Fourth Generation Ford Mustang "SN95" (1994 to“ 2004)

Overview:
Replacing the long-running Fox Body, the SN95 Mustang (Ford’s internal code for the chassis) debuted for the 1994 model year. It featured dramatically different, more rounded styling and rode on a heavily updated version of the Fox platform (dubbed Fox-4), offering improved rigidity and handling. This generation marked the end of the pushrod V8 era for Mustang GTs, ushering in Ford’s overhead cam “Modular” V8 engines mid-cycle. It received a significant angular facelift known as the “New Edge” for the 1999 model year, continuing until 2004.

Key Differences from Third Generation (Fox Body):

• Platform: Utilized the Fox-4 platform, a significantly stiffened and revised version of the Fox Body chassis. Retained similar suspension layout (MacPherson strut front, solid axle rear) but with geometry changes. IRS introduced later on Cobras.
• Styling: Major departure. Early SN95s (94-98) were rounded and smooth. Later “New Edge” models (99-04) were sharply creased and angular. Both featured dual-cockpit interior design inspired by earlier Mustangs.
• Engines: Base engine switched from 2.3L I4 to 3.8L Essex V6. GT models transitioned from the pushrod 5.0L V8 (used ’94-’95) to the new 4.6L SOHC Modular V8 (’96+). SVT Cobras used higher-output versions of these V8s, eventually adopting DOHC Modular engines and later, supercharging.
• Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes became standard on all models (a first for Mustang). ABS was optional/standard depending on trim/year.

Detailed Model Year Changes (Divided into Pre-Facelift ’94-’98 and “New Edge” Facelift ’99-’04):

Phase 1: SN95 (1994-1998)

• 1994:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base (V6), GT (V8). SVT Cobra (V8 Coupe/Convertible) returns.
  • Engines: Base: 3.8L Essex V6 (~145 hp). GT: 5.0L (302ci) V8 (~215 hp). SVT Cobra: Higher output 5.0L V8 (~240 hp) with GT40 heads/intake.
  • Features: All-new body and interior. Stiffer chassis, standard 4-wheel disc brakes, optional ABS. Driver/passenger airbags standard. Mach 460 sound system optional.
  • Styling: Smooth, rounded body lines. Horizontal taillights. Dual-cockpit interior theme. Cobra featured unique round fog lights, rear spoiler, specific wheels, and Cobra emblems.

• 1995:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra. Introduction of GTS model (stripper GT – V8 powertrain with V6 appearance/features). Limited production SVT Cobra R (Coupe only, 250 units).
  • Engines: 3.8L V6 (~145 hp). 5.0L V8 (~215 hp) – Final year for the pushrod V8 in Mustang. SVT Cobra 5.0L V8 (~240 hp). Cobra R featured a 5.8L (351W) V8 (~300 hp), Tremec 5-speed, fuel cell, heavy-duty suspension, no radio/AC/rear seat.
  • Features: Minor tweaks. GTS offered V8 performance at a lower price point. Cobra R was a track-focused special.
  • Styling: Minimal changes.

• 1996:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra.
  • Engines: Major Change: GT receives the new 4.6L SOHC “Modular” V8 (~215 hp). SVT Cobra receives a 4.6L DOHC Modular V8 (~305 hp) with an aluminum block. Base 3.8L V6 power increased (~150 hp).
  • Features: OBD-II diagnostics implemented. GT and Cobra engines offer smoother operation and different power characteristics than the old 5.0L.
  • Styling: Taillights changed from horizontal to vertical three-segment design (evoking early Mustangs). Cobra gets unique hood with vents.

• 1997:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra.
  • Engines: 3.8L V6, 4.6L SOHC V8 (GT), 4.6L DOHC V8 (Cobra). Power outputs remain similar.
  • Features: Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) using coded ignition keys introduced. Interior fabrics revised. Mach 460 sound system tweaked.
  • Styling: Minor trim changes.

• 1998:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra.
  • Engines: 3.8L V6 (~150 hp). GT’s 4.6L SOHC V8 gets minor power bump (~225 hp). Cobra’s 4.6L DOHC V8 (~305 hp).
  • Features: Revised center console with larger cupholders. Minor suspension tuning adjustments. Last year for the rounded SN95 styling.
  • Styling: Minimal changes. Optional “Sport” package for GT added hood stripes and unique rear spoiler.

