Shelby Racing Modifications

[69volunteer 84]

I believe there is a 'book' or pamphlet that I think Shelby put together that detailed racing modifications for his race cars. The shelby drop on the upper control arm I believe is detailed in this pamphlet along with other 'racing' modifications.

Does anyone know what I am referring to? I tried a google search but must not be using the right terms.

[Mach1 Driver 560]

I think you may be referring to Jim Osborne Reproductions that puts out a booklet titled "Boss 302 Chassis Modification". Its 30 pages and not expensive.

Goggle that- you'll find it at places like CJPony.

[Brian Conway 264]

Then to have the mods explained and detailed in book form would also be nice.  I for one have not seen such a booklet.  The closest I have come are these graphics that are scattered about.  This one is for the 66 GT 350.  Check out the ' Shelby Drop ' description.  Brian 

[1969_Mach1 333]

Like Mach 1 Driver mentioned, Boss 302 Chassis Modification book.  It also contains the 1" upper control arm drop with details to make a template.  Shelby seems to get the credit but a Ford Engineer, Arning, discovered the improvement from doing that.

[RPM 1,190]

19 hours ago, 1969_Mach1 said:

  Shelby seems to get the credit but a Ford Engineer, Arning, discovered the improvement from doing that.

Klaus Arning was quite the engineer. He also designed the IRS for the early Mustang, and certainly doesn't get enough credit.

[Brian Conway 264]

Agreed Ford Engineer Arning does not get the credits due.  This article, 3rd paragraph. mentions some of his other contributions.   A booklet enumerating the Shelby mods for each year along with the spec's would make for an interesting read.  Brian

[69volunteer 84]

Thanks guys. The Chassis Modification book is what I was thinking of. 

 

Brian the pic you posted of the 66 GT 350...is that off of another book?

I knew the Arning name and should have googled it first.

What about engine modifications?

 

[Brian Conway 264]

1 hour ago, 69volunteer said:

Thanks guys. The Chassis Modification book is what I was thinking of. 

 

Brian the pic you posted of the 66 GT 350...is that off of another book?

I knew the Arning name and should have googled it first.

What about engine modifications?

 

I got that poster at a swap meet.  So don't really know the particulars.  Sorry.  Brian

[RPM 1,190]

Available at most Mustang parts suppliers. 

[reece146 10]

There is a similar book for engine mods (Boss 302 Engine Modification for Strip Track). If you do some googling you should be able to find both for free download.

[Vicfreg 771]

I have the book that RPM has, as well as an old Ford High Performance suspension/parts catalog.

On my 1970 for the front suspension, I did the 1" drop, shock tower wrap, and "dogbone" reinforcement plates on the outside.  Mike (Lato Racing) who is our resident fabrication genius here did the metal work and made the shock tower wrap plates and drilled the lowering holes.   got the dogbone plates from West Coast Cougar....  At least one of my shock towers was cracked, and this was on a stock convertible with a 302 2 barrel and automatic.

 

 

[RPM 1,190]

3 hours ago, Vicfreg said:

I have the book that RPM has, as well as an old Ford High Performance suspension/parts catalog.

On my 1970 for the front suspension, I did the 1" drop, shock tower wrap, and "dogbone" reinforcement plates on the outside.  Mike (Lato Racing) who is our resident fabrication genius here did the metal work and made the shock tower wrap plates and drilled the lowering holes.   

 

 

 

Vic, I've seen yours and Mike's cars in person and can confirm your appraisal of Mike's talent. Top shelf work. 

[Silverjade 35]

How about the "driver is hot lets put in a roof vent" modification?

Would it auction for more or less with that mod.?

 

[Mach1 Driver 560]

Considering the door and 1/4 panel, I don't think it matters much

[Ridge Runner 1,112]

When  i was working on Scot Douglas off road ranger he told me to do anything to the body i wanted ...but do not remove the big dent from inside on the driverside roof ,he said that was so his head would clear 

[ray1970 88]

I think it would be worth more with the dents and roof mod.

Maybe around 1.7 mil....and 1.5 mil. without the dents.

[barnett468 418]

exactly what do you want the engine and the car to do?

 

 

[amorrow 10]

I don't know the background on this document, but here's another one that also references the '69-70 roadracing modifications, very similar to those described in the Ford-released Boss 302 Chassis manual referenced above, but is one that references Shelby specifically.  One thing to note, though, is that the actual '69 Shelby Trans-Am racecars had very little in common with the modifications described in the Chassis Book or this Shelby doc.  Those cars had many more special parts, body alterations, revised suspension geometry and rear Watts links instead of panhard bars, etc.  Nonetheless, another cool reference...

http://www.shelbytransam.com/walt/ShelbyTA/1970_TA_Mustang_Suspension.pdf

[Vicfreg 771]

Wow, thanks for that reference material!  Very cool