Quote:
Originally Posted by Biggins
I think it will be a solid option for you! I've about given up on autocross classing related to my car purchases, but I think this would be another incremental step up from the Camaro (assuming you're not tuning it, r-comps, and going to ESP/SM)?
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This is a much bigger step up from base than the Camaro 2.0T 1LE. On paper the EB Mustang should have these advantages:
- Gearing: I need to go verify math, but sounds like 63mph in 2nd compared to 60 or 62 depending on wheels for the Camaro
- Shocks: 1LE shocks are slightly better than the base Camaro's which are barely adequate. Mustang's MagneRide should be very, very good
- Wheel width: Mustang will get 9.5" wide wheels all around compared to 8.5F/9.5R
- Use of camber bolts (I think)
- Horsepower: 330 vs 275
- Torque: 350 vs 295
- 3.5" shorter wheelbase
Plus known real world daily life advantages like outward visibility, interior space, etc.
The one thing on paper that seems to count against it is 250ish extra pounds. Dropping weight is always the answer, but the extra wheel width, shocks and, power will probably more than offset the love handles.
I think the non-thinking autocross classing answer is to throw it in DS. Jury is still out on the 2019 version of DS, but it's looking pretty good for the RS (still don't think the Civic Type R is "the car", but can definitely hold its own). I think the Camaro can still be competitive in the right circumstances, but it's not the car for the class.
I'd expect this EB Mustang to crush the Camaro and probably be way out in front of the RS. For that reason, I can see the car getting classed in FS with the V6 1LE. And if the SAC is afraid of upsetting more apple carts, maybe even BS. It would be an amazing car for DS and probably pretty good in FS. I'd be more hesitant with it in BS, even if it could hang with the top BS cars, because a lightly used 1SS 1LE is probably very similar money and would already be a good bit pre-depreciated.
MSRP on the cheapest config EB Mustang PP/HP will probably be $35k. To have one in time for the start of next season, I'm guessing that will probably mean spending ~$30k (although a lease could be an option). Why would I spend $30k of a new one of these next fall/winter when I could buy a 2017 1SS 1LE for about the same?
Until recently, I'd been thinking two basic scenarios:
1: Keep Camaro and mod it for ESP or CAM, plus:
- buy truck (to tow Camaro and use as a daily most of the time)
- buy trailer
2: Sell Camaro and replace with 2017 1SS 1LE to use as daily and autocross car, plus:
- buy Camaro tow hitch
- buy tire trailer
I don't think either of these are bad options. One of them lets me finally scratch a 15+ year V8 itch I've had that I've kept telling myself I'll scratch with the next car purchase. The other lets me follow through on something that I think would be a ton of fun, very educational, and opens a multi-year window for the car where I shouldn't have to think much about classing for a long time.
The EB Mustang presents an alternative that speaks to me in an unexpected way at the moment.