Phase 2: New Edge (1999-2004)

• 1999 (Major Facelift – “New Edge”):

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base (V6), GT (V8), SVT Cobra (V8).
  • Engines: Base 3.8L V6 power increased (~190 hp) due to new split-port induction. GT’s 4.6L SOHC V8 power increased (~260 hp) with Performance Improvement (PI) heads, intake, and cams. SVT Cobra’s 4.6L DOHC V8 power advertised at ~320 hp.
  • Features: SVT Cobra receives Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) – a first for Mustang (except limited Cobra R). Traction control becomes available. 35th Anniversary badges on front fenders. Cobra engine output issue led to a recall and buy-back/fix program.
  • Styling: Sharper, angular body lines (“New Edge” design). New headlights, grille opening, hood, fenders, C-pillar shape, taillights (back to vertical segments, but sharper). GT gets non-functional hood scoop and side scoops. Cobra has unique front/rear fascias, hood, spoiler, and amber rear turn signals.

• 2000:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT. Limited production SVT Cobra R (Coupe only, 300 units). Regular SVT Cobra production paused due to ’99 engine issues.
  • Engines: 3.8L V6 (~190 hp). 4.6L SOHC V8 (GT, ~260 hp). Cobra R featured a naturally aspirated 5.4L DOHC V8 (~385 hp), 6-speed manual, side exhaust, aggressive aero (large wing/splitter), stripped interior, Bilstein shocks/Eibach springs.
  • Features: Cobra R was a pure track machine. Standard models received minor updates.
  • Styling: Minimal changes from ’99 for Base/GT. Cobra R had highly aggressive, unique appearance.

• 2001:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra. Introduction of Bullitt GT special edition (Coupe only).
  • Engines: 3.8L V6 (~193 hp – slight increase). 4.6L SOHC V8 (GT, ~260 hp). SVT Cobra returns with corrected 4.6L DOHC V8 (~320 hp). Bullitt GT used tuned 4.6L SOHC V8 (~265 hp) with better intake/exhaust.
  • Features: Bullitt GT featured retro-inspired design cues (unique wheels, grille delete, side scoop delete, specific interior trim/gauges), lowered/tuned suspension, upgraded brakes (Cobra calipers). Cobra continues with IRS.
  • Styling: GT gets revised hood scoop, spoiler, and standard fog lights. Cobra taillights changed to horizontal layout with amber turn signals. Bullitt has unique appearance elements.

• 2002:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra.
  • Engines: 3.8L V6, 4.6L SOHC V8 (GT), 4.6L DOHC V8 (Cobra). Power outputs unchanged.
  • Features: Minor interior changes (updated audio systems). Last year for base model without a standard rear spoiler.
  • Styling: Minimal changes. GT gets standard trunklid spoiler.

• 2003:

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra. Introduction of Mach 1 special edition (Coupe only).
  • Engines: 3.8L V6 (~193 hp). 4.6L SOHC V8 (GT, ~260 hp). SVT Cobra receives supercharged 4.6L DOHC “Terminator” V8 (~390 hp, 390 lb-ft torque). Mach 1 uses naturally aspirated 4.6L DOHC V8 (~305 hp) similar to ’01 Cobra, but with functional “Shaker” hood scoop.
  • Features: “Terminator” Cobra is a massive performance leap, featuring Eaton supercharger, 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual, upgraded IRS, brakes. Mach 1 features Shaker hood, retro-styled interior (gauges, seats), specific suspension tuning, unique wheels/stripes. 10th Anniversary SVT Cobra package offered (unique wheels, red interior accents, badges).
  • Styling: Mach 1 has unique Shaker hood, stripes, wheels, spoiler delete option. Cobra has specific heat-extractor hood, front fascia, rear spoiler.

• 2004 (Final Year for SN95/New Edge):

  • Models: Coupe, Convertible. Base, GT, SVT Cobra, Mach 1.
  • Engines: Lineup carries over from 2003: 3.8L V6, 4.6L SOHC V8 (GT), 4.6L DOHC V8 (Mach 1), Supercharged 4.6L DOHC V8 (Cobra).
  • Features: 40th Anniversary package available for Base/GT (Crimson paint option, specific badges, upgraded interior trim, specific wheels). Mach 1 and Cobra continue largely unchanged. End of the SN95 platform era.
  • Styling: 40th Anniversary badges. Otherwise minimal changes.

