New Mustang Sights

[Chuck Norton]

Attached are several pictures taken today to clarify any mistaken assumptions from yesterday's line-up. As per usual, some of my assumptions were totally erroneous but then, if there weren't a few such moments in any given week, life would be boring. The four primary cars are now lettered and numbered. The nostalgia-themed dealership names and logos match some of the 1968 Cobra Jet introductions. The SS/EA lettering that appeared on the car that Jim Waldo will be driving has been covered. The additional photographs show an engine compartment that was opened to display the supercharger and other basic components. The photo titled "Virgin ride" is of yet another car, one of two delivered by truck to the track today, this one to be the personal property of John Calvert. Pit-talk assigned the other new arrival to Chris Whitney and Robert Pond.

With a little over twelve hours to go, the interest level in the new iron remains very high.

Several long-distance players appeared today. I had a chance to speak with Lloyd Mac Kay, John Shaul, Al Corda, and Wayne Totaro. I saw the cars of Byron Worner and Billy Leber but did not have a chance to talk with either of them. Alex and Tony Denysenko showed up last weekend in Las Vegas and I saw Alex in Pomona again today.

By 4 PM, signs of the threatened bad weather began to appear from over the Pacific. With some luck, we'll get a couple of hits tomorrow but the next couple of days after that could be problematic. You'll know as soon as the rest of us.

c

[BLAZER]

One hell of an air filter--must be from Kenne-Bells " Big Kahuna" collection -Ya think

[bill dedman]

You'd think they would have moved heaven and earth to get a cold air package on these cars. That filter is just breathing hot, underhood air. What were they thinking??? Or, is it in a box? I can't tell....

[Chuck Norton]

Bill, sorry it's so hard to make out but the pictures are reduced so far that it's hard to make out some of the detail. The intake is isolated and insulated from the engine compartment heat to some degree. Also, I don't know what provisions have been made to cool the air after it passes through the blower. There are so many things to these cars that don't meet the eye that I can't say.

[FED 387]

kinda looks like the set up that GM uses for the 90's camaros where the airbox is "vented" to the left front wheel well and when the hood is down it completes the seal of the top of the box--Think so??? Comp 387

[bill dedman]

Thanks for the explanation. I think I see what you're talking about.

With all the other hi-tech mechanations, it just didn't make much sense to feed a supercharger HOT air....

Bill

[lstanford]

The cars have an intercooler with a separate switch for an electric pump. The air inlet is isolated in a box with an open filter that receives cool air from the front of the car. The CJ's are well thought out and Ford has been playing with superchargers for the last 8 years. This combined with an old 5.0 racer (Brian Wolfe) at the helm of Ford Racing has produced a state of the art factory race car. No doubt there is mucho HP in the electronics and blower pulley options. Once the traction is figured out they will be formidable players. I still can"t believe that Brian was able to pull this off in this economic environment. Chrysler and GM have the same opportunity. In the past they have chosen to squander their money in pro stock. I think what Ford has done makes more sense to the average Joe. Ford is making all of the CJ parts available through the Ford Racing catalog, including a body in white. They will not price these pieces for about thirty days but they are already in the catalog. A racer can buy a total wreck, order a body in white, order a new Mustang GT or Shelby from the dealer and then modify or build a car of his liking. And--------- he can go to the track and see a car that is available at his dealer. I believe Ford has built an intelligent business case for themselves and they are getting a lot of free PR to boot. They know that not everyone can not afford a $70,000 toy but they are making the parts available to main stream customers and not to a select few. This almost makes to much sense for a car manufacturer. Incidentally, the Cobra Jets at Pomona are on the owners dime. Ford has zero budget for these cars, only some Ford Racing technical assistance. Let's be happy for what Ford has done , after all it is an American car company and we are in a very difficult economic climate. Good luck to the Ford racers.

[RJ Sledge]

Great posts Chuck, I have got to say that you have really done a great job of keeping most everyone abreast of what is 'happening' @ Pomona. I do miss your reporting, it is always very informative and interesting.

Once again a Big Thanks for your updates.

Later RJ

[Superfan1]

Great post, FECARMAN; I agree with you 100%.
Bill Seabrooks - superfan1

[Superfan1]

Thanks, Chuck for the updates and pictures; keep up the good work and good luck.
Bill Seabrooks - superfan1