A friend of mine had a silver one, a 1986. His parents bought it for him for high school graduation. He was a spoiled ungrateful rich kid lol. He put a sound system in it right away. He was the only friend I had who was a regular pot smoker and always had weed. We would ride around on the backroads for hours listening to The Cult and Aerosmith’s new albums.. .. on cassette of course. Everytime I hear Lil Devil or Hangman Jury I think of that car. I loved it. I was two years younger, easily influenced kid from a broke ass family. Lol… good times. Love the SVO. Great video.
@@joeturbo7406 only drove in one with someone else driving. Had an 88 LX 5.0 but not quite the same. Had the 4 rear shocks but not the better front suspension.
Very under appreciated and same with the Thunderbird TC and SC. Amazing cars that were way ahead of their time and probably were just too much for the American brain back then 😛😉
@@baldurivar I had a 1986 Turbo Thunderbird--best $1,000 car I ever owned. other than the solid rear axle, I'd say it was the American Porsche 944 in that it was a great grand touring 2+2 vehicle (probably more footroom for the rear passengers) that ate up the highway miles.
Very nice, I have a white 1986 mustang GT that I purchased in the summer of 1986, I have a really incredible and unbelievable story to tell, this is only a very quick summary of my journey. The car was completely rebuilt with a donor body after the speed shop in NJ totaled it while street racing without my knowledge. I've replaced the engine twice, the last time with a new ford Gt40 short block. The car sat in my garage from 2006 - Feb 2022, when I sent it to a local NC speed shop for a complete upgrade. My experience with the shop left me questioning why I kept the car this long. When I did drive it briefly at the end of last summer the car got lots of attention and many thumbs up from passing cars. It still needs some minor work and has not been driven much. I plan to work on it in the spring and take it from there. After watching your video I know exactly what you went through and how you feel. Classic Cars...... sometimes you love them, and other times you want to use them for target practice with a main battle tank. I still love my car I just wish the journey was less painful and less Expen$$ive
Glad that you kept it all these years. Yes, we have similar experiences in the love it, hate it aspect of ownership. Thanks for watching and commenting!
How long after did yu find OUT THE SPEED SHOP WRECKED YR RIDE???? ANY LITIGATION? FOOKMEMATE!! THAT$OME HATE ON THAT DATE NOT TO CELEBRATE GT#TAILGATE PARTY@ YR EXPEN$E!!! ATLEAST THIS GENT WAS PART OF THE SVO BROKEN HEART$ CLUB!!! CHEERS TO BOTH OF YU FOR NOT LETTING THIS KILL YOUR SPIRIT!!! FOR YOUR GT STOREY SIR I GIV YOU XTRA PRAISE FOR NOT GOING TO JAIL FOR CHEAT$ & ANTiTRUST ISSUE$!!!
Still got my 1986 GT. Carbernet Red but prior owner replaced a rear quarter panel badly and covered everything in competition orange. Drove it in the snowy winter until one day I went to move the seat back and found there was only enough floor pan to hold two of the four bolts. I was in the middle of caretaking parents so I parked it and hoped to get back to it but while looking for parts ran into a 243,000 mile turnkey Olds 442 for only $4,500. One day I will get the rustang back on the road, tho. Had too much fun using its hatchback as a pickup bed, camping out in it overnight with bug netting at swap meets kickin' it with old hot rodders and their stories, picking up deals on car parts i could swing over the taillights to put down on a tarp and bring home...it's just a question of what powertrain do i want, miles per gallon or smiles per gallon since the original 5.0/T5 is gone.
I have a 1983 930 turbo. Your story of love and hate is an all too familiar feeling. The SVO is a car from my 90s youth and I always wanted one. Whether I can handle another emotional investment car is another story!
I hear ya! The older I get, the more I appreciate cars that have been left mostly stock. Can't go back with this SVO now, but survivors really appeal to me moving forward....
I was fortunate enough to drive these cars when they were new. Had a manager at a grocery store I worked in college who bought a brand new 1986 Black SVO. He let me drive it a few times. It was a thrill. Of course when I got out of college a few years later it was no longer in production so I went with a fox coupe and enjoyed that car for 17 years. I have special memories of the SVO and may one day look to add to my current mustangs…great video
Thank you for the comments. The good news for buyers is that SVO's are still relatively undervalued as compared to other models in the Fox Chassis lineup. So grab one now while they are still affordable....
I always loved these, subtle difference in looks are great and this from someone who is not a hatchback fan. If I owned one it would probably see a modern day turbo swap. Glad to see them around
Love that car, and your perseverance. It's the genesis of what we have now. The new SVO is the Ecoboost premium Mustang with all the track bells and whistles. Better in every way. I don't wont be tied to nostalgia. Now is the true Golden Age of performance cars, but it won't last much longer. Mustangs forever.
Beautiful car bud, thanks for sharing your story and grief. Other than my first car (68 Camaro) I have owned nothing but Mustangs. I daily my 1997 Cobra except in snow and the only trouble it has given me is bad alternator. I have gotten my son hooked on Mustangs as well, we have just pulled a 351 roller motor for his 89 lx.
I loved my SVO when I had it. I purchased mine new, a 1985.5 Black SVO that I owned for about 5 years. The car was so much fun to drive. I took mine on a cross country road trip from Connecticut where I purchased it to San Diego, CA with a stop in Colorado to pick up my brother for my road trip to California. We both had a blast driving it taking turns :) Very nice video!!
@@joeturbo7406 Thanks for the video btw. I'm still working on trying to figure out the best way to acquire an SVO and make it appropriate as a gift for my father.
@@ShooterQ Best of luck - my advice is to always by the best condition SVO you can find / afford. You'll pay more up front, but it will save you $$ in the long run.
