What is happening to me? Mustang comradery or am I just getting old?

[Fox Body]

I don't know, I just feel it's more of a "priviledge" to race a Ford (specifically Mustangs, and even more specifically, a souped up Mustang). I encountered that "Mustang Family" feeling about a year ago when my friend (in '92 Z28) and I (in my Mustang) were leaving a local cruising spot. This white ~'90 GT vert got up beside us and would never race me or my friend in the 92 Z28 until my friend turned off the main road to go to his house. AS SOON AS he turned off, the guy in the white vert shot up right beside me and it was on (BTW that was the closest race I EVER had so far--when I had the 2.73 gears). "Oh Okay I get it". He had to turn off b4 I did and when he did, he roled down his window and gave a big wave, and I replied. Not to say that there is always a set way/etiquette, but I have eased up and changed some of my racing traits, many to which Mr. 5.0 mentioned, the biggest thing is NO MORE STALKING cars for races (I stopped this after I built my 351W).

*crap, this post is getting too long*

Smokedawg and #1 Pony, of course you can't ALWAYS be sure if a car is stock, but it get's easier to tell when you've been around for a while ....and when the time comes when you're wrong, then more power to the winner, still fun. Sound was the first giveaway. Also, age/type/gender/demeanor of driver, rims, exhaust system (appearance) are other cues that point toward level of a car's moddedness (whatever that means).

Originally posted by Mr 5 0:
...Then, there is just 'mood'. Too tired, too crabby, too distracted with more important things at the moment...

...So I still street race, but not just because some jerk revs at me in a Civic or his Daddy's Monte Carlo.
I race when I want to, when I think I have a good shot and when the road, traffic and weather is reasonable...

I would say you're reaching a maturing process and your lack of desire to race anyone, anytime, anywhere is normal and certainly nothing to worry about. Enjoy the freedom to choose and the freedom to do as you wish with your Mustang, not dictated by every punk kid or old fart who pulls up to you at a light and revs. You decide and it's O.K. to say "Nope". It's not a lack of pride or guts, just using discernment and free will. It's kind of liberating, so enjoy it.

Don't mean to shound cheezy, but those are really words of wisdom Mr. 5.0. You sound like the guy who helped me build my car.

Related to that incident that morning though, I think it was mostly mood, but there is also a sense of "Mustang family" and having the tendency to just not race EVERYONE I come upon. I guess street racing is a lot like eating pizza: Yeah it's fun, but not if it's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day!

What I'm not sure about is after I get my car down into the 11s (hopefully b4 the year is over) if I will want to race more or less... *pondering the though*

alright, I'll shut up now.

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'79 Mustang Coup w/ 4" Cowl
Stock 5.8L, C4 w/ shift kit
Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, Al driveshaft
2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters
Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 255/60/15 Eagle GT II
Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s
14 x 4” K&N air filter (getting the Xtreme setup someday)

"Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to
Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left
thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body