New Spec Iron Rules Posted

[BlueFirePony]

Brian,
You are missing the point. A "Spec Iron" car can easily be built for $20-25K, whereas a full fledged AI car is at least $45-$50K (or $80K if you go to FR).

Nope don't think I am missing the point at all...I referenced the point and nailed it with a double tap. Low barrier to entry...using the S197 there is no such thing.

You know I have great respect for you Marshall, but that is a serious exaggeration in price differential. If we use your starting point (and since I've been researching a second AI car in addition to improving the #404 I can tell you it's high) the gap is more like $20-30k with all the FR parts vs $25-$35k with non-FR after-market. The FR parts are still carrying a premium.

From the starting point of a stock-but-race-worthy 4.6L V8 with 3650 like my car you are a set of headers, mild cam upgrade, about $3-5k in suspension upgrades and #200 in weight to wipe out my HP/TQ disadvantage and significantly improve the handling. Change out to 3.73s and you don't need a 6 speed on any track in Texas and pretty much none nationally.

I can get a set of Wilwoods for about $300 more than the FR SVT brake package that includes 2 piece rotors or spend an additional $2k on a set of APR 6 pistons and outbrake everyone in the country (just not gonna use Pagid mfg'd pads no more).

At most that is $5-6k more (mostly in suspension) than the FR spec and you are getting a wildly more powerful ride than a Spec Emasculated S197.

With those mods my car (with a decent driver) would be fighting like a dog in AI with you and all the front runners in Texas and be a top 5-6 contender nationally day 1. With me driving I'd get a few wins every year and run the ass off 2nd place all year long.

The 302S has more engine than it can use in AI, and does not have any advantage handling over the upgrades I include in that $5k. So from a price/value perspective...spend $30k, load up on FR parts and get a pony that purrs or spend $35k and get a Mustang with Growl.