IRS or Live Axle?

[Mustanganatic]

I'm looking for opinions on an '04 IRS. I've got an '03 body-in-white that'll used for open track events... someday. I found a stock IRS at an area speed shop for $1000 with around 10,000 miles on it. If I could get some people's thoughts on this price and it's performance on the track it would be most helpful... thanks!

 

[ac427cobra]

Mike:

$1,000.00 for an '03/'04 IRS is the going rate. IMHO, the IRS is an improvement over the stick axle. Can you make a stick axle better than it was from the factory? Absolutely! Can you improve the IRS from stock form, absolutely.

If your car is a dedicated track car you might want to check out some Delrin/UHMW/Aluminum bushings for the IRS before you install it?


http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160766

Good Luck!

:thumbsup: :coolman: :beer:

 

[Roger Davis]

If it's a racecar stick with the solid rear. Thousands of racecars run the solid rear as it is a proven performer. The IRS might give a smoother ride on the street but you said you were building an open tracker.
If you are real serious about racing go for a 9" full floater rear.

RD

 

[Mustanganatic]

Bruce, Roger, thanks for the advice. I've been checking alot of forums, mainly concerned over the durability of the IRS. From what I've gathered, it'll take the amount of abuse that I would be giving it, as long as it hasn't been really beat up already. A well set-up live axle probably would be the way to go, but I'll have to see how much $$$ it'll take to get it there. I'm thinking that for $1000 I've got a half way decent set up.

 

[Screamin Cobra]

See Postbans red pill...level 5 halfshafts

 

[Cobra-R]

If I was building a car, hands down it would be a IRS car. I have driven/owned many IRS cars, both stock and modified as well as both full MM and Griggs solid axle cars. I think the IRS is more economical, gives better braking, and is just as good if not better handling on all types of tracks that I have driven them on.

Brian

 

[Mustanganatic]

I ended up getting that IRS I mentioned. It supposidly hasn't been drag raced. Thanks for your post Brian, makes me feel alot better about buying it.

 

[ac427cobra]

Mike:

I don't think you'll regret going from a stick axle to an IRS? I really like the IRS, compromises and all. Yes, it's a little heavier but worth it IMHO.

There are many things you can do to improve the IRS. Including but not limited to coil-overs, bumpsteer, and bushings.

The IRS is a more efficient unit and will make up for some deficiencies in the driver and car.

YMMV

 

[Mustanganatic]

Bruce,
The shocks are the only thing I don't get between the driveshaft and the wheels, I'll add coilovers on my "to-get" list. I'll need all the help I can get to overcome driver deficiencies :-D