My dad bought a 1984 Mustang SVO new in 1984. There was nothing like it, it was so rare! It had some super cool factory parts on it (Recaro seats, Hurst shifter, 4 wheel disc brakes (on a Mustang!), and adjustable shocks. I was only 13 at the time and it was like riding in a super car. I love the Mustang SVO.
Wow! You are obviously a perfectionist (and I mean that in a good way!) and pretty doggone talented wrench! Thank you for a real documenting journey video, not a "brag-about-my-car" torture video.
Thanks for the comment. All I can say is that it's been quite a journey so far. I'm looking forward to the time when I can get back to using this SVO again in the future....
@@joeturbo7406 I owned an '88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe that I should have never sold. Such fun cars...but it wasn't a Mustang and I was looking for low end torque again! The SVO's and TC's were truly cars ahead of their time.
Great looking SVO...always liked the. I owned two 5.0 GTs back in the day (an 89 and 92) and they were great cars. You have far more patience than I do...
@@joeturbo7406 I wish you nothing but smiles! When project cars are doing everything right, they are awesome. When not, they are beyond frustrating. I've thinned the herd down to a single car, but I'm always looking.
Thank you for taking us on a journey with you through your rebuilding your Ford. It is a wicked video. I loved the idea of the early domestic cars taking inspiration from Europe. 4 cyl turbo is basically the whole world now. I love it.
O, how I miss my 86 SVO.. I bought mine in 1987 with 9,000 miles on it (Just graduated college and could afford a car, and I wanted one since I first saw it in 1984).. I put 140,000 miles on it, and then in 2003 I parked it as it blew a turbo.. I let it sit for a couple years always wanting to fix it but never did, and finally a kid from up the street came to my house (15 years old).. He said he loved the car and wanted to buy it, I told him it didn't run well, but he had that love in his eyes like I did.. He said he and his father wanted to fix it up.. I gave it to him with the promise that after he got it back on the road he'd give me a ride.. 2 years later he stopped down with the car in tip top shape and gave me a ride.. he and his father had completely re-built it, he obviously had his drivers license and that was his daily car.. I miss it, but it went to a good home of someone who could appreciate it.. And it sounds like you have your own love-hate relationship with it :-) Good luck!!!!!
It was always my understanding that if you have a spun bearing, the block is ruined and should be discarded. Likewise if it's a spun rod bearing, definitely toss out the rod at issue as well. Even factory branded replacement automotive parts don't seem to give near the longevity of the factory original equipment ones, and too often no matter how meticulous a rebuild we find ourselves involved in yet another premature do-over. Doesn't matter the car make or engine. Fortunately the old 2.3 is a relatively simple motor, parts are plentiful and reasonable in cost, making it ideal for d.i.y. engine work. My brother and I autocross modified 2.3T fox Mustangs and absolutely identify with the rewarding highs and discouraging lows you have experienced. Keep the faith with your beautiful SVO.
Thanks for the comments. The spun bearing was rod related, and in both rebuild cases, the original crank and 2nd crank were under cut for the resized aftermarket rods. Fingers crossed that the current rebuild continues to provide years of reliable fun!
Thanks for the comment, they are a blast to drive, especially with some simple mods as you stated. The good news is that SVO's are still relatively affordable compared to similar generation FoxBody cars of the same era. Hint, Hint.... LOL
Thanks for the comment. Yes, there are a few SVO's that have been converted with both the 2.0 and 2.3 ecoboost. It takes some decent fab skills to make it work. But it is definitely an upgrade over the Lima 2.3T.
Problems...problems!!!! Nothing but for my brand new 1986 SVO. I actually failed my first semester of college because the car was in the shop so much. I also had to drive around with an extra alternator in the back and do roadside swaps because it would eat them up on a stock car. Finally my AutoZone lifetime warranted alternator...not so much. They gave me my money back on both alternators and told me pound sand. I actually had both the phone number and home address of my service advisor and would call on him to let him know what issues to expect when I bring the car in, even went by his house Saturday/Sunday to talk to him about it, I think he regretted this when I dropped in on Superbowl Sunday. It was a nightmare car that I still loved. I did discover that it got 45 miles to the gallon at 90 mph, so there was that.
Clearly in the right hands. This car has a following among those who know what it really is. It was and still is the best performance Mustang FORD ever sold. It was the Father of all performance mustangs FORD sold since. Not a Shelby not a tuner but FORDs own SVO first and only .. the creator of SVT, FORD Racing/Performance... It should be coveted by collectors far more than any other..... awesome car....great to see it.
The SVO was considered to be super awesome when I was a kid in the 90s. I knew lots of people who wanted them and they held their value pretty good. I was shocked to see one on marketplace for $6500 just yesterday and was kinda shocked at its affordability.
Yes, they have not appreciated like the 5.0 GT siblings. However some SVO parts are hard to find and therefore expensive. For anybody looking to purchase an SVO, I always recommend buying the best example with reasonable mileage. Project cars or sub-driver quality SVO's can look like a bargain, but expenses can add up real fast if you look to restore or just improve appearance / reliability..... Thanks for the comment!
Owner of 2 Aero nose GT’s , ive grown to love the 4Eye specialy a 86 GT wit the upgraded heads from the Ford 150 truck line up n etc but i also learned to love these SVO’s aswell specialy the 85-86 nose, 5 lug n all Disc brakes n a decent healthy 4cyl intercooled Turbo,… ahead of the game for that Era nd ❤
Thanks for the comment, I also own / love 4-eye's having owned several (still have my 79 Pace Car and 82 GT T-Top), but the SVO has been very underappreciated. Not sure if that will ever change....
