Era 289 Fia

[Pete Munroe]

I built ERA 289 FIA # 2027.

It has about 1900 miles since it was roadable October 2002, (California, of course)

I just finished my second open track event, the Pantera Club at Willow Springs Raceway this weekend, 3/2 and 3/3.

YaaahWOWZAAAA !!!!

The car was flawless. (wish my driving was!)

If a Holley 750 center hung, double pumper worked out of the box, ( stumbled incessantly in corners)... if the damn clutch didn't slip like a banana peel.. I would have...wrecked the car...!


All the "power down anomalies" made me be smooth and probably saved my ignorant butt from off road action action.

Do NOT get over-confident in a short wheel base, high torque CAR, EVER !

The in house paint by ERA's Tony, plus 5 year old, still staight body got raves from many guys, mainly old Shelby CLub types.

On the whole, I have had no problems of consequence with ERA.

The car is cowl shake free, very solid and straight.

I am running Hoosiers, NOT recommended by me, too harsh and over the top, with SPAX shocks, pin drives, etc.

It took me 7 runs to get the tires up to temp...finally the last run on Sunday, the tires where hot at the end of the session and "smearing" across the tread.

I also got two wheels off exiting turn 9 that run...!

If you are serious track person, go top loader, not TREMEC, the TREMEC shifter is WAAYYY to far back...I made a plate that moved the shifter forward about 1.25, but you need about 3 inches.

However, on the street, REAL WORLD, 5th gear is HEAVEN on the freeway.

Go with street radials unless you are a REAL track guy/racer, and then, you wouldn't want ignorant opinions anyway!

Have fun everyone, all the cars can be fun.

Pete