Our Muscle Car Mania series highlights some of the most iconic muscle cars in history. In this article we cover the Ford* Mustang* – and some of the great AMSOIL products we make for them.
Also check out: Mopar* Muscle – Go Before Show
The Mustang has been one of the most celebrated symbols of Americana for nearly six decades. Appearances in hit movies like “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Bullitt” and “Goldfinger,” partnerships with racing legends like Carroll Shelby and numerous special editions have all helped set it apart as one of the ultimate enthusiast vehicles. Overall, it’s been one of Ford’s most successful models.
The kick-off
The Ford Mustang debuted April 17, 1964 at the World’s Fair at an affordable starting price of $2,368.
The model established a new variety of sporty, compact automobiles, fittingly known as pony cars, with strength and power that could garner respect on the track and the street.
With its wide range of interior, exterior and powertrain options, the car appealed to many different lifestyles and quickly became a crowd favorite.
In fact, Ford sold almost 7 times more than the company had originally projected.
The Mustang’s incredible popularity led Ford to start making upgrades even before completing its first model year. Generators were swapped out for alternators, and the higher performance Challenger* Special 289 c.i. V8 (225 hp) and Challenger HiPo 289 c.i. (271 hp) engine options were added.
While all sales were reported as 1965 model sales, most enthusiasts refer to early production models as 1964 1/2 models and 1965 models.
Next in line
A few short years after its initial launch, the Mustang was fitted with its first big-block 390 in 1967, escalating it to muscle-car status. Several generations of Mustangs rolled out with their own unique features and styles in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, including the iconic Boss 302 and Boss 429, featuring the 302 Windsor engine, and the heart-pounding 429 race-inspired 375 hp V8, which replaced the 390, 427 and 428 big blocks.
Ford also started introducing several special-edition Mustang models, including the Bullitt, the California Special and the Shelby GT that dominated auto racing in the late ‘60s.
Rising gasoline prices in the early ‘70s shifted Ford’s focus toward fuel economy rather than performance. The Mustang II generation took a sharp turn from the heavy muscle-car style and instead made lighter models with reduced horsepower to keep in line with government fuel regulations.
The 1970s presented many challenges to the muscle-car market. EPA regulations limiting the use of lead in gasoline, the restriction of tailpipe emissions, an oil embargo and the introduction of import vehicles changed the landscape for a decade. It wasn’t until the mid ‘80s when the Mustang was finally fitted with an upgraded 5.0L that produced a respectable 210 hp.
This was also when Ford used a roller cam to allow for the use of traditional passenger-car motor oil rather than the high-zinc oil required by its predecessors.
Do Older Engines Need Oil With ZDDP Additives?
Video transcript: A Company of Enthusiasts: We’re Into Classic Cars
My name is Dawn Brackett. I’m a Distribution Assistant at the AMSOIL warehouse in Superior. This is my 1968 Candy Apple Red Mustang* convertible with a black top. [ Music ] I’ve loved mustangs since I was a kid.
It was just one of those things where my husband was driving down the road and said, “There’s a Mustang convertible for sale on Grand Avenue. Do you want to go look at it?” I freaked right out [laughing]. He had just bought a Harley*, and it was my turn to buy a toy. So this is my toy.
Reactions that I get when I’m driving is pretty cool. The other day actually I was driving through Canal Park and this lady and her kid were sitting on the corner. The mother turned around. The first thing, she shouted, “Look at that Mustang!” I’ve been pulled over, people wanting to buy it, to look at it.
A lot of cat whistles, a lot of screams, a lot of photos. Yeah. I haven’t really done much to the car. The only thing I’ve done is I’ve rebuilt the original motor that’s inside it.
It had an exhaust leak, so I had to bring it to an engine builder and he customed the head. The engine builder told me not to use synthetic for 10,000 miles, but then I talked to our tech department and they said that I can use the break-in engine oil and then put in Z-ROD, so that’s what I did. They teach me a lot of things, and then I can recommend it to other people as well. I like the Z-ROD because it’s got a rust inhibitor in it.
Because the car sits in a garage for eight months and doesn’t get driven, so the rust inhibitor helps save the engine. I never wash it with water. No. It always gets Miracle Wash.
That’s all I ever used on it since I started working at AMSOIL. I do not drive it in the rain, and I do not drive it in the snow. Luckily, it’s a good day today [laughing]. I take care of it because it’s my dream car.
I’ve dreamed my whole life having one like this. It’s never going to go away. I love working for AMSOIL because it’s just an awesome place and they have some stuff for my baby. I try talking everybody into putting AMSOIL in their vehicles because it protects your engines, your vehicles last longer, gas mileage is better.
There’s just so many different things that AMSOIL’s good for. My name is Dawn Brackett. I’m a Distribution Assistant at the AMSOIL warehouse in Superior. This is my ’68 Mustang.
Mustangs up to date
The Mustang continued evolving throughout the years to adapt to changing markets and styles.
Throughout the late ‘90s and 2000s the Mustang saw its 210 hp 5.0L retired for a 215 hp 4.6L, which received mild upgrades until it was replaced by the now legendary Coyote 5.0L, which pumped out a whopping 412 hp. The Coyote is still offered today with an improved 460 hp, but smaller-displacement, turbocharged EcoBoost* offerings are gaining popularity.
More muscle needs more protection
Many early Mustangs produced less than 300 hp. By contrast, 2020 Mustang engines can pump out up to 760 hp with a supercharged 5.2L. The massive amount of power in today’s Mustang engines requires sophisticated lubrication.
Whether you have a classic Mustang or a modern powerhouse, AMSOIL has the specialized products you need to keep it in prime condition.
AMSOIL products for your Mustang
Early Mustang models were designed to use leaded gasoline. DOMINATOR® Octane Boost is an excellent lead substitute at the same treat rates in collector automobiles.
Mustang models prior to 1985 are equipped with flat-tappet cams. They require specialized oils like AMSOIL Z-ROD.®
• Specially engineered for classic and high-performance vehicles
• High-zinc formulation to prevent wear on flat-tappet camshafts and other critical engine components
• Proprietary blend of rust and corrosion inhibitors for added protection during long-term storage.
In 2007, Ford launched an updated Shelby GT500. This model, and all track-package Mustangs manufactured since, require specialized oil like AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-50.
Comments
Brad Nelson is an AMSOIL Technical Writer II who develops content about lubricant technology, product performance and vehicle maintenance. He works with engineers and product specialists to translate testing, application requirements and approved performance claims into clear customer guidance. Nelson’s work includes AMSOIL Blog articles, AMSOIL Magazine features and technical explanations concerning motor oils, gear lubricants, vehicle systems and maintenance practices.
Share: