my 69 cobra-jet mustang at the show
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I take it it has the 428 c.i. Cobra-Jet engine , right? That was conservatively rated by Ford at 335 HP but actually ran more than that stock....probably close to 400. That engine was also an option in the Torino GT/Cobra, the Mercury Cyclone CJ, and (I think?) the Cougar Eliminator.
The big Ford blocks didn't have the Chevy short-stroke design do they didn't pull the high redline Chevys did, but the big flywheels gave them a lot of torque....and the heavy cast-iron block was quite durable IF you didn't overrev it. Some of the Ford big-blocks, however, fit into the Mustang's engine bay SO tightly that even doing simple things like changing spark plugs was nearly impossible. And the tight fit also added to engine heat by keeping air from circulating anound the block.
If you have not already done so, I would strongly recommend one of two things: Either have the valves and valve seats hardened so it can run on today's unleaded premuim, or get a legal gas additive that will give them the valve-seat lubrication they need. Tetraethyl lead additives are now outlawed in most places under most conditions, but some states may still give old cars like yours a waiver...check with the local laws in your area.
Last edited by mmarshall; May 14, 2005 at 11:38 AM.




here are a couple of pics of my 69 mustang, at the unveiling of the new mustang in kuwait, this is right in front of the hotel door






