Mustang Wins?

[340 Challenger]

Guys, I can't even drive over a speed bump in my '70 without hitting the header flanges. The car rides on 235/60/15's, it literally takes someone to lift up the front of my car to drive it on a floor lift. I'm screwed if a squirrel, possum or armadillo is in the road... 6" isn't that much height. Make it handle, make it SRT and I'll be happy to make it mine!

[Challenger_Nut]

Originally Posted by 340 Challenger

Guys, I can't even drive over a speed bump in my '70 without hitting the header flanges. The car rides on 235/60/15's, it literally takes someone to lift up the front of my car to drive it on a floor lift. I'm screwed if a squirrel, possum or armadillo is in the road... 6" isn't that much height. Make it handle, make it SRT and I'll be happy to make it mine!

Thats because your headers do not fit well try some of TTI's headers. Also I really don't understand the point that you are trying to make. The concept desen't give you six inches more ground clearance as it actualy has less than your 70 . You just gain six inches in height. So if you figure that the car has less ground clearance and is six inches taller then I would have to guess that the body is at least eight inches thicker than the original.

[340 Challenger]

"Thats because your headers do not fit well try some of TTI's headers. Also I really don't understand the point that you are trying to make. The concept desen't give you six inches more ground clearance as it actualy has less than your 70 . You just gain six inches in height. So if you figure that the car has less ground clearance and is six inches taller then I would have to guess that the body is at least eight inches thicker than the original."

Actually my headers do fit fine, they are Hookers. So, maybe the torsion bars have been dropped "a little". My point is that nearly everything else on the road is taller than my '70. 1.) I like to be able to see when in traffic 2.) There isn't a significant difference at 6" height. Is the new Challenger perfect? No, but neither is my '70. There is a reason they didn't do well in the Trans-Am series. Just my opinion, of course.

[MikeF]

Just a little history, the Challengers were built by Dan Gurney's AAR team. They weren't nearly as well prepared as the AAR Cudas were. Part of it was that the Challengers were bigger and heavier, but Gurney acid dipped the Cudas and didn't the Challengers. The motors weren't quite as good either in power or reliability. This comes from Sam Posey, something he wrote years afterward. Both Posey and Gurney are heroes of mine, both are gentlemen and great racers, but you really can't blame Gurney for that.
Also, about 6 months ago, I sold a 2000 Mustang Cobra R, I kept the splitter on it and never had much of a problem with rubbing. I was careful while driving it but it was doable. The Challenger concept can and should be lowered a good bit. If I buy one I will either get a factory front air dam or aftermarket one, I know they work and as it is now the concept will need something like that to avoid getting nose high at speed.

[340 Challenger]

Originally Posted by MikeF

Just a little history, the Challengers were built by Dan Gurney's AAR team. They weren't nearly as well prepared as the AAR Cudas were. Part of it was that the Challengers were bigger and heavier, but Gurney acid dipped the Cudas and didn't the Challengers. The motors weren't quite as good either in power or reliability. This comes from Sam Posey, something he wrote years afterward. Both Posey and Gurney are heroes of mine, both are gentlemen and great racers, but you really can't blame Gurney for that.
Also, about 6 months ago, I sold a 2000 Mustang Cobra R, I kept the splitter on it and never had much of a problem with rubbing. I was careful while driving it but it was doable. The Challenger concept can and should be lowered a good bit. If I buy one I will either get a factory front air dam or aftermarket one, I know they work and as it is now the concept will need something like that to avoid getting nose high at speed.

Good info Mike (Damn AARs ). I think you see my point. The Mopar Float can be a nightmare in the triple digit zone. That's why mine is lower than stock form. Another 6" overall height...meh...

[Hemidakota]

Originally Posted by MikeF

Hate to admit it but the Mustang does win, it's not even close, after all it has no competition. No one knows with any certainty what the Challenger or Camaro will be like in their final form or even if they will be produced at all.
Now every Mustang that is sold represents a potential lost customer for Dodge and Chevolet. If they delay too long announcing the market becomes smaller and they are closer to the day when those customers move on to the next hot vehicle. DCX needs to announce very soon for their own good.

It is not a question of the final form but what the future sales will bring.

There are still two more Hemi's that are not shown yet that will surpassed 07 or 09 SVT version of the Mustang expectation. Yes! Shelby, you just don't get it old man.

As a Mustang owner, if I was SVT, I would be weary since engineering aspect of engine performance is in DaimlerChrysler court. Only one compeition that frets here is GM.

I don't worry about whether they are going to announce or not, that was yesterday news. What is worriesome is the amount planned for production.

[MikeF]

My whole point is that the Mustang, that is the basic 6 cyl and GT own the market now and will for a year to 18 months out with no competion. The fat pig GT500 doesn't really count in that equation. The base cars pay the way for the high-end special editions. That is a concern with the Challenger, if they go with high-end only, the program is pretty much guarenteed to be a money loser. This hurts the business case for making the Challenger, the only saving grace is the shared platform.
Again, I think the Challenger will be made but when is the question. My major concern is smoothing the styling some and weight. The motor will be as good or better than anyone else's.