1981 Mustang Engine Information – 255 cubic inch V-8 (4.2 L Windsor V8)

The 255 V8

This engine started out its life as a great 302 ci engine, not so after it was de-tuned and modified, it was really sick after the Ford modifications. After modifications, it ended up being a 255 ci engine. Fortunately for mankind, the engine only saw two years of service and was retired. Thank God the 302ci (5.0L) was brought back in 1982.

Following the second oil crisis in 1979, the 302 cu in (4.9 L) “5.0” engine was dropped in favor of a new 255 cu in (4.2 L) V8 due to its better fuel economy. The 255 was the only V8 offered in 1980 and 1981. Basically a sleeved-down 302, it produced 119 hp, the lowest power ever for a Mustang V8. The 255 was mated only with the three-speed automatic transmission.