1973 Mustang Mach 1 Black Stripes and non stock wheels
General Year Information – 1973 Ford Mustang Facts
The 1973 Mustangs were virtually the same as the 1972 models. The Mustang convertible was the only car with that body style still offered by Ford, as well as one of the few convertibles left in the entire industry. All Mustangs featured a high-impact molded urethane front bumper that was color-keyed to the body. One design change for the new season was a revised cross-hatch design in the grille. New Mustang exterior colors and interior trims were provided.
New options included forged aluminum wheels and steel-belted radial-ply tires. Single unit headlights were housed inside square panels that flanked the grille on each side. New grille features included a ‘floating’ pony badge at the center and an eggcrate style insert with vertical parking lights in the outboard segments. A new front valance panel was unslotted.
The 351 CID “HO” R-Series V-8 was no longer offered. The Cleveland 351 CID Q Series “Cobra Jet” was the strongest power plant available. The 351 CID HO (R-Code) 275 HP engine was dropped, with only the hydraulic cam 351 Cobra Jet Engine (Q-Code) was limited to 258 HP SAE Net. NOTE: Some factory info rates the engine at 253 HP SAE Net.
Mustang Hardtop Base
Model 65 D – Mustang Hardtop – Standard equipment on base Mustangs included color keyed nylon carpeting1 floor-shift, high-back bucket seats, steel guardrail door construction, DirectAire ventilation system, concealed windshield wipers with cowl air inlets, mini console with ashtray: armrests, courtesy lights, cigar lighter, heater and defroster, all-vinyl interior, glove box, E78-14 belted black sidewall tires, and either the 250 CID six or 302 CID V-8.
Mustang Fastback Sportsroof
Model 63 D – Standard equipment on base Mustang Fastback (Sportsroof) included color keyed nylon carpeting1 floor-shift, high-back bucket seats, steel guardrail door construction, DirectAire ventilation system, concealed windshield wipers with cowl air inlets, mini console with ashtray: armrests, courtesy lights, cigar lighter, heater and defroster, all-vinyl interior, glove box, E78-14 belted black sidewall tires, and either the 250 CID six or 302 CID V-8. The Sportsroof also featured fixed rear quarter windows except when ordered with power window lifts, and a tinted backlight.
Mustang Convertible
Model 76 D –Standard equipment on base Mustang Convertible included color keyed nylon carpeting, floor-shift, high-back bucket seats, steel guardrail door construction, DirectAire ventilation system, concealed windshield wipers with cowl air inlets, mini console with ashtray: armrests, courtesy lights, cigar lighter, heater and defroster, all-vinyl interior, glove box, E78-14 belted black sidewall tires, power convertible top, and either the 250 CID six or 302 CID V-8.
In addition to Hardtop features listed: clear vinyl backlite, color-keyed boot, easy action top fastening latches, full-width rear seat, courtesy lights under instrument panel, glove compartment lock, and wheel covers.
Mustang Grande Hardtop
Mustang Grande Hardtop Model 65 F – The Mustang Grande coupe had the same basic features, plus a vinyl top with “Grande” in script nameplates, unique bodyside tape stripes, unique wheel covers, a floor mat in trunk, Lambeth cloth and vinyl interior trim, bright pedal moldings, deluxe camera grain instrument panel with wood-toned appliques, panel mounted electric clock, and rear ashtrays.
Mustang Mach 1 Fastback
Mustang Mach 1 Model 63 R – The Mach I Sportsroof featured the following extras: competition suspension, “NASA” type hood scoops (this was listed as a no-cost option on all Mach I models, but considered standard), front spoiler-type bumper, color-keyed hood and rear fender moldings, black grille with integral sports lamps, black panel applique, black or Argent Silver painted lower body, front and rear valance panels, rear tape stripes with “Mach I” decals, wheel trim rings and hubcaps, F70 x 14 bias-belted whitewall tires, and as a base engine, the 302 CID two-barrel carbureted V-8.
351 CID Hi-Po
1973 Q-code (351 Cobra-Jet)
The Q-code 351 “Cobra-Jet” (also called 351-CJ, 351-4V) was produced from May 1971 through the 1974 model year. It was a lower-compression design that included the open-chamber heads. The “351 CJ” high-performance engine included a different intake manifold, high-lift, long-duration camshaft with hydraulic valve lifters, different valve springs and dampers, a 750-CFM spread-bore 4300-D3 Motorcraft carburetor, dual-point distributor, and four-bolt main bearing caps.
For the 1973 model year, the engine was rated at 259 HP SAE Net when installed in the Mustang, and 246 HP in the Ford Torino and Mercury Montego.
95 HP 250 CID I-6
Optional Inline Six. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3,62″ x 3.19″.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 95 @ 3200 RPM SAE Net.
Torque: 199 @ 1600 RPM SAE Net.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake: 264°, Exhaust: 234°, Overlap: 43°. Lift: (Intake) 0.380″, (Exhaust) 0.348″.
Carburetor: Carter one-barrel (Manual Transmission) D3OF-9510-BB; (Automatic Transmission) Model D3OF-9510-CB.
141 HP 302 CID
Optional Two Barrel 302 CID V-8. (Code “C”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 302 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 141 @ 4000 RPM SAE Net.
Torque: 2429 @ 2600 RPM SAE Net.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake: 266°, Exhaust: 244°, Overlap 36°, Lift: (Intake) 0.368″, (Exhaust) 0.380″.
