More and more, we've noticed that drivers are electing to use quick-release/removable steering wheels in their race cars. Ease of entry and exit is probably one of the reasons the factory wheels are being ditched for the Grant Products Performance GT [(800) 952-6947; www.grantproducts.com] GT 13-inch steering wheel you see here (PN 622). But the cool factor that's inherent with being able to detach the steering wheel after you've returned to the pits is also one of the reasons there's been a boom of removable steering wheels in race Mustangs. This wheel features a smooth-feel, hand-stitched vinyl covering and holes for installing transbrake, nitrous, or any two accessory switches or buttons you can think of. Combine the Performance GT-also available with a bold, yellow top marker to let you know which way is "straight" when you're in a monster wheelstand and all you see is the sky-or any other Grant wheel with this new bolt-in race-'Stang steering column. This replacement for the larger, heavier factory column bolts directly in the factory location and features a manual-rack linkage shaft with Flaming River hardware. The steering-column kit also includes a quick-release/removable hub that easily attaches to any Grant Performance GT steering wheel. The column is available through Wild Bill Hickok Race Cars [(760) 677-9078].
An 11-pound Halon 1301 fire-suppression system (PN ASP-305) such as this SFI-approved, all-inclusive kit by Phoenix [(541) 383-5968; www.phoenixfiresuppression.com] can be one of the most important pieces of equipment on any race car, regardless of class or speed/performance level. FFW's tech requirements mandate a minimum 10-pound system on cars racing in all of its power-adder, heads-up classes. It could be the difference between being badly burned or losing your life or car in a fire or walking away with everything still intact. While serious accidents that include fire are not common in hard-core Mustang drag racing, the potential for such an accident is one of the few negatives that can be associated with the hobby. Your life is too precious and your investment too great not to outfit your race car with a fire-suppression system. Aren't you and your pride-and-joy worth more than the 400 bucks this system costs?
NHRA rules mandate that an enclosure or firewall, better known as a bulkhead, be installed in any hatchback-style car to separate fuel cells and batteries from the cockpit if they're not already secured in their own approved box or boxes. NMRA racer Andy Burnett [(309) 235-2530; andyb2001@mchsi.com] makes this trick, perfect-fit bulkhead for '87-'93 hatchback Mustangs. Made from painted (white, black, yellow, red, blue) or mill-finish 0.040-inch aluminum (NHRA rules require 0.032-inch minimum thickness), Andy's firewalls fit cleanly between the factory interior panels or can be custom ordered to work with most mini-tub setups.
Andy also makes bulkheads for '79-'93 notchbacks. Up front, sealing all the holes in the firewall separating the engine compartment from the cockpit is an important safety measure for any drag-race Mustang. While we aren't sure if Cartech still markets a one-piece, drop-in cover for this area, a filled-in firewall is a project you can take on yourself with a little time, effort, and patience. It provides an extra measure of safety to your race car.
We're starting to hear more about Wild Rides' "S"(tang)-box [(732) 751-1113; www.wildridesracecars.com] being the torque box/rear-upper-control-arm-mount repair or replacement of choice for 'Stang racers. This is one stout structure, comprised of 1/8- and 1/4-inch steel plate and fortified with killer welds throughout. Three mounting holes for the control arms provide a greater range of rear-suspension adjustments and allow for radical changes to a 'Stang's instant center, which affects how hard the tires are hit when the car launches (top equals softer, middle equals stock equivalent, bottom equals harder).
Many sanctions require racers to provide a fuel sample after each run to verify that only the specified racing gas is being used. This super-efficient, fuel-sample valve is a must-have for EFI or carbureted race Mustangs. It taps into the fuel line anywhere in the engine compartment, usually at the fuel-pressure test port/Schrader valve on EFI 'Stangs. With a press of the thumb it opens the line so a fuel sample can be drawn quickly and safely. The fuel-sample valve (PN FSV-18) is available through NHRA Stock Eliminator racer Clark Holroyd [(909) 591-4320]. Our friends at Aeromotive Industries [(913) 647-7300); www.aeromotiveinc.com] also offer a slick, new billet sample valve (PN 15631) that works well.