Newbie needs help!

[slowpony]

I just decided to get off the fence! I have been a fan of S/SS since the days of Sox & Martin. I live in an area of NC that has 5 tracks less than 3 hours tow. I am a retired Firefighter with all the normal bills, but I want to go racing. I am looking at Pure Stock due to cost. My problem is that I have two cars to choose from, a 1994 Mustang GT Convertible, and 1996 Z/28, both are automatics. The GT has mods that would make it a Cobra except the front bumper. It is a natural G/PS and has run under the 1/8 index at Piedmont already. The Z/28 is newly acquired and is very stock. Will the GT need a roll bar and the Z is a T-top, will it need one? Don't plan to be the fastest or #1 qualifier, just want to run the local S/SS combo's and qualify for a Divisional. Suggestions and opinions on these are welcomed!
Thanks,
Norman

[Dragsinger]

Slow,

About the 96 Camaro;
*engine access is a tough job, will cause you to possibly say bad words. Engine is WAY under the cowl area
*T - tops not desirable
*rear axle assembly weak but maybe acceptable with stock engine. No rear axle upgrades from GM available.

Just food for thought, things to consider

The Mustang;

*engine access good, "normal" position in compartment
*Rear axle assembly with 8.8 is very good, will take plenty of power with no problem.

And these comments are from a dye in the wool Chevy racer. Given these two choices the Mustang will be easier to work on, thus, less frustration, more fun.

From the perspective of performance and being competitive either car is acceptable. I think with all considered the Mustang will be less work, less money, less hassle, more reliable.

[Little Chief]

Dragsinger, in all of the years I have known you I have never even heard you utter the F word.

[Dragsinger]

Chief, you are correct. It was early when I made that post before much coffee.

However, even with the F word, I think it is the best choice of the two

All automotive manufactures have built designs that later prove out to be not ideal.

"IF" Mr Slow was planning to build a traditional stocker the 4 gen F body could be better considered. But in pure stock trim not the best choice.

I am feeling kinda Ford blue, need to look at some Chevrolet hot rods. I have three in close viewing distance

[slowpony]

Thanks, that is the input that I'm looking for! The Mustang has a Cobra intake and throttle body. I was told would not be legal for GT. Then I was told that I could claim it as a 94 Cobra and it would be legal. HP factor is same or very close. I have to contact powers that be in IHRA and local S/SS association and see how strict they are on appearance. I don't have Cobra bumper cover. Roll bar might be a deal breaker as it is still a street driven car. It can run the H/PS number now.

[FireSale]

According to the NHRA Stock Car Classification Guide, the 94 Cobra is stick only. The IHRA Pure Stock rules state that induction must be OEM complete for year make and model of car. Transmission must be as delivered from the factory.

You can probably give it a stick and claim the Cobra, but you need to get a stock induction to run as a GT convertible with an auto.

GT Convertible 302/215@3404 lbs.
Cobra Convertible 302/235@3438 lbs.

Dale

[ALMACK]

You could take the Cobra intake and heads off and put a GT setup on. Then you can run a stick or automatic. Your natural class as a GT convertible
would probably be I/PS. 16.21 lbs per factored h.p. ( 3404 lbs divided by 210 h.p)

A 94-95 GT 5.0 is currently factored @ 210 h.p. in PS.


As far as I have read, the shortblocks between the GT and Cobra are the same. (94-95)
Not positive, but I believe the Cobra and GT used the same throttle body.

The Cobra also used the same camshaft as the GT.
The difference is that the Cobra used 1.7 rockers instead of the GT's 1.6. ( thus the total valve lift difference)
Obviously, the Cobra heads are different from the GT.

I don't believe there is anyway around the roll bar. I believe all convertible Stockers require a bar, regardless of how slow they run.

[JHeath]

The Cobra should be 65MM, the HO engine uses a 60MM throttle body.

[HandOverFist]

If you are still interested I can recommend the Maximum Motorsports 6-point roll bar. Just put one in a '90 GT convertible and it fits like a glove...did not have to trim anything, just slap it in and weld. You could bolt it in if you wanted as well as run swing-out bars.

[slowpony]

Thanks everyone. Roll bar is a deal breaker for the 'vert as Misses don't want it to be a race car anyways. Plan B developed today as a friend has a 89 GT that he may sell. 2 owner 5 speed virgin that may be perfect for P/S. Fingers are crossed, hope to get it this week. Will be at CCR meet at Piedmont tomorrow doing "research"!
Norman