pulp – Page 29 – Pulpaddict

FOX-BODY MUSTANG ‘CHASSIS’ UPGRADE

Racer Stephen Cox shows how you can improve your 1979-1993 Mustang’s ride, handling and performance with this FOX-BODY MUSTANG ‘CHASSIS’ UPGRADE.

Fox body Mustangs (1979-93) have torque boxes for a reason. Ford’s sloppy Fox platform literally twists under acceleration and with every turn the driver makes. This “chassis flex” (technically the Fox Mustang is a unit body platform but you get the idea) robs the classic Fox Mustang of cornering power and good handling characteristics.

For the uninitiated, torque boxes on the Fox are located just ahead of the rear wheel wells. They are square, as opposed to the tubular torque systems on some others vehicles, and are frequently found cracked on 40-something year old Mustangs. This results in even worse handling, an age-old problem with Fox bodies.

My initial solution was to outfit my ‘80 Mustang – known as “Blue Thunder” – with standard subframe connectors. I’m thankful that Matt Laszaic (a friend who happens to be the Fox specialist at National Parts Depot) stepped in to recommend an even better solution. The FIT System from Stiffler’s Engineering enhances subframe connectors with side rails and a web brace to lock the unit body into position. It essentially builds a frame under the unit body. Better still, we didn’t need to reroute any lines or cut through the floorboard to install this product.

The results have been astonishing, but for the sake of brevity I’ll focus on three main areas of improvement, two of which really surprised me:

Many of the rattles and noises I once heard have simply vanished. The entire car functions more quietly than it has in years. This is especially noticeable at highway speeds and when driving over minor bumps and potholes. I really didn’t anticipate this improvement, but it was obvious and instant. I can hear the exhaust note better. The audio system is clearer. Everything is quieter.
Blue Thunder’s handling is vastly improved, as anticipated. Turn-in is quicker with less body roll. Power under acceleration transfers to the rear wheels better and can be clearly felt by the driver. The car rolls straighter with less pull and wandering at interstate speeds. My Mustang drives and feels like a car of a more modern vintage.
It is infinitely easier to work on the car in my garage (another unanticipated benefit). Four stiffening rails run the length of the unit body and I no longer need to grope around for the jack points in order to raise the car. I can easily place jacks anywhere along the length of the car using the outer rails. Jacking up the car is a breeze and saves far more time in the garage than I expected.

Has the FOX-BODY MUSTANG ‘CHASSIS’ UPGRADE met expectations? Absolutely. Other than a new McGunegill racing engine, the chassis bracing has transformed my car to a greater degree than any other single change that’s been made.

Does the car accelerate faster? Yes. My 0-60 times dropped by nearly a second after installation. I’m obviously transferring power to the rear wheels far better than before.

Would I do it again? Yes, I would. The inherently flexible Fox platform needs this improvement desperately. Go beyond single rail subframe connectors if you can. Get the best system you can afford to bring real rigidity to your classic Ponycar. You’ll be glad you did.

Stephen Cox competes in the World Racing League, Historic Sportscar Racing, and is Co-host, Mecum Auctions on Motor Trend. His blog is presented by National Parts Depot, https://www.npdlink.com/

SHELBY-POWERED BIRDCAGE MASERATI

Three American racing legends – Carroll Shelby, Briggs Cunningham and Al Momo – joined forces in 1963, resulting in a SHELBY-POWERED BIRDCAGE MASERATI racecar.

Transplanting American V8 engines into imported sports racers gained popularity in the early-mid-1960s. American V8s were often inexpensive, simple to modify and maintain, and in many cases lighter than imports. Most importantly, they produced maximum horsepower and torque at considerably lower and more useable rpm for improved performance and durability.

Ford’s lightweight 260-289 V8, which was elevated to international status by Carroll Shelby’s Cobras, caught the attention of Alfred Momo and Briggs Cunningham in 1963. Momo managed Briggs Cunningham’s racing team and operated a full sports car and racing services facility in New York City. Cunningham built sports cars and racecars in 1951-1955, took Corvettes to Le Mans in 1960 and was the highest-profile racing team owner-driver in the U.S in the late-1950s and early-1960s.

In 1963 Cunningham spent a lot of time racing Momo-prepared Maserati Tipos, also known as Birdcages because of their unique triangulated small-diameter tubular chassis construction. The original Tipo chassis weighed just 66 pounds and resembled a large birdcage. It was originally fitted with a three-liter DOHC V12 engine. While considered state-of-the-art because of unique space-frame construction, they were plagued with suspension failures leading to serious handling and reliability issues. At the time Maserati was cash-starved, negatively affecting racecar development.