Interesting Facts & Packages:

• Modular Engines: Marked Ford’s shift to OHC V8s, known for smoother operation and high-RPM potential (especially DOHC versions).
• New Edge Design: A polarizing but distinct design language that defined late 90s/early 00s Fords.
• SVT Cobra “Terminator” (03-04): Legendary performance model that dominated street/strip performance at the time, known for being underrated from the factory.
• Special Editions: Bullitt and Mach 1 successfully leveraged Mustang heritage with retro styling and performance enhancements.
• IRS Introduction: The ’99 Cobra brought IRS to Mustang (though briefly paused), a feature enthusiasts had long requested, improving ride and handling (though adding weight and wheel hop potential).

Useful Info by Model/Trim (Examples):

• Base (V6): Economy-focused model, significant power jump in ’99. Good platform for swaps.
• GT: The mainstream V8 performance model. Transitioned from 5.0L pushrod to 4.6L SOHC Modular. Good balance of performance and daily usability.
• SVT Cobra: Top performance trim. Evolved from pushrod 5.0L to N/A DOHC 4.6L with IRS, culminating in the supercharged “Terminator.”
• Bullitt (2001): Retro-themed GT with handling and appearance upgrades.
• Mach 1 (2003-2004): Retro-themed performance model slotting between GT and Cobra, featuring Shaker hood and DOHC engine.

Common Problems & Considerations for Owners:

• 3.8L V6 Head Gaskets: Prone to failure, especially on earlier (’94-’98) models. Look for coolant/oil mixing.
• Plastic Intake Manifold (4.6L 2V GT ’96-’01): The front coolant crossover section can crack, causing coolant leaks. Ford issued updated designs with aluminum crossovers.
• Clutch Quadrant/Cable: Stock plastic self-adjusting quadrant can break; aftermarket metal quadrants and firewall adjusters are common upgrades.
• Rust: Check strut towers (especially under battery tray), floor pans, rocker panels, door bottoms, rear wheel wells, and under spoilers.
• Paint Issues: Some colors/years prone to clear coat peeling or bubbling, especially on aluminum hoods (’99+).
• IRS Wheel Hop/Clunks (’99+ Cobra): Stock IRS bushings can allow wheel hop under hard acceleration; aftermarket bushings/braces available. Differential clunks can also occur.
• “Terminator” Cobra Heat Soak: Intercooler system can get heat soaked with hard use, reducing power; upgrades available.

Engine & Power Stats (SAE Net HP – Selected Examples):

• 3.8L Essex V6: ~145 hp (’94-’95) -> ~150 hp (’96-’98) -> ~190-193 hp (’99-’04)
• 5.0L Pushrod V8 (GT): ~215 hp (’94-’95)
• 5.0L Pushrod V8 (Cobra): ~240 hp (’94-’95)
• 5.8L Pushrod V8 (Cobra R): ~300 hp (’95)
• 4.6L SOHC Modular V8 (GT): ~215 hp (’96-’97) -> ~225 hp (’98) -> ~260 hp (’99-’04)
• 4.6L DOHC Modular V8 (Cobra): ~305 hp (’96-’98) -> ~320 hp (’99, ’01)
• 4.6L DOHC Modular V8 (Mach 1): ~305 hp (’03-’04)
• 4.6L DOHC Supercharged V8 (Cobra “Terminator”): ~390 hp (’03-’04)
• 5.4L DOHC Modular V8 (Cobra R): ~385 hp (’00)

Transmission Options:

• 5-speed Manual (Borg-Warner T-5 for V6/GT 5.0L, Tremec T-45 for GT 4.6L ’96-’00, Tremec TR-3650 for GT 4.6L ’01-’04, Tremec T-56 6-speed for Cobras ’00 R/’03-’04)
• 4-speed Automatic (AODE/4R70W)

Helpful Info/Resources:

• SN95/New Edge specific forums (e.g., SN95Forums, StangNet, SVTPerformance)
• Aftermarket support is strong (Late Model Restoration, CJ Pony Parts, American Muscle, Maximum Motorsports)
• Specialty tuners focusing on Modular Fords.

Call to Action Idea:
“From the smooth lines of the early SN95 to the sharp New Edge and the power of the Terminator Cobra, the Fourth Gen kept the Mustang spirit alive. Maintain yours with our detailed  Workshop Manuals.