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Original Message
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| RE: Z code 1961 |
| By McQ - 03/10/2003 10:35:58 PM; IP 65.176.67.240 |
The 1961 engine code Z could be a regular performance 390-4V rated at 300 horsepower. This engine was available with cruisomatic, 3 speed standard or 3 speed with overdrive. A Z code '61 might also be a High Performance 390 rated at 375 horsepower with a single 4V Holley on a unique HP aluminum intake manifold or it could be a 401 horsepower rated 390 when equipped with the dealer installed tri power induction system. This tri power option became available in April, 1961. The Ford was shipped from the factory as a 375 horse HP 390. The tri power was in a box in the trunk for dealer installation. Transmissions available to the HP 390 were limited to 3 speed standard or 3 speed with Overdrive both column shifted. The Borg Warner 4 speed became available in April of '61 along with the trio of Holleys. It too was dealer installed with quite and extensive kit that included a floor hump, a column shifter tube replacement and other small parts, like a shifter. Very very few of these were sold. Guys like Les Ritchey, Gas Ronda, Bill Ireland were getting preference on these trannys.
The 1960 HP 352/360 horsepower engine had the same VIN engine id as the standard performance 352/300 horse, a Y code.
How can you tell if your '60 or '61 is a genuine High Performance car? A sure fired quick check is the fuel line size. An HP car will have a 3/8" line all the way vs. the standard cars which had a 5/16" line. An HP Z code car would never have power steering or brakes. And the brakes on an HP car either '60 or '61 will be the larger station wagon/police brakes, 2 1/2" rear and 3" front.
There are numerous unique parts that were used on the HP cars of '60 and '61. They are very rare. Ford was just getting back into or really just entering the high performance market. All '60 and '61s were built on a limited production basis that on the build sheet is indicated by a DSO of PAO. Police cars were built on this same program which essentialy meant that such a car may be built when all regular production is caught up.
There are no other VIN engine codes for '60 HP cars than Y and no other VIN engine codes for '61 HP cars than Z. The M code was the engine code for the early '62 tri powered, this time factory installed, 390-401 horsepower car Ford Galaxie/Fairlane. Of course M became the VIN engine code for the '63 tri powered 'bird too.
Hope this helps you. |
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