Call it an update on a classic standby. That was the story behind the new-for-1994 Mustang.
For the first time since the late ’70s, the Mustang finally had new sheet metal. It still resembled Ford’s iconic pony car, though, thanks to that long-hood, short-deck profile. Meanwhile, its modernized face jibed with the rest of Ford’s current lineup. So did the …
David S. Wallens said: 2003: ...This was the final year for the SN95-chassis Mustang.
2004 was the last year SN95. S197 started in '05
And I am a bit surprised the Terminator didn't get a mention. Top of the heap '03-04, Eaton blower, end of production, etc
In reply to gumby :
Amended.
Maybe it's because I was 10 years old in 1995, but I really obsessively love the SN95. I can't believe I haven't owned one yet. I'm thinking 1995 Cobra R clone, but painted in the most radical purple color you ever saw. Or a 2000 Cobra R clone, but painted in neon freakin' green.
...I need to go search Craigslist for a while...
As if I need another reminder of how old I am, my favorite magazine is now calling a car I bought brand new off the dealer lot a "classic". 
In reply to Tom_Spangler :
1994 was 25 years ago, and 25 years before 1994 was 1969. I can't imagine not considering any car from 1969 a classic only 25 years after the fact. It's crazy how time works when we've experienced it personally.
The 85 years of automobiles from before I was born are OLD. The 34 years of automobiles since I was born are NEW. That's just how it is. :P
There was also no '02 cobra, due to the intake manifold recall.
SN95 and New Edge are pretty much recognized as separate models.
There is very little love for the early/original SN95; probably the most unloved Mustang since the Mustang II. Super cheap on the used market but some of the engine choices weren't very spectacular.
Jordan Rimpela said:In reply to Tom_Spangler :
1994 was 25 years ago, and 25 years before 1994 was 1969. I can't imagine not considering any car from 1969 a classic only 25 years after the fact. It's crazy how time works when we've experienced it personally.
To be clear, I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm just expressing my dismay at my own advancing age! 
I liked this car only because there where two in my local SCCA autocrosses that were both quick monsters. They looked like fun. Never actually bought one though.
Classic? Yes I admit it is now old.
ddavidv said:SN95 and New Edge are pretty much recognized as separate models.
There is very little love for the early/original SN95; probably the most unloved Mustang since the Mustang II. Super cheap on the used market but some of the engine choices weren't very spectacular.
My blog: http://motorosophy.blogspot.com/
Agreed. These never looked very good to me personally, and the massive number of modular V8 options and the wierd internim period between it and the pushrod 5.0 would make getting performance anything difficult.
But they're great at recieving engine swaps aren't they? Has anyone done a more common DOHC V8, like a Toyota -UZ mill?
slowbird said:Maybe it's because I was 10 years old in 1995, but I really obsessively love the SN95. I can't believe I haven't owned one yet. I'm thinking 1995 Cobra R clone, but painted in the most radical purple color you ever saw. Or a 2000 Cobra R clone, but painted in neon freakin' green.
...I need to go search Craigslist for a while...
You could just buy my Cobra right here on the forum...
In reply to Javelin :
I may have caviar tastes, but I'm on a ramen noodles budget. 
slowbird said:In reply to Javelin :
I may have caviar tastes, but I'm on a ramen noodles budget.
My price is more like a burger and fries budget.
In reply to Javelin :
True. But it's a running, driving Cobra. My searching has shown that currently, even V6 automatic convertibles (the trifecta of making me not want them) are $1500 or more. I was hoping to find something for around $500 even if it's in terrible condition and missing the engine.
I think these make excellent challenge cars. Depending on the area, it's not hard to find one mechanically sound and already with some upgrades for $1500.
I bought my 97 Cobra when it was 5 years old and now its 22 years old. Dangit.
there is TONS out there on these cars and you can restore one, make it into a monster, whatever you want. Just remember that the chassis is a bandaided 1978 Ford Fairmont, so it takes some doing and some compromise to get very high levels of performance out of them. Mine is fairly stock (springs/shocks/sway/exhaust are the biggest mods) and I can still do fairly well at an autocross with it.
Best car for you is all in what you want out of it. it boils down to whether or not you want to build the motor. The mod motors are more reliable for track work, but hard to build for power, supercharging is the best option and kits are about $5k. The 5.0 is a builders delight. Tons of head/cam/etc options for them.
I'm on my 3rd SN95 now. The LS3 was the best thing I ever did to it. I'm of the opinion that when Ford swapped to the mod motor in '96 that every Mustang should have had a 5.4 in it. Especially since the Camaro had 5.7 for 3 years at that point. But then again, when does Ford ever do anything that makes sense.
Even better than the 5.4 would have been developing the 5.8 with things like coil-on-plug, forward facing intake, aluminum block...
I had a New Edge 3.8L, a New Edge 4.6L, and an SN95 5.0L. Call B.S. if you must, but the New Edge cars both felt significantly faster on the street than the 5.0L. Could be the 3.27 differential.
That 5.0L '95 was a beautiful car, though... forest green with tan tweed seats and a T-5.
The worst thing about these cars is how much people screw with them. 4.11 gears? Enjoy the extra shift in the quarter mile. (A T-56 swap will cause the same problem, FWIW, if you're one of the 4 people who actually did this vs. merely participating in the perpetual online circlejerk.)
Just picked up an SN95 a month or so ago. Last SN95 I owned was at least 10 years ago, so my memory had faded. Having driven mine around some I'm remembering why I like them. Mine is a '94, so I'm rollin' in my 5.0. That engine makes glorious noises, my 15 year old son (who is part owner of the car) grins ear to ear every time I punch the throttle. The car isn't exceptionally quick by today's standards, but that's an easy fix by yanking out the grandma 2.73 rear end gear. Aftermarket support is cheap and plentiful. For anyone on a budget looking to get into a fast and fun "muscle car", the SN95 is really hard to beat.
Honestly, the biggest problem with buying these cars nowadays is finding one that doesn't have a bunch of terrible mods.
In reply to Tom_Spangler :
Happens with every car model out there. Especially depends on what you want to start with and your end goal.
I have no problem with starting with the base model v6/auto to make my end goal. Biggest problem is the weight in these cars. Even with the availability of carbon noses, fenders, one piece front ends, doors, roofs, decklids, and preformed lexan, if allowed by the rules, they are still "heavy" cars. The best all steel car I know of still was 26-2700#.
Ranger50 said:... they are still "heavy" cars. The best all steel car I know of still was 26-2700#.
How is that heavy? What class is a SN95 going to run in that would make it heavier than anything else? Running in CAM I already need to add 250lbs of weight just to make my minimum 3300lbs and I'm running against newer Camaros/Mustangs that are 3500+
I was a mustang man from 82 till 91 and I loved the Mercury roachback, but I could not stand the new body style interior.
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