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Hello All --- I have lots of questions

Larry T

New member
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Messages
4
Location
Calgary
Hello, I am new to the California Special Mustang and i have lots of questions. First is a Manual transmission really that rare? As i am looking at getting a car but all the ones that i have seen are all automatics. Second i have read most of the posts but most cars have the GT/CS decal on the side scoops but in another thread it was stated that only certain cars can have the GT option. What makes up a GT options? Also what was the horse power rating of the different engines that were available? I do not know much about the 1968 mustangs so what options were standard and options? And if the 289 was not the Hi-Po version available in the car, has anyone done the Hi-Po changes to theirs? And are they the same as the Hertz Shelby? Also is this car http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=160066411636
a fair price, it seems a little high considering that it is not the original color and it seems very lean on the options. Please let me know what you think. Thanks all in advance for answering my questions.
 

Mosesatm

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,003
I'll take a shot at a few of the questions.

First is a Manual transmission really that rare? As i am looking at getting a car but all the ones that i have seen are all automatics.
Manual transmission cars are fairly rare. Maybe Paul will have those numbers in his new book.

Second i have read most of the posts but most cars have the GT/CS decal on the side scoops but in another thread it was stated that only certain cars can have the GT option. What makes up a GT options?
All California Specials have the GT/CS emblems but very few of them are true GTs. 6-cylinder and 289 cars cannot be GTs but any other engine size could be. Here is a list of GT items.Original factory GT package:

Heavy Duty Suspension
Stiffer front and rear springs
Larger front and rear shock absorbers
Larger diameter front stabilizer
Dual exhausts with chrome "quad" outlets
GT "C" stripes - Not on a GT/CS
GT pop-open gas cap
GT fender badges - Not on a GT/CS
F70-14 wide oval WSW tires
Round Fog Lamps - Not on a GT/CS
J-code 4V premium fuel 302.
Chromed Styled Steel wheels with GT hub caps.
I think the only way to be sure that a car is a GT is to order a Marti report.


Also what was the horse power rating of the different engines that were available? Someone else have these?

I do not know much about the 1968 mustangs so what options were standard and options? This will take some time. Is there a particular item you're interested in?

And if the 289 was not the Hi-Po version available in the car, has anyone done the Hi-Po changes to theirs? And are they the same as the Hertz Shelby? The 289 Hi-Po was replaced in 1968 with the 302 4V (J-code). It is the same engine that is used in the '68 Shelby GT350.

Hope this helps

Arlie
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,649
Mosesatm said:
Also what was the horse power rating of the different engines that were available? Someone else have these?

Arlie

200 six-----120hp
289 2v-----195hp
302 4v-----230hp
390 2v-----280hp
390 4v-----325hp
428 4v-----335hp (does anyone actually believe Ford told the truth?)

Steve
 

mca

Member
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
21
A sobering observation

As for the 428 - no most don't believe that, most believe it was more - but it was not - it was probably LESS. It is one of the fairy tales that people want to continue to promulgate and believe. Muscle Car Review magazine wanted to find out just exactly what was hype and what was not about various musclecars. A factory original stock 1967 Shelby GT-500 with a dual quad 428 P.I. pushed a whopping 210 or so horsepower at the rear wheels. So on a good day the 428 might push 335 hp at the crankshaft. The whole ploy of the 428 was - obviously - a marketing success, and the fantasy continues to this day. Another fallacy - that engines were lame after the horsepower "reductions" in 1972 - WRONG, they just started measuring it at the rear wheels of a fully optioned loaded car with all the accessories running. Sure, they detuned them a bit and strapped on smog equipment, but the actual changes were minimal.
 

Midnight Special

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Messages
3,713
Location
Grass Valley, California
mca said:
As for the 428 - no most don't believe that, most believe it was more - but it was not - it was probably LESS. It is one of the fairy tales that people want to continue to promulgate and believe. Muscle Car Review magazine wanted to find out just exactly what was hype and what was not about various musclecars. A factory original stock 1967 Shelby GT-500 with a dual quad 428 P.I. pushed a whopping 210 or so horsepower at the rear wheels. So on a good day the 428 might push 335 hp at the crankshaft. The whole ploy of the 428 was - obviously - a marketing success, and the fantasy continues to this day. Another fallacy - that engines were lame after the horsepower "reductions" in 1972 - WRONG, they just started measuring it at the rear wheels of a fully optioned loaded car with all the accessories running. Sure, they detuned them a bit and strapped on smog equipment, but the actual changes were minimal.

