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Front GoPro Footage

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Rear GoPro Footage

On the Autocross

Pictures

Suspension Breakdown

Ridetech – Air Ride Technologies – Level 2 Suspension System
• Front
     • Strong Arm upper & lower control arms
     • Shockwave Master Series Single Adjustable
     • 2″ drop spindles
• Rear
     • Strong Arm upper & lower control arms
     • CoolRide rear air springs
     • Aluminum single adjustable shocks
• Compressor
     • RidePro E3 compressor system w/ 5 gal. tank
     • RidePro E3 Digital Control System
     • Remote Keychain

 
Driving RideTech’s 1969 Autocross Mustang at Goodguys Del Mar
Taken from: streetlegaltv.com – Written by: Mark Gearhart

When Ford released the 1969 Mustang, the car had been significantly updated, but remained all-classic Mustang with a rather more aggressive look. Other than the 108-inch wheelbase, every measurement grew, making the Pony longer, wider, lower and more streamlined than before. However, all of these changes came with a cost and that was weight. Today, using the 1969 model as the base for a project brings with it the challenge of dealing with the car’s inherent bulk.

When that project is also performance-driven, it’s going to take some serious massaging throughout the car, including a lot of attention to the suspension. Face it, there aren’t enough leaf springs in the world to keep that puppy from getting tail happy once the power gets serious. Some of those options come from RideTech Air Ride Technologies, in the form of front and rear suspension components, or complete kits to get your Pony under control.

Now, you may not feel totally comfortable with an air bag suspension and in all probability that’s because of stories you’ve heard before about these being used on luxury cars in the 1990s and the reliability issues that plagued them. Well, this isn’t your father’s air suspension anymore. Of course, the proof is in the driving, so the folks at RideTech allowed writers to drive the Mustang in the Goodguys 2011 Editors Challenge, held at the Del Mar Goodguys event.

A Profile on RideTech’s 1969 Mustang

Now, when you let 16 magazine and web site Editors loose with a car of yours, it better be a sturdy one. The 1969 Mustang fastback that RideTech has put together features their own suspension products, of course, and that includes an Airbar triangulated 4-link rear suspension with Shockwave air springs to replace the farm cart hardware.

The front end has been worked over with double adjustable ShockWave springs and TCP tubular control arms, as well as their power rack and pinion steering gear. Of course, the RidePro e2 air compressor system is there, tucked away in the trunk. In the same area, you’ll also find a 22-gallon FuelSafe fuel cell.

A Musclebar front swaybar, along with Wilwood’s 6-piston brake calipers on 14-inch front rotors and 4-piston clampers for the 12-inch disks out back, help to keep the wheels on the pavement. Those wheels, by the way, are 18 x 9-inch billet Magnum 500 rims, shod with BF Goodrich G Force T/A rubber. Now, that’s a classic look backed up with modern capability.

Lift the hood on this Pony and you’ll find a 460 cui Bill Mitchell V8 that pumps out 630 hp at 6000 rpm. Fed by a Big Stuff 3 sequential electronic fuel injection and MSD ignition controller, this engine pulls like a freight train but delivers the response you need when the back end needs to slide out a bit more. As long as the driver keeps his or her cool, this car will as well, thanks to an FCO aluminum double pass radiator, Meziere remote coolant pump, Jones 8mm belt drive and a C-Line 8 quart road race oil pan with 3 quart Accusump reservoir.

Having all that power on tap is great, but since you need to get it to the pavement, there’s a lot of help in place starting from the Rankin NASCAR 4-speed with magnesium case, set up with a Tilton magnesium bell housing and a 7.5-inch carbon fiber triple disc clutch. A carbon fiber driveshaft hooked into a DTS rear end with Strange aluminum center section and 31 spline axles complete the job. Light weight and low inertia are key to the driveline response, so when you need power to the road, you get it immediately.

Rounding out this Mustang is the appropriate furniture in the office space and that includes a pair of Sparco composite seats, a Racepak digital dash board to deliver the 411 and a custom chrome-moly steel roll cage to keep you safe. With all that equipment at your fingers, this is one serious ride.

