Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

All of the 427 GTE cars were automatic but Ford was planning on using 4 speeds and had a larger hydraulic cam designed for them but with the same horsepower rating.
Roland

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

Yeah, I have seen factory sales information that claimed that the W code 427 hyd. cam engine was going to be available in the new 1968 Fairlane/Torino, and Mustang, but it seems none were ever built, at least from the factory, with the W code engine code in the VIN, and with any proof, ie paperwork.

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

It is apparent that Mercury was attempting to make this car, an 'Executive Performance Sports Car',,,

Recommended for street-driven applications only, with the Automatic Transmission and Hydraulic cammed
427-E engine, Super Competition Handling Package, 3.50 Gears, FR70 X14 tires Radials (5.5" wide),
Power-steering, Power-assisted Front-disc brakes, and loaded with sound deadening material.

The 'distinctive' twin-dual chrome exhaust tips (18" length) under the rear valance.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nEcS7mTzh9...OR+COUPE+b.jpg

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

The 1968 427-E engine did feature the 'famous' 428 Police Interceptor
Aluminum dual-plane intake.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.racingjun...uminum-int.jpg

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

K-Code,

In 1968, the 68' Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP car was not a
'desired' combination for C/SA.

The 68' Mustang 428/335 HP Cobra-Jet, and the 67' Ford Galaxie 500
427/410 HP were better combinations for the (9.00 - 9.49 Wt/Hp)
NHRA Class in 1968.

The 1968 NHRA C/SA Class Record was around 12.55

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

I had an old friend who bought one of these new. He almost never drove it. He was one of those guys who just liked to have things and not really do anything but look and shine. He sold it not knowing how rare it was.

He also owned Bob Gliddens Super Stock Mustang. 1968 fastback. He let my dad drive it ever so often so he could see the car run. lol

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

Performance Results for the 1968 Cougar GT--E 427/390 HP

C-6 Automatic with 3.50 Gears and FR70 x 14" Tires.

In stock trim, 15.10 @ 93 MPH

Too heavy at #3616 lbs. for the Drag Strip.

Designed for a smooth road ride (road sports car type performance) with
the 'Special Competition Handling Package' and 123 lbs. of added
'Sound Deadener'.

And, 'Standard Exhaust Manifolds', not the 'special' 427 header-type
cast iron free-breathing units. A restrictive exhaust system, strangled
the exhaust flow.

The 'first' performance suggestion, install a set of 3.91 Traction-Lock
gears (at a minimum), which could get you to 14.75's @ 96 MPH.

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

Here is a 428 cj powered GT-E.

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

More 'Show' than 'Go'.............with the 427/390 HP

Simulated hood scoop (non-functional) design.

* Engines equipped with 'Thermoactor' fresh-air smog pump
* But the exhaust system was equipped with the 'H-Pipe', to help balance the exhaust flow.

A very 'pricey car' for 1968 at $5131

Re: 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP
 

Power assisted front disc-brakes
Power steering
Thermoactor fresh-air 'smog pump'

Some nose lightening units that could be removed before racing at the strip.

Some nice features,
* Power-booster engine fan (Thermal-clutch)
* Police Interceptor Aluminum dual-plane intake manifold (low-riser)
* Holley Model #4150 List #4008 - 600 CFM Carburetor (1 11/16" x 1 11/16" square bore)
* Open element air-cleaner

http://www.barrett-jackson.com/stagi...Engine_Web.jpg