IHRA GT stock - researching a possible combination

[Robert Swartz]

OK, to start this, I'm only "bench racing" the combination at present. What I am considering is one of the 1999 - 2004 Mustang bodies with an early 60's 302 with an C-4 automatic. I have ordered an IHRA rulebook but at present have not received it. So, I really don't know the breaks for this class.

Looking at the NHRA classification guide, the 01/03 GT auto bodies weigh 3158 lbs. HP for most of 4bbl 302's is approximately 230.Here again, using NHRA figures, this is equivilent to an L/SA, with an index of 13.00 flat. According to what I see here, the car is going to have to run 1-1.5 seconds under this to be competitve. Am I offbase or would this car be in a similar class? Running against a comparable index/class record?

I'm probably spinning my wheels considering this combination. I had some small block Fords in the 70's. I'm just not convinced that I could make the "better than" 1 HP per cubic inch that this car would need to attain. With the limitation of the small heads, iron intake and anemic carburetor. I'm not certain but I believe one version of this motor, late 60's (I'm not referring to the Boss 302) had a Holley, this might help. Another thing I'm uncertain of are headers, would probably have to build a set?

I have read some of the older posts. These have given me ideas regarding what I may need to do suspension wise. Like I said, unless I stumble across a body, I'm only looking into this car.

Robert Swartz

[Travis Miller]

Robert, anyone wanting to use the 1968 302/230 Ford engine in GT should claim it as a Cougar or Comet. That way you get to use the Holley carb. The size is 1.563x1.563 throttle bore and 1.250x1.313 venturi.

Travis

(Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my opinions.)

[Bill Harris]

Robert, you would probably be a lot better off doing a SS/GT version of that Mustang/302 than a Stock/GT. For one thing, you could run both NHRA and IHRA since Stock/GT is IHRA only. Most importantly, you would have a much better chance of building a competitive piece in SS given the nature of the Windsor SBF. SS would overcome the lousy intake and tiny cam, and you can make major improvements to the flow on the head, which is the real limitation on this engine.
Actually, the '68 Cougar 302/230 with the stock iron head is NHRA rated at 220 HP for SS. But it also has two aftermarket heads approved for SS, an AFR and a Canfield, with a 230 HP NHRA rating. You could run GT/KA, GT/LA or GT/MA with any approved head. You could also run GT/JA with the aftermarket head.
I'm pretty sure that Nick Morris is running this engine in his '98 model Mustang in GT/LA with the iron heads. The index for GT/LA is 11.85 and you would need to make about 500 HP to run a second under. I'm pretty sure Kuntz and Co. could make that happen. You could probably run a 9" stocker tire and not have to tub the car at those power levels. A 10.5" tire might fit in there too without hacking it up.
It would be nice to see more late model Mustangs in the lanes. Come on out and play!!

[Chris1529]

I am contemplating this for my car as well. I would not tub my car to do it either.I don't think you would have any trouble putting a 10.5 tire on those Mustangs at all.

[Robert Swartz]

Thanks for the replys. I've read about the allowed replacement for factory parts. Is there a replacement # for this particular Holley?

Yes Bill, the SS/GT idea indeed has merit. With a roller cam, good aftermarket intake and replacement heads, one could develope HP. I'm just afraid I'd never be able to compete dollarwise to build a compettive SS'er. Maybe I'm a little out of touch here but aren't the majority of SS'ers, backhalfed with 14 x 32 tires and gobs of power? Can a relatively stock suspension car be competitive in SS? I guess my reasoning for a "stocker" is it would be less expensive but likely a less competitive car. I also agree with your premise of being able to run both NHRA and IHRA races. The majority of the tracks that are local to me, those easily within a couple hours drive are all NHRA sanctioned,

A motor like this with a good C-4 with a brake on a 10.5 tire, that'd be a ride. Like I said, this is still in the research phase.

At present, my project is my 66 Chevy II bracket car that has been retired since 1988. I'm converting the suspension on it from a ladder bar to a 4-link, in addition to putting a new CE fabbed 9' housing under it. Once this car is off the blocks and back under power, then the idea of putting together a class car really appeals to me.