Coupe Differences

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R31X

New Member

May 9, 2002

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Monroe, WA

Mar 29, 2004

#1

• Mar 29, 2004

• #1

I’m planning a coupe project and beyond the visual differences, how are the 64-66 coupes different from the 67-69 coupes? Please let me know if I’ve broken theses years down incorrectly. Also, which handles better?

Thank you. Rick

 

NorCal66

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Aug 12, 2003

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Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA HOME

Mar 29, 2004

#2

• Mar 29, 2004

• #2

I think 65-66 are a little bit smaller. 67-69 have larger engine bays and can fit big blocks while a 65,66 the biggest block you can put in is a 351 without fabricating the shocktowers. That's all I know besides the outer physical differences...
I'd assume they both handle about the same.

 

Penguin

Active Member

Oct 23, 2003

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SC

Mar 29, 2004

#3

• Mar 29, 2004

• #3

64.5-66 can fit small blocks without major mods. Big blocks require heavy modification.

67-70 are kinda the same. They got a little bit wider and longer than '66 model. They can handle big blocks, but it's a tight fit usually.

71-73 are much bigger. Big blocks fit better in them.

I would say the newer the Mustang, the better it will/can handle. There's more to build on if it's newer, with better technology.
It also might depend on what kind of suspension package the Mustang you get has on it to begin with. There were a few different handling/performance packages...

 

Hack

15 Year Member

Mar 23, 2004

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Minneapolis

Mar 29, 2004

#4

• Mar 29, 2004

• #4

The pattern is bigger each redesign, as I'm sure you know.

64-66 are essentially identical as far as sheet metal goes.

same with 67 and 68. 68 just had the side marker lights added.

69 and 70 are the same.

71-73 umm, not sure there. I think they're all the same as well.
I'm 6'4" and the front seat goes back so far I can't reach the pedals. Quite large, I'd say.

 

doug68hoss

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Jan 21, 2001

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australia..along ways from my stangs

Mar 29, 2004

#5

• Mar 29, 2004

• #5

i guess anything pre 68 has the dangerous steering column...

 

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67CoupeDriva

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Mar 15, 2004

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South Carolina

Mar 30, 2004

#6

• Mar 30, 2004

• #6

The collapseable column came mid-year in '67, so if you get a late production car (or one with the tilt-away) it should be collapseable. Failing that, give Flaming River a call.

I don't have the actual measurements, but the '67-'68 has about a 2" wider track, which would be a benefit to handling, but in purely stock form there probably isn't much difference. You should also be able to stuff larger wheels and tires under them. So I'd say they have more potential, but Shelby had them all handling pretty well so I'd go with what appeals to you.

Oh, and like a previous poster said, the 69-70 is a little bigger (and raced in the Trans Am series), so the same thing applies to them vs. the 67-68.

Personally I don't care for the 71-73, I'm sure they can be made to be very quick and handle well (e.g. Boss 351) but they just look bloated and mid-70's Camaro-ish to me. Just my personal taste.

 

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R31X

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May 9, 2002

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Mar 30, 2004

#7

• Mar 30, 2004

• #7

Thank you all for the input. Handling is a big one for me so a later one might be the way for me. Are the 67-68's harder to find than the 64-66?

 

1320stang

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Nov 13, 1998

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Mar 30, 2004

#8

• Mar 30, 2004

• #8

R31X said:

Thank you all for the input. Handling is a big one for me so a later one might be the way for me. Are the 67-68's harder to find than the 64-66?

Click to expand...

No, probably easier and cheaper, although they're getting to be about the same thanks to GISS. More parts made for the '65-'66, although many parts fit '65-'68.

IMO, the '67-'68 is more agressive looking than the '65-'66 without getting big looking. The '69-'70 is more agressive looking than the '67-'68 in many people's opinion, but it looks a bit bigger IMO and parts are harder to find.

 

LanceMach

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Oct 1, 2002

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SF Bay Area

Mar 30, 2004

#9

• Mar 30, 2004

• #9

I have several buddies who have coupes (2 with 66's and one with a 64.5) and we all go to the track together (road courses). In reality, there aren't that many differences. As was said, it's easier to get a bigger motor in a 67-8 than the earlier cars, but, if you want a car that handles well, you won't be putting a big block in it anyway.

The biggest difference, from my perspective, is that it's easier to put bigger tires on the later cars. Parts are maybe just a bit cheaper for the earlier cars, but the 67-8 aren't that far behind (it changes from 69 on up).

Like someone else said, I'd suggest you go with what you like best because the differences won't be that great.

 

R

R31X

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May 9, 2002

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Monroe, WA

Mar 30, 2004

#10

• Mar 30, 2004

• #10

Lance,
Thank you for the input. I went to your site and I really love your car.

I was told by a local shop that an older car will never handle as well as my ‘01GT. How would you characterize the handling on your car?

I see that you keep the steering stock. Is that true?

Awesome car and I must admit that I downloaded some of your pictures for my desktop!

Thank you again. RS