Details of the 1968 GT350 - Automatic Transmission Engine




Ford identified this engine by the code "284J 01". You can find this code on the vehicle build sheet. The build sheet would have directed the assembly line workers to install the automatic version of the Ford 302. An automatic engine assembly would have a flexplate, a different carburetor and a unique distributor installed on the engine assembly. Automatic engines did NOT have thermactor emissions (smog). These engines were certified with Ford's IMCO system. The GT350 automatics were the only 1968 Shelbys not to receive the smog systems. Engines were pre-assembled and installed as units by the production line workers. You will not find the paper engine ID tag on this motor. It was originally on the stamped steel valve cover, which was removed during the Shelby conversion process.




All Shelby 302, automatic engines were built to the same specifications. The code number would also be present on the engine tag. Factory options, like power steering and air conditioning, do not change the basic engine configuration.






The block should have the casting number "C8OE-6015-A". This number is cast into the side of the block, behind the starter motor. The block also has a casting date. That date should fall before the build date of the car. Here "7M22" translates to December 22, 1967. This engine block belongs to a 1968 GT350 Hertz car. The car was built the second week in January of 1968.






Engine blocks are also stamped with serial numbers. This number is on the rear of the block, near the firewall, when the engine is installed. This area is usually painted, so the numbers can be hard to locate.






An engine assembly date is also found stamped on the front of the engine. This is located near the fuel pump. The date shown here is "8A3" or January 3, 1968. That is just eight days before the car was actually built.






All GT 350s used the steel oil pan from the factory.






An oil pressure sender extension and small fitting are used to mount the oil pressure sender. This one is missing the rubber boot. They have a tendency to dry out and crack after years of use.






The alternator should have the correct wiring. The wiring has a "dogbone" that locates each wire in its proper location.






Almost all GT350s were originally built with the cast iron intake manifold. This includes the Hertz cars. Its unlikely any Hertz cars went back to the dealer for the intake recall. This would have been an added expense for the dealers. It is possible a few may have went back after Hertz sold the cars. It is cast with the engineering number C8ZE-9425-A. The date code on this intake manifold is "7M27" or December 27, 1967.






The distributor is marked C8ZF-12127-D and will have a single vacuum advance.






The rear, upper fitting is unpainted and connects vacuum to the brake booster. Fittings changed according to options, but this brass fitting was very common. You may need to search a little to find the correct vacuum booster line.






The carburetor spacer was aluminum with one vacuum port on the back. It was present when the engine was painted. The New Old Stock spacer comes unpainted and is part number C3OZ-9A589-C.





The vacuum port on the spacer connects to the pcv valve in the valve cover.





This vacuum valve located on the thermostat housing is part of what Ford called IMCO. That is short hand for "Improved Combustion". In other words, the absence of smog controls! The GT350 automatics were the only 1968 Shelbys without smog systems.



The carburetor used was the Autolite "C8ZF-9510-D". That number will be on the carburetor tag.





If the tag is missing it is also stamped into the carburetor base plate.





The engine cooling fan has seven, rigid blades. It is stamped "C6OE-G".





The engine cooling fan uses a variable speed clutch stamped "C7ZX-A". If you need a fan, please go to my For Sale page and find Chris Brown Restorations.





These original valve covers and lid were restored by Jim Cowles at Shelby Parts and Restoration. They turned out perfect!





The GT350 used the same cast iron exhaust manifolds as the Mustang. They have a wide interchange, so NOS parts are available. Matching the date codes could be a challenge.









284J 01 GT350 / Automatic
DRIVE PULLEYS WITH POWER STEERING

Pulley Pulley ID Number Sheaves
Crankshaft C7OE-6312-A 2
Water Pump C7OE-8509-D 2
Alternator Stamped Steel 1
Power Steering 7AE 1








284J 01 / GT350 Automatic
DRIVE PULLEYS WITH POWER STEERING WITH AIR CONDITIONING

Pulley Pulley ID Number Sheaves
Crankshaft C8OE-6312-B 3
Water Pump C6AE-8509-A 2
Alternator Stamped steel 1
Power Steering 7AD 1
Air Conditioning Pulley (Clutch) 1