Well all of that may be true, but I must say if so: I'll stick with the "mythical" horsepower ratings. After all, it is published...

Moreover; a vintage Mustang be it 428 or well done small block is as every bit exhilerating (accellerating;-) as the best of them with class and nostalgia t'boot! I'm sure most of us are guilty of youthful postulating of "horsepower, cam sizes, high rises on & on... but when you hit the road - our late '60s technology is not all that far behind in performing pleasure compared to today's "computer compensated" supercars.

I've read published HP figures on the 428 from 335 to 400. Whatever figure I may bragg is in material. I do know that when I push the pedal on my 428 (Mach), all living hell breaks loose in a tire-squeeling smoke-gushing spectacle that could justify me saying it was 600HP! ;-)

...I do know what you're saying MCA... I just don't think it really matters.

P.S. As I remember; the post 1973 (carburated) cars were indeed noticable "dogs" compared to the older. Does anyone have 0-60 or 1/4 mile stats comparing say; 1969 302 4v Mustang to a Mustang II w/ same engine??
 

Mosesatm

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,003
rvrtrash said:
This is the best I could find on short notice.

http://www.albeedigital.com/supercoupe/articles/0-60times.html

Steve

Here are the Mustang numbers from the website Steve posted

1964 Ford Mustang (289ci V8 w/4spd) 7.5 15.7
1966 Ford Mustang (289ci V8 Auto) 10.9 17.9
1967 Ford Mustang (390ci V8 w/4spd) 7.4 15.6
1971 Ford Mustang (351ci V8 w/4spd) 5.8 13.8
1973 Ford Mustang 351ci 8.9 16.3
1974 Ford Mustang II 4sp 14.2 18.8
1974 Ford Mustang II Auto 15.6 19.4
1975 Ford Mustang II (302ci V8 w/3spd) 9.6 17.5
1977 Ford Mustang II 302ci 11.3 17.7
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 5.8 13.8
2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT 5.6 14.1 (MT 01)
1980 Ford Mustang (255ci) 11.8 18.5
1980 Ford Mustang Cobra (225ci) 11.3 18.4
1981 Ford Mustang M81 McLaren (2.3L Turbo) 9.7 17.3
1982 Ford Mustang GT 8.0 N/A
1984 Ford Mustang SVO 7.9 15.8
1985 Ford Mustang GT 6.4 14.9 (C&D, Jan. 85)
1987 Ford Mustang GT 6.4 14.4 (Automobile, April 87)
1988 Ford Mustang GT 6.4 15.0 (MT Jan '88)
1989 Ford Mustang GT 5.0l Manual 6.2 14.8 (MT Jan '89)
1990 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 6.4 14.9
1991 Ford Mustang GT 7.3 15.6
1992 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 6.2 14.8
1993 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.9 14.5
1993 Ford Mustang GT (auto) 8.0 16.1
1994 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.4 14.0
1994 Ford Mustang GT 6.1 14.9 (C&D Dec '93)
1995 Ford Mustang 3.8 9.9 17.3
1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R 5.2 13.8
1996 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.4 14.0
1998 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 5.4 14.0
1999 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 5.4 13.9
1999 Ford Mustang Convertible V6 8.6 16.5
1999 Ford Mustang GT 5.5 14.1
2001 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 4.8 13.5
2003 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 4.5 12.9
2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 4.5 12.9
2005 Ford Mustang GT V-6 6.9 15.3 (C&D Feb 05)
2005 Ford Mustang GT 4.6L V8 5.1 13.5 (MT Jan 05)
2005 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 5.2 13.8 (MT Apr 05)
2001 Ford Mustang Roush Stage 3 4.3 12.9
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.7 13.9
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (5 Speed) 4.7 13.2 (MT Feb 05)
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Auto) 5.6 13.88 (MT Apr 04)
2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H 5.3 13.9 (C&D Nov '06)
 
OP
OP
L

Larry T

New member
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Messages
4
Location
Calgary
Mosesatm said:
I'll take a shot at a few of the questions.

