1969 Cougar 390 S-Code
Contributers: Scott Taylor, Jim Stagner & Phil Parcells
The Ford 390 V8, the most common FE engine variety, was infroduced in 1961 and produced through 1971 for passenger cars through 1976 for pickup trucks. In 1969, the 390 2V (X-code) engine was no longer available in the Cougar, and this was also to be the last year of the 390 4V (S-Code). Interesting was the fact that Ford no longer referred to the engine as the 390 GT, rather it was called the 390 IP. The IP stood for “improved performance.”
In 1968, the 390 V8 acquired a thermactor style exhaust emission control system. For 1969, this system was replaced with the less cumbersome IMCO system. Steel head gaskets were used for improved heat transfer for cooler running and longer lasting intake and exhaust valves. S-Code engines continued to use the same “GT” camshaft as previous years.
Interesting Piece of Information
In 1967, the 390 was rated at 320 hp. With very little change for 1968, the 390 gained a mysterious 5 hp. For 1969, there were a few more minor changes and the engine was listed as a 390 IP, but the horsepower went back to the 1967 rating of 320 hp.
Cost
The 390 V8 option retailed for $127.00, but actually cost the dealer $100.41.
1969 390 Numbers
| Standard Hartops (182 were Cougar Eliminators) | 931 | |
| Standard Convertibles | 124 | |
| XR-7 Hardtops | 1,562 | |
| XR-7 Convertibles | 438 | |
| Total 1969 Cougar 390-4V production |
3,055 |
Little Known Factoid
The 390 block was also used in an alternative application probably few of us know about. The 390 block with a 428 crankshaft turned the engine into the Mercury 410 cubic inch engine, which was offered in ’66 and ’67 only. It was not offered in the Cougar or Mustang lineup.
Text from The Big Book Mercury Cougar: The Classic Years 1967-1973
Colors of the 1969 Mercury Cougar 390
Paint Code: F | Ditzler #: 13329 | Paint Color: Dark Aqua Poly.
Paint Code: K | Ditzler #: 2041 | Paint Color: Dark Orchid Poly.
Paint Code: M | Ditzler #: 8378 & 8734 | Paint Color: White
Paint Code: P | Ditzler #: 2042 | Paint Color: Medium Blue Poly.
Paint Code: T | Ditzler #: 71528 | Paint Color: Red
Paint Code: 4 | Ditzler #: 2048 | Paint Color: Medium Green Poly.
Paint Code: 6 | Ditzler #: 13357 | Paint Color: Bright Blue Poly.
