Need some suggestions on a '68 Mustang

noman · 03-05-2005, 11:29 PM

I just inherited my father's '68 289 hardtop Mustang coupe. It is in good shape generally, but it is showing signs of age (~120,000 miles). The auto-tranny is slipping in 2nd, the front end is worn out and it smokes a bit (I think it is gas smoke, not oil).

I plan to fix it up, keeping as close to stock as is reasonable. But I am planning to make some upgrades, mostly just bolt on's so I can restore it to stock later if I want. I've been thinking about boosting the hp output somewhat, improving the efficiency, upgrading to disc brakes, that sort of thing. I want to end up with a good daily driver, with a bit of "spirit".

Although I consider myself an "advanced amateur" when it comes to car repair, I've never worked on Mustangs before. So, I don't really know what sort of modifications are available for this car considering what I want to accomplish. That brings me to my questions (finally) . . .

1. What brake options are there? What's the best price, the most reasonable, maybe the most common? How hard is this upgrade. If I want to buy a kit what is the best one?

2. Is the 2nd gear slippage a common thing? Does it probably need a rebuilt? Is there a good upgrade I should look at? I want to keep it an automatic.

3. Assuming the compression and oil pressure are ok, what upgrades are available for the 289, bearing in mind that I don't want a dragster? I'm thinking carburetion, cam, intake, exhaust, that sort of thing.

In short, if you had a stock 289 like mine and you wanted a fun daily driver, what upgrades would you make.

Thanks

Dan66 · 04-20-2005, 05:20 PM

First of all - go to the "classics" forum. You won't get a whole lot of useful info in this one. Not to this type of question anyhow...

In a nutshell:

Brakes - if it's going to be a daily driver, you'll want to upgrade to front disks. Stainless Steel Brake Corp. has a bolt-on kit for about $1100.

Tranny - if it's a slipping C4, then yes, you probably need a rebuild. Check your fluid level first.

Basic HP upgrades - think about an Edelbrock 600 cfm (4 bbl) carb and Performer 289 intake. Also, get yourself a Pertronix electronic ignition (no more points). And convert to dual exhaust without question. Use a crossover (either an H or X pipe) and perhaps consider some long tube headers.

Come hang out with the Classics. This is about all we talk about!

MUSTHAVSTANG · 04-25-2005, 11:14 PM

HI NOMAN, AS FAR AS OLD FORD TRANSMISSIONS GO, GET AN OLD FORD TRANS EXPERT, DON'T LET JUST ANYONE MESS WITH IT OR YOU MAY END UP IN WORSE CONDITION. IT MAY NEED A SIMPLE ADJUSTMENT. THE SMOKE IS PROBABLY VALVE SEALS WHICH ARE GOING TO LOOSEN ON ANY VEHICHLE THAT AGE, REPLACEMENT HEADS WOULD BE YOUR BEST BET FOR THE MONEY. GET A BRAKE AND SUSPENSION UPGRADE FROM AN AFTERMARKET SUPPLIER. YOU CAN PROBABLY DO IT YOURSELF AND THE UPGRADE WILL BE WELL WORTH IT, ESPECIALLY IF ITS GOING TO BE A DAILY DRIVER. A NEW CARB WOULD BE A GOOD ADD ON, JUST A STOCK ONE NOTHING SPECIAL. A SET OF HEADERS WOULD BE NICE AND A GREAT SET OF TIRES. KEEP AS MUCH ORIGINAL STUFF AS POSSIBLE STOCK ALWAYS LOOKS BEST. BY THE WAY IF YOUR RIMS ARE FROM 1968 AND YOU PLAN ON USING RADIAL TIRES THERE ARE PLACES YOU CAN BUY REPRODUCTION STOCK RIMS THAT ARE MADE FOR RADIAL USE. 1968 RIMS WERE MADE FOR POLYESTER TIRES, SO THEY WILL NOT HOLD UP TO THE SAME STRESS THAT A RADIAL TIRE CAN PUT ON THEM, THIS WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU UPGRADE TO A MODERN SUSPENSION. HOPE THIS INFO HELPS. BY THE WAY PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAY MUSTANG AT MAKK.ZOOMSHARE.COM

5.0carlo · 04-26-2005, 11:20 AM

OK man,
I helped my buddy build his 67 coupe. Even though his was a restomod and you want more original here are a few ideas man. First about the brakes. You dont ness need a kit he got his from a grenada if im correct. Worked great. Second as far as the engine went here is what he had and if i were you id get exactly what he had, an awesome car to drive. Edelbrock performer intake, holley 670 street avanger carb, crane 262 cam, world 351 iron heads, roller rockers, electric fa. As far as exhaust hedders and an h pipe like they said a set of flowmaster with monza pacesetter tips. Now To be honest in my opinion Id keep the stock rims somewhere and get a set of 16x8 american racing torq thrust 2's. Also lower the car a lil. This will make your care awesome man. As far as the trans well itll cost about 800 to get it rebuild, if i were you id get a new tci streetfigher man, and a ratchet shifter. If you have any problems pm me and Ill ask my friend and get back to you.