The Ford Mustang S197 is a legend on the drag strip, known for its straight-line speed and power. But what if you wanted to take that same Mustang and carve corners on an autocross course? CJ Pony Parts is doing just that, showcasing the transformation from drag strip dominator to autocross athlete. Their project highlights the key Mustang Drag Car Parts that need to be reconsidered when switching gears from drag racing to autocross.
This Gotta Have It Green S197 Mustang GT has lived its life a quarter-mile at a time. Equipped with typical drag racing modifications like a cold air intake, performance exhaust, and short-throw shifter, it was built for straight-line speed. As Bill Tumas from CJ Pony Parts explains, further engine modifications for drag racing would yield diminishing returns.
Instead of chasing more horsepower for the drag strip, CJ Pony Parts is taking a different route. They are reimagining their S197 as an autocross machine. This shift in focus requires a completely different set of mustang drag car parts and modifications. Luckily, they have in-house expertise, with employee Brendan, an SCCA class-winning autocrosser, guiding the build.
To understand the scale of the challenge, CJ Pony Parts plans to initially run the Mustang in autocross events with minimal changes – essentially as it sits, but with stock 2019 Mustang wheels and tires. This baseline testing will reveal just how much work is needed to convert a drag-focused car into a competitive autocrosser. “Our plan’s going to be to get this car out to as many autocross events as we can and we’re going to start by going step-by-step to see if the car gets faster and faster,” Tumas states.
The current setup, optimized for drag racing, is far from ideal for autocross. Drag setups often prioritize weight transfer to the rear for launch, and braking is primarily for slowing down from high speeds in a straight line. Autocross, however, demands quick transitions, sharp cornering, and responsive braking. Tumas acknowledges the expected initial struggles: “We know it’s going to be terrible, but that’s going to give us our baseline and then we’ll start on modifications to the suspension, brakes, and everything else to make the car really, really handle.”
The transformation from drag car to autocross champ is a journey that requires careful selection of mustang drag car parts. While the engine might have enough power, the supporting systems – suspension, brakes, steering, and wheels – need to be completely re-evaluated. Lighter wheels for quicker transitions and enhanced braking for tighter corners are just the beginning. CJ Pony Parts is inviting enthusiasts to contribute ideas for this exciting project, proving that with the right mustang drag car parts, even a straight-line specialist can learn to dance in the corners.
