Hello all, New Owner (1968 Coupe), First time Poster.

Just in case you were wondering, it's an I6. I could use some suggestions about a tune up, modifications that will keep the ol girl in good shape.

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the boards! There's been quite a bit of information on the I-6 posted, and I'm sure one of the I-6 guys will make his\her presence known.

 

I am not sure what I can offer specific to an inline 6, but I can offer some generic advice. Love your car.

1st base
-safety first ---check the brakes and brake system-replace fluid if not clear
-tune up: engine oil, tranny oil, rear diff oil, filters, hoses, belts, rad fluid
-grease or lube the little things like door hinges, hood hinges, heater control cables, ball joints, clutch linkage, auto tranny shifter, clutch lever, brake pedal

2nd base
-check door weatherstripping because wind noises can be annoying
-research replacing the points system in the distributor with an electronic ignition
-take a look at some of the little mods guys talk about here and other mustang forums e.g. relay switches for headlights

3rd base
-disc brake swaps
-tranny swap (I have read where one member swapped in a T5 manual on his I6 and it made the car quite 'peppy')
-new interior

I'll let you decide home plate for yourself.

 

All good advise. One of the most important and almost always overlooked parts of the tune up is to pull the distributor and have it adjusted by professionals on a machine. This can turn a doggy V8 into a tire shredder, and should similarly improve your car.

If you have a manual trans, switching to a T5 5-speed will give you better acceleration and better fuel economy, and takes only 3 or 4 hours to do. Conversion from auto to 5-speed takes longer, for installation of a clutch, flywheel, linkage, and pedals.

The same suspension upgrades that work for V8s will work for you. If you do NOTHING else, you should do the "Shelby/Arning drop", relocating the upper control arms down 1". This alters the suspension geometry, allowing noticeable better handling with no degradation of ride, and all it costs is a wheel alignment.

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop

You should definitely install an export brace and Monte Carlo bar, these will stiffen up the from end to deal with better handling and modern tires.

You can also get dual headers and hook them up to stock V8 dual exhaust, for improved power and performance, and it sounds pretty good, too.

 

All excellent advice.

I know that most of you all enjoy doing the work on your cars yourself, and while I also share that same amount of enthusiasm, my time is limited (small children, traveling job).

What have been any experiences with shops? Do the Ford dealers remember how to fix these cars? Should I take it to a speciality shop? Thoughts?

 

Do not take the car to Ford. They will stick it to you hard on repairs. Find a good local mustang place. The best thing is to ask other Mustang guys in your area. A local Mustang club would be a good place to start.

 

Most Ford dealers are useless, unless they have some old guys or Mustang enthusiasts. Ford has dropped almost all parts for these cars, so they have to buy parts from Mustang specialty shops. If the Mustang club in your area can provide you with a reference to a good Mustang specialty shop, you're probably better off.

Since you are in DE, you might look into Glazier Nolan in PA. Depending where you are, you might be less than an hour from them. They have been doing parts and restoration for like 35 years.

 

Excellent feedback, exactly what I was looking for.

I have a 3 Speed on the floor, so one of the things I'd like to do eventually is a 5-speed replacement. I see someone in this thread said that this wasn't hard. Has anyone done one, are there guides? Parts/Price lists?

Sorry, I know, I am new.

I spend much of my day on Mailing lists (I'm in Computer Security) and most of my car knowledge that I've built up over the years has to do with things like Fuel Injectors and computer reprogramming. I've forgotten all I used to know about these cars that you can actually work on.

 

1. 2bbl carb
2. DSII or DUI distributor
3. headers
4. 5 lug conversion
5. T5
6. lowering
7. Supercharger or turbo



There is alot more you can do. I have done 1,2,4,5, and 6. I am still undecided about my engine though. Keep rethinking what to do.


T5 conversion parts:

T5 transmission
V8 driveshaft
C4 yoke
T5 conversion adapter plate
T5 conversion transmission crossmember

Most people say the driveshaft needs to be shortened by 1", but mine didn't need it(already was 1" short). I would test it out and then decide if you need to.

 

Welcome to the forum. Your car looks great. Definitely find a Mustang shop and have them go over the car. Read up here often there are lots of answers offered. The search engine is very useful. Good luck