Shelbys got full instrumentation...
Shelbys got full instrumentation for 1968, including an 8,000-rpm tachometer and a 140-mph speedometer.
Inside, Zak remained true to Shelby's legacy-Interior Dcor Group in black vinyl, eight-grand tach, full instrumentation, a Shelby console, even the car's original Philco AM radio. Nineteen sixty-eight was the first year Ford gave the Mustang a richer, more plush, interior. Redesigned seats, thicker upholstery, locking seatbacks, woodgrain instead of brushed aluminum, door handholds, and more. In the interest of safety, Ford opted for shoulder belts, redesigned door handles and armrests, and a collapsible steering column.
Outside, Zak had Livernois lay down a bright-red urethane to help the car stand out without detracting from all of the nuances that make it a Shelby. On the ground, he decided not to change the suspension or braking system. The only change he did make was to the wheels and tires in order to improve handling and make the car more striking. Those are 16-inch American Racing Victor wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Comp T/A radials for good pavement adhesion.
Zak proves the Shelby legacy will be in good hands for many generations to come. He has remained true to what these cars are all about-the thrill of driving while sticking with tradition.
The Details
'68 Shelby GT350 Convertible
Owner: Zak Popovich, Valparaiso, IN
Zak went Shelby one better...
Zak went Shelby one better with 16-inch American Racing Victor aluminum wheels (coated in Teflon) wrapped in BFGoodrich Comp T/As.
Engine
Livernois-built 347ci stroker small-block V-8
4.030-inch bore, 3.400-inch stroke
4340 Eagle steel stroker crank with chamfered oil holes
Forged Eagle I-beam 5.400-inch rods
Forged JE 4.030-inch pistons w/moly rings
Ford Racing Performance Parts roller hydraulic cam .498/.498 lift, 282/282 duration
FRPP GT-40 aluminum heads with 1.94/1.54-inch valves and 1.6 roller rockers
FRPP induction with Holley 750-cfm four-barrel carburetor
Autolite single-point distributor with PerTronix Ignitor retrofit
MSD 8mm ignition wires
Dyno'd at 400 hp and 420 lb/ft torque
Transmission
Livernois-built C4 automatic
2,400- to 2,600-rpm stall TCI torque converter
Rearend
9-inch
3.55 gears
Limited-Slip
31-spline axles
Exhaust
Stock exhaust manifolds2 1/2-inch stainless steel exhaust system