Mustang GT 4.6 V8 Specifications
by Scott Eilers
The 4.6-liter V8 engine was offered in the Mustang GT and Cobra models from 1996 to 2010, replacing the larger and less-efficient 5.0-liter V8 that came in previous Mustangs. There were several iterations of the 4.6-liter engine during the 14 years it was offered, as gains in horsepower were continually made.
1996 and 1997
The 1996 and 1997 Mustang GT models contained a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine that made 215 horsepower. The Cobra models of this era contained a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 305 horsepower.
1998
The 1998 Mustang GT contained a slightly modified version of the 1996-1997 engine, producing an additional 10 horsepower, for a total of 225. No changes were made to the Cobra engine at this time.
1999 to 2000
The 1999 Mustang GT received a substantial engine upgrade, as the 4.6-liter V8 was tweaked to make a total of 260 horsepower. The Cobra engine remained unchanged. There was no Cobra offered in 2000.
2001
No changes were made to the GT engine in 2001. The Cobra was reintroduced with a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 320 horsepower.
2002
No changes were made to the GT engine in 2002. The Cobra was once again absent during this time.
2003 to 2004
No changes were made to the GT engine in 2003 or 2004. The Cobra was once again reintroduced, this time with a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that made 390 horsepower. This car was codenamed the "Terminator."
2005 to 2010
Major changes were made to the Mustang in 2005, including a new 4.6-liter V8 offered in the GT that made 300 horsepower. No Cobras were offered during this time. 2010 marked the last year of the 4.6-liter Mustang V8, as it was replaced by a new 5.0-liter V8 for the 2011 model year.
Writer Bio
Scott Eilers began writing professionally in 2006. He has been published as a coauthor in "Measurement in Counseling and Development" and "The Journal of Counseling and Development." He holds a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science in clinical psychology from Argosy University.
