Is the J-code more desirable,even if its not a GT?

[classicsguy]

As most of us know NOT all GT/CS are Genuine GT's from Ford and that the minimun engine required in order to possibly have the GT equipment is the J-code 302 4bbl engine. The C-codes and T -codes cant be GT's from factory and even if you have a J-or S code doesnt guarantee the GT option.


I still prefer the J -code since its rated from factory at 230hp vs 195hp for C-code and 120hp for T-code

So: its a J-code GT/CS more desirable than a C-code even if it does not have the GT option?

 

[GTCSMustang]

I'd say it is. Certainly not as desireable as an S-code, but still more desirable. I recently bought a non-GT 302 GT/CS and I assumed that it was worth more than a 289 non-GT when making my decision. I think I decided that it was worth an extra $1K-2K to me. For what it's worth, I've had lots of 289 Mustangs and the 302 and 289 seem about the same to me...unless it's a GT with dual exhaust.

Scott

 

[Midnight Special]

...I would say yes. Adding dual exhaust to my non-GT "J" seemed to really up performance as well

 

[rvrtrash]

The 302 is rarer than the 289, so from that aspect some would consider it more desireable. The 302 engine is better known and has more stock horsepower so from those aspects some would consider it more desireable. Some things to consider though are more subtle. Horsepower: Carrol Shelby got 306 HP out of a 289 by building it right. Even the factory HiPo was 271HP. The longer stroke of a 302 made shorter piston skirts necessary, which I've heard makes them easier to break (never seen it myself, but it seems to be an urban legend). Remember, we're talking about 13 c.i. .Ford had a few different heads creating different compression ratios and probably used the highest compression and the GT dual exhaust when setting the 302 horsepower number. A lower compression engine running single exhaust probably isn't that much different from the 289 (personal opinion only-no proof). Bottom line, I wouldn't let a good deal on a C code pass by just because it wasn't a J code.

Steve (Proud owner of the J code calender cover car)

 

[classicsguy]

I'd say it is. Certainly not as desireable as an S-code, but still more desirable. I recently bought a non-GT 302 GT/CS and I assumed that it was worth more than a 289 non-GT when making my decision. I think I decided that it was worth an extra $1K-2K to me. For what it's worth, I've had lots of 289 Mustangs and the 302 and 289 seem about the same to me...unless it's a GT with dual exhaust.

Scott

Scott: This is exactly how I think too.....its less seen than the C-codes which I have read that are the more numerous.. There were less than 1000 GT/CS with the J code engine...so they are less common and the 4 bbl carb really makes a difference in hp.

 

[nates68]

also your compression ratio is 10:1 with the j-code 302.so you can build from there.Great snappy engine. Good choice.

nates68

 

[wally05]

I pretty much love my j-code...

 

[@Holmes]

Didn't the J code option cost more than a 390? Need to check an option price list.