The American Iron Spec Iron series was created to provide racers with the best value in amateur level road racing by combining the thunder and excitement of American style pony cars with the best possible reliability and durability of the racing platform, thereby minimizing total cost of ownership for racers.

Horsepower — 300 (2005-2009), 315 (2010)

Torque — 320 pound-feet (2005-2009), 325 (2010)

Compression ratio — 9.8:1

Redline — 6,250 rpm

Spec Iron has a strict 11.75:1 horsepower-to-weight ratio and 11.25:1 torque-to-weight ratio limit as measured at the rear wheels. All cars that compete in this class may have less than the specified amount, but may not exceed the 11.75:1 horsepower and 11.25:1 torque ratios.

All Spec Iron participants must have a dynamometer certification report prior to the start of the race or make arrangements to have a dyno test performed immediately after the race.

Tires, size, brand and prices

Spec Toyo Proxes RR 275-35ZR-18, $306 each

Front, with stock calipers; Hawk DTC 60 $219

Rear, with stock calipers; Hawk DTC 60, $177

Yes. Ford Performance offers contingency prizes for first through third places at the National Championships, and prize money for regional championships and for regional races.

Ford Performance Contingency Program

Spec Iron is a spec class with the added benefit of dynamometer testing to ensure all cars create no more than 11.75 horsepower per pound of vehicle weight and 11.25 pound-feet of torque per pound. With larger fields on the East Coast and Great Lakes regions, Spec Iron is a close, competitive class, with bumper-to-bumper racing, according to National Series Director Al Watson.

The S197 Mustang comes with reliable engines and transmissions, so consumables are the biggest recurring expense. Tires are good for three race weekends. Front brake pads are good for three or four race weekends and the rears last even longer. Spec Iron cars all have ABS. Oh, and then there is that glorious V8 soundtrack.

The permitted aftermarket Motion Control Suspension shocks are kind of pricey at $2,500 for a set of four, but are a must for a new build.

“It’s one of those things that makes the biggest improvement to your car, so it’s definitely money well spent,” said National Spec Iron Director Al Watson. “It just happens to be a lot of money — but you can’t always get around that in racing.”

• All official Spec Iron dynamometer tests will be open. All Spec Iron competitors have the option to be present for official chassis dynamometer testing.
• A restrictor between the throttle body and intake manifold may be used to reduce horsepower and torque. The diameter and thickness of the restrictor plate orifice(s) shall be noted on the dyno sheet and must match at all times. No other means may be used to reduce horsepower and torque.
• OEM exhaust manifolds may have a coating that is bonded to the parent material. This includes any paint or ceramic type coatings, but does not include header wraps.
• The PCM may be relocated to inside the body for protection.
• The battery may be relocated and may be any size capable of supplying enough current to start the car.
• Traction control devices are expressly prohibited. Factory installed units must be disabled. See section 8.8 – Burden of proof that unit is disabled lies with the competitor. i.e.- switch disabled, computer indication, etc.
• Rear wheel negative camber may not be more than 0.50 degrees.
• Water or other liquid cooling of brakes is not permitted. Air cooling is allowed and recommended.
• Hood and trunk may be “gutted” by removing structure from their underside and their struts and associated brackets may be removed.
• The grill and front bumper cover may have openings enlarged or added for the purposes of routing cooling air to allowed components. However, any such modification that improves or appears to improve aerodynamic performance (increased downforce or decreased drag) is not allowed.
• All other OEM light assemblies may be replaced with facsimiles, plates, covers, or mesh covered cooling duct openings as long as these maintain the stock external appearance. Replacements for recessed lights must also be recessed.