First is a Manual transmission really that rare? As i am looking at getting a car but all the ones that i have seen are all automatics.
Manual transmission cars are fairly rare. Maybe Paul will have those numbers in his new book.

Second i have read most of the posts but most cars have the GT/CS decal on the side scoops but in another thread it was stated that only certain cars can have the GT option. What makes up a GT options?
All California Specials have the GT/CS emblems but very few of them are true GTs. 6-cylinder and 289 cars cannot be GTs but any other engine size could be. Here is a list of GT items.Original factory GT package:

Heavy Duty Suspension
Stiffer front and rear springs
Larger front and rear shock absorbers
Larger diameter front stabilizer
Dual exhausts with chrome "quad" outlets
GT "C" stripes - Not on a GT/CS
GT pop-open gas cap
GT fender badges - Not on a GT/CS
F70-14 wide oval WSW tires
Round Fog Lamps - Not on a GT/CS
J-code 4V premium fuel 302.
Chromed Styled Steel wheels with GT hub caps.
I think the only way to be sure that a car is a GT is to order a Marti report.


Also what was the horse power rating of the different engines that were available? Someone else have these?

I do not know much about the 1968 mustangs so what options were standard and options? This will take some time. Is there a particular item you're interested in?

And if the 289 was not the Hi-Po version available in the car, has anyone done the Hi-Po changes to theirs? And are they the same as the Hertz Shelby? The 289 Hi-Po was replaced in 1968 with the 302 4V (J-code). It is the same engine that is used in the '68 Shelby GT350.

Hope this helps

Arlie



Thanks so much Arlie, here is a few more does the fender badges on the front quarter panels under the strips that say "mustang" mean anything i see that some GT/CS have that emblem and some do not. Also what colors were the most popular ones for the GT/CS? And for those of you that own them what is the performance like in comparison to non CS mustangs? Also what option packages were available besides the GT? I know that i am asking alot of questions but i want to make sure when i get one that i get exactly what i am looking for.


Thanks to all for your help --- Larry T.
 
OP
OP
L

Larry T

New member
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Messages
4
Location
Calgary
Midnight Special said:
Very interesting! Thanks for the info Steve and Arlie!


Does anyone know if there is a book that is completely on the California special?
 

Mosesatm

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,003
Thanks so much Arlie, here is a few more

Does the fender badges on the front quarter panels under the strips that say "mustang" mean anything i see that some GT/CS have that emblem and some do not. There should be no running horse emblem.

Also what colors were the most popular ones for the GT/CS? Paul Newitt will probably have that info in his new book.

What is the performance like in comparison to non CS mustangs? The GT/CS is a regular mustang as far as mechanicals go. The GT/CS package was cosmetics only.

Also what option packages were available besides the GT?

Here are the options I know of. There may be others.
Interior Decor Group - Includes Door lights in grilles, ceiling console, woodgrain dash, deluxe door panels, seat buttons, woodgrain steering wheel, pedal accents, clock, vinyl shifter

Disc Brakes

Air Conditioning
Radial Tires
Comfortweave Seats
Headrests
Deluxe Seat Belts
Wheel Lip Moldings
Heavy Duty Battery
Tinted Glass
Two-Tone Hood
Remote Mirror
Styled Steel Wheels
Lower Console
Cruise Control
Tilt Steering
Automatic Transmission
4-Speed Transmission
Posi Rear End
Vinyl Top
Am/FM Stereo with Door Speakers
8-Track Tape Deck with Door Speakers
Bench Front Seat
Tachometer
Wide Oval Tires
Convenience Group - 4 warning lights


I know that i am asking alot of questions but i want to make sure when i get one that i get exactly what i am looking for.


Thanks to all for your help --- Larry T.
 

Mosesatm

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,003
Larry T said:
Does anyone know if there is a book that is completely on the California special?

Paul Newitt has a GT/CS Recognition Guide for sale.
 