Driving the Mustang at the 2011 Goodguy’s Del Mar Editor’s Challenge

I have been out of the loop a bit when it comes to competitive driving. In the early to mid 2000s, I would drive in just about any event I could attend, and took a few trophies home along the way. But that was seven years ago and Del Mar would be my second autocross event I have attended since 2004. Also, most of the cars I have driven in the past have been late model vehicles with predictable horsepower, power-assist brakes, and the normal amenities found in modern era vehicles. At the Editor’s Challenge, I would have none of these – my first foray into driving a classic muscle car around the autocross course.

I sat behind for 10-15 runs to see how other people were driving these cars. One driving characteristic I kept seeing was that 90% of the people that drove the RideTech Mustang were stalling it. I wanted the Mustang to be my first car to drive for the day (with the other cars being Detroit Speed’s second gen Camaro and Hotchkis’ Road Runner) so I made my way into the driver’s seat, well aware of the 7.5-inch carbon fiber clutch was going to have to tackle. Wow the throw on the clutch was short!

I managed to make it up to the grid where owner Bret Voelkel says, “Rev it up to about 4000RPM and slip it out fast.” I was playing with fire here; I was either going to stall it or roast the tires. I didn’t give it enough RPM and slipped the clutch too fast, which caused the Mustang to buck like a bronco. I quickly composed myself, pushed the clutch in, revved it up and dumped it again. I was going to be at a 1-2 second disadvantage off the start due to my bad launch.

The rest of the lap was an absolute blast. The course is slow and the tall-geared 4-speed was left in first for the entire run, helping to slow down the Mustang while off the throttle. Torque delivery to the rear tires is lightning fast, thanks to the super light drivetrain assembly. The Mustang would go exactly where you pointed it and if you began to under steer the slightest bit in a corner, pushing the loud pedal down the smallest amount would fix the problem. I wish I could have had another go-ahead in the Mustang as my launch definitely cost me 5th place, and even possibly 4th.

Overall, I am happy with how I finished. I didn’t push any of the vehicles to the limits as I didn’t want to wreck anyone’s $75k+ car. Additionally, the majority (if not all) of the people that beat me that weekend had much more recent autocross experience than I did, and many were even testing earlier in the day. I hope to hit the track more often this year and hope to be back next year with a possible podium spot!

PowerTV’s Lap Time:
RideTech Mustang – 37.052
Detroit Speed 1970 Camaro – 34.440 (Plus one cone for a one second penalty)
Hotchkis Road Runner – 35.527
Average Time: 36.007

Overall Lap Times
1. Mary Pozzi – Camaro Performers Magazine – 34.205
2. Jeff Smith – Car Craft Magazine – 34.245
3. Nick Licata – Camaro Performers Magazine – 34.445
4. Chad Reynolds – BangShift.com – 35.257
5. Wes Drelleshak – Classic Trucks Magazine – 35.728
6. Mark Gearhart – StangTV.com – 36.007
7. Sean Haggai – Chevy High Performance Magazine – 36.139
8. Johnny Hunkins – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine – 36. 614
9. Doug Glad – Car Craft Magazine – 36.844
10. Kirk Jones – Goodguys Gazzette – 36.852
11. Steven Rupp – Camaro Performers Magazine – 37.238
12. Rob McGaffin – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine – 37.915
13. Kevin Shaw – Street Legal TV.com – 40.298
14. Paul Heizenga – LSX Tv.com – 41.434
15 Courtney Hallowell – Drive Magazine – 41.711
16. Travis Noack – Muscle Car Magazine – 47.401
*powerTV crew in bold

Check out my review of the RideTech 1969 Mustang!

