OK, then ... the dream Mustang. Pls. Comment...

[Mr427]

Ok, this is what I had in mind and I am scouring the web for possible leads:

1. 67-68 Fastback GTA or GT - S-CODE
2. Engine: Side oiler - MEd. Riser, w. 428 Crank and custom 11/1 pistons. Intake: Tunnel wedge or Med. riser w. 2X BJ / BK carbs.
3. C-6 w. manual valve body, 10" converter.
4. Rear axle ratio 3,10 or 3,25 Detroit locker
5. Wheels: FR. 15x6; RR 15x10 OEM Styled steel. Tires: 215VR75-15FR and M-T or BFG DOT drag tires rear.
6. Color: Medium green, Olive Green or Pewter - U decide !

Questions:

1. What performance can be expected of this car?
2. Is it even attainable?
3. What price can I expect? Just for the rolling shell plus hardware?

Any comments?

[Marcus68s]

Sure its attainable - I've gotten close. My car is a 68 GT 500 bought as a clone. Full original Shelby dress including roll bar/shoulder harness/and instrument cluster. It now has a '67 delux interior with the brushed alum and stainless. 31 spline 9 inch 3.89 open rear end with the big brakes. Engine is a center-oiler 30- over 427 approx 10:1 with edelbrock heads and polished RPM intake. Holley 770 Street Avenger and pump. Comp cams 282(571 lift/236dur) MSD ignition and edelbrock water pump. Griffin Radiator. Centerforce flywheel and clutch to a Tremec 3550 5-Speed. Pretty much a daily driver.
Cost - I dont want to know. I bought the 427 for $3000 complete then had it rebuilt and added the heads,etc.
Performance- Nothing like a 427FE! Cant say much about 1/4 mile because of wheelspin. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear are pretty much useless with 225/15 Radial T/A's but top end is way way way more than I can handle in this old car. With the 5-spd 70 mph is around 2000 rpm and the cam is just coming in. I firmly believe that the FE would pull to the redline in 5th gear.
If I had it to do over again, the only thing i would do different is go ahead and buy a new Shelby block. The prices of decent old 427's has gotten so out of hand that unless you need a particular date code block for restoration purposes, it just dosnt make sense. I also love the 5-spd, it really makes the car driveable in all situations but I would go with a hydraulic clutch.

[Mr427]

Hi Marcus: Thanks for this very detailed description of a car that sounds more than just about right!

I agree with you on the aluminum issue. Having the complete aluminum package; i.e. block, heads, intake and water pump lightweight brings the mighty FE down to 289 weight specs.

You talk about these modern 5-6 speed transmissions and come to think of it, the 427 probably should never be put in front of anything but a manual transmission.

The 427 engine is the king of all mountains, all things considered. There are better engines and more powerful on the market today, but none of them will ever see the crowds at LeMans rise in awe as in the 427´s case with three cars with the same engine roll across the finish line in a winning streak at the most prestigious racetrack in the world. There is only ONE first time for man on any peak. After that it is just repititions.

The only change I see as beneficial for a street car is to build it with the long arm of the 428 and have it zero balanced. These cranks are available at various prices. Not a bunch, but they can be had.

I prefer the car not to go beyond GT or "Bullitt" appearance, but the Shelby look is guaranteed to get respect and a lot of questions. Only thing is that once you have attained biceps of this size there will be challengers willing to armwrestle you at any stop. Better be prepared, right?

[Sizzler]

go for the '67 and you'll have far fewer problems goverment-wise in the future, no matter what state you may end up in.