I Have A Mustang Problem!!

[Formula1Wizard]

-i got a 1979 mercury capri which has a mustangs 302 v8 with a 4 barrell Carter competition carb and 15w-40 oil, it has a 3 speed automatic transmission, i raced a honda crx with it and lost, is there anything i can do to make it faster? is it the oil is it too thick? is it the timing on the distributer? is it the carburator? i would like to know how to make it go faster??? how come i couldnt beat a simple little car

[MagicRat]

I had a '79 Mustang with a 302 and a 4 spd. I modified this car a lot.
Your problem, (same as mine) is that this engine, in stock form produces only 137 hp, with the stock 2bbl carb). Sure its got lots of torque, but its pretty weak.
Fortunately these engines can really go and there's a zillion performance parts available for them.
First of all, do a compression check and make sure the engine is sound and is not burning oil. Make sure its tuned properly, the ignition timing (on the distributor) is working properly and the vaccuum advance is functioning properly.
Get a service manual (Chilton's, Haynes) for this car and lean how to do these things.
Is your carb on an aftermarket 4bbl intake manifold?? If not, install a dual plane manifold, like an Edelbrock, with the carb you have now. Just these 2 parts will give you approx. 170 hp.
Next, put on headers (aviod the little 'shorty' headers, the full length ones will give you more power) and dual exhaust. This modification will be easier if you can leave off the catalytic converter (if you have no emission testing for your car).
Your car should have about 200 hp or so.
You can still get lots more power, but the mods are more complicated and deltailed, such as a different camshaft and different cylinder heads.
Also you can try a shift kit in the transmission, and a higher stall converter, along with the engine mods.

[Formula1Wizard]

thanks for the info

[Cryo boy]

The reason you lost to the crx is that you only have like 60 or so more horse power than that car, and that car whieghs half as much as yours

[Cryo boy]

corection, you have 80 or so more horse power, or mabey you need to stop worrying bout your car and get yourself in the game.

[MrPbody]

"Is there anything I can do to make it faster?"

Just everything! The sky (and your budget) are the only limits to what can be done to the little Ford. Virtually every high performance street and race part known to man, is readily available for your engine AND car.
You have a Carter carb on it now? What intake manifold?
No, the oil has nothing to do with it...