IRS vs. Solid Axle

[5literstang]

if alot of people are swapping there IRS out of there cobra for a solid axle then why did ford put them on the cobras in the first place? whats the significance of it? what are some pro's and cons of the both? thanks -Jeff

 

[Cobra Jay]

I think a solid axle should have come standard and an IRS should have been an OPTION on all Mustangs.

Solid axles are a lot stronge than an IRS for us guys who like to hit the drag strip.

But you get a better ride Quality and handling out of an IRS.

I'm glad to see that Ford didn't go with an IRS in the 05 Mustangs. I hope that if the do decided to put them in the v-6's ang GT's in the future they will still make a solid axle available to the guys who like to drag race.

 

[neoclasiccl]

They do provide a much nicer ride I will admit. But I plan on ditching mine soon since these are not made to take the 600 rwhp I have with the setup.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

(Pulls up to starting line).......Vroom......Vrooooom......(dumps clutch)....hop, hop, hop....BANG!!! "Damnit, call a tow truck!"

How's that for a pretty picture?

 

[mity2]

I think a solid axle should have come standard and an IRS should have been an OPTION on all Mustangs.

yes, yes, yes!!! thats how it should have been!!!

I don't drag race. I'd much rather have IRS, and be able to eat little rice rocket on the corner then just straight race..


but thats just me

 

[5literstang]

so i guess the cobra's dont like when the clutch is dumped?

 

[tarch]

so i guess the cobra's dont like when the clutch is dumped?

the 03's don't

my GT with the IRS likes it very much

 

[alfman9]

yea these cars are a biotch to get a feel for. but once youve got the feel, she squats and goes like nobodys business

 

[5literstang]

will a 99 cobra like when the clutch is dumped?? lol

 

[Gearbanger 101]

will a 99 cobra like when the clutch is dumped?? lol

They're all fine until you add some traction. You probably wont' break a halfshaft with the '99's or GT's power output, but it'll still wheel hop the odd time...even on radials.

 

[5literstang]

how much would it be to swap out a IRS for a solid axle? is it really worth it?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

how much would it be to swap out a IRS for a solid axle? is it really worth it?

All depends on your point of view. If you planned on a lot of drag racing, or making some serious power with your car, then it might be a good idea. But then again you wouldn’t perform as well on a road course and would loose a very slight bit of ride quality with the solid axle. If you could find a donor SN-95 to swap rear ends with, then it’s basically just take parts from one and install them into the other.

 

[maddogg545]

why did ford put them on the cobras in the first place?

SVT wanted to close the gap between the cobra and the vette. The platform that the 03 cobras were built on was not made for IRS. SVT just stuck it in there and did a real good job of making it work. However the next cobra platform to debut will be made to complement the IRS, so hopefully we will see a fast improvment.

1320 and red lights = solid rear

Autocross = IRS