fox body w/ a IRS - good for open track events and autox???

[simplyJ]

thinking about picking up a cheap 5.0 convertible that was listed on craigslist about 2 min from my house. I have a 99 cobra IRS and sn95 spindles/cobra brakes which have been sitting around in my garage waiting to be put on my 69 mustang project (coming along very very very slowly... haha). Was thinking about swapping in the IRS and front spindles/brake assembly (temporarily of course until the 69 needs them) and adding some subframe connectors/suspension and probably a roll bar to make a nice, cheap open track and autox car (yes I know conv's suck for track events but I'm a sucker for drop tops). However, I don't really know the fox body chassis at all and don't know if it would be worth the labor. Any input would be great.

Cost really isn't much of an issue since I have most of the parts sitting around collecting dust at the moment. I was told to clean up the garage so I figure there is no better place for the parts than under a car

pic of the potential patient

 

[MikeC]

The IRS will bolt right in. You will also need the Cobra exhaust if you don't have that. The IRS will improve the handeling and ride quality of drop top, but add about 100lbs at the same time. If you ever plan on drag racing the 99 IRS is pretty week and can produce wheel hop thet will destroy parts. Other wise I think they are great, much better road mannors.

 

[jrichker]

See http://www.mouthbreather.net/IRSSWAP.HTML for a tech article by some guys who did the swap. Neat idea...

 

[simplyJ]

See http://www.mouthbreather.net/IRSSWAP.HTML for a tech article by some guys who did the swap. Neat idea...

yeah, that was the first thing I read. Unfortunately they didn't say much about ride quality and I belive they swapped it out eventually.

 

[srothfuss]

I think 5lugfoxfanatic (?) was working on swapping in a 01+ IRS rear suspension on his autocross car. maybe he'll show up with some input for you.

 

[simplyJ]

update: bought the car for $2300 - picking it up monday - then let the fun begin! gotta find some 5 lug wheels now

 

[Sicarius428]

I believe it is a bit wider on each side. Mount it first and then find some wheels with the right offset. Your typical mustang offset wheels won't fit i don't think.
Kevin

 

[Flavadave4]

interesting.........cool idea. I never really thought about it,being focusd more for 1/4 mile. Would make a great little whip on the streets, but as mentioned would be a little over weight.

 

[Sicarius428]

Weight in the back for an auto-x car can't be all that bad for these foxes... hehe
Nice vert by the way.
Kevin

 

[dec322]

Here is a classified ad for a fox with the irs rear.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

If i could build one with a bulletproof build that i didn't have to worry about destroying, and if i could get rid of the wheel hop thing, i'd be all over it. The thing is though, there's enough aftermarket stuff for the 8.8 suspension that it can be built to outhandle the IRS with ease.

 

[giddyup306]

I'm trying to put an IRS out of an 89 Super Coupe in a fox. I don't think that it is anything similar to the Cobra IRS... Maybe someone can chime in. IIRC it bolts up different. Dunno.