69/70 GT500 modification questions

[FL SAAC]

Forgot to mention we had a mellings oil pump installed at the time, new springs on the heads compatible with the crane cam and purchased new Ford stock non-adjustable arms and shafts. 

Why stock arms over aftermarket?

Easy peasy

No problems on putting the original valve covers back on and bolt the stock parts down and forget about it.

Now go enjoy the drive !

[roddster]

Wouldn't hurt to consult the Boss 302 chassis modification book. Reprints are available.

[69 GT350 Vert]

I'd add to the advice already given to check if the FE block in the car you are considering has been overbored to .030 or not.  If it has, there are lower chances the car's cooling system will cool the engine very well.  If I ever bought another big block, I would want a standard bore block, and have 8 sleeves installed instead of boring it.

I'd personally buy a GT350 and buy a stroker crank to make it 408 or 427 CID and 550HP reliable horsepower.  There's a guy out in Indiana with a yellow '69 GT350 that built a really nice, tastefully modified car.  I don't remember his name, but he would be a good person to contact. 

[shelbymann1970]

First off if I was looking for what you are I'd buy a Gt350 4 speed. They are cheaper than a 500 and gives you more $$$ for upgrades. Why a 350? well you mentioned handling. Better handling cars to start with. MUCH easier to work on. I own a 68 Gt500, a 69 Mach1 R code and a 70 Gt350 vert. So take you savings and buy a Paxton and a Holley on the 351W and you have your horsepower. Want more? well there are nice aluminum heads to choose from. Add a 5 speed. Lots of suspension upgrades available to choose from. to buy a 500 and modify it for "handling and power" when you will always have a more balanced car with the Gt350 and adding the Paxton could give you the power you need might be a way for you to go. Also with the price difference you might even get yourself a nice crate engine to start with if you want more plug and play and keep the original engine off to the side. Good luck on your endeavor. 

Thank you. Psychologically, I need a GT500. I currently own a 2020 GT350, possibly the best Mustang ever built.

are you planning on working on it yourself? I've owned many 428cars over the years and I've learned the tricks to work on them and they still are a pita. Good luck on your search.

[Shelbypat]

Roller coilsprings perches is a good upgrade from my opinion...

[Brian350]

Forgot to mention we had a mellings oil pump installed at the time, new springs on the heads compatible with the crane cam and purchased new Ford stock non-adjustable arms and shafts. 

Why stock arms over aftermarket?

Easy peasy

No problems on putting the original valve covers back on and bolt the stock parts down and forget about it.

Now go enjoy the drive !

Thank you!

[Brian350]

Wouldn't hurt to consult the Boss 302 chassis modification book. Reprints are available.

Thank you, interesting advice...

[Brian350]

I'd add to the advice already given to check if the FE block in the car you are considering has been overbored to .030 or not.  If it has, there are lower chances the car's cooling system will cool the engine very well.  If I ever bought another big block, I would want a standard bore block, and have 8 sleeves installed instead of boring it.

I'd personally buy a GT350 and buy a stroker crank to make it 408 or 427 CID and 550HP reliable horsepower.  There's a guy out in Indiana with a yellow '69 GT350 that built a really nice, tastefully modified car.  I don't remember his name, but he would be a good person to contact. 

Got to be a 500, it's a psychological issue...

[Brian350]

[/quote]are you planning on working on it yourself? I've owned many 428cars over the years and I've learned the tricks to work on them and they still are a pita. Good luck on your search.
[/quote]

Not a chance. My skills are washing and waxing...

[shelbydoug]

A GT350 would be a better candidate even if you intend to do a serious lightening of the 428 engine in a GT500.

You can fairly easily increase the CI displacement of the 351 to near that of the stock 428 and in addition lighten that engine with things like aluminum heads.

It all depends on how deep you want to go to re-engineer the car?

Virtually everything is available. 6 speed manual transmissions. 8 speed automatic transmissions. Aluminum 9" rears. Aluminum engine blocks, multiple carb of EFI induction, etc, and they all can be kept to look reasonably stock in most cases.


The 428 performance wise is kind of a dinosaur stock at a max HP level now whereas the 351's are not.


Chassis wise, as suggested, the Off Highway Boss 302 Chassis book is a very good guide as well.


I would recommend though that you do not throw anything away that you take off of the car. Virtually all of these modifications are essentially "day 2" bolt ons and replacing original stock parts now can be difficult, expensive and in some cases virtually impossible.

[Brian350]

A GT350 would be a better candidate even if you intend to do a serious lightening of the 428 engine in a GT500.

You can fairly easily increase the CI displacement of the 351 to near that of the stock 428 and in addition lighten that engine with things like aluminum heads.

It all depends on how deep you want to go to re-engineer the car?

Virtually everything is available. 6 speed manual transmissions. 8 speed automatic transmissions. Aluminum 9" rears. Aluminum engine blocks, multiple carb of EFI induction, etc, and they all can be kept to look reasonably stock in most cases.


The 428 performance wise is kind of a dinosaur stock at a max HP level now whereas the 351's are not.


Chassis wise, as suggested, the Off Highway Boss 302 Chassis book is a very good guide as well.


