Difference in a....

This write up may help.

- What is an SSP Mustang?
Mustangs were introduced for Law Enforcement service in 1982, when 406 units were ordered the California Highway Patrol. Camaros had been tried previously for pursuit vehicles, but because of power train problems (remember those early 80's 305 V8's and their self dissolving camshafts?) agencies looked towards other outlets for vehicles to fill the niche between full size sedans and smaller vehicles; they found it in the SSP Mustang. SSP stands for Special Service Package, and was a DSO (Domestic Special Order) available from Ford.

Mustangs were not only 10-15% cheaper than the full size sedans, they got up to speed a heck of lot faster; 0-60 in under 6 seconds with the 5 speed! Handling was excellent, mileage respectable.

Reputedly, over 15,000 Mustangs were produced with the SSP option. All SSP cars, except for 5 1982 hatchback vehicles produced for CHP, were coupe or 'notchback' style cars; no GT or convertibles body style for regular production on these. Agencies could pick and choose many of the items they wanted, and some additional non-standard items like roll bars were installed by states such as Georgia and Oregon to meet their own needs. New York, for example, required a rear window defroster, power windows, and power door locks on all their cars. Other options like door molding delete (to ease decal application), and inoperative courtesy light switches (for officers' safety) were available, along with many of the standard SS options.

The SSP included a list of options regular LX sedans didn't have, and the general public just simply couldn't get. Typically, these cars were not sold to the public unless there was a problem with the order. For example, one individual living in New York happened to notice several new blue 1991 Notchback sedans on the front lot of a Ford dealer in Latham, NY. He stopped to look at the cars, and upon closer inspection, he discovered the cars had been destined for the NYSP barracks at Troop C in Sydney, NY but were refused because of the lack of power windows and locks, a requirement for NYSP cars. He was fortunate enough to purchase the vehicle from the dealer with only 40 miles on it, and all the other cars sold in the same day!

Here's a sample list for available options for 1990 from the Ford SSP brochure. Note that while some of these were a standard part of the SSP package, many such as silicone hoses, were optional.

Engine, 5.0 HO V8 with Sequential Multi Port Injection
Forged pistons, roller cam (Hypereutectic pistons 1993)
Engine oil cooler
Aircraft-type Silicone radiator hoses and clamps
5 speed manual or 4 speed AOD transmission
Auto transmission fluid cooler
Brakes, power disc front/drum rear with rotor shields
Stainless steel factory headers
Dual exhaust system w/stainless tips
Fuel tank capacity - 15.4 Gallons
Heavy duty stabilizer bars, front and rear
Full instrumentation with in-dash tachometer
130 Amp heavy duty alternator
2 Piece VASCAR speedometer cable
Certified calibrated Police speedometer 0-160 MPH *Not offered in stock sadly
Non operational courtesy lights (safety feature)
Steering wheel, leather wrapped
Relocated rear deck release from glovebox
Single key locking doors/trunk
Reinforced floor pans
Full size spare tire
15" X 8" Cast Aluminum Wheels
Anti RFI Bonding straps

Some of the most desirable features of the SSP options stem from their intended police usage. The 135 externally regulated and later 130 amp internally regulated alternator, for example, was required for the draw of strobes, radios, siren, etc. (As stock, did not come with such a large alternator).


Silicone hoses were added to help withstand pressure under use (although there is debate over their effectiveness), and reinforced floor pans for body rigidity, since breaking seats was a problem. 'Gatorback' directional tires were added for performance handling and oil and transmission coolers were common. The performance locking rear axle, 5.0 HO roller motor, and often a 5 speed tranny made these a natural for race car conversions.

Depending on which agency bought them, extras like rollcages (requested by Oregon State Police) and power windows (requested by New York State Police) made each SSP unique to their respective departments.