[BackinaStang]

I bought a California Special not to long ago and was under the impression that the only thing diff from a reg. GT was trim package. Ive heard different opinions on this and was wondering if there were any other upgrades with this model. I cant seem to find a good source for this info and figured this would be the place. Any info would be very helpful thank you.

[walter]

Basically the difference is all cosmetic.

[DMAN302]

Differences...from what I can tell with mine:
Fancy metal tag floor matts with two tone seat inserts.
Front rear facia with side scoops
18" polished wheels
stripe
rear badge "california special"
rolled tail pipe end
engine intake cover

That's about it...aside from the fact people are aways asking me if the CS stands for Carol Shelby.

[BackinaStang]

Thanks thats what I initially thought but i have had others try to tell me that the throttle body was upgraded, exhaust upgraded, and car sits 1.5 lower than stock GT. I have also seen this claim online but not from a reliable source.

[DMAN302]

Ride height/springs etc are all same...nothing changes mechanically. Even the tone with the tips is the same. If your considering...I can honestly say it's been a great car, gets quite a bit of attention too.

[BackinaStang]

Thanks DMan. while I got you online I was actually looking to buy JBA long tubes and o/r H pipe for this car. Not sure if you know this answer but if i eliminate cats, computer is obviously going to throw a light, do any of these tuners they sell give you the option for elimination of readings from back sensors, if so which ones. Im wondering if that is part of custom tuning or if I can get one off the shelf that allows me to do this.

[DMAN302]

I wouldn't be able to answer that from experience...but I would very much expect that to be a standard on units like the diablo/SCT tuners. I always had my foxes done via SCT/dyno so he wasn't limited....I don't know what the limits are with handhelds.

[stanmckinney]

The front fascia is different from a regular GT. That does sit about an inch and a half lower. The car overall does not.

[blbrchnk]

Originally Posted by BackinaStang

Thanks DMan. while I got you online I was actually looking to buy JBA long tubes and o/r H pipe for this car. Not sure if you know this answer but if i eliminate cats, computer is obviously going to throw a light, do any of these tuners they sell give you the option for elimination of readings from back sensors, if so which ones. Im wondering if that is part of custom tuning or if I can get one off the shelf that allows me to do this.

Most of the custom tuners can turn off the O2 sensors if you remove the cats. Brenspeed, Bamachips, VMP Tuning, etc...

[Five Oh Brian]

Originally Posted by DMAN302

Differences...from what I can tell with mine:
Fancy metal tag floor matts with two tone seat inserts.
Front rear facia with side scoops
18" polished wheels
stripe
rear badge "california special"
rolled tail pipe end
engine intake cover

That's about it...aside from the fact people are aways asking me if the CS stands for Carol Shelby.

The engine intake cover was not standard on California Specials. It was optional as part of the GT Appearance Group, which included the hood scoop and engine cover on Cal Specials. There are plenty of Cal Specials out there that were ordered without the GT Appearance Group that have a flat hood and no engine cover.

[DMAN302]

Originally Posted by Five Oh Brian

The engine intake cover was not standard on California Specials. It was optional as part of the GT Appearance Group, which included the hood scoop and engine cover on Cal Specials. There are plenty of Cal Specials out there that were ordered without the GT Appearance Group that have a flat hood and no engine cover.

Yes there certainly are...actually there currently is one in my garage with flat hood and came without engine cover.

[scottgt/cs09]

I have a 2009 gt/cs , the cs has the stripe,side ducts behind doors,lower rear bumper , lower front bumper and two tone seats.They only come with the 18 inch polished wheels ,They are only offered in 5or6 colors from 2007 to 2009 .They have the same exhaust as the GT.The engine cover comes with the appearance package which includes hood scoop. Have fun with your CS !

[BackinaStang]

Thanks guys. You have been a wealth of knowledge and I look forward to seeing these cars grow into street terrors and camaro eaters.

[BackinaStang]

I did not know that they made C/S in 09? I thought only 67 or 68 and 07 only. From what im reading they made them in 07-09? Is that correct?

[Five Oh Brian]

Originally Posted by BackinaStang

I did not know that they made C/S in 09? I thought only 67 or 68 and 07 only. From what im reading they made them in 07-09? Is that correct?

Yes, Ford built 2007-2009 California Specials. Package stayed the same for all three years.

A buddy of mine had a '68 California Special way back when I was in high school 25+ years ago.

[02GTRX]

One option that I know was offered on the 09 model only was the white tape stripe on the sides. Looks good on the blue and black ones.
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[1965coupe]

Originally Posted by BackinaStang

Thanks thats what I initially thought but i have had others try to tell me that the throttle body was upgraded, exhaust upgraded, and car sits 1.5 lower than stock GT. I have also seen this claim online but not from a reliable source.

You are basically describing a Shelby GT, which shares the front/rear bumpers and side scoops with the California Specials.

C/S: bumpers, colors, interiors, side stripes, 18" rimes, etc.

Shelby GTs: bumpers, CAI, 1.5" lower suspension, exhaust, etc......

[pilatti1]

From what I have read the car does sit 1.5 inches lower then a GT only because of the body kit, also it does have the engine cover, stripes, 18 inch wheels, floor mats with mustang logo, two tone interior, exhaust tips, rear diffuser, hood & side scoops I think were options. Anyway you get it it is definately fun to drive!!!