MY friend has a 1986 Ford Mustang , it is a 2.3L with a close ratio 3 speed auto lots of1st gear and hardly any 3rd gear, I do happen to realize that a Mustang is not a truck, but he has a cold start trouble. He has to pump the gas 30 times to start the cold engine. And also runs rough, very little lowend grunt and about less topend than my Bronco II 2.9L AUto, he can not always make it up his driveway UNLESS the car has been wanmed up for 10 minuites: this is a mustang now what the does it take to make it act like one or at least keep up with a civic 4 banger.


mph rpm
1st gear; pulls 45 @ 5000
2nd gear; pulls 65 @ 5000
3rd gear; pulls 60 @ 2900
3rd gear; pulls 90@ 3400

 

i had the same problem with an 84 a few years back.Check the distributor.That bolt seems to come loose.
Timing might be off.
Good luck.
Rain

 

thankyou rainbird