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.