1968 X-code GTCS - Value?

[x-codegtcs]

Scott - Yes, I knew... thanks for keeping the forum clatter in check.

I am with you on the J code 4 speed. No doubt.

I sent you a PM about Cougars...

 

[x-codegtcs]

OK - just out of curiosity, I pulled out my X Code registry packet from Marc Shultz. It turns out that the X-code in the Mustangs was the "premium fuel" motor - 10:1 compression and 280 HP. One of the reports in the packet lists the intake manifold and carburetor as the only differences between the X and S codes. That seems on par with most people's comments in other forums stating a quick bolt on 50 HP going to a 4V (S code rated at 325HP). Just a bit of info/controversy I thought worth sharing.

Anyone know if Marc is still running the registry?

 

[NosAvrenim]

Anyone know if Marc is still running the registry?

I registered my "X" with him just over a year and a half ago. He was still managing it at that time.

a quick bolt on 50 HP going to a 4V (S code rated at 325HP).

Not 100% on the accuracy of the 50 added HP on converting to a 4bbl intake. I've heard that number also and that the "X" is essentially a 2bbl "S" (all other specs seem to be the same). My "X" has a 4bbl intake and a mild cam. Haven't put her on the dyno yet, but it sure feels like a lot more than 280+50HP...but then again, maybe it's just the torque I'm feeling (or the excitement of driving a GT/CS :grin.

~Nate

 

[x-codegtcs]

I registered my "X" with him just over a year and a half ago. He was still managing it at that time.



Not 100% on the accuracy of the 50 added HP on converting to a 4bbl intake. I've heard that number also and that the "X" is essentially a 2bbl "S" (all other specs seem to be the same). My "X" has a 4bbl intake and a mild cam. Haven't put her on the dyno yet, but it sure feels like a lot more than 280+50HP...but then again, maybe it's just the torque I'm feeling (or the excitement of driving a GT/CS :grin.

~Nate

Nate - sounds like you have an awesome ride. Do you have photos on the site? Thanks for confirming. What kind of intake and carb did you put on? Did you keep your originals as well? What are your rear gears? 2.75?

 

[di81977]

As said earlier - Rare does not always mean desirable.

With all the rust issues, I would also be concerned about how the roof looks under the vinyl top.

My opinion, I'd get that $9K in my hands as quick as I could!

Good luck, though, with whatevery you decide.

David

 

[NosAvrenim]

Nate - sounds like you have an awesome ride. Do you have photos on the site?

Thanks! The POs definitely took good care of her, but I've been doing quite a bit of upgrades and maintenance in the nearly 3yrs that I've had her. The only pics that I have so far are the ones in "My Garage" (see the link to the left). I definitely need to post more, but just haven't gotten around to it.

What kind of intake and carb did you put on? Did you keep your originals as well? What are your rear gears? 2.75?

I'm currently running an Edelbrock Performer RPM and a Holley 650CFM double-pumper. She still has the 2.75 gears -- I was planning to swap them out to 3.5s/3.7s and put in a locker, but my wife vetoed icon_no in favor of a new house. I still have the original intake and carb -- I'm very lucky that the POs kept all the original parts (even old springs, etc.). It's nice to have everything even if it only takes up space and I never use it.

Honestly, the recent Mustang Monthly mags have me seriously considering rebuilding the engine (it wasn't done that long ago anyway) and increasing the bore/stroke. Again, with the pending home purchase that will be put off for a while.

Most people may not put an "X" in the same league as an "S" or "J", but I've really enjoyed having an "oddball" engine and passing along info to folks that thought they knew everything about Mustang engines.

But to get back to the original topic, I hope you're able to restore your "X" or find someone that can. She's definitely worth doing -- and keeping her a 390.

 

[x-codegtcs]

As said earlier - Rare does not always mean desirable.

With all the rust issues, I would also be concerned about how the roof looks under the vinyl top.

My opinion, I'd get that $9K in my hands as quick as I could!

Good luck, though, with whatevery you decide.

David

The roof is fine. The vinyl top degraded from being stored outside at the last owner's. All the rust is caused by the sand and salt here in UT (I am sure you have your fair share there in Boulder too). so all the rust is in the lower extremities.

If GTCSj4 doesn't buy it I will just hold onto it and replace the steel, put in primer and maybe even take it as far as completing the body and paint. I can do everything minus the paint (I am too picky). So getting it done in a sellable budget is not a big issue - just about time and prioritizing my projects.

 

[x-codegtcs]

Thanks! The POs definitely took good care of her, but I've been doing quite a bit of upgrades and maintenance in the nearly 3yrs that I've had her. The only pics that I have so far are the ones in "My Garage" (see the link to the left). I definitely need to post more, but just haven't gotten around to it.



I'm currently running an Edelbrock Performer RPM and a Holley 650CFM double-pumper. She still has the 2.75 gears -- I was planning to swap them out to 3.5s/3.7s and put in a locker, but my wife vetoed icon_no in favor of a new house. I still have the original intake and carb -- I'm very lucky that the POs kept all the original parts (even old springs, etc.). It's nice to have everything even if it only takes up space and I never use it.

Honestly, the recent Mustang Monthly mags have me seriously considering rebuilding the engine (it wasn't done that long ago anyway) and increasing the bore/stroke. Again, with the pending home purchase that will be put off for a while.

Most people may not put an "X" in the same league as an "S" or "J", but I've really enjoyed having an "oddball" engine and passing along info to folks that thought they knew everything about Mustang engines.

But to get back to the original topic, I hope you're able to restore your "X" or find someone that can. She's definitely worth doing -- and keeping her a 390.

I checked out your photos - great looking car! I love the black! The engine is in immaculate condition. Super jealous!

It is crazy some of the performance numbers these carbureted strokers are turning out now. My buddy has a 396 stroker in his 66 and he says he gets 24 on the highway with a 5 speed tremec. Move over Prius...

I am sure, one way or another, there is a way this ol' girl will survive as a complete X-code. Just too few... But like you, I would probably throw a 4V (or tri-power 8^O) on top for fun and keep the original stuff for history sake.

 

[NosAvrenim]

keep the original stuff for history sake.

When I was looking to buy, I was always on the lookout for cars where the owner had kept the original parts. I don't mind mild resto-mods, but it's always nice to have the original parts in case you (or the next owner) ever decide to go down the concours route.

If you do decide to keep her, definitely start a build page. I'd love to see the progress. It's one of those projects I'd like to take on at some point, but just don't have the time for now.

 

[x-codegtcs]

When I was looking to buy, I was always on the lookout for cars where the owner had kept the original parts. I don't mind mild resto-mods, but it's always nice to have the original parts in case you (or the next owner) ever decide to go down the concours route.

If you do decide to keep her, definitely start a build page. I'd love to see the progress. It's one of those projects I'd like to take on at some point, but just don't have the time for now.

Yeah - I am not a big resto-mod fan either. My most radical mod would be my Thunderbird tri-power at the most - but most likely a holly dbl pumper and 3.25 posi gears - keeping the original pumpkin, manifold, carb and air cleaner.

I will do a build page for sure...in fact I am getting ready to start my j-code GT/CS and will do a build page...it will be totally fun to get everyone's feed back.

 

[x-codegtcs]

one other mod that I do to all my mustangs is the Shelby drop...so I would probably do that on this one too. It does too much to the handling to ignore it.