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Is anybody going to Good Guys this weekend? I am thinking about running my Pantera there now that I think I have most of the bugs worked out.!? I have never autocross it before but from what I've read I should be able to start out in second and run the whole course without having to shift. Does this sound right?
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8-pak, Judy and I autocrossed two different Panteras over a 10 yr period with quite a bit of success. Starting in 2nd is hard on the clutch so pop off the line in 1st & shift to 2nd at your first opportunity- but not too quickly or the tranny will go in one gear and the stick into another (if the stock shift gate is still there). Most courses limit speeds to 60-70 mph so even a stock Pantera won't need 3rd gear. And even 20 yrs ago the Pleasanton fairgrounds were bumpy and full of sand so if that's where you're running, try NOT to be the first car out. Watch your tire pressures; we used 45 front /50-52 rear (sometimes more) with 8s & 10s.
quote:
Originally posted by Bosswrench:
8-pak, Judy and I autocrossed two different Panteras over a 10 yr period with quite a bit of success. Starting in 2nd is hard on the clutch so pop off the line in 1st & shift to 2nd at your first opportunity- but not too quickly or the tranny will go in one gear and the stick into another (if the stock shift gate is still there). Most courses limit speeds to 60-70 mph so even a stock Pantera won't need 3rd gear. And even 20 yrs ago the Pleasanton fairgrounds were bumpy and full of sand so if that's where you're running, try NOT to be the first car out. Watch your tire pressures; we used 45 front /50-52 rear (sometimes more) with 8s & 10s.
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Cool thanks for the input. I was trying to decide if I wanted to start out in second because it is a b--ch with an aluminum flywheel. Problem solved:-)
quote:
running a big block Pantera around the track beating up cones....

May I point out that it isn't the fault of the big block, or the Pantera, that is causing cone carnage? Big Grin

And I am at a loss as to how replacing a four wheel power disc brake, four wheel independent suspension, mid-engined car with a .... truck most likely lacking all those attributes .... would be an improvement.

But if you have your mind made up, here's one that you can probably pick up for cheap. You're Welcome

Larry

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quote:
Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
quote:
running a big block Pantera around the track beating up cones....

May I point out that it isn't the fault of the big block, or the Pantera, that is causing cone carnage? Big Grin

And I am at a loss as to how replacing a four wheel power disc brake, four wheel independent suspension, mid-engined car with a .... truck most likely lacking all those attributes .... would be an improvement.

But if you have your mind made up, here's one that you can probably pick up for cheap. You're Welcome

Larry
Hey Larry; 8packs idea about autocrossing a truck will be as successful as a B.B.Q joint for vegetarians...I'll take the tofu brisket & a slab of soy bean ribs...Mark
quote:
Originally posted by 1Rocketship:
You want to autocross with a car that has ALL the beneficial attributes required to be successful ...two words...Mazda Miata.

Trucks are for hauling wood & towing a Mazda Miata...Mark


I agree but than you have to race against everybody else in a 80hp POS…. I want to run in the in the american truck class so something pre 74. I am thinking International Scout with a 500hp+ Ford motor with big tires. Something like this.

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quote:
Originally posted by 8pack:
quote:
Originally posted by 1Rocketship:
500 HP & NO WEIGHT over the rear wheels!, that Scout might(?) win a Burn-out contest, NOT an autocross competition...Mark


Maybe you should tell that to this guy with an International Scout with the quickest time..
https://youtu.be/Q7hlDkwgLGk

I'm guessing you wouldn't bet you Pantera on a heads up time??? I sure wouldn't and I have more motor than most.
Please take note that the Scout in the link is a Hard Top, which adds both weight & rigidity vs the open bed Scout you posted, plus I would bet the yellow scout has weight added over the differential/rear wheels.

I'm readily aware of the shortcomings of my Pantera, thus I'd be a FOOL to challenge the Scout.

I have 3 dedicated autocross/track cars, a 1967 Datsun Roadster, a 1975 Fiat 124 Spyder & a 1975 Alfa Romeo Spyder. All having Olds/Buick 215 all aluminum V8s mated to Tremec 5 speeds.

Very Capable performers & relatively low cost to maintain & operate, PLUS if I get T-Boned entering a turn, My ego & wallet don't hurt so bad winching the car back on the trailer...Mark
quote:
Originally posted by 1Rocketship:
Please take note that the Scout in the link is a Hard Top, which adds both weight & rigidity vs the open bed Scout you posted, plus I would bet the yellow scout has weight added over the differential/rear wheels.

I'm readily aware of the shortcomings of my Pantera, thus I'd be a FOOL to challenge the Scout.

I have 3 dedicated autocross/track cars, a 1967 Datsun Roadster, a 1975 Fiat 124 Spyder & a 1975 Alfa Romeo Spyder. All having Olds/Buick 215 all aluminum V8s mated to Tremec 5 speeds.

Very Capable performers & relatively low cost to maintain & operate, PLUS if I get T-Boned entering a turn, My ego & wallet don't hurt so bad winching the car back on the trailer...Mark

Like you I can't take the risk of killing my Pantera for my ego/wallet.

Yes, a Scout will have to add weight to make class and that is a good thing because you get to add it where it is needed. The fiberglass top is a negative because it adds weight above the vertical cg and if the the frame/cage is doing its job, the top should add no rigidity.

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