For its time, the '84 Mustang GT was a nice step up from those choked paint-and-tape specials from the late '70s. With the five-speed transmission, the 5.0L High Output V-8 produced 175 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque from a low-rise aluminum manifold, a 600-cfm Holley carburetor, iron exhaust manifolds, a dual-snorkel air cleaner, and single exhaust with side-by-side dual tips (although Mike has switched to a true dual exhaust system).
Believe it or not, the five-speed was novel in 1984, having been introduced in the Mustang toward the end of the '83 model year. Overdrive took some getting used to because we weren't accustomed to the engine revving at only 2,000 rpm at 70 mph. The national speed limit was 55 mph in those days, so the speedometers were marked at 55 to remind us. What's more, "Unleaded Fuel Only" was printed on the fuel gauge.
Mike's Mustang GT has 3.08:1 Traction-Lok gears in a 7.5-inch integral carrier rearend with dinky drum brakes at both ends. Back then, Mustang GT underpinnings were modest by today's standards. Power front disc brakes were small compared with what Ford is offering on Mustangs in 2008. Mike's Mustang has the optional TRX wheels with Michelin radial tires, which are hard to come by today.
Pod-style instrumentation gave the '84 Mustang GT a high-tech aero look borrowed from a Boeing flight deck. Bucket seats with side bolsters didn't happen until the following year. To honk the horn in an '84 Mustang, you had to tap the turn signal lever. The horn returned to the steering wheel the following year.
They say '82-'93 Mustang GTs struggle to find buyers these days (which makes them the best Mustang value going). They were, however, exciting cars that paved the way to more terrific Mustangs to come, which makes the '84 GT a nice collectible.
In 1984, performance was back. Gasoline was cheap and abundant. The economy was beginning to hum. And you could again put the top down. There was just nothing else like it-just ask Mike.
| ’84 Mustang Production |
| Total Mustang GT Hatchbacks | 26,658 |
| Total Mustang GT Convertibles | 6,256 |
| Total Mustang SVOs | 4,508 |
| Total Standard Mustangs | 104,058 |
| Total Production | 141,480 |