3.73 rear end seams crazy to me even with the 5 speed. It revs too high on the highway. 3.27 would probably be best. Went through 5 rear ends in mine, I’m not pulling this out of my smelly place
Great story Joe! I just got my 86 1C back on the road this year. You might remember me (moby) from 4eyed pride, SVOCA and the Mustang Unlimited shows. Hope to see you next season!
This is my dream car.I have always loved the SVO, I feel its Fords greatest achievement. Everyone was looking for bigger displacement for more horsepower, Ford took a step back and got massive HP out of a 4 cylinder 2.3 engine.
I agree. There has always been something about the 2.3 Turbo Fords for me, it's making more from less. That's always intrigued me and hence why I've owned several 2.3T Mustangs (and a Capri).
@@joeturbo7406 I would love to own one, I live in Australia, and the SVO is super rare here, I gave only seen one for sale in the past 5 years, they wanted $35,000aud (28,000 US) for it, and it only had club plates, which means you can only drive it for car club purposes, you couldn't ever go to the store to get some milk in it. If I ever see one with normal plates I expect it to cost $50,000+
Sorry you had so many issues I had a 1986 SVO also which we purchased new. I drove that car through high school and college and beyond at over 150,000 miles with no major issues besides one head gasket and a couple turbos. Ran mobile one since new and changed every 3000 miles
Thanks for the comment and good to hear about your experience. I think that goes to show that when these cars are left in a stock form, they do run reasonably reliable....
Joe, I always wanted a SVO. I always thought it was the Best Looking Fox Body (especially the 86' with the flush headlights). I want to find one with a blown motor and put in a 5.0 V8 and maybe IRS.
The best part of being a ford lover is the rich history of off-set ground crankshaft possibilities. It keeps my mind sharp with math of deck height, rod main diA. Ford put bigger rod main diameter bearing than most other motors other 426 Hemi or International H. Light trucks. Sorry for rant: ford stroker kits of 2.5 liter & 2.850 are available for a replacement for your 2.3 liter
I'm a life long Chevy fanboy/enthusiast. So I should never let this text escape my phone: That damn Stang on the Foxbody platform was better most Camaros ever made. It really was "The Little Engine That Could".
The SVO's are very unique and capable especially in handling which the stock 5.0 fox body Mustangs never were. I also have some fond memories of the F-Body cars from back in the day....
@@blackericdenice Not sure about Amsoil as opposed to other modern synthetics. When I drove the car daily I was very careful about changing the oil every 3k miles....
I had an ‘84 identical to yours when I was 21 in 1989. It was a fun car. I really loved it but a tree fell on it in a storm and it was never the same after the insurance company “repaired” it. I wish I had it and my Yamaha RZ 350 still. 😩
Thanks for the comment. You have to wonder how many of the 84 to 86 SVO's are still around and on the road. Over the years, I have seen a bunch for sale that were neglected and left for dead. And they are expensive to restore due to all the "special" SVO parts that are either super expensive and/or unobtanium....
I can't fathom why you did all of that work to the motor and then put a cheap FRAM oil filter. Oil filters matter and you can find sources that open up multiple brands and show the cheap or quality materials used for construction.
My 1986 GT 5.0 could barely take the SVO! Buddy of mine had the SVO but I always pulled 1/2 to 1 car length on him each time. I had an AT and every time he shifted I pulled ahead. Good times!!!
Funny, my '86 SVO would be taken off the start but once the turbo spooled up I would eat 5.0's. If I had a $1.00 every time I had to pop the hood and prove it was a 2.3L 4 turbo I would be pretty well off. Bought a 1986 canyon red brand new off the showroom floor.
Over 20 years ago I bought an 83 Mustang GT Turbo. I am surprised at the number of people that didn't know that those cars exist. I have only seen 2 that I could touch. Mine is black on black, Ford says the HP is only 145 but I believe that it is closer to 200. What do you think is "eating" the bearings?
Thanks for the comment. Yes, since 1983 was the first year for 2.3 Turbo with EFI, they are rare, especially the Capri variant. No clue on the bearing issues with my car's engine. Hopefully this current rebuild will last a very long time!
Thanks for making the video. I've owned several 5.0s and 4 cyl foxes. How does the SVO compare? Do you miss the torque of the 302? My 89 4 cyl is noisy and rough. The 93 8 plug 4 cyl is better. What about the SVO? I'm tempted to get an SVO.
The SVO is buzzy like a normal 2.3 NA. The difference is when you get into the boost, the power surges so it isn't as fast off the line but at speed, the acceleration is fun. And the SVO handles and has very good breaks, unlike most 5.0's. I also have a 79 Indy Pace Car (5.0 + 5 speed) and the experience is very different. I like both cars but they are very different driving experiences. Thanks for the questions.
I feel a sad connection with this car. I got a bought a mint condition flawless 86 gt 5.0 same color scheme as this car 5speed a serious mint condition not a flaw on it very very strong running i loved that car had it 4 years and wrecked it. Sold it totalled out. 20 years later 4 mustangs later now i have a 88 LX im restoring. It was red, i had it painted black. Bought new wheels tires exhaust glass trim and all new rubber gaskets. Only thing i dont like is its a sunroof car. I recently reworked the sunroof with new hardware and seals. Everything on the exterior is new looks great now im turning to the interior. If you've ever had a mustang and enjoyed it like i have with a strong connection you can never get em out of your blood you just have to have one.