Carburetor: (Manual Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model D3ZF-9510-BB; (Auto Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel 3FF-9510-AF.
NOTE 1: Base engine for Mach 1.
NOTE 2: Manual transmission not available in California
173 HP 351 CID
Optional 177 HP 351 CID Cleveland V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 351 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 173 @ 4400 RPM SAE Net.
Torque: 258 @ 2400 RPM SAE Net.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 258°, Exhaust: 266°, Overlap 47°, Lift: (Intake) 0.400″ (exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model (manual transmission) D3ZF-9510-CA; (Automatic transmission) D3ZF-9510-CA.
259 HP 351 CID Cobra Jet
351 CID Cobra Jet V-8 – Now called “HO”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 351 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 3.50 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.9:1. Open chamber heads
Horsepower: 259 @ 5600 RPM SAE Net.
Torque: 292 @ 3400 RPM SAE Net.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 290°, Overlap 46°, Lift: (Intake) 0.480″ (exhaust) 0.488″.
Intake Manifold: D1ZE-BB. (unique to CJ).
Carburetor: Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model (Manual transmission) D3ZF-9510-DC.
NOTE 1: Some factory information lists the Q-Series V-8 at 253 HP SAE Net.
NOTE 2: Similar to the 1972 Cobra Jet however utilized lower flat topped pistons, resulting in a 7.9:1 CR. The “351 CJ” included a better intake manifold, hydraulic valve lifters, different valve springs and dampers, a 750-CFM spread-bore 4300-D3 Motorcraft carburetor, dual-point distributor, and four-bolt main bearing caps. The engine was rated at 246 HP in the Ford Torino and Mercury Montego.
1973 Ford Mustang Facts – Chassis Features
Wheelbase: 109.00″
Overall length: 193.8″
Overall width: 74.1″
Height: (Hardtop) 50.7″ (Fastback} 50.0″ (Convertible) 50.4″
Weight (assumes base engine, no options):
Hardtop: 3229 lbs.
Grande: 3227 lbs.
Fastback: 3236 lbs.
Mach 1: 3243 lbs.
Convertible: 3351 lbs.
Front tread: 61.50″
Rear tread: 60.80″
1973 Ford Mustang Facts – Powertrains
Transmission Ratios
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
250 CID I-6, 302 CID V-8: First: 2.99:1, Second: 1.75:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.17:1. Synchromesh all forward gears. This transmission is optional in the 302 CID V=8, automatic standard.
351 CID V-8: First: 2.42:1, Second: 1.61:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.33:1. Synchromesh all forward gears. This transmission is special order.
Four-Speed Manual Transmission
351 CID 4-barrel V-8 only: First: 2.78:1, Second: 1.93:1, Third 1.36:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1
Three-Speed Automatic Transmission –
250 CID I-6, and 302 V-8: Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1. Max Stall 2.10:1
351 CID 2-barrel V-8: Low: 2.00:1, Second: 1.47:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1. Max Stall 2.09:1
351 CID 4-barrel V-8: Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1. Max Stall 2.16:1
NOTE: the 351 received the stronger C6 transmission, while the I-6 – 302 V-8 received the C4)
Rear Axle Ratios
250 CID I-6:
Three Speed Manual: 3.00:1
Automatic: 2.79:1 Optional and A/C: 3.00:1
302 CID V-8
Three Speed Manual: 3.00:1
Automatic: 2.79:1 Optional and A/C: 3.00:1
173 HP 351 CID 2V V-8
Three Speed Manual: 2.75:1 Optional: 3.25:1
Automatic: 2.75:1 Optional: 3.25:1;
259 HP Cobra Jet 351 CID V-8
Four Speed Manual: 3.50:1, Optional: 3.25:1,
Automatic transmission: 3.25:1 Optional: 3.
1973 Ford Mustang Facts – Significant Options
Air conditioner, Select-Aire (Not available with 351 CID HO V-8)
Backlight, convertible glass
Console
Decor Group, exterior – not available on Mach I and Grande,
Decor Group, Interior – not available on Mach I and Grande ($101), with dual racing mirrors
Decor Group, interior deluxe – Sportsroof and convertible ($133), with dual racing mirrors
Differential, limited slip (Equa-Lock) 250 CID I-6 and 302 V-8
Differential, Traction-Lok NOT available 250 CID I-6 and 302 V-8
Electric clock, standard Mach I and Grande
Left door mirror, remote control
Power disc brakes.
Power steering
Racing mirrors, color-keyed dual – standard in Mach I and Grande,
Radio, AM/FM stereo
Radio, push-button AM
Seat belts, Deluxe with reminder light
Speaker, rear seat – hardtop and Grande only
Speed control, V-8 and automatic transmission required
Steering wheel, Tilt-Away
Stereo-Sonic tape system, AM radio required
Suspension, competition handling, standard Mach I
Suspension, performance handling, not available on Grande or-with six-cylinder
Tachometer, V-8s only.
Tinted Windows and windshield.
Vinyl roof, hardtop only.
Wheel covers – not available on Mach I or Grande, but included with exterior Decor Group.
Wheel covers – not available Mach I, standard on Grande.
Wheels, styled steel – standard on Mach I, not available on Grande.
Wheels, Magnum 500 Chrome.
Windshield wipers, intermittent.