New to class racing
 

Great forum, I have always been a huge fan of stock class racing and am now looking at building a car over this winter and have a few questions. The car I am thinking of using is a 83 Mercury Capri but can change it to 85/86 trim and hatch, it is now stock and solid and 5.0 stick car (the solid part is rare here in michigan). I talked to some great people at the Martin IHRA meet and sounded like running it as a 85 5.0 ho stick would be the way to go and it looks like that would be N stock. Question #1 in the NHRA rule book it states that the rear end can be replaced with a unit of the same type from the manufacturer, does that mean that I would have to stay with a rear load type (8.8 or 7.5)? Or can I run a 9 inch? Question #2 What is a good place in Michigan to get stocker heads done? It seems to me with the tight rules and little being allowed that a specialist is required. Question #3 would a face plated t-5 be strong enough for a car like this or would putting money into a t-5 be a waste of time? Question #4 in stock are you allowed to change a motor to internal balance? Trying to come up with a plan up front, the car would run at a divitional NHRA/IHRA level at least to start with. Thanks.

Re: New to class racing
 

A 7.5" rearend would not last. a well built 8.8 is what most people run. I am not 100% sure if you can use a 9", but you probably can.
If you want to run a carb, an 85 is the best way to go, but it is stick only. all 86 are fuel injected.
Heads do require attention.
It would not be worth your while to use a T-5. You need a sfi bell housing, adjustable cluth and a Jerico, or similar trans, and a probably a long brand shifter.

Re: New to class racing
 

The man you need to speak with is Don Haywood. Great guy, and he knows the mustangs!

Re: New to class racing
 

On the trans would a Tremec tko 500 be a good choice? I see on liberty's web site they sell modified version of them.

Re: New to class racing
 

You can use a 9" . As for the heads ... get ahold of Chris Hardy.

Re: New to class racing
 

Chris,
If he wants to run IHRA only, he can use an auto trans with the 85 combo. IHRA changed the rule a while ago. I tried to find it on the IHRA website, but couldn't find it. Currently the 85 combo is rated at 208 HP. My best pass with this combo has been -.5 with room for improvement.

Mike Johnson
Stock

Re: New to class racing
 

I kinda want to run a stick, nothing wrong with auto's (bracket raced with them) but really dig stick's. Also want the car legal for NHRA/IHRA but did think IHRA to be able to run crate stock (sorry to purists)

Thanks

Re: New to class racing
 

Hello Shawn.

I have raced both class and bracket Mustangs my whole life and can offer this for you.

You can indeed run a Tremec or modified T5 with no strength problems at all but with the H-pattern shift design these transmissions are not the preferred choice. The Liberty or Jerico 4 and 5 speeds are indeed stronger but with N Stick cars running low 12's on average, a T5 or Tremec will be more than strong enough. The disadvantage with them, as mentioned above, is that no matter how good of a shifter you are, you will miss a gear or two with these two units, which makes the Liberty or Jerico the wise choice as this can't happen with the straight shifting gate those two boxes have.

Good heads are a must and, although I am not an expert in headwork at all, I can tell you that there is good power in valve jobs and blueprinting and a good set of heads will make or break the way an engine runs.

You can also run a 9-inch Ford rearend with no problems but I have run in the mid 9's with a well-built 8.8 and can say that they are plenty strong. A 8.8 with a good set of axles, a spool and the tubes straightened and welded will be bulletproof. I would also think that the 9-inch, although stronger, might rob a few ponies to spin it over the 8.8.

I ran SS/LA with the '85 carbureted 302 combo and learned quite a few things with that tricky carb. If you need any advice or help, I would be happy to try and get you going. My name is John and my cell is 732/910-2145.

Good luck with whatever combo you choose.

Re: New to class racing
 

If you want to spend your money on a trany and only once, stay away from everything but a Jerico or G-Force. Yes it is a huge investment, but for the horsepower and torque that the 302 makes those two transmissions will last. Also the clutch is the other big investment, but will make or break your combination along with parts as well. Get the drivetrain bullet proof before you worry about the engine. Keep your eyes open for a trans and you might help your budget.

Sean

Re: New to class racing
 

Great point Sean.

