New to class racing

Michael T Johnson · 08-10-2009, 08:07 PM

Chris,
If he wants to run IHRA only, he can use an auto trans with the 85 combo. IHRA changed the rule a while ago. I tried to find it on the IHRA website, but couldn't find it. Currently the 85 combo is rated at 208 HP. My best pass with this combo has been -.5 with room for improvement.

Mike Johnson
Stock

Shawn Anderson · 08-10-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael T. Johnson

Chris,
If he wants to run IHRA only, he can use an auto trans with the 85 combo. IHRA changed the rule a while ago. I tried to find it on the IHRA website, but couldn't find it. Currently the 85 combo is rated at 208 HP. My best pass with this combo has been -.5 with room for improvement.

Mike Johnson
Stock

I kinda want to run a stick, nothing wrong with auto's (bracket raced with them) but really dig stick's. Also want the car legal for NHRA/IHRA but did think IHRA to be able to run crate stock (sorry to purists)

Thanks

John H186 · 08-11-2009, 07:13 AM

Hello Shawn.

I have raced both class and bracket Mustangs my whole life and can offer this for you.

You can indeed run a Tremec or modified T5 with no strength problems at all but with the H-pattern shift design these transmissions are not the preferred choice. The Liberty or Jerico 4 and 5 speeds are indeed stronger but with N Stick cars running low 12's on average, a T5 or Tremec will be more than strong enough. The disadvantage with them, as mentioned above, is that no matter how good of a shifter you are, you will miss a gear or two with these two units, which makes the Liberty or Jerico the wise choice as this can't happen with the straight shifting gate those two boxes have.

Good heads are a must and, although I am not an expert in headwork at all, I can tell you that there is good power in valve jobs and blueprinting and a good set of heads will make or break the way an engine runs.

You can also run a 9-inch Ford rearend with no problems but I have run in the mid 9's with a well-built 8.8 and can say that they are plenty strong. A 8.8 with a good set of axles, a spool and the tubes straightened and welded will be bulletproof. I would also think that the 9-inch, although stronger, might rob a few ponies to spin it over the 8.8.

I ran SS/LA with the '85 carbureted 302 combo and learned quite a few things with that tricky carb. If you need any advice or help, I would be happy to try and get you going. My name is John and my cell is 732/910-2145.

Good luck with whatever combo you choose.

Sean Marconette · 08-11-2009, 07:15 AM

If you want to spend your money on a trany and only once, stay away from everything but a Jerico or G-Force. Yes it is a huge investment, but for the horsepower and torque that the 302 makes those two transmissions will last. Also the clutch is the other big investment, but will make or break your combination along with parts as well. Get the drivetrain bullet proof before you worry about the engine. Keep your eyes open for a trans and you might help your budget.

Sean

John H186 · 08-11-2009, 07:37 AM

Great point Sean.

The clutch is a very important item with this combo and only a good clutch system should be used. As Sean said, if you want to make one purchase and be done with it, the Jerico or Liberty is the only thing you should consider but if funds are on your mind the Tremec will suffice. It is not the trans of choice for die-hard stick guys but its strength is very good.

I guarantee you that you will be able to find a good, used Jerico for a very good price.

08-10-2009, 08:07 PM	#1
Michael T Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 20 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: New to class racing Chris, If he wants to run IHRA only, he can use an auto trans with the 85 combo. IHRA changed the rule a while ago. I tried to find it on the IHRA website, but couldn't find it. Currently the 85 combo is rated at 208 HP. My best pass with this combo has been -.5 with room for improvement. Mike Johnson Stock

08-11-2009, 07:13 AM	#3
John H186 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 154 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: New to class racing Hello Shawn. I have raced both class and bracket Mustangs my whole life and can offer this for you. You can indeed run a Tremec or modified T5 with no strength problems at all but with the H-pattern shift design these transmissions are not the preferred choice. The Liberty or Jerico 4 and 5 speeds are indeed stronger but with N Stick cars running low 12's on average, a T5 or Tremec will be more than strong enough. The disadvantage with them, as mentioned above, is that no matter how good of a shifter you are, you will miss a gear or two with these two units, which makes the Liberty or Jerico the wise choice as this can't happen with the straight shifting gate those two boxes have. Good heads are a must and, although I am not an expert in headwork at all, I can tell you that there is good power in valve jobs and blueprinting and a good set of heads will make or break the way an engine runs. You can also run a 9-inch Ford rearend with no problems but I have run in the mid 9's with a well-built 8.8 and can say that they are plenty strong. A 8.8 with a good set of axles, a spool and the tubes straightened and welded will be bulletproof. I would also think that the 9-inch, although stronger, might rob a few ponies to spin it over the 8.8. I ran SS/LA with the '85 carbureted 302 combo and learned quite a few things with that tricky carb. If you need any advice or help, I would be happy to try and get you going. My name is John and my cell is 732/910-2145. Good luck with whatever combo you choose.

08-11-2009, 07:15 AM	#4
Sean Marconette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 977 Likes: 796 Liked 275 Times in 76 Posts	Re: New to class racing If you want to spend your money on a trany and only once, stay away from everything but a Jerico or G-Force. Yes it is a huge investment, but for the horsepower and torque that the 302 makes those two transmissions will last. Also the clutch is the other big investment, but will make or break your combination along with parts as well. Get the drivetrain bullet proof before you worry about the engine. Keep your eyes open for a trans and you might help your budget. Sean __________________ Sean Marconette 84 Mustang 5060 SS/N

08-11-2009, 07:37 AM	#5
John H186 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 154 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: New to class racing Great point Sean. The clutch is a very important item with this combo and only a good clutch system should be used. As Sean said, if you want to make one purchase and be done with it, the Jerico or Liberty is the only thing you should consider but if funds are on your mind the Tremec will suffice. It is not the trans of choice for die-hard stick guys but its strength is very good. I guarantee you that you will be able to find a good, used Jerico for a very good price.

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