I recently read a review of the Roush Stage 3 in Mustang Enthusiast magazine (Feb 06 issue). A few things caught my attention:

1. The supercharger is a Roots-type operating at 4.5psi.

2. It comes with 3.27:1 rear gears (yes, 3.27)

3. In a drag test (using an accomplished race driver) it seemed to be less than impressive. Here is what the article said: "... Jimmy's best ET was 13.52 at 104.68 mph. Two other drivers were not close to his time... The ET might be shaved by a couple tenths, by opting for one of the lower axle ratios -- 3.55 and 3.73:1 -- to enable a more aggressive launch at higher engine rpm and less tire spin, and hitting the traps at a better spot in the power band."

4. I don't see how going to 3.55s or 3.73s will create less tire spin; it might cause more tire spin.

5. The target price tag is "under $50,000".

IMO, I couldn't justify $50K or so for mid- to low- 13s. But maybe that's just me.

 

woah, not very impressive, I agree...

I saw one the other day. It looked pretty aggresive, but it looks like it's mostly "show"..

 

I was rather underwelmed by those numbers when I heard about them also. I don't see how it's possible since the previous generation Roush with 360 hp went as fast as 12.30s. Something's fishy here...

MM&FF went that fast in a Stage 2 Roush (mid-13s@104-ish?)

 

My plan, buy a supercharger and maybe a Roush body kit and an upgraded suspension kit, ie saleen, roush, steeda, etc. Have everything a stage 3 has minus Roush's autograph and save 20k

 

The Times do not Jive. It should be in the 12's and I do not see roush changing from 3.55's to 3.27's

kc

 

As for the Roush team, they were at all of the NMRA races this year. The quickest they could go was upper 11's and that is with a full race car: Cage, Jerico transmission, one piece drive shaft, air to ice-water intercooler, special Roush tuning, slicks, and who knows what gear. I know for sure that they will not help you go faster than their sponsored car with their Roush products. These guys are a bunch of rich ex-pro racers with factory sponsorship. As for the Roush cars from the Roush plant, they are too mainstream for me and offer the "tuner" version of Ford's Mustang.

 

13.5 ! Where were they running! Death Valley at 130 degrees in July :scratch:
Bizarre!

 

That's what it said in the article... on several occasions. Maybe the article was wrong.

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13.5 ! Where were they running! Death Valley at 130 degrees in July :scratch:
Bizarre!

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They were in Michigan, but I don't recall a weather report in the article. Most likely it was hot... how else could you explain the 13.5 time (and that was the best one!).

 

The trap speed is the most disappointing thing to me. I can't help that they weren't able to make it ET good, but I expected at least 110 mph.

 

No joke, most people around here are doing that and better with an intake and tune.
In fact, I'll bet I'll run either real close to that or better tommorow.

Makes no sense at all.

Now if it said 13.5 @ 110-115 I might buy that it's a typo and was supposed be 12.5, but not when the traps match the time.

Was this accomplished racer stopping for coffee and smoking a cig in between shifts or sumphin

 

I agree.

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Was this accomplished racer stopping for coffee and smoking a cig in between shifts or sumphin
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Here is what it says: "On a sunny day at mid-Michigan Motorplex during the weekend of the Pure Stock Drags, we put manual transmission ace Jimmy Johnston behind the wheel. Jimmy is one of the best 4-speed drivers we've ever seen, and at this event, he drove his '69 Corvette to the best ET of the 130-car field by a wide margin, and setting a new record."

 

well.... perhaps the car is not being designed for drag racing... thus the 3.27's.... Jack Roush has NASCAR teams and has been doing road racing forever...

just a thought?

 

Oh, that is definitely the case. The suspension setup is mainly for twisties. But you can get all that in the Stage 2. The blower (w/injectors and a tune) is the main difference between Stage 2 and Stage 3... I just expected better numbers that what a mildly modded stock GT can do.

And I hope Jack Roush hasn't completely forgotten his drag racing roots... he was successful there long before he was in NASCAR, SCCA, IMSA and IRL.