Best bet is to reach out to Evergreen Turbo and ask them to rebuild one based on your current needs. I have heard very good feedback from Charile: www.evergreenturbo.com/
Thanks for the comment. Yes, but as a friend of mine once said "in for a penny, in for a pound" Plus this experience was over several years of ownership. I'm looking forward to a better decade of future ownership with this SVO.... 🙂
I liked this version of the mustang....but I thought the 2.3 turbo was not the best design of engines The 5.0 was much more reliable in the long run (I put a mild built 5.0 in a Datsun 200sx 1984) but they should of offered the suspension of the SVO on the 5.0 cars I hope you finally get some good luck with that 2.3
The early carb'd 2.3 turbos were terrible. With good maintenance and average driving, these engines in stock form have lasted many more miles than mine. My experience is that modified engines are where the trouble can happen.
Wow out if all the SVOs ive owned including a brand new 85 1/2 comp prep ive never seen so much trouble in an SVO. These cars are beloved by owners...so many times i hear damn i never shuda sold that car....miss it so much. You will be one of those guys, enjoy it youve earned the hard way which in some ways is incredibly self gratifying!
Thanks - of all the SVO's that I know of, the most trouble-free ones are the ones that are left STOCK. However, I got bit by the "mod bug" and now I can't look back. I'm holding on to this SVO for the long term, I just need more time to actually drive it. Life seems to get in the way recently....
@@joeturbo7406 if anyone had an issue with bottom end I would send them to junkyard or an online 2.3 hoarder for a used one, likely its good. It's been a long road for you... Enjoy what you got now!
soooo why where you eating rod bearings, twice, sounds like a oil starvation to the rod bearing, ive been there also with my 351w turbo fox my engine came out 3 times in 4months time trying to get it right i had a tunning problem and timming issue breaking ring lands.
The first time was on an engine with 90k miles and unknown prior service history. So who knows? The second time def had to be oil starvation. Hopefully your 351W is tuned and running better....
Thank you, in my opinion, there are still plenty of lower mileage, original SVO's left in the market. And the main deviation from stock has been the internals of my car.
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A friend of mine had a silver one, a 1986. His parents bought it for him for high school graduation. He was a spoiled ungrateful rich kid lol. He put a sound system in it right away. He was the only friend I had who was a regular pot smoker and always had weed. We would ride around on the backroads for hours listening to The Cult and Aerosmith’s new albums.. .. on cassette of course. Everytime I hear Lil Devil or Hangman Jury I think of that car. I loved it. I was two years younger, easily influenced kid from a broke ass family. Lol… good times. Love the SVO. Great video.
Thanks - it's funny how music can take us back to past memories..... I always lusted after SVO's and once I was able to afford one, I jumped on it.
The SVO is a underappreciated car. It predicted the future where turbo charging is a now a normal thing.
Fully agree, blast to drive too...
@@joeturbo7406 only drove in one with someone else driving. Had an 88 LX 5.0 but not quite the same. Had the 4 rear shocks but not the better front suspension.
Very under appreciated and same with the Thunderbird TC and SC. Amazing cars that were way ahead of their time and probably were just too much for the American brain back then 😛😉
@@baldurivar I had a 1986 Turbo Thunderbird--best $1,000 car I ever owned. other than the solid rear axle, I'd say it was the American Porsche 944 in that it was a great grand touring 2+2 vehicle (probably more footroom for the rear passengers) that ate up the highway miles.
Thanks for sharing the extent of dedication to Ford Mustang SVO ownership
Thanks for the comment. Took the SVO to a local show last weekend, was great to get it out on the road again!
@@joeturbo7406 It is helpful for these cars to be out on the road so they’re appreciated by younger generations. Wow, that’s awesome.
Very nice, I have a white 1986 mustang GT that I purchased in the summer of 1986, I have a really incredible and unbelievable story to tell, this is only a very quick summary of my journey. The car was completely rebuilt with a donor body after the speed shop in NJ totaled it while street racing without my knowledge. I've replaced the engine twice, the last time with a new ford Gt40 short block. The car sat in my garage from 2006 - Feb 2022, when I sent it to a local NC speed shop for a complete upgrade. My experience with the shop left me questioning why I kept the car this long. When I did drive it briefly at the end of last summer the car got lots of attention and many thumbs up from passing cars. It still needs some minor work and has not been driven much. I plan to work on it in the spring and take it from there. After watching your video I know exactly what you went through and how you feel. Classic Cars...... sometimes you love them, and other times you want to use them for target practice with a main battle tank. I still love my car I just wish the journey was less painful and less Expen$$ive
Glad that you kept it all these years. Yes, we have similar experiences in the love it, hate it aspect of ownership. Thanks for watching and commenting!
How long after did yu find OUT THE SPEED SHOP WRECKED YR RIDE????
ANY LITIGATION? FOOKMEMATE!! THAT$OME HATE ON THAT DATE NOT TO CELEBRATE GT#TAILGATE PARTY@ YR EXPEN$E!!! ATLEAST THIS GENT WAS PART OF THE SVO BROKEN HEART$ CLUB!!! CHEERS TO BOTH OF YU FOR NOT LETTING THIS KILL YOUR SPIRIT!!!
FOR YOUR GT STOREY SIR I GIV YOU XTRA PRAISE FOR NOT GOING TO JAIL FOR CHEAT$ & ANTiTRUST ISSUE$!!!
Still got my 1986 GT. Carbernet Red but prior owner replaced a rear quarter panel badly and covered everything in competition orange. Drove it in the snowy winter until one day I went to move the seat back and found there was only enough floor pan to hold two of the four bolts. I was in the middle of caretaking parents so I parked it and hoped to get back to it but while looking for parts ran into a 243,000 mile turnkey Olds 442 for only $4,500. One day I will get the rustang back on the road, tho. Had too much fun using its hatchback as a pickup bed, camping out in it overnight with bug netting at swap meets kickin' it with old hot rodders and their stories, picking up deals on car parts i could swing over the taillights to put down on a tarp and bring home...it's just a question of what powertrain do i want, miles per gallon or smiles per gallon since the original 5.0/T5 is gone.
