Looking to build out a 67 BME TA Cougar Replica.

[propayne]

I've recreated the Bud Moore Engineering Cougars liveries - both the 1967 Trans-Am and 1968 Grand American versions.

There is also this outfit :

http://www.racelinedigital.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_148

They claim their's is the most accurate but I see a couple of things I would take issue with - but they are probably the most cost effective.

Don't think I've ever seen pics of the TA Cougars running Minilites in '67.

PM me if you are interested.

And thanks for building a Cougar - can't wait to see it when you are done!

- Phillip

[PrettyMuchAShelbyGuy]

Hi Phillip-  Thank you for the note.  I'll get a hold of you when I am a bit closer on that piece of the project. I think I saw you comment on some forum that you did them for one of the original cars when it was restored... You are correct on the Minilites... I believe it was either Magstars or steel wheels in 67.  But, I've always wanted to do a car w/Minilites...  Also, I really wanted to buy, not build, but there are zero out there...that really surprises me.

[Krelboyne]

Looking forward to this too.
Do you already have a Cougar? Consider a 1968, they have passenger side torque boxes, and better strut rods. You would not want to use 1967 articulated Cougar strut rods.
Big Ford, 12 inch K/H four piston front disc brakes?

I also am interested in the FI conversion. Looking forward to suggestions.
From watching various youtuber, results yield greater drivability, and MPG's.

[PrettyMuchAShelbyGuy]

Scott-  I wanted a 67 (again, my OCD!), but I did end up with a 68 (just have to get it here now!).  Spot-on on regarding the 2 Torque Boxes vs 1 only on the driver side.  I just found that out about 2 months ago.  Plus, I understand the 67's did not have a collapsable steering column... So, that's a plus ( I am sure Ralph Nader would be pleased too!).  We may need to do a separate thread on the FI...  Last car I did I was able to get a really nice 715...for $350.  Now, they are more than the 600HP FI kits.  SMH.  Thank you for the support & kind words guy's.  I'm trying to help re-cycle parts vs. getting all new, help clean out some shelves or garages and get you guy's (and gals) some pocket change in the process.

[68countrysedan]

And thanks for building a Cougar - can't wait to see it when you are done!

No part info, but if I may be permitted to interject a comment:

Ditto about building a Courgar. IMHO one of the most beautifuly styled cars to come out of Detroit and even stands up in comparison to super car styling (think Ferrari) in Europe during that era.

As for build, I would opt for 289/302 to maintain the car's race DNA.
EFI is ok but would go with a throttle body applicantion and not port style. Once again, DNA
Important thing is to build it and then drive it. And I mean a lot.

[PrettyMuchAShelbyGuy]

Great point...  Initially, I was looking at doing...yet another 289/302 stroker, but I may refrain and go with a well built 289 and aluminum heads (weight) more than anything...Agree on the DNA aspect.  I did a 66 Carry Over car in the late 90's and it was super accurate with a lot of real (read that as EXPEN$IVE!) parts on it.  I let it go way to cheap, but that's life.  I am going with a WR top loader on this one... I considered another Tremec.  So, I hear you...if I could find some nicely done 289 heads on the cheap, I may do them instead of aluminum.  Appreciate the critical input.  Always good to hear.  it helps keep me between the guardrails...

[Royce Peterson]

When you are ready for a drive shaft go to Drive Shaft King and have them make one for you. They will have the U - joints but not the forward yoke. Near I-30 and I-35E in Dallas. They will balance it and make it as heavy duty as you want. Reasonable prices, great work and fast.

[Cobrask8]

I have a very healthy 331 in mine, what a strong motor! I run the FITECH throttle body EFI, with my own external fuel system. Hidden under the air cleaner, almost invisible.

[propayne]

Here is a nice color pic that I scanned from one of my vintage magazines - an in-house publication from Mercury I think.

Don't believe I've posted it here before.

It is from Sebring, early in the 1967 TA season when the Cougars ran the Magstars and still had fairly stock looking bodywork including fiberglass bumpers.

The is Dan Gurney BTW.

- Phillip

[1109RWHP]

When you say "Doing it right" do you mean period correct? A lot of items on your list are not something you would find on a period car.

[PrettyMuchAShelbyGuy]

Thank you Phillip!  Love the period photo's!  I had no idea that the headlights had Autolite stickers on them.  I've always seen tape.

Cobrask8, interesting on the FiTech.  I had high hopes for that one.  Sounds like you've got good experience with it.  I've run a 331 & a 347.  Both VERY strong!

1109RWHP, yes.  Not all period, but want to make it easy/fun to drive.  Will be a street car, even though it's a race car today.  I have to have AC!

[shelbydoug]

Shouldn't the induction on the engine be the C60E dual Holley 4bbl carb set up?

[Royce Peterson]

Great picture Phil - is that Green Valley?

Here is a nice color pic that I scanned from one of my vintage magazines - an in-house publication from Mercury I think.

Don't believe I've posted it here before.

It is from Sebring, early in the 1967 TA season when the Cougars ran the Magstars and still had fairly stock looking bodywork including fiberglass bumpers.

The is Dan Gurney BTW.

- Phillip

[propayne]

My guess is Sebring, since it looks like Gurney's Cougar has the Magstar wheels.

But I am not familiar with the look of Sebring and I would need to double check to make 100% sure.

As you well know, by the end of the season the BME Cougars shed quite a bit of their front ends!

- Phillip

[gt350hr]

  Phillip ,
      Am I looking at a "drooped front end" on Gurney's car?

  Doug , Yes all BME's were dual four according to my original engine build papers from BME