HD 3 spd in 1967?

[Gatorbait]

Does anybody know why Ford offered a HD 3spd option in 1967 (code 3)? I have an S code GT convertible with one. I have maybe seen 1 or 2 others ever. It was more money than the 4 speed, I believe.

 

[Mosesatm]

According to this web-site there was a 3-speed in '67 with the data code of "3".
http://members.aol.com/Mustangkaz/decoder.htm

 

[Gatorbait]

But why a special heavy duty 3 spd with the big block?..apparently only offered in 67. All the 390 cars I have ever seen other than mine, and 1 or 2 others, have a 4 spd or a C-6 auto.

 

[Mosesatm]

With all the bottom-end grunt of a 390 I'd think a 3-speed would be a great choice. An abundance of gears really are not needed with that much torque.
As an example, Chevy successfully ran and raced their 2-speed automatics for years.

In my old 4-speed 289 GT/CS I considered 2nd gear pretty much a waste of time. It was good for getting out of the snow, though.

Since the car could reach nearly 60mph in 1st I could easily skip 2nd & go straight to 3rd if I wanted to. 3rd was the fun gear and 4th was just the gas mileage gear.

 

[390cs68rcode]

I don't use 2nd gear in my CJ. It has a close ratio gearbox so it is pretty much worthless.

I thought only 4 speeds and c-6's were available for BB cars.

 

[Gatorbait]

Seems to make sense. It is a really rare option, and only for 67. It is a stepped up 3 spd from the small block cars.

 

[390cs68rcode]

cool. learned something new today.