Just found your channel. Great information provided. Thank you for sharing your ownership journey!😊
Thanks for keeping it alive! The SVO has a special place in my heart, and obviously, yours too! Happy motoring! Cheers!
✌🏻😎🎹🌴🌞
I have a 1983 930 turbo. Your story of love and hate is an all too familiar feeling. The SVO is a car from my 90s youth and I always wanted one. Whether I can handle another emotional investment car is another story!
I hear ya! The older I get, the more I appreciate cars that have been left mostly stock. Can't go back with this SVO now, but survivors really appeal to me moving forward....
I was fortunate enough to drive these cars when they were new. Had a manager at a grocery store I worked in college who bought a brand new 1986 Black SVO. He let me drive it a few times. It was a thrill. Of course when I got out of college a few years later it was no longer in production so I went with a fox coupe and enjoyed that car for 17 years. I have special memories of the SVO and may one day look to add to my current mustangs…great video
Thank you for the comments. The good news for buyers is that SVO's are still relatively undervalued as compared to other models in the Fox Chassis lineup. So grab one now while they are still affordable....
Thank you for sharing your journey with a bad ass car. Good stuff sir!
Thanks for your comment and glad you enjoyed the video!
I always loved these, subtle difference in looks are great and this from someone who is not a hatchback fan. If I owned one it would probably see a modern day turbo swap. Glad to see them around
Thanks for the comment. Withe regards to subtle looks, some people said that SVO stood for Some Variations Observed.... LOL
Love that car, and your perseverance. It's the genesis of what we have now. The new SVO is the Ecoboost premium Mustang with all the track bells and whistles. Better in every way. I don't wont be tied to nostalgia. Now is the true Golden Age of performance cars, but it won't last much longer. Mustangs forever.
Thanks for the comments. The ecoboost is really impressive in terms of output power. I've seen a few run at the drag strip with impressive results.
My brother was selling Fords then when they were new I remember riding in one. It was exciting
Beautiful car bud, thanks for sharing your story and grief. Other than my first car (68 Camaro) I have owned nothing but Mustangs. I daily my 1997 Cobra except in snow and the only trouble it has given me is bad alternator. I have gotten my son hooked on Mustangs as well, we have just pulled a 351 roller motor for his 89 lx.
Thanks you & Glad to hear you're ford blue and bringing up the next generation of Mustang fans!
I loved my SVO when I had it. I purchased mine new, a 1985.5 Black SVO that I owned for about 5 years. The car was so much fun to drive. I took mine on a cross country road trip from Connecticut where I purchased it to San Diego, CA with a stop in Colorado to pick up my brother for my road trip to California. We both had a blast driving it taking turns :) Very nice video!!
Thanks - I was too young to purchase an SVO new, but I'm glad to hear about your experience.
I liked that SVO Chuck, but loved my TVR JUST A LITTLE MORE 😁😇
Man, what an emotional journey.
Yep - I'm still on back in the "love it" phase so long as nothing major happens.... 🙂
@@joeturbo7406 Thanks for the video btw. I'm still working on trying to figure out the best way to acquire an SVO and make it appropriate as a gift for my father.
@@ShooterQ Best of luck - my advice is to always by the best condition SVO you can find / afford. You'll pay more up front, but it will save you $$ in the long run.
@@joeturbo7406 Thank you for the good word.
My dad bought a 1984 Mustang SVO new in 1984. There was nothing like it, it was so rare! It had some super cool factory parts on it (Recaro seats, Hurst shifter, 4 wheel disc brakes (on a Mustang!), and adjustable shocks. I was only 13 at the time and it was like riding in a super car.
I love the Mustang SVO.
Thanks for the comment. They are rare and unique. And the driving experience is unlike nay other fox-era mustang.
Wow! You are obviously a perfectionist (and I mean that in a good way!) and pretty doggone talented wrench! Thank you for a real documenting journey video, not a "brag-about-my-car" torture video.
Thanks for the comment. All I can say is that it's been quite a journey so far. I'm looking forward to the time when I can get back to using this SVO again in the future....
Thank you for sharing your SVO's story Joe! Absolutely love those cars!
Thanks for the comment. I'm in agreement with you on the SVO's.
@@joeturbo7406 I owned an '88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe that I should have never sold. Such fun cars...but it wasn't a Mustang and I was looking for low end torque again! The SVO's and TC's were truly cars ahead of their time.
@@foxbodymotorsports The T-Bird Turbocoupes were great cars (with a 5-speed). Loved both the 4-eye as well as the later aero versions like you owned!
love your Mustang SVO! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
TY and Thanks for watching.....
Great looking SVO...always liked the. I owned two 5.0 GTs back in the day (an 89 and 92) and they were great cars. You have far more patience than I do...
Thanks. I'm really not a patient person. I'm just too deep into this car ($$$$) at this point. Plus when it's running right, it's a blast to drive...
@@joeturbo7406 I wish you nothing but smiles! When project cars are doing everything right, they are awesome. When not, they are beyond frustrating. I've thinned the herd down to a single car, but I'm always looking.
Thank you for taking us on a journey with you through your rebuilding your Ford. It is a wicked video. I loved the idea of the early domestic cars taking inspiration from Europe. 4 cyl turbo is basically the whole world now. I love it.
Thanks for watching and the comments. Cars like the SVO with it's turbo charged small-ish displacement engines have always intrigued me.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, the EFI Turbo cars from the 80's were ahead of their time. My wife and now have a 2.0T sedan as a DD....
