IHRA GT stock - researching a possible combination

Robert Swartz · 08-19-2008, 08:02 PM

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

08-19-2008, 08:02 PM	#1
Robert Swartz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nineveh, Indiana Posts: 512 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	IHRA GT stock - researching a possible combination 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