🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Mustang Year: 1987 Codes Chassis Code: Fox Body 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Primarily professional technicians, but also suitable for experienced DIY mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge. Key Features Features: Step-by-step repair procedures, critical specifications, illustrations/pictures, maintenance schedules, disassembly/assembly instructions, troubleshooting guides, factory-level detail. Value Proposition Benefits: Empowers owners to make informed maintenance and repair decisions, provides factory-trained technician knowledge, facilitates correct vehicle servicing and repair. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1987 Engine Variants Covered: All 1987 Mustang Engine Options Trim Levels Covered: All 1987 Mustang Trim Levels Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific factory manual, but typically 1000+ pages for a complete set. Manual Type Manual Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Compatibility Operating Systems: All Versions of Windows & Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system. Drivetrain: Manual and automatic transmissions, driveshafts, axles, differentials, clutch. Chassis Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped). Electrical Starting And Charging: Battery, starter motor, alternator, voltage regulator. Lighting And Accessories: Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, horn, wipers. Instrumentation And Gauges: Dashboard instruments, warning lights, sensors. Audio And Comfort: Radio, HVAC system controls. Body Exterior: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim. Interior: Seats, carpeting, dashboard, interior trim, seat belts. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair And Overhaul: Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation. Electrical Repairs: Wiring diagrams, circuit descriptions, troubleshooting electrical faults, component testing. Specifications And Measurements: Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, pressure readings. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds. Designed for professional technicians but accessible to skilled DIYers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Quality: High-resolution PDF, enabling clear viewing and printing. Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Zoom Functionality: YES (Zoom IN/OUT) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.3L (140ci) Inline-4 (OHC), 5.0L (302ci) V8 (OHV), 3.8L (232ci) V6 (OHV, Naturally Aspirated and Supercharged XR7 variant). Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 88-115 hp for the 4-cylinder, 140-155 hp for the V6, and 200-225 hp for the V8 models. Torque Range: Varies by engine; 4-cylinder ~130 lb-ft, V6 ~190-205 lb-ft, V8 ~285-300 lb-ft. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection (electronic multi-point or throttle body injection), Carburetor (on some base models/earlier production). Ignition System Ignition Type: Electronic Ignition System (DIS on some engines, traditional distributor on others). 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed Manual (T-5). Optional Optional Transmission: 3-speed Automatic (C5) or 4-speed Automatic (AOD - Automatic Overdrive) depending on engine and model. Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmissions. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 180.5 inches Width: Approximately 69.1 inches Height: Approximately 51.6 inches Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 2,700 - 3,200 lbs, depending on engine and options. Wheel Base Wheelbase: Approximately 100.4 inches 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Specific NHTSA ratings for 1987 models are not readily available in a standardized digital format. However, the Fox Body platform emphasized occupant protection for its era. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), padded interior surfaces, safety glass, crumple zones. Active Features Active Safety Features: Power assisted brakes (front disc standard), power steering. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems available. Instrumentation: Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Transmission Fluid Change: Manual: Inspect annually, change as needed. Automatic: Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) based on ambient temperature and engine type. API SG or higher recommended. Coolant Specification: Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for exact type. Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 3 brake fluid. Power Steering Fluid: Refer to manual, typically a type F ATF or dedicated power steering fluid. Known Issues Common Problems: Electrical system gremlins (especially wiring harnesses), rust in common areas (fender wells, rocker panels), aging suspension components (bushings, ball joints), potential for coolant leaks from heater core...
Empowers owners to make informed maintenance and repair decisions, provides factory-trained technician knowledge, facilitates correct vehicle servicing and repair.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Model Years Covered:
1987
Engine Variants Covered:
All 1987 Mustang Engine Options
Trim Levels Covered:
All 1987 Mustang Trim Levels
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific factory manual, but typically 1000+ pages for a complete set.
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds. Designed for professional technicians but accessible to skilled DIYers.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Quality:
High-resolution PDF, enabling clear viewing and printing.
Fuel injection (electronic multi-point or throttle body injection), Carburetor (on some base models/earlier production).
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition System (DIS on some engines, traditional distributor on others).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual (T-5).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Automatic (C5) or 4-speed Automatic (AOD - Automatic Overdrive) depending on engine and model.
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 180.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 69.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 51.6 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 2,700 - 3,200 lbs, depending on engine and options.
Wheel Base
Wheelbase:
Approximately 100.4 inches
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1987 models are not readily available in a standardized digital format. However, the Fox Body platform emphasized occupant protection for its era.
Power assisted brakes (front disc standard), power steering.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems available.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect annually, change as needed. Automatic: Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) based on ambient temperature and engine type. API SG or higher recommended.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for exact type.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual, typically a type F ATF or dedicated power steering fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Electrical system gremlins (especially wiring harnesses), rust in common areas (fender wells, rocker panels), aging suspension components (bushings, ball joints), potential for coolant leaks from heater core or hoses, carburetor tuning issues on older models, minor interior wear and tear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Heritage:
Ford has a long-standing reputation for performance and accessible sports cars, with the Mustang being a cornerstone of American automotive culture since its 1964 introduction.
Model Evolution
Fox Body Era:
The 1987 Mustang marked a significant facelift for the 'Fox Body' platform, introducing a more aerodynamic and modern design with flush headlights, integrated bumpers, and a revised interior. It continued the performance lineage established in previous years.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Dearborn, Michigan, USA (primarily)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards:
While not directly awarded for the 1987 model year in the way modern cars are, the Mustang platform as a whole has received numerous accolades over its history for performance and design. The 1987 refresh was positively received for modernizing the car.