O, how I miss my 86 SVO.. I bought mine in 1987 with 9,000 miles on it (Just graduated college and could afford a car, and I wanted one since I first saw it in 1984)..
I put 140,000 miles on it, and then in 2003 I parked it as it blew a turbo.. I let it sit for a couple years always wanting to fix it but never did, and finally a kid from up the street came to my house (15 years old).. He said he loved the car and wanted to buy it, I told him it didn't run well, but he had that love in his eyes like I did.. He said he and his father wanted to fix it up.. I gave it to him with the promise that after he got it back on the road he'd give me a ride.. 2 years later he stopped down with the car in tip top shape and gave me a ride.. he and his father had completely re-built it, he obviously had his drivers license and that was his daily car.. I miss it, but it went to a good home of someone who could appreciate it..
And it sounds like you have your own love-hate relationship with it :-) Good luck!!!!!
Thanks & awesome story, glad to hear that your SVO ended up at a "good home".
Great video, have always liked the SVO and would love to buy one.
Thank you for the comment!
I had a 1986 the same car and color SVO. Bought it brand new when I was 20 yrs old. I miss it.
Glad you got to enjoy your SVO when new. They are still relatively affordable for anyone still looking to relive your youth....
It was always my understanding that if you have a spun bearing, the block is ruined and should be discarded. Likewise if it's a spun rod bearing, definitely toss out the rod at issue as well. Even factory branded replacement automotive parts don't seem to give near the longevity of the factory original equipment ones, and too often no matter how meticulous a rebuild we find ourselves involved in yet another premature do-over. Doesn't matter the car make or engine. Fortunately the old 2.3 is a relatively simple motor, parts are plentiful and reasonable in cost, making it ideal for d.i.y. engine work. My brother and I autocross modified 2.3T fox Mustangs and absolutely identify with the rewarding highs and discouraging lows you have experienced. Keep the faith with your beautiful SVO.
Thanks for the comments. The spun bearing was rod related, and in both rebuild cases, the original crank and 2nd crank were under cut for the resized aftermarket rods. Fingers crossed that the current rebuild continues to provide years of reliable fun!
Enjoyed the story of your SVO Joe. Hope to see it in person soon.
Thanks Jim. Maybe next fall at the BBQ....
Makes me miss my white 86 SVO. Did a few tasteful mods and added about 50 HP. That thing was a blast.
Thanks for the comment, they are a blast to drive, especially with some simple mods as you stated. The good news is that SVO's are still relatively affordable compared to similar generation FoxBody cars of the same era. Hint, Hint.... LOL
I had an ‘86 silver SVO in the middle 90’s. I loved that car and had a blast driving it and basically beating the crap out of it.
That's what they were made for, I'm glad to hear that you had a good experience with your SVO!
Very cool video - love going on a time machine! Im sure its been done, but a 2.3 Ecoboost SVO would be very neat.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, there are a few SVO's that have been converted with both the 2.0 and 2.3 ecoboost. It takes some decent fab skills to make it work. But it is definitely an upgrade over the Lima 2.3T.
Problems...problems!!!! Nothing but for my brand new 1986 SVO. I actually failed my first semester of college because the car was in the shop so much. I also had to drive around with an extra alternator in the back and do roadside swaps because it would eat them up on a stock car. Finally my AutoZone lifetime warranted alternator...not so much. They gave me my money back on both alternators and told me pound sand. I actually had both the phone number and home address of my service advisor and would call on him to let him know what issues to expect when I bring the car in, even went by his house Saturday/Sunday to talk to him about it, I think he regretted this when I dropped in on Superbowl Sunday. It was a nightmare car that I still loved. I did discover that it got 45 miles to the gallon at 90 mph, so there was that.
Yes, I feel your past pain, but they are fun cars once sorted out. LOL Thanks for watching!
Clearly in the right hands. This car has a following among those who know what it really is. It was and still is the best performance Mustang FORD ever sold. It was the Father of all performance mustangs FORD sold since. Not a Shelby not a tuner but FORDs own SVO first and only .. the creator of SVT, FORD Racing/Performance... It should be coveted by collectors far more than any other..... awesome car....great to see it.
Thanks for the comments. Fortunately for those that still want to own one, they're still relatively affordable.
New subscriber. Excellent work brother!
Thank you!
Enjoyed the video. Beautiful SVO.
Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video.
The SVO was considered to be super awesome when I was a kid in the 90s. I knew lots of people who wanted them and they held their value pretty good. I was shocked to see one on marketplace for $6500 just yesterday and was kinda shocked at its affordability.
Yes, they have not appreciated like the 5.0 GT siblings. However some SVO parts are hard to find and therefore expensive. For anybody looking to purchase an SVO, I always recommend buying the best example with reasonable mileage. Project cars or sub-driver quality SVO's can look like a bargain, but expenses can add up real fast if you look to restore or just improve appearance / reliability..... Thanks for the comment!
Owner of 2 Aero nose GT’s , ive grown to love the 4Eye specialy a 86 GT wit the upgraded heads from the Ford 150 truck line up n etc but i also learned to love these SVO’s aswell specialy the 85-86 nose, 5 lug n all Disc brakes n a decent healthy 4cyl intercooled Turbo,… ahead of the game for that Era nd ❤
Thanks for the comment, I also own / love 4-eye's having owned several (still have my 79 Pace Car and 82 GT T-Top), but the SVO has been very underappreciated. Not sure if that will ever change....
Love your commitment to this unique car 👍 so cool, great job
Thank you!
3.73 rear end seams crazy to me even with the 5 speed. It revs too high on the highway. 3.27 would probably be best. Went through 5 rear ends in mine, I’m not pulling this out of my smelly place
Great story Joe! I just got my 86 1C back on the road this year. You might remember me (moby) from 4eyed pride, SVOCA and the Mustang Unlimited shows. Hope to see you next season!
