69/70 GT500 modification questions

[Brian350]

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

Thank you!!!

[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.

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

I have a feeling that there is no way I could ever know for sure what the "challenges" are unless I live it myself?

I'm guessing on this but I think that you are going to NEED a heavily cooled garage to work on the car?

[Brian350]

LOL, got one!

[TA Coupe]

Do you actually have to have A GT500 or just the look of one? Because it would a lot cheaper to recreate the looks of one. And if you don't open the hood, nobody will know, except you of course😄

    Roy

[Brian350]

Do you actually have to have A GT500 or just the look of one? Because it would a lot be a lot cheaper to recreate the looks of one. And if you don't open the hood, nobody will know, except you of course😄

    Roy

Not a chance! Real deal or not at all...