July 4 , 2017

Updated April 1, 2020



The first thing you need to know about the 1968 Shelby engine is Ford used the code "S" to denote the 428 Police Interceptor engines.
This caused some problems, because the Ford Mustang used the same code for a 390 engine. There were no Shelbys with 390 engines.





This bulletin was sent to dealers in 1968 explaining the confusion.



The engine code used on the GT500 automatic transmission was "405 J05".






You can find this code on the vehicle build sheet. Engines were pre-assembled and installed as units by the production line workers. The build sheet code would have directed the Metuchen assembly line workers to install the automatic version of the Ford 428 Police Interceptor. This engine would have the flexplate installed for attachment to the automatic transmission.

All automatic engines received thermactor emissions (smog). The also started with a Ford Autolite carburetor. All Shelby 428 PI, 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 air cleaner on a GT500 is the same as the GT350. The GT500s did not use ram air.




You may be surprised to learn that all GT500s started off from Ford with the C8AF-9510-AE, Autolite carburetor.




These carburetors were supposed to be removed at AO Smith and replaced with the Holley carburetor. I have documented several cars that did not have the carburetor changed out. They all appear in the same time frame.




The Holley carburetor is much more common and carries the ID Number C8ZX-9510-A. The carb only has one application and was used on both 4 speeds and automatic transmissions. You can see the carb dashpot in this picture. It is different from the more common, Cobra Jet dashpot.


This original car was built in January of 1968. It still had two red striped heater hoses. The hoses were not dated.




A lot of restorers get this detail wrong. The C7AE-9425-F aluminum, intake manifold was painted blue with the engine assembly at Ford.




The back of the intake manifold has a pedestal that was usually unpainted (top-center). Please note the vacuum fittings lower right. The fitting that screws into the intake manifold is painted. The secondary fitting remains unpainted brass.




Here is a picture of the vacuum fitting. I have seen at least two different versions of this fitting.



The GT500 shares the same valve covers with the GT500 KRs. The gaskets for these covers were originally painted silver.




The oil cap is a chrome Autolite cap with a gold dichromate fitting. The hose to the air cleaner is the same as the GT500 KR, but it is routed to the back of the oval air cleaner.





These are the 428 Police Interceptor, cast iron exhaust manifolds.




The engine lift hooks were mounted to the exterior of the exhaust manifolds. The ones I have seen were painted black. Sometimes these were removed at the factory.




I have also seen a couple of GT500s with a heat shroud. This part was unnecessary, but may have been left on the engines in error. If you have a GT500 with one of these still on the engine, please drop me an email.




All GT500 blocks have a casting date. It is located between the oil filter and the oil pan rail. Here "8A11" translates to January 11, 1968. That's Carroll Shelby's birthday! The "E1" relates to the casting plant.


This bracket was used on all big block cars. The alternator is always mounted low and the smog pump is mounted above it. The Master Parts Catalog shows a "non smog bracket" but, it was never used on 1968 Shelbys.




ALL GT500s, regardless of transmission came from the factory with emissions pumps. Here is a picture of one on an air condtioned car.




In 1968, all thermactor cars, regardless of engine size used this check valve. It is for a hose that is 5/8".




The anti-backfire canister is dated and has a part number. Most original valves have a date on the bottom side.




The water pump pulley for an AC car only has two sheeves and is marked C6AE-8509-A.




GT500s used a C80E-B fan blade with a C8ZX-A fan clutch.




If you are looking for a fan clutch, I recommend contacting Chris Brown. He can be found on the "For Sale" page.




This GT500 engine bay is unrestored. I believe the AC compressor should be aluminum and painted silver. But, some argue the black, cast iron compressors were also used.




405 J05 GT500 / Automatic
DRIVE PULLEYS WITH POWER STEERING

Pulley Pulley ID Number Sheaves
Crankshaft C8AE-6312-D 3
Water Pump C8OE-8509-A* 3
Alternator Steel 2
Power Steering 6AA 1
Thermactor C8AE-9C480-A 1

* No visible stamping on pulley








405 J05 GT500 / Automatic
DRIVE PULLEYS WITH POWER STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING

Pulley Pulley ID Number Sheaves
Crankshaft C8AE-6312-A 3
Water Pump C6AE-8509-A 2
Alternator Stamped Steel 1
Power Steering AF 1
Thermactor C8AE-9C480-B 1
AC Idler Fixed C8AZ-8678-B* 1
AC Idler Adjustable C8AZ-8678-A* 1

* No visible stamping on pulley