Engine Horsepower & Torque
- 2.4L EFI Inline 4 = 89 hp @ 3800 RPM & 130 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM
- 5.0L EFI V-8 = 225 hp @ 4200 RPM & 300 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Exterior Colors
- Black
- Dark Gray Metallic
- Light Gray
- Medium Scarlet
- Cabernet Red
- Medium Shadow Blue
- Bright Red
- Deep Shadow Blue
- Bright Regatta Blue
- Almond
- Mimosa Yellow
- Oxford White
- Standard Coupe $9,050
- Convertible $14,140
- Hatchback $13,372
1989 Mustang VIN Decoder
- A 2.3L EFI Inline 4 89hp
- E 5.0L EFI V-8 225hp
- 40 2dr
- 42 2dr GT
- 44 2dr Convertible
- 45 GT Convertible
- 6 Check Digit (varies)
- K Year (K - 1989)
- F Plant (F - Dearborn)
- 000001 Consecutive Unit Number
- 1FA Ford Motor Co.
- B Restraint System (B: active belts)
- P Passenger Car
Performance upgrades for the 1989 Ford Mustang
The 1989 model year carried over both the GT and LX trim designations that carried the venerable 5.0L Windsor V8 and 2.3L inline four-cylinder engines, respectively, along with associated interior and exterior accessories. The 1989 model year saw the introduction of the first ''modern'' computer system to the Fox Body along with a full mass airflow system that replaced the mechanical air density system on the Mustang's intake. The '89's computer system was able to automatically compensate for changes in airflow and exhaust output to produce efficient air/fuel mixtures with most mild performance upgrades. The big 302cid V8 is extremely easy to upgrade and can see a significant increase in total power output with only a few engine and exhaust upgrades that turn the humble Fox Body into a roaring performance machine.
By far the most cost-effective horsepower upgrade for the 1989 GT Mustang is the replacement of the stock air box with a functional Cold Air Intake that can give the motor an additional 10 to 15 horsepower. Each CAI system that we sell gives the engine a larger supply of even charge air than the factory box. All of our Mustang cold air intakes are extremely easy to install for instant, bolt-on performance gains. The next logical step is to swap out the inefficient stock throttle body with a new high-flow throttle body and EGR spacer that lets your that 5.0L Windsor breathe easier and generate more power and torque. The heavy, cast iron pulleys present on the water pump, alternator and crank are built to last and cause minimal maintenance issues, but use up more engine power than is actually needed to successfully run them. Underdrive pulleys are extremely common upgrades for Windsor-equipped Fox Bodies and slow down the speed of the various belt-driven accessories in an effort to give the engine back up to ten horsepower.
The stock exhaust system just doesn't cut it for most of Stage 3's customers, and complete exhaust overhauls that can give the Mustang up 30 horsepower and massive increases in sound are available from our huge inventory of Fox Body exhaust systems. The best place to start for serious sound gains that give the '89's a vicious roar like first and second generation Mustangs is with one of our complete cat-back exhausts that replace the stock mufflers, kickover pipes and tips with premium aftermarket pieces. Cat-backs come in several varieties and may include straight-through mufflers or full muffler deletes to get as much sound as possible out of the big V8. While cat-backs create sound, real improvements in overall performance start at the mid-pipe and catalytic converters. The factory mid-pipe and catalysts are extremely restrictive and cause loads of back pressure that chokes your engine. Aftermarket x-pipes and h-pipes come in various forms, but share the goal of eliminating at least some of the back pressure of the stock system to give the Mustang horsepower and torque gains. Performance mid-pipes can come with high-flow catalytic converters or delete the converters entirely for even more raw power. Upgrading the stock exhaust manifold with a set of either short tube or long tube rounds out the Fox Body's exhaust system, and in the case of full long tube headers, can give the 5.0L Windsor another 30 horsepower. Short tube headers are direct replacements for the factory manifold and use the stock mid-pipe or other long x- or h-pipe and can produce another five to ten horsepower. Long tube headers are the crown jewels of aftermarket exhaust systems and use full length tubing that runs into a shorty mid-pipe past the standard stock position. Long tubes give the engine almost no back pressure and greatly enhance the exhaust note of the Mustang while giving a tremendous boost in performance. Many of these exhaust components may not meet emissions regulations in your area. Check your local emissions guidelines before ordering.
Twenty-plus years is a long time for all of the exterior parts that are at the mercy of weather, use and time. Ford's Windsor engine is tough enough to withstand the time span, but the parts outside of the engine bay are a different story. The headlights and taillights of third generation Mustangs have a bad reputation for fading, yellowing, becoming cloudy or outright failing. We here at Stage 3 Motorsports can meet all of your Fox Body lighting needs for both the taillights and headlights. Our headlight kits range from completely OE looks to full-blown modernizations with integrated LED and CCFL lighting. We currently carry a variety of OE and Wheel Replica wheel sets that have the Fox Body's 4-108mm lug pattern for a guaranteed fit. We have wheels that can give stock, classic or modern appearances with several unique spoke designs, finishes and colors. The Nitto NT555 is one of the best performance tires currently available on the Mustang aftermarket and give the 1989 Mustangs great traction, excellent handling and good ride quality that allow your Fox Body to be a star on the street or track. Contact Stage 3 to find the tire combination and prices that best fit your application and budget.
