Drag-race Mustangs in many of the heads-up classes reach speeds of more than 150 mph and must have serious braking power to help them come to a safe stop. US Brake [(866) 369-2643; www.usbrake.com] offers the right stuff with its new medium-duty front drag kit for '79-'93 Mustangs (PN 7250-0004). This brake system is designed with the hard-core race 'Stang in mind and features billet 6061 aluminum F33i four-piston calipers and 7075 forged-aluminum hubs featuring dual bolt patterns, extended-length studs, lightweight drilled and slotted-steel brake rotors, and SD3 compound drag-racing brake pads. While four-wheel disc brakes are recommended for ultimate braking performance and will make for an overall lightweight brake system, this front-brake kit provides great performance for Mustangs that run in the 9s, even when used with the OEM rear drum brakes.
No, Tech Editor KJ Jones hasn't taken on super-human strength. The 4.6, Two-Valve engine he's lowering into the Fox Mustang's engine bay is one of the many replica engines (PN 3050; note the 5.0 long-block on the ground in front of the car) available through P-Ayr Products [(913) 651-5543; www.payr.com]. We consider these replica blocks, cylinder heads, transmissions, and accessories must-have items for anyone building a race Mustang. Their factory dimensions, but much lighter weight, help save time and take away the pain of installing and removing much heavier, real parts when mocking up a new race car. While we're on the subject of must-have lightweight parts, note Canton's aluminum, 7-quart, drag-race oil pan for 4.6 and 5.4 modulars [PN 13-784A; (203) 481-9460; www.cantonracing.com] attached to the mockup engine. This pan is half the weight of Canton's steel pan, and it features a diamond-shaped, four-door baffle that gives oil no other place to flow than to the pickup, especially under high-rev race conditions. Towers Racing Products [(512) 818-1813; www.towersracing.com] makes the aluminum, Two-Valve cam covers seen in this photo.
When it comes to rear suspension components, the insane racers who jockey mega-horsepower Mustangs on true 10.5 slicks and any-size Drag Radials come to mind, as these racers can benefit the most from using these rear shocks. They're VariShock QuickSet 2, double-adjustable coilover shocks (PN VAS 11211-615) and 150-lb/in rate springs (PN VAS 21-12150). They're nothing but the truth when it comes to easy-to-tune suspension components that are designed to help a traction-challenged 'Stang hook. The shocks feature 256 different settings that can be dialed in by rotating either one or both of the two knobs for "bump"/compression or "rebound"/extension). They're mounted at the base of each shock, and you don't have to remove or even unbolt the shock. The big plus about VariShocks [(800) 722-2269; www.varishock.com] is their repeatability. "It doesn't matter how you set them, soft or hard-they do what you set them to do every time," said one racer we asked about suspension parts. A spanner wrench is necessary for making height adjustments with coilovers. The long-reach unit shown here is made by Fast Intentions [(818) 882-2788]. VariShocks are also available for Mustangs set up for classes that require stock-style shocks.
We're always giving high praise to the way cold-air systems help produce power. In another spin on cool, we think this Heat Sink fuel cooler from Barry Grant [(706) 864-8544; www.barrygrant.com] is a simple but great piece of racing technology derived from the old-school cool cans. Remember, an engine will make great power with a dense air/fuel charge. Cooling the fuel is the other aspect-the seldom-thought-about aspect (again, cold air is the most popular) of the air/fuel equation. Heat Sinks can be plumbed directly inline on any return-style, or non-return-style fuel system and are available with either -8AN (PN 178000) or -10AN (PN 178001) fittings.
No, you're not seeing things-tires are in our collection of must-have items, but we're not talking about slicks, drag radials, or front runners. These new, ST225/75R15 8PR radials (PN DS-2100) from Duro Tire and Wheel [(866) 788-2060; www.durotire.com] are specifically manufactured for your trailer and have a maximum load capacity of 2,450 pounds each. A set of eight-ply, trailer-specific tires is a must for towing your car and equipment to the track and back-and don't forget a spare.
We've seen too many cars being towed on trailers sporting rubber that isn't rated for towing heavy loads, and we've also seen enough fenderless enclosed trailers that are victims of those same inferior tires after they've blown out on the highway. So, having the right stuff is critical. Our selection of Duro is based on tire quality and towing safety, which should never be compromised or overlooked.