Looking to start on a car and I'm wondering how it will be classed. I already sent off for the new rulebook but since it isn't done maybe you guys can help me out. I'm looking at building a '90 model Ford Mustang w/ a 2.3l 4 cyl. The car will prolly be gutted w/ just a drivers seat, fabbed dashboard and needed safety equipment(rollbar,seatbelt/harness and such). Where would it be classed if it ran on pump gas.....how bout racegas.....what if nitrous is thrown in. Just looking to have a lil fun w/ it. Any help would be appreciated. thanx
Here are some general guidelines and unofficial opinions that can get you started. If you have some specific questions send me a PM.
Your Mustang would fit into engine class 'F' which is for engines over 2 litres up to 3 liters.
The 'body class' could include Real Street, Super Street, Production, Gas Coupe, Altered Coupe and Competition Coupe.
It will not be able to run in any of the Vintage Classes due to the engine not being a legal vintage engine. Nor will it fit into the Classic categories because the model year 90 is not old enough (1981 or older) to be classified as a classic.
First the Street Classes (Real and Super) - If you want to run in this category the car must be registered and insured and have all required street equipment. (lights, wipers, etc) - Real Street allows one 4 barrel or equivalent intake. Super Street allows fuel injection, blowers etc.
Gas Coupe - Since your engine isn't an engine swap you can only qualify for Gas Coupe by adding a quick change rear or a non-stock supercharger. Otherwise the car remains pretty much stock bodied.
Altered Coupe - Tape up (all or partial) the grill and headlights and or set the engine back and you are legal in altered.
Competition Coupe - Chop the top or extend the front of the body, or add a full belly pan and you are OK for Competition Coupe.
Production - Pretty much a Gas Coupe but you can't use a quick change rear or a non-stock supercharger.
Rollcages and belts - At Maxton you can run up to 135mph without a cage. Up to 135 is OK with production safety equipment. Your stock 90 Mustang belts and shoulder strap should be enough (assuming they are in OK condition). If you wish to stay under 135 and avoid upgrades to belts etc then you should stay with a fairly stock interior. If in doubt contact the ECTA. Of course you can add a racing seat (not plastic!) and racing belts if you want.
Gas/Fuel/Nitrous - Real and Super Street can use pump gas purchased off site to run in the gas classes. For all other classes, Racing Gas must be bought at the track for any 'Gas" class in all categories. Using any 'gas' that is not purchased at the track will put you into the 'fuel' classes. Nitrous is considered 'fuel' and disqualifies you for any 'gas' class. Nitrous is the only legal Fuel additive in the Street 'fuel' classes.
Confused yet? But wait! There's more!
At Maxton (but NOT at SCTA or USFRA) you are permitted to run in the blown classes with unblown engines. You are permitted to run in the fuel classes without running 'fuel.' You are permitted to run 'up-class' in larger engine classes with smaller engines.
So your unblown 2.3 litre engine (class F) can run in any higher engine class AA, A, B, C, D, and E - and in either Blown or unblown classes and in either Fuel or Gas classes even if running 'gas.'
However you cannot run up in category (e.g. move from Production to Altered) unless you make the minimum required changes to the body/chassis to qualify for the 'higher' class.
Here are the current 'softer' records under 135mph you might consider:
F/GRS 114.263 (street legal with carb for intake - no nitrous)
E/FRS 115.335 (street legal with carb for intake - nitrous allowed)
F/PRO 125.698 (production - does not need to be street legal but is close to it)
E/GRS 126.227 (street legal with carb for intake - no nitrous)
F/FRS 127.324 (street legal with carb for intake - nitrous allowed)
F/BGALT 131.354 (partially tape-up front end)
F/BFCC 131.615 (chop top or extend nose or add belly pan )
F/BFALT 131.893 (partially tape-up front end)
F/FSS 132.009 (street legal with injection - nitrous allowed)
F/GSS 132.341 (street legal with injection)
F/FALT 134.777 (partially tape-up front end)
F/BGC 134.932 (would have to have either quick change rear or non-stock blower)
F/BGCC 135.135 (chop top or extend nose or add belly pan - because it is just over 135 it might require cage, belts, etc.)
WARNING!!! Do not modify the car until you have a rule book in hand!!! I am not an official with ECTA and while I know alot about the rules I do not want to imply that I am any sort of authority on the subject.
Whatever you decide to do I strongly suggest that you come to Maxton. Everybody is friendly and helpful and always welcomes any and all new folks.