The clutch is a very important item with this combo and only a good clutch system should be used. As Sean said, if you want to make one purchase and be done with it, the Jerico or Liberty is the only thing you should consider but if funds are on your mind the Tremec will suffice. It is not the trans of choice for die-hard stick guys but its strength is very good.

I guarantee you that you will be able to find a good, used Jerico for a very good price.

Re: New to class racing
 

Good points on the trans sounds like one of the key peices for the car to be compedtive. On the rear end I already have a Moser 31 spline 9 inch for a fox body mustang so unless it robs way to much power I will run it. Other parts I already have I am planning on using are, Bogart D10 wheels (15x3.5 and 15x9.5), global west del-a-lum bushings for the front and I have but am not if they are what I should put on the car, lake would shocks and lift bars (was thinking more of global west lower rears and QA1 shock). Thanks again guys trying to put a plan together.

Re: New to class racing
 

You are on the right track. The 9" will give you an advantage of more gear selection, at a cost of being less efficient than an 8.8. Brakes are another disadvantage with the 9" unless you go aftermarket disc, and that is due to the weight.

Sean

Re: New to class racing
 

This rear end has the ends that takes stock brakes(drums), are aftermarket brakes needed or something to add later? (if I were looking to try to gain a small amount)

Re: New to class racing
 

They are not needed, but something to concider. Start with what you have and build on it. But the trans, clutch and suspension should be at the top of the priority list. The Del-Alum are the best in my opinion on the front suspension. Go to divisional races and look around. You do not have to have the trick of the week to get going.

Sean

Re: New to class racing
 

I'll 2nd that... get it togather & get it out their... you'll find out what you need. ;)

Re: New to class racing
 

Like others have mentioned, it`s best to bite the bullet and get a good trans, clutch and rearend together, from the start. When I first put my 85 Mustang Stocker together, I had thought that since the T5 in high 12 second street strip 302 Fairmont held up for 5 seasons, that a lighter Mustang should be a good place to put another T5 into. I was wrong. Although the Mustang was only running a couple of tenths under the index at the time, by the end of the season, I had 3 hurt T5`s, bent mainshaft, burred up sliders, a cracked case, and bad gear teeth, (folding over).A few years ago, I bought a nice Jerico DR4 from this website, and considering it was from a 5.0 Fox Mustang, and came with a shifter, clutch and flywheel, I considered the $2000. asking pice a bargain. The Jerico has been in my Mustang for 3 or 4 seasons now, and has been absolutely flawless. I also have a Jerico in my 10.0 ET bracket car, (also bought used, over 10 years ago), and other than breaking 3rd gear earlier this season, (parts cost $300. to repair it), it has also been trouble-free. Plus, unlike most racing parts, the Jericos really maintain their value, I could likely get back my purchase price if I ever decided to sell one.(extremely unlikely!). As for the diff, I have a 8.8 in my Mustang, but if I did it all over again, I`d prefer a 9". The ratio selection is much better, and after breaking 1/2 the pinion teeth of my 8.8 gear set a month ago, I`m a bit jaded with the 8.8. Plus, the housing has been flexing, hopefully a recent pair of braces will halt that.Of course, gear changes with the 9" are simpler, especially if you have a spare "chunk" on hand. Good luck.

Re: New to class racing
 

I know of a very fast 5.0 Mustang that followed all of the advice and put in a DR4 Jerico. Ran great, no problems. He finally went against all the wisdom and replaced the Jerico with a 5-speed Liberty. Picked up over two-tenths. Those little engines like the spreads offered on a 5-speed. Also see Advanced Clutches for your clutch / flywheel. Again, those little engines really like them light.
It may be pricey but do it right the first time and you'll be many dollars ahead in the long run.

Re: New to class racing
 

Thanks guy's really does make sense to build a car I can grow with, can really see why auto's are so popular (cost wise) but if cheap were the goal I would not be looking at building a stocker.

Re: New to class racing
 

Jeff is right,

Have a plan. That is the most important part, and yes the initial cost is high. But do it right the first time and you will not be hurting stuff or wishing you had done this or that.

Sean

Re: New to class racing
 

First: I want to thank Greg Fulk for recommending me to do cylinder head work for you. :)

Shawn,
Please give me a call anytime. I spend a ton of time on the flow bench I'm very economical. I've had a bunch of cars thru the barn. I'm sure I can really help you out.
Best regards,
Chris Hardy
231-773-7252