How much horsepower does a 1983 V-8 Mustang have?
In short, the 1983 Mustang’s V-8 option produced about 157 horsepower (SAE net). This figure came from Ford’s 302 cubic inch “5.0 L” high-output engine used in the GT and LX models that year.
Engine details and horsepower
The 1983 Mustang carried over the 5.0 L V8, commonly known as the 302, in a high-output configuration. It delivered roughly 157 horsepower with torque around 240 lb-ft, depending on equipment and market emissions controls.
Variations by market and model
California and certain emission-controlled variants sometimes had minor tuning differences, but the widely cited figure for the standard 5.0 L V8 remains 157 hp SAE net for 1983 US-market cars.
Key specs for the 5.0 L V8 in the 1983 Mustang are summarized below to provide a quick reference.
- Displacement: 302 cubic inches (5.0 liters)
- Horsepower: 157 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: ~240 lb-ft
- Induction: Carbureted four-barrel configuration (varies by market and model)
Note that exact numbers can vary slightly due to emissions equipment and market specifications, but 157 hp is the standard figure cited for the 1983 US-spec 5.0 L V8.
Context and later development
The 1983 model sits in the early Foxbody era, with the 5.0 HO engine as the performance option. In the years that followed, power gradually increased through fuel-injection upgrades and tuning, but the 1983 figure remains a baseline reference for this prominent V-8 choice.
Summary
In summary, the 1983 Mustang with the 5.0 L V8 produced about 157 horsepower (SAE net), paired with substantial low-end torque that helped the car deliver brisk acceleration for its era.
How much horsepower does a 1983 Mustang have?
A turbocharged Mustang returned for 1983, but without the gaudy Cobra graphics. Available on the GT, the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder turbo made 145 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The base engine continued to be an anemic 88-hp four cylinder, but a mid-range 3.8-liter V6 now made 112hp.
What makes the 1983 Mustang special?
The Mustang received a flurry of changes for 1983. These were the most extensive revisions to the Fox Body Mustang since its introduction in 1979. Designers gave the car a nose job by replacing the front fascia with a new more aerodynamic piece that reduced drag by 2.5-percent.
How much HP does a stock V-8 Mustang have?
480 horsepower
Ford Mustang Horsepower Numbers
The iconic V-8 has a few variances in power. It makes 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque when using 93-octane premium gasoline.
How much horsepower does a 1983 Ford 302 have?
In 1983, a Ford 302 engine equipped with a four-barrel carburetor produced 175 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. This was an increase from the previous year's version, which had a different setup.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and evolution of the Ford 302 engine: 49sLate Model Restoration (LMR)YouTube · Feb 18, 2021
- Horsepower: 175 hp
- Torque: 245 lb-ft
- Key upgrade: The 1983 model year saw the addition of a Holley 600 cfm four-barrel carburetor, which was a significant improvement in performance.
- Other features: This version also had an AC compressor cutoff at wide-open throttle and an 8.3:1 compression ratio.