Both Cunningham and Momo were aware of Shelby’s success with Ford-powered Cobras and decided to bring him in while Momo was rebuilding one of two Maserati Tipo 64 Birdcages (#64.002). It had been built in 1962 as a Tipo 63 and later returned to Italy for chassis updates, rear suspension change, weight reduction and relocation of the engine for better weight distribution.

Its fully independent rear suspension was replaced with a De Dion setup located with its own tubular framework. Power came from a 60-degree 183-cubic-inch V12 with four cams and six Weber 35-DCV carburetors. Output was 320 horsepower at 8,200 rpm. This is the same engine used by Maserati in 1957 in its Formula One 250.Shelby suggested a 289-cubic inch Cobra competition engine that would put out more useable horsepower and torque at more than 1,000 rpm less than the V12. I spent a day in August 1963 at Momo Competition after the Shelby-Ford 289, fitted by Al Momo with four Weber 4610-M1 carburetors, was installed in the SHELBY-POWERED BIRDCAGE MASERATI and fired up. The 289’s headers were plumbed into rear exit quad megaphones. It had an incredible bark – much more raucous sounding than a competition Cobra. Rated at 340-horsepower at 7,000 rpm, the engine was fitted with ported and polished heads like the ones used on FIA Cobras, a Motorola alternator and Spalding Flamethrower ignition. It was shipped with an aluminum Cobra-Weber intake manifold sans carburetors, and a custom nine-quart oil pan.

Unlike previous Birdcages that Cunningham had raced, this was the first to utilize a De Dion rear suspension with a five-speed gearbox and an interchangeable Fifth gear. To adapt the Cobra engine, Momo chopped the Ford bellhousing and utilized a Maserati flywheel and clutch. Clutch and throttle, linkage were converted to hydraulic-assist utilizing slave cylinders. To compensate for the new powerplant, adjustable Armstrong shocks and beefier 42-mm knock-off hubs were added. An aluminum cross-flow radiator, aided by small vents in the aluminum rear body panels, cooled the fan-less engine. Ready to race, the SHELBY-POWERED BIRDCAGE MASERATI weighed in at 1,400 pounds, exactly one pound less than with the V12!With the help of Willem Oosthoek, author of Birdcage to Supercage and Larry Berman, Cunningham historian, we were able to track the Ford-powered Birdcage’s racing history. The first time out with Walt Hansgen driving, #64.002 took a Third overall at the Watkins Glen SCCA Nationals on August 24, 1963. Primary drivers were Cunningham, Augie Pabst and Paul Richards. Dr. Dick Thompson also spent some seat time in Tipo #64.002.

Over the years ownership of #64.002 passed from Cunningham to Pabst and then to Ham Vose. It competed at the Bridgehampton Double 500, Los Angeles Times GP at Riverside and many regional events in 1963. The last big race it ran was the USRRC event at Augusta. In later years, still fitted with the Shelby Cobra engine, it was on display at the Blackhawk Collection.

Checkout the history of the Maserati Birdcage @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maserati_Tipo_61

Worst speed limit breakers: Cars, vans or lorries?

Gareth Herincx

3 hours ago
Auto News

Half (50%) of car drivers broke the speed limit on 30mph roads in 2022 compared to 45% on motorways and 11% on national speed limit single carriageway roads, according to new data from the Department for Transport.

The DfT figures also revealed that 48% of vans exceeded the speed limit on motorways compared to 51% on 30mph roads.

However, only 2% of articulated HGVs exceeded the speed limit on motorways, compared to 35% on national speed limit single carriageway roads and 39% on 30mph roads.

“It’s concerning to see that every year half of drivers exceed the limit on 30mph roads, with more than a fifth (22%) last year driving more than five miles an hour too fast,” said the RAC’s Simon Williams.

“The implications of speeding on these roads is likely to be greater than on faster roads, not least as they’re generally in areas with more pedestrians and cyclists.

“One possible explanation for why speed limit compliance is so much worse compared to other roads is that drivers may be used to looking for speed limit signs, which are much less prevalent on 30mph roads as generally speaking the presence of streetlights indicates the limit is 30mph.

“While drivers should know this, perhaps there is a case for the use of more ‘repeater’ signs in 30mph areas so there is no doubt.”

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The Best Auto Shipping Companies When You Need To Move A Car

Want to ship your car? Well, you’re in luck. In today’s world, finding a car moving company in almost any corner of the globe is easy.

But which ones are the best? And how do you find the right company to help you transport your vehicle? And how can you avoid bait and switch scams that are common practice in the auto shipping industry?

