What's the difference between a 1986 GT and a 5.0 LX other than the emblems/stickers

[mdayz28]

I have a 1986 mustang GT and noticed the lx 5.0 exteriors on this year wasn't to different than on my car other than the fog lights , gt emblems and seats . Is there any suspension differences ? The newer fox bodies have the ground effects , just wanted to know . This is my 1st 1986 . Had 87 lx 5.0 , 88 gt , 71 mach I , 2012 cobra , 1993 cobra , 2002 gt , 2010 gt . Love my 1986 but just wanted to know any other specifics different than the lx 5.0 . Thanks for any information !

[Ltngdrvr]

Just trim and details as far as I recall.

[KevinK]

Seats, dash bezels, stripes and front bumper cover with fog light are about the only differences. I ordered an LX new in late 85 and had to wait 3 months for the engine availability. I added the GT nose and fog lights.

[TopGear85]

What about the spoiler?

[FoxChassis]

Rear wing is the same.

[escogt]

And of course the GT had the embossed 'GT' 1/4 side molding while the LX did not.

[84GT350CONV]

The primary difference is weight. All those extra things like air dams, spoilers, options etc. add weight to the car. It was well known back then that the LX was faster than the GT with the same engine for this reason. Unless you have the GT350 like I have. It was about the same weight as the LX.

[vxr500]

The primary difference is weight. All those extra things like air dams, spoilers, options etc. add weight to the car. It was well known back then that the LX was faster than the GT with the same engine for this reason. Unless you have the GT350 like I have. It was about the same weight as the LX.

I doubt there's much weight difference between an 86 LX 5.0 hatch and a GT. Maybe 20-30 lbs for sport seats and fog lights.

[vxr500]

Now in 85 it was a little different. I had an LX with the 5.0 AOD pkg. It came with the GT suspension, but it had no spoiler and 14"steel wheels with covers.

[mdayz28]

Thanks for the replies . Was hoping to hear more but thanks for the answers

[86GTT-top]

Thanks for the replies . Was hoping to hear more but thanks for the answers

Hear more? Really, the GT was kind of like a "sticker" package. The drivetrains were the same between the GT and the 5.0 LX. The above mentioned components were the only things different between the GT and LX. Weight would be pretty damn close between the GT and LX until you get to the '87 and later aeros with all the extra body crap that Ford added to the GT. View an '86 LX and GT from the side, and aside from the GT on the rub strip, they are identical.

[KevinK]

Rear wing is the same.

For 86 the rear spoiler became a standard feature (not optional) as the rear brake light was now required by the Feds..

[Travis T]

There were other tiny changes like different steering wheels and door panels and some small interior parts were black instead of chrome but that's about it.

[FoxChassis]

Here is a good summary on another site: http://www.mustanggt.org/gtvslx.htm

If I have the motivation some time I may do the same for this site.

[vxr500]

Here is a good summary on another site: http://www.mustanggt.org/gtvslx.htm

If I have the motivation some time I may do the same for this site.

The only thing off with that chart (for 85) is the wheels. My LX 5.0 had the GT suspension, but had the 14" turbine wheel covers in steelies. I think the 10 holes were optional.

[Travis T]

There are some minor issues with the 84 list.

[slow84lx]

An LX could be had in the coupe body style also while a GT could not. Mine originally had 14" steel wheels with hubcaps but the suspension / engine / transmission were the same as what was available on a GT model.

[Jstang]

I doubt there's much weight difference between an 86 LX 5.0 hatch and a GT. Maybe 20-30 lbs for sport seats and fog lights.

1986 LX Hatchback	2,791-2,967 pounds
1986 LX Convertible	3,044-3,100 pounds
1986 GT Hatchback	3,108