Everything About the New Edge Mustang (1999-2004) Submodels

Park the New Edge Mustang next to the ’98 model SN-95, and it won’t take more than a few minutes to pick out all the styling updates it received between the years. Ford ditched the soft body lines of the 1994-1998 models for sharper flares around the Mustang’s body, giving it a meaner, more aggressive stance.

Headlights were changed from a two-piece to one-piece assemblies and the taillights were also given a boxier three-row, vertical design. The interior of the New Edge Mustang retained the same dual cockpit design of the previous model, but the center dashboard was changed slightly in order to make room for updated sound systems. Most interior parts can be swapped out between 1994-1998 and 1999-2004 models.

3.8L OHV Essex V6 Engine Specs & Info (1999-2000 Model)

• 190 HP & 220 TQ
• Base model engine for the New Edge Mustang
• Overhead valve design with aluminum heads
• New split-port induction system helped increase performance over the previous generation

3.8L OHV Essex V6 Engine Specs & Info (2001-2004 Model)

• 193 HP & 225 TQ
• Overhead valve design with aluminum heads
• Addition of Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC), which helped slightly boost horsepower and torque

3.9L OHV Essex V6 Engine Specs & Info (Late 2004 Model)

• 193 HP & 225 TQ
• Only fitted to New Edge Mustangs in the second half of the 2004 model year
• Used same bore diameter as the 3.8L, but had slightly longer stroke (88.0 mm) 
• Quickly replaced by the 4.0L Cologne OHC V6 in 2005

4.6L V8 Engine Specs & Info

• 260 HP & 302 TQ
• Single overhead cam design
• Redesigned heads, camshafts, intake manifolds boosted horsepower over the ’98 model
• New intake manifold proved more durable and featured increased runner length and size

The big news for the 1999 and 2001 Mustang Cobras was an added 15 horsepower over the outgoing generation, much thanks to its 4.6L, 32-valve DOHC V8 engine. This specific model featured “tumble port” cylinder heads, which offered improved airflow, and a coil-on-plug ignition system.

Unique to each 1999 to 2004 model Cobra was the independent rear suspension system, as well as Brembo disc brakes, ABS, and all-speed traction control.

• 4.6L DOHC V8 Engine
• 320 HP & 317 TQ
• Independent rear suspension

Why was there no model year 2000 Cobra? In August of 1999, Ford froze the sales of the Mustang Cobras due to dyno testing proving that car was only producing around 285 horsepower—far less than the claimed 320 horsepower. The American manufacturer recalled each Cobra, replacing its intake manifold, computer components, and exhausts to solve the issue. The Cobra returned to showrooms in 2001.

In the absence of the 2000 Mustang Cobra, Ford’s SVT team went all out in building a racetrack oriented weapon—the SVT Cobra R. The SVT took the cobra, stripped it of any stock features that might hinder its lap times, and reassembled it with only high-quality racing parts. Lap time hunter? Yeah, definitely.

The basis of the Cobra R was a naturally aspirated 5.4L DOHC V8 powerplant, which at the time was said to be the fastest factory Mustang ever built. Producing 385 horsepower, the Cobra R could get from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph.

That’s some serious speed, so Ford employed Brembo four-piston brake calipers, a large rear spoiler for added downforce, Bilstein shocks and struts, a removable front splitter, and BF Goodrich G-Force KD rubber to keep the Cobra R in control. Only 300 units were produced and were only available with Performance Red Clearcoat. Have a chance to drive a Cobra R? Buckle in tight.

• 5.4L DOHC V8
• 385 HP & 385 TQ
• Tremac T-56 six-speed transmission
• Gas-charged Bilstein racing shocks
• Brembo four-piston calipers clamping to 13 inch discs
• Recaro racing seats 
• 20-gallon fuel cell

Based upon the 1968 film starring American hero Steve McQueen, Ford produced the Mustang Bullitt GT in 2001. The limited-production model featured the GT’s 4.6L V8 engine, but came equipped with a revised cast-aluminum intake, twin 57mm throttle bodies, and high-flow mufflers for a boost in performance. It came available in Dark Highland Green, Black, and True Blue. 

• 4.6L SOHC V8 engine with various upgrades
• 265 HP & 305 TQ
• Lowered on Tokiko suspension for tighter handling

In 2003, Ford launched another New Edge special model, the Mach 1—a throwback design with styling cues from the muscle cars styling of the 1960s. This specialty Mustang received a functional “shaker” hood scoop, a matte-black hood stripe, five-spoke wheels, a black decklid spoiler, and the original Mach 1 logo among other changes.

Classic paint schemes were offered for the Mach 1, like Azure Blue, Oxford White, Torch Red, Zinc Yellow, Dark Shadow Gray, and Black.

Complementing its mean looks is a 4.6L DOHC V8 with 57mm throttle bodies, high-flow four-valve cylinder heads, a cast-aluminum intake manifold, and specialized Mach 1 mufflers that helped produce a unique sound.

• Classic styling cues and paint schemes
• 4.6L DOHC V8 engine 
• 305 HP and 320 TQ

The 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra was nicknamed “The Terminator” for a reason. The basis of this Cobra was similar to previous years, though the 4.6L V8 featured a cast iron block with forged rods and was fitted with an Eaton supercharger, which helped produce a tire-burning 390 horsepower—that’s a serious number for 2003.

The Terminator also got exterior details that blended smooth and boxy elements into one faultless creation.

• 4.6L DOHC V8 engine
• Eaton M-112 supercharger
• Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission

Because the New Edge Mustang is built upon the same basic platform as the 1994-1998 SN-95, most builds take advantage of the same aftermarket parts. 

Aftermarket Gearing: A simple, cost effective mod is rear gears. Changing the ratio will affect where in the RPMs your Mustang will make power. It's not a power adder, but it can make up for making your tires taller (such as meatier drag slicks). More often than not, Mustang owners change our their gears to improve raw acceleration, but you can do the opposite and have more top end speed.

Altering Tone and Flow with Exhaust Systems: The first mod most Mustang owners suggest is an exhaust system, especially if you're still equipped with the stock piping. Odds are the stock pieces are getting rusty anyway, and aftermarket options generally hold up better to the elements. 

Both a horsepower and a styling mod, swapping out your exhaust pieces for higher flowing varients produce a small power gain and a throatier sound depending on the brand. If you're in it just for the sound, consider replacing just the mid-pipe. 

Upgrading Your Suspension: If you're more of the corner carving type, suspension mods are a must. Coil over kits are an excellent go-to for immediate handling improvement. Some are adjustable, so you can change your ride height and further reduce body roll.

The next step from coil overs is air lift systems. Air lift are more easily adjustable so you can preserve the slammed look for shows, but you can raise the suspension a few inches for the drive home.