I would recommend though that you do not throw anything away that you take off of the car. Virtually all of these modifications are essentially "day 2" bolt ons and replacing original stock parts now can be difficult, expensive and in some cases virtually impossible.

GT500 is my bucket list car. MUST be a 500.

[crossboss]

I live in Vegas, and had owned a '70 GT-500 for 27 years. This is nothing different than any vintage car. First, make sure everything is in good working order. Hoses, belts, cables, etc. The FIRST thing I would do is the cooling system/fan/shroud, thermostat, etc. A good/new battery/alt, and especially the positive and ground wires are upgraded. Install a new mini hi torque starter. Fluids are topped off, and replaced. A good suggestion would be to instal an alum intake: weight, and cooling are the goals. Carb, its your choice. However, Holley's are known leakers, I'd personally would swap out for a good Carter/Edelbrock verson. Why? set it and forget it, and dead nuts reliable. Electronic ign is a good upgrade. Trans, power steering and possible engine oil coolers. New upgraded poly/bushings for the sway bars, KYB shocks. Brakes: Baer or Wilwoods are good examples. Be careful not to go way overboard with all of this...costs and labor/time can get expensive.

[shelbydoug]

A GT350 would be a better candidate even if you intend to do a serious lightening of the 428 engine in a GT500.

You can fairly easily increase the CI displacement of the 351 to near that of the stock 428 and in addition lighten that engine with things like aluminum heads.

It all depends on how deep you want to go to re-engineer the car?

Virtually everything is available. 6 speed manual transmissions. 8 speed automatic transmissions. Aluminum 9" rears. Aluminum engine blocks, multiple carb of EFI induction, etc, and they all can be kept to look reasonably stock in most cases.


The 428 performance wise is kind of a dinosaur stock at a max HP level now whereas the 351's are not.


Chassis wise, as suggested, the Off Highway Boss 302 Chassis book is a very good guide as well.


I would recommend though that you do not throw anything away that you take off of the car. Virtually all of these modifications are essentially "day 2" bolt ons and replacing original stock parts now can be difficult, expensive and in some cases virtually impossible.

GT500 is my bucket list car. MUST be a 500.

Big block Mustangs are notoriously difficult to live with in hot climates. I think well deserved.

In the Mustang chassis, the engine just takes up too much of the engine compartment for it to cool well.

Hot restarts often are not possible.


I understand your passion. I have it too. I currently have a 67 GT500, a '68 GT350 and a '73 Pantera. The only one that is close to "stock" is the '67. That one, you don't screw with. You just pray that it starts and runs and then leave it alone. Personally, I can't immagine it (or any of the 3) in Vegas summer heat, but that's just me.

I take exception to the glue on my sneakers melting from the heat of the pavement.


And as a previous poster mentioned, Holley's don't like the heat either.


Best of luck in your endeavor. It will be quite a challenging experiment.

[Brian350]

A GT350 would be a better candidate even if you intend to do a serious lightening of the 428 engine in a GT500.

You can fairly easily increase the CI displacement of the 351 to near that of the stock 428 and in addition lighten that engine with things like aluminum heads.

It all depends on how deep you want to go to re-engineer the car?

Virtually everything is available. 6 speed manual transmissions. 8 speed automatic transmissions. Aluminum 9" rears. Aluminum engine blocks, multiple carb of EFI induction, etc, and they all can be kept to look reasonably stock in most cases.


The 428 performance wise is kind of a dinosaur stock at a max HP level now whereas the 351's are not.


Chassis wise, as suggested, the Off Highway Boss 302 Chassis book is a very good guide as well.


I would recommend though that you do not throw anything away that you take off of the car. Virtually all of these modifications are essentially "day 2" bolt ons and replacing original stock parts now can be difficult, expensive and in some cases virtually impossible.

GT500 is my bucket list car. MUST be a 500.

Big block Mustangs are notoriously difficult to live with in hot climates. I think well deserved.

In the Mustang chassis, the engine just takes up too much of the engine compartment for it to cool well.

Hot restarts often are not possible.


I understand your passion. I have it too. I currently have a 67 GT500, a '68 GT350 and a '73 Pantera. The only one that is close to "stock" is the '67. That one, you don't screw with. You just pray that it starts and runs and then leave it alone. Personally, I can't immagine it (or any of the 3) in Vegas summer heat, but that's just me.

I take exception to the glue on my sneakers melting from the heat of the pavement.


And as a previous poster mentioned, Holley's don't like the heat either.


Best of luck in your endeavor. It will be quite a challenging experiment.

Thank you. Living in Vegas presents it's own set of challenges.

[FL SAAC]

Looking at buying a 69/70 GT500. What I want to know is what would be good improvements/upgrades to the car, especially handling, ride and horsepower. I am not looking for a concours level car, so restoration is not my goal. I want the "look" of the 69, but with any improvements that can be made without completely wrecking the car. Things like shocks, stance, coaxing more HP out of the motor. Thoughts? Suggestions?

If you do end up with a GT500

Take a look at "this guys" post when you have an opportunity. 

https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?topic=31570.0