1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E 427/390 HP

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

Very light cars at #3197 lbs, and with a 390 HP rating, had a
8.19 Wt/Hp 1968 NHRA Class = A/SA

Can only recall seeing one at the Drag Strip.
1970/1971 running in C/SA, running 12.90's.

Very unlikely you could ever get a FE powered 67-68 Cougar anywhere near that light. In street trim, they are at least a couple of hundred lbs heavier than a similar Mustang. They have a longer wheelbase, and that die cast nose and hidden headlight setup is HEAVY! The 68 GTE 427engine has the same hyd. cam as a 390 GT or 428CJ, the heads have the smaller valves (2.09"I, 1.66"E) the same as a 428 CJ. Other than .100" more bore, and .200" less stroke than the 428, the 68 427 is equipped almost identically to the 428CJ, but with a higher HP rating, and no cold air offered.
Also, there were later GTEs made with the 428CJ replacing the 427 mid year, and those 428 cars did have cold air scoops. The 428 is a better combo IMO.