-cooled, the turbo is more reliable, and provides variable boost up to 15 lbs with lag being virtually nonexistent. A center console-mounted fuel recalibration switch optimizes engine performance for regular or premium fuel."

A quote from the SVO regesty..here is the link

http://www.mustangsvo.org/svostory.htm

Thinkkker · 04-17-2003

The 85.5 was rated at 5 more hp, the 86 is EXACTLY the same. They lowered the rating cause they thought it was bad pr for the 4 banger to show more power than the V8.

Get either one of these though. They do have some more power, but some other goodies the older ones didnt. Not much difference but worth it

mustang_gal · 06-11-2003

I think any of them would be worth having! My hubby and I have a 84' SVO. I think all of them are nice

1998GT · 06-29-2003

I've never heard of seen an SVO.. They sound pretty sick with the turbo? Blow off valve?

mustang_gal · 07-01-2003

What do you mean you've never heard of a SVO? And how can you call a car sick if you've never even seen one?? How very sad

Dom · 07-17-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by 1998GT
I've never heard of seen an SVO.. They sound pretty sick with the turbo? Blow off valve?

SVO means "Special Vehicle Operations" basically, it was the 4 banger version of the Mustang, with a turbo. Had some other touches to it. SVO Bi Wing, Dual Exhaust, Moonroof.

Just about a stout little car. They are sought after as collectors car. Like the King Cobra.

Twister · 07-17-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Dom
SVO means "Special Vehicle Operations" basically, it was the 4 banger version of the Mustang, with a turbo. Had some other touches to it. SVO Bi Wing, Dual Exhaust, Moonroof.

Just about a stout little car. They are sought after as collectors car. Like the King Cobra.

dont forget 4 wheel discs, 16 inch wheels, Koni's, and a special k-member

Dom · 07-18-2003

Yea, I don't think Ford has used Koni since then. Plus, perfect heel-toe shfting.

svoneil · 08-08-2003

[quote]Originally posted by 140cilx
[b]the 85.5 was rated at 200 hp, the 86 was 205. However they are the same - no changes barring 3rd brake light. It was a marketing thing.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! 85-1/2s had 205 horsepower and 86s had 200 horsepower. Mugger had it correct!

anpmech · 08-15-2003

I love the old SVO's. Even in California, land of cars, I never see them around. They are cool, a little Ford History.