TST - ITR Mustang Acquired

[erlrich]

Earl, that is going to be a strong ITR car. If I wasn't such a Ford nerd I'd get one of those. I think the Camaro might have a slight edge in chassis layout and aero. That motor is so far back in the Camaro chassis it should have a front mid-engine adder!

Cool car - you making it into an ITR car?

Yes, I bought it just for ITR. It will probably be 2012 before it goes on track - I'm enjoying driving it way more than I thought I would - but as is the case with yours it will get some track time between now and then. I've had it out a couple of times already in fact, and so far I've found nothing to discourage me from moving forward.

My only concern with this car is weight; it goes 3250 empty as it sits now. Add 300 lbs for a cage & driver and it's a looooooong way to 2800. On the plus side, there are tons of aftermarket suspension parts for the V8 cars that will work on the six (I'm sure the same with the 'stang), and the brakes are definitely up to the task.

I actually looked at an '03 Mustang before I bought the Camaro (I'm a Cheby guy, but not so much so that I wouldn't defect for a better ride); the power was nice but I thought the turning felt a little sluggish - which is strange considering every article I've ever read give the 'stang the edge in handling. Should be a fast, fun ITR car though.

Oh, and is there a drag strip down in the VIR neighborhood??? If I can't beat you on one track, maybe I can get you on another

[Ron Earp]

My only concern with this car is weight; it goes 3250 empty as it sits now. Add 300 lbs for a cage & driver and it's a looooooong way to 2800. On the plus side, there are tons of aftermarket suspension parts for the V8 cars that will work on the six (I'm sure the same with the 'stang), and the brakes are definitely up to the task.

I actually looked at an '03 Mustang before I bought the Camaro (I'm a Cheby guy, but not so much so that I wouldn't defect for a better ride); the power was nice but I thought the turning felt a little sluggish - which is strange considering every article I've ever read give the 'stang the edge in handling. Should be a fast, fun ITR car though.

Oh, and is there a drag strip down in the VIR neighborhood??? If I can't beat you on one track, maybe I can get you on another

I'll weigh mine on my scales and report back here. I know I'll have the same problem as you, getting the car down to weight. But, even at say 2900 lbs I think the cars have a good shot.

Yep, these two cars are very inexpensive to obtain parts for. I don't say build because I haven't done that yet, but due to the volume of the aftermarket high quality coil overs, camber plates, struts, bars, bushings, etc. are comparatively inexpensive. Simple cars and I do look forward to building it late in 2010.

Going to pick it up tomorrow morning and I'll report back my impressions.

Objectively I'd give the nod to the Camaro for ITR but I've got to do a Ford. I'm looking forward to seeing your build and seeing the car.

[Knestis]

This is a great development and bodes really well for the future of the class...

K

[Ron Earp]

This is a great development and bodes really well for the future of the class...

K

And I'll talk the better driving half of TST into building an ITR something too. Maybe a Bitchinmaro for him.

[RedMisted]

Congrats on your purchase, Ron! The sooner you have it in competition the better! Definitely agree with others that all this bodes well for the class. In fact, I've a friend who is currently building an ITR Firebird. Just picked up the car in NC and towed it back to Ohio...He, too, is making the switch from an ITS Z-car. Look forward to racing against him...

Maybe before all is said and done ITR will look like A Sedan Lite, with a few imports thrown in for sacificial purposes.

[Ron Earp]

Maybe before all is said and done ITR will look like A Sedan Lite, with a few imports thrown in for sacificial purposes.

I hope ITR will have a large array of cars and if this board is any indication it will. Domestic cars have not been present in any numbers for C,B,A, and S. Maybe this will change for R, I hope so. With the cars classed on a fresh slate and proper classification process it appears that many cars have a chance in ITR, including some Ferds and Chevys.

[billf]

Ron,

I'd be very interested in the weight numbers you get, since mine was in pieces when we got it. It's repaired now, but it was stripped when it went to the shop. I hope you get the opportunity to get it weighed.

FYI, mine has ABS, but otherwise lacking any significant equipment...nothing special in the build at the factory.

Thanks in advance,

Bill