My Complete Unedited Lap in the RideTech Mustang

 

This is a very nice restoration of a true 138 code big block 4 speed 1967 Chevelle SS. The Muncie 4 speed, 12 bolt posi, dealer installed tach, red interior, and ralleye wheels are all correct equipment. The mild 454, flowmaster exhaust, Afco aluminum radiator, and the Vintage Air unit are nicely done aftermarket upgrades. The Chevelle currently has StrongArm tubular control arms, MuscleBar sway bar, and RideTech’s new coilovers installed on it. The OEM suspension components will be included with the car. The body is solid, the paint is flat, and the trim and glass are mostly new. This car is high, tight and straight with no leaks or squeaks. It is ready to drive anywhere in the country. Price: $39,000

Features

• Non-numbers matching engine – fresh 454 with approx. 460 hp
• Correct M22 close ratio Muncie 4 speed trans
• Correct 12 bolt with 3.70:1 gear and posi trak
• Correct red bucket seat interior with console
• Vintage Air A/C unit – blows cold
• Correct 15×8 rallye wheels with BFG white letter tires

VIN#138177A133155

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This Z06 has a rebuilt title and was totally refurbished by RideTech in 2009 to be at least as good as new. The previous damage was minimal and superficial…we have the entire repair documented in pictures. Carfax shows a GM replacement LS7 engine and clutch about 9000 miles ago. It has Kooks stainless headers and exhaust and a K&N air intake system. The OEM wheels have been powdercoated matte black and shod with new Michelin PS2 tires. The body and custom solid black paint are better than new. The car needs nothing to be driven or raced. 34,000 miles. This was the owner’s personal car for 2 years…now it’s time for a new CTS V! Price: $43,000 SOLD

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This very straight and solid 70 Nova was purchased in 2006 to develop the StrongArms, ShockWaves, AirBar, and TigerCage components for that platform. It has a GM crate 350 with a 700R4 trans, Baer brakes, 18” Intro wheels, Corbeau seats, Flowmaster exhaust and a full RideTech StrongArm/coilover suspension and stainless TigerCage. It needs nothing to cruise or race. Price: $21,500 SOLD

Features:

• Complete RideTech coilover suspension system
  • StrongArm tubular control arms
  • Musclebar front swaybar w/ PosiLinks
  • AirBar bolt-in 4 link
  • TigerCage
  • NEW Tru-Turn front steering system
  • NEW RideTech coilovers
  • Total RideTech suspension value = $8800.00
• Baer brake
• 18″ Intro wheels with BFG tires
• Corbeau seats
• Flowmaster exhaust
• GM Crate 350 engine
• Bowler 700R4 transmission

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This C10 truck was purchased to develop performance suspension systems for the C10 truck chassis. It started as a very solid rust and damage free truck and was then stripped and repainted by RideTech. A new GM 290hp crate engine was installed in 2008 as was the Linex spray bedliner. It currently has a full RideTech Street Challenge air suspension with the new Select Series electronic shock package and LevelPro auto leveling system. It is straight, solid and ready to drive anywhere in the country. Price: $11,700 SOLD

Magazine Articles
Click Here to read Classic Trucks article amended modifications

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This Malibu was purchased to develop performance suspension components in 2008 from the 2nd owner. It now has 24,000 miles on it. It is completely stock and in extremely solid condition. It currently has RideTech tubular control arms with dropped coils, but the OEM suspension components are included with the car. If you are wanting a perfect solid car to start a project, this is the one. Price: $6,300 SOLD

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Greg Schneider, an employee here at RideTech, can almost account for half the magazines we’re in. This is in part because he’s developed a mean green 67′ C10 that can be seen at almost every goodguy’s autocross event. The other reason is quick autocross times. Well now his done it again, his truck is now in the latest issue of Classic Trucks as a 4 page feature. The feature details the history of his truck and aftermarket components he uses (a RideTech suspension of course!).

You can download the article here, and don’t forget to grab a copy off the local news stand!

Greg’s Bio
Title: Certified Fixer of broken Hot Rods
On the crew since: January 2007

Interesting bit-o’-info: Greg has been involved in every car Bret has built. He enjoys boating, fishing, water skiing, family, church, 4-wheeling, Jack Daniels (friend), friends & pork chop sandwiches

Vehicles: 67 C10 Truck – Air Ride, Sway Bar, Vintage Air, disc brakes, ididit column , 700R4, Budnick wheels, strong arms, relocated gas tank, alum intake, holley carb, headers with flowmaster mufflers, late model seat, custom auto sound, c-notch, indash tack