Below we’ll break down the top 3 shipping companies, where they excel, and what to avoid.

Let’s get started.

Best Auto Shipping Companies to Help Move Your Vehicle

1. A1 Auto Transport

A1 Auto has been in business for over 20 years and is loaded with car shipping experts. Considering that the automobile shipping industry sees a lot of churn, staying in business for that long is an impressive feat. They accommodate many types of vehicles from ATVs, boats, planes, and anywhere between.

What’s great about A1 Auto is that they can also help you move your home’s belongings if you are moving domestically or internationally. They also offer insurance as well as open and enclosed trailers depending on how much protection you want when moving your vehicle.

What’s great about A1 is they’re also well-reviewed on multiple platforms and have a ton of online presence. They are also licensed, which you can check on the DOT’s website as well as the FCMSA.

If you’re looking to ship any type of vehicle, A1 Auto can help. As they’re one of the top-rated car shipping companies, it’ll be hard to beat the pricing and service that they provide.

2. Amerifreight

Amerifreight is another top car shipping company to consider. They guarantee their quotes (which is a big deal in the brokering industry) and don’t ask for any money upfront. They also are BBB accredited and are well reviewed throughout the internet.

If you’re a military veteran, first responder, medical personnel, student, or senior citizen, they offer discounts to help you ship your vehicle to where it needs to go. They can help you ship not only your vehicle but luxury car, golf cart, and boat and even help you relocate.

Amerifreight is also capable of helping manufacturers ship their vehicles to where they need to go. While Amerfreight is a broker, it means they rely on other shipping companies to provide the service while they connect you to the drivers. This can save you a ton of time, although you do have to do your due diligence when the time comes to research the company you’ll be working with.

AmerFreight 100% covers your vehicle with insurance (although, some limits may apply), which is great as it gives you protection no matter what company your vehicle is handed off to. Once you’re ready, you can ask their customer support on their site for help or call their 1-800 number.

3. Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa Auto Transport is an expert in auto shipping. They offer a price lock promise, which will prevent any jacked-up prices on the arrival of your vehicle. Many brokers use bait-and-switch pricing, which leaves you in a bit of a pickle once it comes time to receive your vehicle.

If your car gets dirty along the way, they even offer a free car wash after delivery. With thousands of reviews over ConsumerAffairs, Google, and the BBB, it’s going to be hard to find many faults with Sherpa Auto Transport.

Sherpa Auto uses data-driven pricing to help keep it fair for their consumers. They also have an extensive vetting process to help identify which carriers are worth working with, and which ones to avoid. Once you’re ready, simply send them an email or call their number to receive a free quote.

Conclusion

In the vast world of auto shipping, discerning the best from the rest is pivotal. With numerous options available, three companies distinctly rise to the top: A1 Auto Transport, Amerifreight, and Sherpa Auto Transport. A1 Auto Transport’s longevity in the industry and comprehensive service range, from transporting ATVs to moving household belongings, highlights their reliability and expertise.

Their reputable online presence and licensure add further credibility. Amerifreight stands out with its unique guarantee system, vast discounts, and an unmatched assurance of vehicle protection through insurance. Their status as a broker provides customers with convenience, though necessitating careful consideration when selecting the actual shipping service. Sherpa Auto Transport brings innovation to the fore with its data-driven pricing and robust vetting system, ensuring that clients receive only the best service at a fair price.

Moreover, their commitment to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by a complimentary car wash, showcases their dedication to excellence. To sum it up, if you’re looking to move your car, these three companies have proven their mettle in ensuring safety, affordability, and quality service.

First glimpse of the new Lexus LBX – free tickets

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

An underground car park has been transformed into an “extraordinary immersive light experience” to mark the launch of Lexus LBX – a landmark model for the brand.

The Extraordinary Car Park in Soho, London, will be open to the public from September 21-24 and admission is free.

This event, which is the second in a series of four LBX pop-up extraordinary experiences across Europe, will take place at QPark, 51 Poland Street, W1F 7ND.

You can sign up to attend the Lexus LBX preview event free of charge.

The Extraordinary Car Park takes the familiar process of driving into a multi-storey and looking for a space and turns it into an art experience.

Guests follow a walking route of discovery through LED arches and canopies of lights. Fields of undulating light bulbs spring into life, triggered by voice activation, and a display of LED batons pulse in rhythm with the viewer’s heartbeats.

The all-new hybrid LBX is the smallest Lexus yet, making it practical for daily city driving. Lexus hopes the baby SUV will appeal to younger customers and those who may not have considered the brand before.

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