Front engine brace???

[jrcpug]

My 03 Classic has a very thick brace that runs from the heads down to the crank where there is a bearing. I imagine it is to stop flexing and add strength. Do all the Roush stage 3's have this? My buddy's Lightning only has a brace from one head to the other. It does not go down to the crank snout.
Also, my shifter is stock classic. It is not the short throw kinkage, am I correct? If I get the short throw from Roush, is it a big gain in shifting?
Roush tech said their pulley is an 8 pounder but at high rpm it is probably at 9. Any input on this?
I have also been told that the computer in the classics are set up for more bottom end as Jack's purpose was a street rod of sorts and he wanted more seat of the pants feel. What do ya' think?
This is purley for info and a little bench racing and I do NOT claim to know squat and do not wish to inflame anybody. Just friendly info and input as this is the first new style hot rod I have ever had. But I DO love whacking the local Jap cars, fire chickens, and Z28's at the street races.
Friendly Joe Pug

[U.S.BlueStage2]

Originally Posted by jrcpug

Roush tech said their pulley is an 8 pounder but at high rpm it is probably at 9. Any input on this?

I believe Stage 3's come from Roush w/ 6psi. Unless you have a 440a.

Originally Posted by jrcpug

I have also been told that the computer in the classics are set up for more bottom end as Jack's purpose was a street rod of sorts and he wanted more seat of the pants feel. What do ya' think?

The Classics did not utilize the Stage 3 suspension, but the stock GT suspension, thus giving it more of a soft ride. I dont think the computer program varies at all between models. (except for 360 v. 380 variants).

[TJ4Cam]

Although the Classic was intended to have the base suspension, some did get the Stage 3 susp upgrade, mine has it.

[RickRoush03]

Lets see if I can help you out:

1. I also have the S3 suspension, you could add anything you wanted to the Classic's, mine came with everything but the alcons and side exhaust

2. Yes, the stock classic shifter is just the handle, i put in the Pro 5.0 base as in my last car and it is a major improvement as always. its a little bit of a bitch to attach the handle, but you can do it

3. as far as the bracing and comptuers, the classic's are no different than the S3 engines, all ROUSH blown engines are the same, you have the 380r computer and the 6lb pulley, only the 440a came with the 8lb pulley, high flow filter and different mufflers.

4. all classics were rear exit exhaust.

5. from reading others experience and talking to some of the guys on the phone at roush my self, they really don't know what they are saying, i think this board knows more than all of ROUSH combined about our cars.

[sonicblue2002]

Originally Posted by jrcpug

My 03 Classic has a very thick brace that runs from the heads down to the crank where there is a bearing.

Are we talking abot the FEAD (Front Engine Accessorie Drive)?

[rvlyssup]

Originally Posted by TJ4Cam

Although the Classic was intended to have the base suspension, some did get the Stage 3 susp upgrade, mine has it.

Hooorah

Mine also has the Alcons.

Originally Posted by jrcpug

My 03 Classic has a very thick brace that runs from the heads down to the crank where there is a bearing. I imagine it is to stop flexing and add strength. Do all the Roush stage 3's have this?

Like Sonic said, it is the FEAD and all S3s have them.

Originally Posted by jrcpug

Roush tech said their pulley is an 8 pounder but at high rpm it is probably at 9. Any input on this?

If you are referring to the Roush 2.8 pulley, that is correct. I had Marc's 2.8 on mine and it is better.

[Star Driver]

Originally Posted by rvlyssup

Hooorah


If you are referring to the Roush 2.8 pulley, that is correct. I had Marc's 2.8 on mine and it is better.

I do also, plus I'm running a computer out of a Classic in mine.

[snkchmr]

My Classic came cheap as they could I guess.

[RickRoush03]

well it may have not had all the options, but thats how "Jack" wanted his car. the rep that took me around the factory said they spent countless hours on the shifter handle. Jack wanted the power, but thought the S3 suspension was to harsh for the street and the rear exit exhaust was more his style. For the $$ you can bring it up to the level you want it at!!