Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

True.
Only the 83 GT had a scoop.
The other V-8 Mustangs in '83 got a flat hood ( GL, GLX, etc. )

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Years ago I wanted to do the 83 T-Bird 302 CFI deal but it is factored way to high.
The CFI has 2 injectors. Not a problem, just run a couple of 100 ponders.

The problem is the tiny 2 blade throttle body. I never measured but it looks smaller than a 350 cfm carb

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Since it seems this guy "has" to have a V8 and automatic, the obvious thing to do is to convert the nose piece and taillights, and run the car as a 79 302 2 barrel combo. Since NHRA gave the 302 2 barrels a drastic HP reduction a few years ago, there have been more and more showing up, often near the top of the qualifying sheets. The 82 only 302 2 barrel "High Output" Mustang/Capri combo looks pretty good too (Bigger cam and carb), but you have to run "That Scary" manual transmission with that package!
As for the 88 TBird, not sure if the engine combo is much different, but there is a 86 TBird 302 in Div. 7 that has been running for several years .

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Not to get too far off topic, but I believe the 84 Turbo GT also had the hood scoop

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Rory, it's not that he "has" to have a automatic. I never said anything about the manual trans being "scary"? The price to get into a decent manual trans setup is just too much for him right now compared to using a C4. Wouldn't you rather see some new people coming into Class racing than not just because he can't afford a stick? Believe me, he would love to row the gears. So would I. But in my case, I can't currently swing upwards of 10k for a stick and good clutch for my SS/AS car so it's going to be a automatic. For now.

As for the 2 bbl 302, sounds interesting. The 87 Tbird uses the same 302 HO as the 87-93 Mustangs according to NHRA specs. I'm very familiar with that combination in a Mustang. Even have some parts leftover. just trying to give him the best options available to hopefully get him into a Stocker.

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Yes, the CFI didn't look very good to me.

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Does anyone run a 87-88 Tbird with the 302? Haven't come across anyone.

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

I have never seen where one has entered into a NHRA race. Probably for a good reason.
Same combo as the Mustang but with more frontal area of the car to push wind.
A foot longer in length as well and takes up more space in the trailer.
Seems the 87-93 Mustang would be a better choice. I don't see where the T-Bird would have an advantage.

The big disadvantage to the Fox T-Bird is racing suspension parts are harder to find ( upper and lower rear control arms are different than a Mustang)
I ended up taking Mustang parts and cutting them up and lengthen them to fit.
It's just more economical to build a Fox Mustang especially since the used parts market is flooded with parts

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

I didn't realize the control arms are longer, interesting. Probably is no advantage to the Tbird but it is different. I ran a Fox Mustang in Stock for years and did well with it but it would be kinda cool to see a Tbird. He has one that already has a lot of stuff done to it chassis wise that would still be Stock legal so we'll see. And I have some engine parts left over I can cut him a deal on. I just want to see him get into something in Stock and I know we can easily make this index so he can get his feet wet.

Re: Manual trans only in 83 Mustang?
 

Is NHRA allowing the use of aftermarket tubular style rear control arms now or did you modify the stock Mustang arms?