71-73 vs 74-78: an oddity...

It always struck me as wierd that it was possible to order almost any drivetrain in a 71-73 Mustang ( including a 429 CJ) and still get an open "peg leg" rear end, yet the 74 Mach 1 with the weezy 2.8 "colonge" v-6 putting out a whopping 119 horses came with a limited-slip as standard. But I guess the super-skinny 13"ers on there were easy to spin for the powerhouse german motor.

Should have been called "Mach 0.1"

It's my understanding that the reduction in the number of engine choices was a result of the cost to prove emissions compliance of each individual configurations. It's always been said the the lack of manual transmission options for many California cars was not because they would not meet emissions but rather because the car makes felt the number of sales gained by certifying those combination would not offset upfront costs.

In general, eliminating options makes production cheaper. Why offer 12 colors when offering 5 will only reduce sales by less than the cost saved. Sad but true.

i get the feeling that with the new lighter pinto mustang for 74 the engineers and bean counters got together and decided the extra cost of giving a limited slip diff would reduce law suits against them from major accidents. I'm sure it was also touted as an amazing new standard feature.

Actually, a limited-slip diff can get you in more accidents generally speaking. If you break the rear end loose with a LS diff, you will come completely around before you know what is going on. Open rear-ends are a lot more forgiving in this respect.

I owned one...1974 mach 1... Mine was fully decked out from the factory, had 3 way adjustable shocks stock, Rear end code was X " if i remember right it had 3:50 or 3:40 or something rear ratio...It had sway bars front and back and a rare all aluminum RAD 4 speed with euro cutt gears...Some one pepped up mine with a 4 barrel and headers, and put wide tires on it.. It was a great handling peppy little beast, a lot of people thought it had a v8 in it....That colonge v6 was nudered here in the USA, it had much more HP in europe. there version of the same motor got around 160 hp tops. "turbo version was pushing 220" in a light car like this it was not too shabby

Pro's...They got very strong tuff bodies...Specially when it comes to modding them...Cons, so small v8 has a tuff time fitting..but i seen 460's stuffed in them on the drag strip, so anything possible..lol

Some have zero love for this car, i for one think it was a fine car . in stock forum kinda weak " but it had just as much potential to be a beast on the road as any other mustang with proper mods.

I really like the Mustang IIs. But only the well-equipped versions. I also would not drive a 71 sportsroof with a 250 6-cyl, drum brake manual steering car. That is too much work...and as my brother used to say: "if I want to work, I'll get a job!"

But, I once owned a silver with porno-red interior '78 King Cobra. I absolutely LOVED that car...wish I would have never dumped it.

The main problem with the Mustang IIs...and it is a BIG problem...is the "body isolation discs", commonly referred to as "hockey pucks".

They were used extensively to mount the front and rear sub-frames. Instead of a direct mount, they used these pucks to improve ride quality.

They worked great...these cars rode great when they were new.

Unfortunately, the discs deteriortated fairly quickly, resulting in a loosey-goosey squirrelly handling, bumpy and noisy car. Makes high mileage "II"s seem lime a total piece of crap.

Replacing the pucks with current versions does wonders for the car.

Iike many cars, the "II" has tons of unrealized potential. Get a 302 version, put a mild build on the motor ( 250 or so horse), beef up the suspension, tires and wheels and you will have a fun, great driving car that will spank a lot of other cars.

We had a 78 hatchback in emerald green with a white interior v6 4spd and loved it until my wife wrapped it around a utility pole. It was repaired but it was never the same and after the hatchback opened up on the Jersey turnpike and some of our shit fell out we ordered a new 80 mustang hatchback. I always liked the 78 better and wish I still had it.

We had a 78 hatchback in emerald green with a white interior v6 4spd and loved it until my wife wrapped it around a utility pole. It was repaired but it was never the same and after the hatchback opened up on the Jersey turnpike and some of our shit fell out we ordered a new 80 mustang hatchback. I always liked the 78 better and wish I still had it.

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Your wife warms my heart (of course if she has no ill effects from the accident) Any time you can get rid of one of those crap cars an award she be given.