documented 67 500 with a 390

[sportyworty]

I have followed this topic over the years. Recently we discussed this for the 68 and it was denounced by Vinny. His statement was no Shelbys were born with a 390. I just want to be sure that covers 67 as well and Dave feels the same way. The magazines said yes at the time but 99.9% sure it never actually happened. I need to settle a personal debate here...and win

[acman63]

I was the first on to take apart an original unmessed with 67  one time and scribed in the bottom of the oilpan it said,  this is a 390 not a 428,  you got screwed  by Ford  It wasnt,  it was the original engine with the 1U  crank,  correct rods etc etc.   I think the magazines saw an engine that looked like a 390 with same manifolds and someone assumed that car was a 390.  Ford would never have done something like that,  too much to lose

[roddster]

Well, what "documentation" do you have?
  All this came down from was that one car magazine ran a 67' 390 car down the dragstrip, and yet another entirely different car magazine ran a 67' GT 500 down the track, the times were close.  Does that prove anything?  Proves to me somebody can't shift too well.

[sportyworty]

You mean what documentation do they have I am the non believer in the debate. Great find and story Jim

[Tired Sheep]

Im a non believer. I find it hard to believe they would warranty something and falsely put the wrong motor in a car? The Legal department would never let it fly.

[cobra427]

I have heard this story, they say that the 428 was in short supply and Ford slip in a few 390 and let the car go out the door that way.
Well if that was the case, Ford would never document that.  You would have a very hard time proving it either way.   

Gary

[Tired Sheep]

This story is made up by people who dont have original engines. It wouldnt be hard to prove at all. Pretty sure the bore and stroke are different.

Correct me if Im wrong, but the motors were installed by Ford. So the people that built the motors would have known, their supervisors would have known, the guys that installed the motors would have known,  all their supervisors would have known, Shelby would have known, the workers at Shelby would have known?

Maybe there are really only 318 1968 Shelby convertibles? Now, theres your conspiracy

[sportyworty]

I read where #0100 was thought by Titus while the magazine was testing to have possibly had a 390 due to difficulty reaching the expected 140mph mark. The registry goes on to say there is no written documentation. Has there ever been additional information or proof either way?

[Coralsnake]

Irrefuteable evidence I do believe.

Plus you cant use one engineering car to make your point. That is a freak, not a production car.

[sportyworty]

"Irrefuteable evidence I do believe" does any exist is my point. I agree with you Pete that there is a difference between an experimental vs production car.

[Coralsnake]

Yes it exists, but I will let someone else explain.....

[GT350DAVE]

We had an opportunity to review some additional paperwork this past April after the 2011 Registry was in print and car #100 was definitely built with a 428 PI motor. I believe all the 67 GT 500's came with 428PI motors.
Dave

[sportyworty]

Thank you Dave that ends the debate.