The 1986 Cougar was basically a carryover from 1985, save for a few options, and the U.S. federally-mandated third brake light in the rear window. Originally, plans had called for a revised Cougar for 1986, but since sales were up significantly for the cars, Ford decided to push back the freshening one more year.
Performance-wise the Cougar remained about the same. The 3.8 V6 remained essentially unchanged. The 2.3 4-cylinder turbo in the XR7 did get a few more ponies. The XR7 benefitted from new 15" 10-hole aluminum wheels.
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LEFT: The 5.0 V8 received the new sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) adopted from the Mustang. The roller lifters were a running addition, making this the debut year for the Cougar roller block. The new parts and fuel injection resulted in an additional 30 hp, now up to 150, and greatly improved torque output. The Cougar/Thunderbird cam was ground for torque output at lower rpms---perfect for towing. Unfortunately, the Cougar/Thunderbird did not receive the same High Output (200 hp) treatment as the 1986 Mustang, nor did it get the performance dual exhaust. But at least the 5.0 became more modern. |
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LEFT: The XR7 sport analog instrument cluster with integrated boost gauge. For the 1985-86 XR7's, the cluster finally had all the important gauges in plain sight. This was the only full analog cluster type offered from 1985-88. The A-frame wheel was now standard, with the 2-spoke sport wheel optional. |
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LEFT: An undocumented running change to 1986 XR7 models is the addition of the large "TURBO" badge on the trunklid, with the "XR-7" now moved up from the taillight reflector next to the new "TURBO" badge. Another change was the flat black outside mirrors on the XR7, which were body-colored for 1985. |
Sales jumped up again for 1986, and things were definitely in full swing for Ford. During the 1986 model year, Ford introduced its revolutionary Taurus/Sable program, and they were instant hits. Thanks to the aero-Birds and Cats, Ford now had a solid foundation for its styling and the American buying public flocked to the fresh new shapes in droves. It was now time to focus attention on the next cars for 1987: a redone Mustang (with more power), and a restyled Cougar and Thunderbird.
| MODELS |
GS - 120 hp CFI 3.8 (232 cid) V6; optional 150 hp SEFI 5.0 (302 cid) V8
LS - 120 hp CFI 3.8 (232 cid) V6; optional 150 hp SEFI 5.0 (302 cid) V8
XR7 - MPI OHC 2.3 (141 cid) I-4; 145 hp (automatic) / 155 hp (manual)
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| TRANSMISSIONS |
3-speed automatic (C5) - all V6 models
3-speed automatic (C3) - XR7 only
4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) - all V8 models
5-speed manual (T-5) - XR7 only
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| BRAKES |
All - Front 10.0" disc, rear 9.0" drum
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| SPECIFICATIONS |
Wheelbase: 104.0"
Overall Length - 197.6"
Overall Width: 71.1"
Overall Height: 53.4"
Cargo Capacity - 14.6 cubic feet
Fuel Capacity - 22.1 gallons (GS & LS); 18.0 (XR7)
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| CURB WEIGHT |
GS, LS -3083 lbs.
XR7 - 3169 lbs.
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| PRODUCTION |
129,400 (GS and LS combined) - 95.2 percent
6,504 (XR7) - 4.8 percent
135,904 TOTAL
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| HOW TO SPOT ONE |
The flat taillights; new-style grille; and most importantly, the third brake light in the rear window.
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| RECALLS |
Cougar XR7 4-140 2.3L SOHC Turbo Safety Recalls
1. 87S36 SEP 87 Recall 87S36 Fuel Line Retainer Clips
Cougar XR7 4-140 2.3L SOHC Turbo Emissions Recalls
1. 93E45 SEP 94 Recall 93E45 - Catalyst Replacement
V6-232 3.8L Emissions Recalls
1. 91E14 MAY 92 Recall 91E14 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement - 49 States
2. 91E03 JAN 92 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement Emissions Recall 91E03
3. 90E88 SEP 90 Recall 9OE88 Catalyst Replacement, 49 State
4. 89E83 DEC 89 Recall 89E83, Emissions Control Modifications
5. 89E77 AUG 89 Emissions Recall 89E77 Emission System Modifications
6. 88E73 APR 89 Recall 88E73 CAT Convertor and Y-Pipe Replacement
V6-232 3.8L General Recalls
1. M56 FEB 88 Heater and Engine Bypass Hose Replacement - Program M56
V8-302 5.0L Safety Recalls
1. 87S36 SEP 87 Recall 87S36 Fuel Line Retainer Clips
V8-302 5.0L Emissions Recalls
1. 89E79 DEC 89 Recall 89E79, Emission Control System Modifications
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