AutoX

[rayy]

I am wanting to get into some autox events at Goodguys and other places. I have a 70 maverick it is going to be budget ride. I have herd that Mustang II conversions are not the best for this type of setup. But to go a rack coversion from RRS is way more than I want to spend. Does anyone do any autox with manual steering? The car will weigh around 3000lbs with a 2253518 tire. If I want a good power steering setup then it looks as if its Mustang II or RRS. Thanks for any input.

[Lowend]

There are lots of guys who auto-x with manual steering... I'm just not one of them.
With a relatively light car and little front tires, you'll be ok.

Try muscling around an AC Cobra with 275's on the front and no PS

[MrQuick]

yeah you should be fine, to start off I'd use what you have but just make sure your alignment is set up for it. Great car to start with as there is lots of room for growth (experience).

Vince

[mpozzi]

Yes, you can succeed at autocross events without power steering but you have to get good upper body strength and work on proper presentation for each corner. If the car can rotate, so much the better.

I autocrossed a non-power steering Cobra (yes, a real one ...) and had to raise the front tire pressures almost double (45 psi vs 25 psi) to get the car to turn in. This worked for me and I was as fast as the guy that I co-drove with (he could steer the car with the lower "normal" pressures). Neither could drive the car well with the other's front pressures but both of us basically steered the car using the throttle. Adding power steering would have been a benefit but was not an option for that particular car.

Making a car easy to drive is key to turning quick autocross times. Most of our larger cars require power steering as there's tons of front end weight that needs to change direction. While you can physically and forcibly turn the steering wheel, it will alter your body position in the seat and you'll be overall less effective as a driver. Your autocross times will probably suffer ...

That said, a Maverick or Mustang II isn't that large of a car and you might be able to get away with no power steering. Either car can be very competitive as an autocross car as they're light, narrow, and are a good fit with a 302 cu. in. engine. You don't need godzilla rubber underneath and there's some good suspension systems available.

Mary Pozzi

[DynoDon]

I wouldn't do the MII front end on your Maverick. The camber curve on that front end is not as good as what can be accomplished with Global West or TCP parts on the original set up. On top of that the unibody was not designed for the stress loads that the MII puts in the wrong places on the Maverick front end.
You can get Non Power Rack conversions as well if you want, but I ran my Falcon with Global West and a stock non power box before I went to a power rack and it steered just fine.

[silver69camaro]

If you want to do a IFS conversion, I'd look into our Sport IFS setups. It has the geometry characteristics of C6 setups and is more wallet friendly.

[rayy]

Thanks alot of good info. I have never autox before! It just looks like so much fun. I know people will give me a hard time but the car will have an LS setup. I live in the same town where Mast Motorsports is located. I know and have grown up with those guys great people. I think a 6.0 is slightly smaller than a 351W not much. I am going this route because I have two complete engines and it will save cash. Not sure what to do on the rear of the car. Try to fab a fourlink or just stick with the leafs. TCP's rear stuff for Mustang will not fit a Maverick. Thanks I will need all the help I can get!!!

[Bryce]

Rayy,
You know my opinion on MII.

Matt,
What about the structural loss when removing the shock towers to put in your front suspension? I would suggest some reinforcing of the lower frame rails and triagulation back to the firewall (front bulkhead).

I am pleased with my falcon steering, stock manual with 245 tires on the front. But i will be going to a manual rack in the near future.

For the rear just lower it and get higher spring rate leafs. Add a panhard or watts. Fays2 has a universal watts or a mustang one may fit.

[silver69camaro]

Bryce-
Most guys do what you just said, or fabricate inner panels out of 16ga that mimic the stock sheetmetal while making clearance for the new suspension.

[Bryce]

thanks Matt.

[rayy]

Well is autox as fun as it looks? I cant wait to get started. The vendors that do it look like pros. I might be ashamed to show my car and my lack of skill!!!

[6'9"Witha69]

Well is autox as fun as it looks? I cant wait to get started. The vendors that do it look like pros. I might be ashamed to show my car and my lack of skill!!!

The journey of 1000 miles starts with one step.

What ever happened to Alcino?

[rayy]

If I do with leafs in the rear what rate do you guys suggest. It will se alot of street duty.

[mpozzi]

The journey of 1000 miles starts with one step.

What ever happened to Alcino?

Alcino LIVES!!!!! I saw him earlier this year and he still has his Mustang II.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[MrQuick]

If I do with leafs in the rear what rate do you guys suggest. It will se alot of street duty.

My suggestion would to be get out on there on the course and see how your set up feels, its difficult to feel the changes without a base.

Alcino LIVES!!!!! I saw him earlier this year and he still has his Mustang II.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

good to hear, I haven't spoken to him since the bachelor party track day.

Vince