Everything About the 1999 Mustang

1999 was the year the Ford Mustang received its mid-generation facelift, referred to as the “New Edge” generation. This look was characterized by sharper lines and more pronounced styling. Though many of the features this generation is most well known for are non-functional, like the hood scoops and side scoops, it’s still an attractive look that renewed customer interest in the Mustang and improved sales dramatically.

The actual performance upgrades that also made an appearance this year definitely helped with reception, and overall the response to the new look was overwhelmingly positive.

1999 Mustang Specs

1999 Mustang Performance

There were few changes for the engines of the 1999 Mustang. The V6 still used an overhead valve configuration, the GT still used a single overhead cam, and the Cobra used a dual overhead cam. But the performance of the V6 was in fact improved by the addition of a split-port induction system. Also new for the 1999 year was a thicker gasket that was added after there were reports that the intake manifold cracked even at low speeds. For both the V6 and the GT there were improvements made to the cylinder heads and piston coatings.

The suspension was the most notable upgrade for the 1999 year in terms of performance. The Cobra received an independent rear suspension, a first for the Mustang, but even the V6 and GT had substantial suspension upgrades. Longer lower control arms, new spindles, anti-roll bars, and upgraded shocks and struts meant that the Mustang had a much smoother ride than what had been available in previous years.

Though there were no new transmissions introduced for the 1999 year, that doesn’t mean that there weren’t a few minor changes. BorgWarner was bought out by Tremec during this time period and took over production of their manual transmissions. This move coincided with a few improvements that were made to the T45 transmission to counteract some of the customer complaints from previous years. Because the dates of the improvements and Tremec’s takeover happened simultaneously, it’s not unusual to hear people claim that the Tremec transmissions are higher quality.

The 1999 transmission improvements included a better 3-4 shift fork and an electric sensor for the speedometer. The transmission was also mounted further back than it had been in previous years.

The manual V6 Mustang continued to use the T5 transmission and there were no major changes from previous years. The 4R70W was the only automatic transmission available and you could get it on the base model or on the GT, but not the Cobra which was only available with a manual transmission.

New Edge Appearance

In 1999 almost every aspect of the Mustang’s appearance changed. Angular creases replaced the soft lines of the previous models of SN95 Mustang, and larger wheel arches and sharper contours helped to create a look that fell under Ford's “New Edge" design language. The headlights really drive home the change. Narrow rectangular lights replaced the ‘98s bubble-like headlights.

All of the Mustangs made this year, even those that didn’t get the upgraded 35th-anniversary appearance package, got a special fender badge to celebrate the occasion.

The only two new colors introduced this year were Electric Green and Performance Red, but Performance Red was restricted to 35th-Anniversary Edition Mustang. Electric Green is one of our favorite Mustang greens of all time, and it remained popular for the next five years.

Electric Green was a new color for 1999

Special Editions

SVT Cobra

1999 was the first year that saw a Mustang using independent rear suspension; this configuration wouldn't become standard for the entire Mustang line-up until 2015. IRS used a combination of steel and aluminum arms, creating a suspension unit that weighed 80 pounds. Despite the additional weight, most enthusiasts agreed that the improved suspension made the Cobra a much more pleasant car to drive.

Unfortunately, 1999 was also the first of several challenging years for the SVT Cobra. Due to horsepower numbers not matching the advertised values, Ford ended up recalling all ’99 SVT Cobras in order to improve the exhaust and intake manifolds to ensure that customers got the horsepower that they were promised.

Though this sounds like a huge pitfall, the truth was that the values were off by such a small amount that most people didn’t even notice the difference, and the proactive recall assured people that the Special Vehicles Team would stand by their product.

Because of this recall, 2000 wouldn’t have an SVT Cobra offered.

If you Would like to know more about the challenges the SVT cobra went through, check out our article on the worst Mustangs of all time.

1999 Cobras came with Independent Rear Suspension

35th Anniversary Edition

Only available as an addition for GTs, this limited-edition package offered a body-colored hood scoop with a special hood stripe extending from it. It also included a host of other aerodynamic improvements including a rear spoiler, side scoops, and sculpted rocker panels. 17” five-spoke wheels finished off the exterior improvements. On the interior, the vehicles were all black leather with silver inserts, an aluminum shift knob, silver door trim insert, and silver and black floor mats.

In total, 2,318 GT Coupes and 2,310 GT Convertibles were equipped with the 35th-Anniversary package.

Ford loves making Mustang anniversary editions, and most of them are really great, but this still stands out as one of our favorites. There would also be a 40th-anniversary edition Mustang in the New Edge generation. Neither offers any “under the hood” improvements, but they do offer a great range of appearance and comfort upgrades.

A Performance Red Convertible

Mods for 1999 Mustangs

New Edge Mustangs are some of the most popular for modifications, whether it’s something as radical as doing a Coyote swap, or as simple as installing a new spoiler. While the stock 1999 Mustang can look a little generic, it’s incredible how it lends itself to customization.

In particular, the 1999 Mustang engine lends itself to a lot of customization since it has compatibility with many modern parts while still having substantial room for improvement.

A great place to start personalizing the New Edge Mustang’s exterior is simply to make some of the aerodynamics functional by installing a new hood scoop or rocker moldings.

If you do choose to start doing serious mods to a V6 1999 Mustang, then it would be beneficial to upgrade your transmission since the torque capacity of the 1999 T5 is very close to the stock torque.

Finally, a good tuner can make sure that you’re getting the most out of all of your modifications.

Twin turbos, decals, and more!

First Year of New Edge

Overall, the New Edge redesign was an overwhelming success and rekindled enthusiasts’ passion for America’s favorite pony car. Though there were some missteps with the SVT Cobra this year, it ultimately paved the way for the Terminator Cobra and showed everyone that the SVT team was willing to stand behind their products.

As this year of Mustang ages, they’re becoming more popular with modders and tuners who recognize the potential in these Mustangs and want to customize them and improve their performance even more. Thanks to part compatibility, it’s much easier to substantially improve the engine of New Edge Mustangs, making them popular candidates for Coyote Swaps. CJ’s has all the 1999 Mustang parts you’ll need to restore, improve, or personalize your car.

Want to compare these specs to another SN95 Mustang? Check out our pages for the 1995 Mustang Specs, 1996 Mustang Specs, 1997 Mustang Specs, 1998 Mustang Specs, 2000 Mustang Specs, 2001 Mustang Specs, 2002 Mustang Specs, and 2003 Mustang Specs.

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