Protouring Galaxie Convertible with Shelby DOHC
1965 Ford Galaxie
Vehicle Details
When I purchased this rust-free 1965 Galaxie Convertible over a decade ago, the drive-train and hood had already been sold separately. I wasn't really a FORD Guy (yet), but then my neighbor practically gave me a "virgin" 427 Side Oiler block & mains. The car's power top worked (and still works) great, and someone had already went through the trouble of installing SBSS 4 wheel disc brakes, and a power rack-n-pinion system. So I decided to keep the car and slowly build-it into something special. A Pro-Touring 427 Tribute.Although it was originally just a 352 Big Block Car, this California body and trim were in really nice shape!! Before building the motor, I decided to ask my friend who own's Valley Spring Works in Dixon, California - to re-enforce the frame (to handle more torque). He also painted the frame, as well as the entire rust-free under-carriage. Then I was laid-off from my job and had to sell the high-dollar 427 (I sold it on ebay to a guy in Pennsylvania or New Jersey that needed it for a 67 Fastback Mustang. He was really happy!!It took another year to get the car back-together into a rolling chassis (I still have all the pics).But I was just hear-broken over the loss of the 427. I debated building a stroked 460 with Boss Heads (by Kassie). Then I found a guy who was a 777 Airline Pilot with a 2008 Shelby GT 500. He had developed a rod knock while racing his mustang and was thinking of increasing his displacement with a new Ford Racing block.So I decided to purchase his stock 2008 Shelby 5.4 DOHC block & crank for the Galaxie Pro-Touring Project!Lots of guys were doing similar swaps with LS motors, coyotes, and now even EV's. But as far as I can find, this is the only Shelby GT 500 DOHC motor ever installed into a 65 Galaxie!! It all had to be done custom.T.O.E Performance in Suisun, California assembled and dyno-tested the motor. I have listings of parts and prices, as well as all the the powder-coating, hand-built stainless steel (SS) headers, SS Exhaust, SS Borla Muflers, American Racing 5 Speed Manual Transmission (TKO 600 by TREMIC). I also installed the custom hydraulic hydro-boost system that powers the brakes and power Rank-N-Pinion steering. Coil-over shocks at also now at all four corners, Hotchkiss suspension, painless wiring, holly fuel injection, new fuel tank (stock for 66) but slightly modified with holley pick-up matt and electric fuel pump). Interior has many custom touches but is not yet complete. I have lots of XL parts, mostly new. Including custom Aircraft Quality CNC'd Aluminum XL Arm Rests for the front doors. Check out that cool shifter and modified stock console!! Besides dyna-mat, I also used ceramic coating materials to completely seal the professional sheet-metal work that was done (converting from an old-school C-6 Transmission to a Brand New model driveline). I still have all the pics.Because the Shelby Motor is so tall, wide, and deep, I had no choice but to go with the special upper & lower control arms (made especially for Jay Leno by Mr Hotchkiss) and hand made headers. The VINTAGE Air Conditioning and hydraulics are "tucked neatly" inside the fenders.As I suspected, a stock Galaxie hood would not close correctly over this Shelby Motor with Sullivan intake manifold. So I procured a CRITES Racing Ram Air (427) Hood that is normally made for Fairlanes. Using CAD with my friends at Martin's Metals in Vacaville, we came up with a scaled up RAM Air hood design and drawings (still available). We fabricated a steel scoop and spent a few months playing with the design and fitment. We even created a reverse teardrop inside that is visible to the driver and passenger from inside the car. I thought that was kind-a cool. The car runs great!! Although the internals are built to handle 650 HP. I never had the heart to install NOS. Two years ago, I upgraded the rear-end gears to 411's and finally realized the goal of what I had been after. As I shifted into 5th gear at about 130 miles per hour, and with a big grin on my face, I turned-around and brought the car home. Since then my wife of nearly 40 years has needed life-changing medical procedures that are far more important to me than any car. If you're interested in learning more and possibly finishing this project for yourself or someone else, then please contact me.
- Make: Ford
- Model: Galaxie
- Type: Convertible
- Doors: 2
- Year: 1965
- Mileage: 65700
- VIN: 5G65X279002
- Color: White
- Engine size: DOHC Modified 5.4 Shelby Motor
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Interior color: Black
- Drive side: Left-Hand Drive
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!