Solid to IRS?

[RoscoP]

Crazy idea I know considering the performance characteristics of the solid axle with the panhard bar or a watts link. But has anyone looked at putting an IRS in an S197?

 

[marsh2o]

Ford had originally planned to offer the S197 with an IRS but, do to cost issues and lobbying by drag enthusiasts, they killed it in favor of a solid rear axle. I believe someone on Team Shelby was able to locate a Ford prototype and, after some significant additional development, actually got it to work. I'll see if I can find a link.

Maximum Motorsports developed a prototype aftermarket IRS but decided not to press ahead with production (there were rumors at the time that Ford would introduce a IRS kit through FRPP -- although nothing eventually materialized).

Here's a link that has a lot of additional information:

IRS - Shelby GT500 Modifications and Tech. - Team Shelby

 

[RoscoP]

Thanks for the info. I agree with many of the comments about the improved Aussie version for the Falcon. I wish I could get a Falcon in the US. We don't get so many of the cool new toys to play with.

 

[PLee]

There is an IRS system available for S197's, though I do not know of anyone that has tried it, beyond the manufacturer:

MUSTANG IRS - Independent Rear Suspensions For New & Classic Ford Mustangs

Someone drop the $7k and let us know how you like!