1988 Mustang GT40 - Ford Forums

66parts · 11-03-2003, 08:05

Hello,
I have just purchased a used 1988 Mustang GT. I'm having a problem
understanding some parts of the VIN code. The seller said that the
car was a "GT40" but I can't find any reference to that in any of
my Mustang reference books. The VIN is 1FABP42E7JF233253. The VIN
says GT 3 door coupe but the engine code of E doesn't show in any
of my reference books. I called the Ford hot line and they said
that an 1988 E code was a 5.0 HO EFI 302ci gas V8. They also said
all records at ford are purged after 10 years and the 1988 records
are gone. Do you have any information on a "GT40" kit, RPQ, Engine
set, etc., or any information about an 1988 engine code of E?

Tominator · 11-08-2003, 15:26

It is a 3 door GT with a 5.0 fuel injected motor. There was no 'GT40 'option.

66parts · 11-13-2003, 08:55

Is there somewhere that the E code is listed?

**Big Block Ford** · 11-13-2003, 18:19

Hi there 66parts.
I have been doing a bit of research on Mustang codes and VIN's lately for reference here and I havn't found anything about a GT40 option though the E engine code does seem a little strange.

One thing I have found is that there are some strange things that went on with special orders and codes that are hard to track in reference manuals.

1FA -Ford Motor co
B -Restraint system(Active Belts)
P-Passenger Car
42-3 dr GT
E-?
7- Check Digit
J- Year 1988
F- Plant code Dearborn
233253- Consecutive unit Number

I'm still working on things slow though it is and will see what I can find.
If you find anything out about it can you let us know as it will add to the available info.

Tominator
Do you have one of these E code cars too?.

Tominator · 11-14-2003, 07:13

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/626.shtml

I do not have one, buy try this decoder...

66parts · 11-20-2003, 09:15

I requested a feature list from FORD and they said that engine code E for 1988 was "5.0L 320 CID 8-Cylinder HO+ Engine". I'm not sure what an HO+ engine means but it is interesting that Ford must know about the E code even if the reference books don't. I have also found that FORD RACING produces a GT40 engine package per their latest catalog. I now believe the previous owners removed the orginal 5.0 and replaced it with a FORD RACING GT 40 crate engine. Does anyone have any experience with the FORD RACING GT 40 package?

**Big Block Ford** · 11-20-2003, 22:50

It does appear some of the books have it wrong including mine.
The HO was given to all of the 5.0 engines around this time and I understand it to be for High Output.