Mosesatm

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,003
Here are some more tests that were compiled and published in “Mustang! – The Complete History of America’s Pioneer Ponycar”, by Gary L. Witzenburg

The numeric categories are: Axle Ratio, 0-60, Qtr Time, Qtr Speed, Top Speed

1965 Convertible 289 4-speed 3.00 8.9 17.0 85 111
1965 Coupe 260 Automatic 3.00 11.2 18.8 78 ---
1965 Coupe 289 4-speed 4.11 7.5 15.7 89 117
1967 Fastback 390 Automatic 3.00 7.3 15.2 91 124
1967 Fastback 390 4-speed 3.00 7.4 15.6 94
1967 Coupe 289 4-speed 3.00 9.7 17.4 84 110
1969 Mach 1 428 Auto 3.50 5.5 13.9 103 121
1969 Boss 302 302 4-speed 3.91 6.9 14.9 96 118
1972 Fastback 351 4-speed 3.91 6.6 15.1 96 120
1974 Mach 1 V-6 4-speed 3.55 13.8 19.4 71 99
1975 Fastback 302 Auto 3.00 10.5 17.9 77 106
1979 Coupe 302 4-speed 3.08 8.7 16.7 82 118


Mosesatm said:
Here are the Mustang numbers from the website Steve posted

1964 Ford Mustang (289ci V8 w/4spd) 7.5 15.7
1966 Ford Mustang (289ci V8 Auto) 10.9 17.9
1967 Ford Mustang (390ci V8 w/4spd) 7.4 15.6
1971 Ford Mustang (351ci V8 w/4spd) 5.8 13.8
1973 Ford Mustang 351ci 8.9 16.3
1974 Ford Mustang II 4sp 14.2 18.8
1974 Ford Mustang II Auto 15.6 19.4
1975 Ford Mustang II (302ci V8 w/3spd) 9.6 17.5
1977 Ford Mustang II 302ci 11.3 17.7
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 5.8 13.8
2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT 5.6 14.1 (MT 01)
1980 Ford Mustang (255ci) 11.8 18.5
1980 Ford Mustang Cobra (225ci) 11.3 18.4
1981 Ford Mustang M81 McLaren (2.3L Turbo) 9.7 17.3
1982 Ford Mustang GT 8.0 N/A
1984 Ford Mustang SVO 7.9 15.8
1985 Ford Mustang GT 6.4 14.9 (C&D, Jan. 85)
1987 Ford Mustang GT 6.4 14.4 (Automobile, April 87)
1988 Ford Mustang GT 6.4 15.0 (MT Jan '88)
1989 Ford Mustang GT 5.0l Manual 6.2 14.8 (MT Jan '89)
1990 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 6.4 14.9
1991 Ford Mustang GT 7.3 15.6
1992 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 6.2 14.8
1993 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.9 14.5
1993 Ford Mustang GT (auto) 8.0 16.1
1994 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.4 14.0
1994 Ford Mustang GT 6.1 14.9 (C&D Dec '93)
1995 Ford Mustang 3.8 9.9 17.3
1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R 5.2 13.8
1996 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.4 14.0
1998 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 5.4 14.0
1999 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 5.4 13.9
1999 Ford Mustang Convertible V6 8.6 16.5
1999 Ford Mustang GT 5.5 14.1
2001 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 4.8 13.5
2003 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 4.5 12.9
2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT 4.5 12.9
2005 Ford Mustang GT V-6 6.9 15.3 (C&D Feb 05)
2005 Ford Mustang GT 4.6L V8 5.1 13.5 (MT Jan 05)
2005 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 5.2 13.8 (MT Apr 05)
2001 Ford Mustang Roush Stage 3 4.3 12.9
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.7 13.9
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (5 Speed) 4.7 13.2 (MT Feb 05)
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Auto) 5.6 13.88 (MT Apr 04)
2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H 5.3 13.9 (C&D Nov '06)
 

Stacey Enderle

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 14, 2006
Messages
181
book for sale

Mosesatm said:
Paul Newitt has a GT/CS Recognition Guide for sale.

If someone else buys that book before you do, Paul is working on a new one, it should be out this year. It's ALOT more extensive than the previous books he's put out.

Stacey
 
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