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Emission controls 68 Shelby

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by ghost, Dec 11, 2005.

  1. Dec 11, 2005 #1
    ghost

    ghost Well-Known Member

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    As we piece the 68 GT350 back to original I was reading again and looking at pictures in all those different Shelby books and got to thinking about emission controls.
    In keeping with the prior owners personallity it appears he made any emissions stuff all go way a long time ago, so I only have what I got as point of reference. Hence more stupid questions.

    Chilton leads me to believe I should have a Thermactor Air TAC system since it was high performance and 4 speed.

    None of that stuff under my hood. Out of curiosity does any one know:

    1. What did 68 GT 350's really come with from the factory for emission control systems?
    2. What negetive impact did it have on engine hp?
    3. I think in the 1968 period we removed that stuff, believing it was costing up to 10 percent of the engine. Am I nuts, most pictures I see of Shelby engine compartments don't show emissions stuff?
    4. When you show your car does it cause lost points to not have all the emission stuff.
    5. I am into burning rubber and do not plan on restoring the system, but would like to know if there are any untoward consequenses of having a nice clean engine.

    Thanks for your help gang!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 12, 2005
    ghost, Dec 11, 2005
    ghost, Dec 11, 2005
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  2. Dec 11, 2005 #2
    TLEA

    TLEA Well-Known Member

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    While there is some debate on this I believe ALL 68 Shelbys with US DSO's had emissions. 500's and KR's used Thermactor. 350 manuals had Thermactor and auto's used Imco. As far as why you don't see them on a lot of cars, two big reasons: expensive and ugly. As far as HP loss it isn't much different than an alternator drag, about 3-5 HP.
    Tim
     
    TLEA, Dec 11, 2005
    TLEA, Dec 11, 2005
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  3. Dec 16, 2005 #3
    roddster

    roddster Well-Known Member

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    And for a more correct installation, should you choose to reinstall the stuff, buy one of those assembly manuals that Mustang parts dealers sell. Get the engine one for this.
    Points off at a car show? Sure, in MCA and/or SAAC car Concours car show classes. Otherwise, most judgees wouldn't know it was missing. Meaning the Volunteer Fire Dept show, local drive-in shows, and of course ISCA.
     
    roddster, Dec 16, 2005
    roddster, Dec 16, 2005
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  4. Dec 20, 2005 #4
    Seaweed

    Seaweed Well-Known Member

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    Cruising the forums the other day, I saw a 68 big block w the therm. fresh air setup & engine lift brackets . When this engine go's in the car like this, how do you change the plugs when it's time ?? [ Don't know how I got onto this page & may never see it again. ] My car came w the lifting brackets & elected to leave them off when I had the engine rebuilt .---S.
     
    Seaweed, Dec 20, 2005
    Seaweed, Dec 20, 2005
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  5. Dec 20, 2005 #5
    TLEA

    TLEA Well-Known Member

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    TLEA, Dec 20, 2005
    TLEA, Dec 20, 2005
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  6. Dec 20, 2005 #6
    SFM6S2015

    SFM6S2015 Well-Known Member

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    I made the mistake of setting the engine in my 69 SCJ coupe without the plugs installed. It took longer to install the plugs afterward than to install the engine in the first place.
    [​IMG]
     
    SFM6S2015, Dec 20, 2005
    SFM6S2015, Dec 20, 2005
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  7. Dec 21, 2005 #7
    Seaweed

    Seaweed Well-Known Member

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    Yes ,that's the pict. My car does not have the therm. or the lifting brackets on the car now, & at least I can change the plugs without too much effort. I know I'm not CORRECT in the engine area , but I just can't bring myself to take the engine out just for that.---S.
     
    Seaweed, Dec 21, 2005
    Seaweed, Dec 21, 2005
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