Sure do John, congrats. Last I talked to you, you were restoring a 93 Cobra. How'd that go?
Love, Love, did I say LOVE them...
Glad to hear, me too.... 🙂
This is my dream car.I have always loved the SVO, I feel its Fords greatest achievement. Everyone was looking for bigger displacement for more horsepower, Ford took a step back and got massive HP out of a 4 cylinder 2.3 engine.
I agree. There has always been something about the 2.3 Turbo Fords for me, it's making more from less. That's always intrigued me and hence why I've owned several 2.3T Mustangs (and a Capri).
@@joeturbo7406 I would love to own one, I live in Australia, and the SVO is super rare here, I gave only seen one for sale in the past 5 years, they wanted $35,000aud (28,000 US) for it, and it only had club plates, which means you can only drive it for car club purposes, you couldn't ever go to the store to get some milk in it. If I ever see one with normal plates I expect it to cost $50,000+
I love these still want one🔥🔥
If you do buy one, get the best one you can afford. They're expensive to "restore" since some of the parts are getting very hard to find.
Oh yeah I would definitely try and get the best one for sure. Thanks Joe and the video was great.
It looks amazing, I’d love to have one, but I did a Thunderbird SC engine swap on my SN95 and that has kept me busy
Sounds like a fun project!
Hi Joe great video documentation as always. I hope to make a similar video with my SVO journey.
Thanks Jim - so many SVO enthusiasts like us have been long term owners with an interesting back story. So I say go for it!
Sorry you had so many issues I had a 1986 SVO also which we purchased new. I drove that car through high school and college and beyond at over 150,000 miles with no major issues besides one head gasket and a couple turbos. Ran mobile one since new and changed every 3000 miles
Thanks for the comment and good to hear about your experience. I think that goes to show that when these cars are left in a stock form, they do run reasonably reliable....
Awesome video Joe. Keep em coming!
Thanks! I'll try to make more as time allows.
Joe, I always wanted a SVO. I always thought it was the Best Looking Fox Body (especially the 86' with the flush headlights). I want to find one with a blown motor and put in a 5.0 V8 and maybe IRS.
Love these cars. They were actually ahead of their time. I almost bought a grey SVO in85/86? I test drove a GT also and was sold on the torque.
Yep, I own both, 2.3T and 5.0. Both fun in their own ways....
Love it! I'll take a SVO over a GT any day!
I agree. But both have their good and bad points.
Love it
Thank you!
The best part of being a ford lover is the rich history of off-set ground crankshaft possibilities. It keeps my mind sharp with math of deck height, rod main diA. Ford put bigger rod main diameter bearing than most other motors other 426 Hemi or International H. Light trucks. Sorry for rant: ford stroker kits of 2.5 liter & 2.850 are available for a replacement for your 2.3 liter
I've heard that the bottom end of the 2.3 is supposed to be one of the best.....
I'm a life long Chevy fanboy/enthusiast. So I should never let this text escape my phone: That damn Stang on the Foxbody platform was better most Camaros ever made. It really was "The Little Engine That Could".
The SVO's are very unique and capable especially in handling which the stock 5.0 fox body Mustangs never were. I also have some fond memories of the F-Body cars from back in the day....
Love or hate it, as time passes the car becomes part of you.
Completely agree.... Every time I get into the boost it makes the bad times disappear....
Now I want one
Luckily SVO's are still relatively affordable as compared to V8 fox body Mustangs!
5:30 what kind of oil and weight was you using?
Don't remember as it was many years ago. It was probably 10W-30....
@@joeturbo7406 I wonder how many people think Amsoil would have protected the engine.
@@blackericdenice Not sure about Amsoil as opposed to other modern synthetics. When I drove the car daily I was very careful about changing the oil every 3k miles....
I don't believe in Amsoil and I'm not trying to blame you. Maybe upping the oil pump pressure would have helped. @@joeturbo7406
I had an ‘84 identical to yours when I was 21 in 1989. It was a fun car. I really loved it but a tree fell on it in a storm and it was never the same after the insurance company “repaired” it. I wish I had it and my Yamaha RZ 350 still. 😩
Thanks for the comment. You have to wonder how many of the 84 to 86 SVO's are still around and on the road. Over the years, I have seen a bunch for sale that were neglected and left for dead. And they are expensive to restore due to all the "special" SVO parts that are either super expensive and/or unobtanium....
I can't fathom why you did all of that work to the motor and then put a cheap FRAM oil filter. Oil filters matter and you can find sources that open up multiple brands and show the cheap or quality materials used for construction.
Beautiful SVO! I have an 85.5. What front bumper lower lip do you have on it?
Thanks - The lower chin spoiler is the new edge Mach1, but it's cut down where it meets the wheel opening.
@@joeturbo7406 Thanks for the info! It looks great on there.
How GR8 YOU ACTUALLY USED IT!!! DROVE IT ON THE REG ...90+50+= 140+ MOMENTS!
My 1986 GT 5.0 could barely take the SVO! Buddy of mine had the SVO but I always pulled 1/2 to 1 car length on him each time. I had an AT and every time he shifted I pulled ahead. Good times!!!
These cars hold lots of memories.... Thanks for the comment!
Funny, my '86 SVO would be taken off the start but once the turbo spooled up I would eat 5.0's. If I had a $1.00 every time I had to pop the hood and prove it was a 2.3L 4 turbo I would be pretty well off. Bought a 1986 canyon red brand new off the showroom floor.
