subj: Re: How to build a Vintage Race Mustang?
Date: 97-10-08 01:00:49 EDT
From: Tjackson82
To: f1@ix.netcom.com
Dear Scott:
I had a Mustang built for me several years ago by Larry Pond at Gemini Racing
in Chandler, Ariz.
It's a '65 Fastback detailed as an R-model Shelby. It has a 302 block with
solid lifters. It specs out at about 300 horsepower, which is about what the
car made in 1965. I recommend a 65 or 66 because they weigh less than the 67
and later cars. The absolute cutoff on vintage Mustangs is 1972, though I
rarely see cars newer than 1969 or '70.
My car has run HSR, SCCA and VARA with no problems.
I can give you some advice on what to expect. First off, to get the widest
acceptance of the car by different groups, you have to equip it as it would
have run in 1965 (or whenever your car was new). That means no five-speed
gearbox, no four-wheel-disc brakes, no flared fenders or spoilers. The object
here is not all-out speed, but a period piece. Don't get sucked into making
modern modifications ''for safety and reliability'' because it will trip you
up with a lot of groups. And, frankly, the groups that would let you run a
modernized Mustang are not really vintage groups.
The only allowable safety mods are those required by most groups -- a fuel
cell, minimum four-point roll bar, five-point safety harness, fire
extinguisher, driver's side window net.
Even if you stick to 1965 performance specs, you should expect that SVRA and
some of the other groups will not let you run because the car has no original
race history. If it's important to you to be SVRA eligible, then open your
wallet and buy a Shelby with race history.
Don't worry, however. If you do the car up right, there are a lot of groups
where you'll find good, clean racing.
I've had nothing but great times since I started in 1993, so I recommend it.
I also recommend you call Larry Pond at Gemini (he's listed with info). He
knows what works and has a lot of specialty parts in stock.
Good luck and let me know how it works out.
Terry Jackson
Miami, FL
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