Fox vs. SN95: Picking a Car for Your Small Block Build Fox Body SN95

Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive Mustang project car or a full race machine, your build will probably start with one question: Should you get a Fox body or an SN95? Both cars share similar underpinnings, so it may be tempting to choose based on styling. However, there’s a lot more that separates these generations than just looks.

Fox Body

Ford introduced this replacement for the popular but decidedly non-sporty Mustang II in 1979. Based heavily on the platform developed for the inexpensive Fairmont, its rack and pinion steering and four link rear suspension were innovative at the time, but haven’t aged well. Aside from a few bright spots like the SVO, the predecessor to the modern Cobra, performance was lacking due to a combination of emissions requirements, high gas prices and lack of development funds.

That started to change in 1986 with the introduction of better fuel injection systems, changes to the V8’s head and piston design, and the switch from the 7.5 rear end to the 8.8. The Fox body had finally moved past being a dressed-up Fairmont, and in the process was delivering performance that would have been respectable during the muscle car era with plenty of room to grow.


SN95

The Probe was expected to replace the Mustang, giving buyers a high MPG sports car, but a combination of a high price tag, lower fuel prices, heavy demand for the revised Fox body and a massive letter writing campaign from fans made it clear that there was still a market for a traditional rear wheel drive, V8-powered pony car.

Ford made the decision to keep the Mustang in 1989, spending over 700 million dollars to update the Fox platform. While the basic structure stayed the same, almost every part was modified: the car had a wider track, the front end got longer control arms, disc brakes were used on all four wheels, anti-lock brakes were an option and 5 lug hubs became standard. A V6 replaced the underpowered four cylinder, and a new cockpit-style interior gave the car a more upscale feel.

The car debuted in 1994 with the 5.0, which was replaced in 1996 with the new 4.6 liter OHC “Mod” motor. It had the same horsepower and torque ratings, but lacked low-end grunt and had little in the way of aftermarket support. It took a few years to tap into the new motor’s potential, taking advantage of a strong bottom end by improving head flow, first with units from Trick Flow, then with Ford’s own Performance Improvement (P.I.) design. The “New Edge” redesign in 1999 changed the exterior while leaving the inside and mechanicals intact.


Which One is Better?

Like most comparisons, the answer is “it depends.” The SN95 and Fox are essentially the same car underneath and the same basic methods for increasing performance work for both cars, but they have different starting and ending points.

Thanks to Ford’s continued development, an SN95 is a better performance proposition in stock form. It already has better brakes and more wheel and tire options thanks to the 5 lug hubs, two modifications that are usually at the top of a new Fox body owner’s to-do list. Interior improvements also make it a more comfortable daily driver. Finding a 94-95 model is the easiest place to start for a small block build, but any model can use these engines once the right K-member is installed.

On average, the Fox is around 200 lbs. lighter than an SN95, although actual differences can vary 50 lbs. either way depending on equipment and body styles. For a nearly stock car, that’s probably not enough to make a pricier Fox worth buying over the later Mustang. However, once planned modifications move past a few bolt-ons, the SN95 loses its advantage over this older mode. Want to strengthen and lighten the front end with a new K-member? There are models available that will work with a Mod motor or Coyote. Want bigger brakes? The same components are needed to fit them on either model. While the engine bay is a little more cramped, the lack of dual airbags and other components makes stripping out the car easier, and that small 200 lb. difference starts to look bigger after trimming off some weight with lighter components.

Which one should you buy?

If you’re looking to build an inexpensive daily driver that can be used for occasional track or drag strip use, you may want to start with an SN95. If you’re going to replace many of the stock components anyway, the Fox’s weight advantage comes into play, while the SN95’s equipment advantages become negligible.


Start Your Build with Help from Anderson Ford Motorsport

No matter what you choose for your project, Anderson Ford Motorsport can help you build the Mustang of your dreams. We’ve been working on these cars since Fox bodies were rolling out of the factory, helping us recommend Ford Mustang parts that work for cars built for everything from weekend cruises to racing.