All you had to do was add waste gate regulator in about 5 mins....would walk by him. Ive owned both those new cars at same time ;)
Over 20 years ago I bought an 83 Mustang GT Turbo. I am surprised at the number of people that didn't know that those cars exist. I have only seen 2 that I could touch. Mine is black on black, Ford says the HP is only 145 but I believe that it is closer to 200.
What do you think is "eating" the bearings?
Thanks for the comment. Yes, since 1983 was the first year for 2.3 Turbo with EFI, they are rare, especially the Capri variant. No clue on the bearing issues with my car's engine. Hopefully this current rebuild will last a very long time!
Nice car
Thank you!
Thanks for making the video. I've owned several 5.0s and 4 cyl foxes. How does the SVO compare? Do you miss the torque of the 302? My 89 4 cyl is noisy and rough. The 93 8 plug 4 cyl is better. What about the SVO? I'm tempted to get an SVO.
The SVO is buzzy like a normal 2.3 NA. The difference is when you get into the boost, the power surges so it isn't as fast off the line but at speed, the acceleration is fun. And the SVO handles and has very good breaks, unlike most 5.0's. I also have a 79 Indy Pace Car (5.0 + 5 speed) and the experience is very different. I like both cars but they are very different driving experiences. Thanks for the questions.
@@joeturbo7406 Thanks for the reply ! I enjoy your videos. I'm impressed with all you do on these cars in just a basic two car garage.
@@kenodekirk6072 Thank you.
I feel a sad connection with this car. I got a bought a mint condition flawless 86 gt 5.0 same color scheme as this car 5speed a serious mint condition not a flaw on it very very strong running i loved that car had it 4 years and wrecked it. Sold it totalled out. 20 years later 4 mustangs later now i have a 88 LX im restoring. It was red, i had it painted black. Bought new wheels tires exhaust glass trim and all new rubber gaskets. Only thing i dont like is its a sunroof car. I recently reworked the sunroof with new hardware and seals. Everything on the exterior is new looks great now im turning to the interior. If you've ever had a mustang and enjoyed it like i have with a strong connection you can never get em out of your blood you just have to have one.
I agree. My very first car was an 81 Mustang coupe. Wrecked it at 16 years old. These cars are in my blood forever....
what did you make the lip out of?
It's a Mach1 Chin spoiler. Available from LMR for
I think it would have been funny if the 3rd time you dropped a Coyote eng in it, and brought that to the SVO events. 😁😁
What turbo ya using air research my turbo rs broke now I gotta garret them ar we're junk
Best bet is to reach out to Evergreen Turbo and ask them to rebuild one based on your current needs. I have heard very good feedback from Charile: www.evergreenturbo.com/
is that guy Fez from the 70s show?
That was a painful experience. I don’t know if I’d had the stamina for it. I went through one engine failure and rebuilt and I know the pain!!
Thanks for the comment. Yes, but as a friend of mine once said "in for a penny, in for a pound" Plus this experience was over several years of ownership. I'm looking forward to a better decade of future ownership with this SVO.... 🙂
I liked this version of the mustang....but I thought the 2.3 turbo was not the best design of engines The 5.0 was much more reliable in the long run (I put a mild built 5.0 in a Datsun 200sx 1984) but they should of offered the suspension of the SVO on the 5.0 cars I hope you finally get some good luck with that 2.3
The early carb'd 2.3 turbos were terrible. With good maintenance and average driving, these engines in stock form have lasted many more miles than mine. My experience is that modified engines are where the trouble can happen.
Whydid it keep failing.Are they all like that
In general SVO's are great cars. But in my experience, if you start extensive mods on the power train, that's where it gets tricky....
Wow out if all the SVOs ive owned including a brand new 85 1/2 comp prep ive never seen so much trouble in an SVO. These cars are beloved by owners...so many times i hear damn i never shuda sold that car....miss it so much. You will be one of those guys, enjoy it youve earned the hard way which in some ways is incredibly self gratifying!
Thanks - of all the SVO's that I know of, the most trouble-free ones are the ones that are left STOCK. However, I got bit by the "mod bug" and now I can't look back. I'm holding on to this SVO for the long term, I just need more time to actually drive it. Life seems to get in the way recently....
@@joeturbo7406 if anyone had an issue with bottom end I would send them to junkyard or an online 2.3 hoarder for a used one, likely its good. It's been a long road for you... Enjoy what you got now!
P.s. whenever I had a bad SVO day I would sit & marvel at how all around cool that beast is & smile ;)
soooo why where you eating rod bearings, twice, sounds like a oil starvation to the rod bearing, ive been there also with my 351w turbo fox my engine came out 3 times in 4months time trying to get it right i had a tunning problem and timming issue breaking ring lands.
The first time was on an engine with 90k miles and unknown prior service history. So who knows? The second time def had to be oil starvation. Hopefully your 351W is tuned and running better....
Lack of oil?
Rims n motor worth
Friend had but not the rims n didnt run was hi mile
Well it is no 1988 Thunderbird Turbo coupe
True, I always felt that Ford put the best tech into the 87/88 T-Coupes..... The only thing missing was a 16V head on the 2.3T.
Upgrade that turbo!
Yep. Once the current one dies.... LOL
Chasing him in my 82 GT on the Georgetown parkway he attacked the Corvette and kicked his ass
Sounds like grand national ownership…
Never owned one yet, but I bet you're right 🙂
You got to learn how to drive a turbo kid
bonito auto, hubiese sido mejor; dejarlo original
Thank you, in my opinion, there are still plenty of lower mileage, original SVO's left in the market. And the main deviation from stock has been the internals of my car.
That is not a 86 the 86 had 4 headlights
The SVO Mustang (1984-1986) used a unique front end that differed from a regular Mustang of the same model years. These cars were limited production (
This is an svo. They had unique headlights do some more research on it.