1979 Firebird - IHRA stocker?

[Robert Swartz]

I've been researching this as an idea for a while. My original thought was a 98-04 Ford Mustang with a 302 Windsor for GT stock. After crunching some numbers, I'm just not convinced the combination could ever be competitive.

A Firebird body has surfaced that I could acquire very reasonably. Being able to use any number of combinations of GM motors makes this an interesting alternative. Just bench racing a little, I'd appreciate the thoughts of some of the more experienced IHRA racers. Good choice/bad choice, changing it to an 80, it could fit GT stock, no shortage of engine combos there. Crate motor is another possibility. Another gentlemen on this board sent me a pm about a motor he has available.

As of now, I'm still just researching, putting information on paper. Looking for others thoughts?

[Robert Swartz]

Just to add to my thread. Spoke with a couple of gentlemen at Ohio Valley in Louisville, Ky last nite. Got two pretty diverse opinions. One really tried to convince me that building a car is prohibitively expensive but can be done. He was referring to a new car with almost all new parts and someone else doing alot of the work. He has his valid points like many on this board have expressed. His opinion buy an already establish combination.

Now, on the other hand, spoke with another racer running a very similar combination to one I have researched. Yes he states it can be expensive but, if one uses their head, you can build a competitive car. He let us look over his car. We asked many questions and he was willing to give in depth answers. His car, a Camaro G/CM, was running 7.0's against a 7.70 index.

Hasn't helped me decide whether I want to enter this fray or not. Did learn a number a things that may enhance the decision making process.