When did the Mercury Cougar XR-7 come out?
Both versions were installed in the Cougar during the 1970 model year, both touted the same power ratings, compression ratio and bore and stroke, and both carried the same H-code designation, making identification confusing for the uninitiated.
What was the compression ratio of a 1970 Mercury Cougar?
As designed for 1970, this M-code version of the 351C, in addition to a four-barrel intake, employed a high 11:1 compression ratio, while the cylinder heads utilized larger 2.19/1.71-inch valves (versus the two-barrel’s 2.05/1.65-inch valves). This engine also mandated a dual-exhaust system.
What kind of automatic did the Mercury Cougar use?
Finally, two different automatics were used: the durable FMX unit with the 351 variants and the heavy-duty C-6 in conjunction with the 428. The Cobra Jet-spec C-6 featured additional clutch plates and a cast-iron tail shaft. Each of these units can be easily serviced by trained experts in the field.
What to watch for in a 1970 Cougar?
What to watch for: There were a couple of noteworthy options, the first being power steering; it’s estimated that over 90 percent of 1970 Cougars were delivered with it. The Competition Handling Package was optional with the 351-cu.in. engines. Included as standard equipment in 428-powered Cougars, it provided heavy-duty springs and shocks.
The following versions and sub-models of Mercury Cougar 3rd-gen. XR-7 Hardtop Coupe were available in 1976: Mercury Cougar XR-7 2-Door Hardtop 351-2V V-8 Select-Shift automatic (aut. 3) , version for North America California (U.S.) (up to September)
What kind of dashboard did a Mercury Cougar have?
The XR-7 model brought a simulated wood-grained dashboard with a full set of black-faced competition instruments and toggle switches, an overhead console, a T-type center automatic transmission shifter (if equipped with the optional Merc-O-Matic transmission), and leather-vinyl upholstery. This was the only generation with covered headlights.
When did the Ford Cougar replace the mercury probe?
In 1998, Ford launched the Cougar at the 1998 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Without the Mercury brand in Europe and Australia, Ford marketed the Cougar as the Ford Cougar through Ford of Europe and Ford of Australia from 1999 to 2002. Replacing the Ford Probe in European markets,…
What was the first generation of Mercury Cougar?
First generation (1967–1970) Slotted between the Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird, the Cougar was the performance icon and eventually the icon for the Mercury name for several decades. The Cougar was available in two models (base and XR-7) and only came in one body style (a two-door hardtop, no center or B-pillar).