I'd be curious to know how much of these changes are required with the GT350r before track use
EXPERT:
Glen Vitale
Steeda Autosports
steeda.com
(800) 950-0774
Power is ample from the factory. Handling is good from factory. Comfort is great from the factory. Traction, however, is a problem. These cars tend to wheel-hop with very little effort, but our IRS subframe brace and IRS bushing support system will resolve 80 to 90 percent of this issue.
As with any Mustang, improving the shifter is a great modification. Depending on your budget, this will reduce the throw of your shifts.
Upgraded springs are probably the most popular mod due to the visual effect and the gains in handling, but an air intake system is a close second. We offer two kits that can improve output up to 30 horsepower.
Another great addition is a set of chassis jacking rails. These protect your factory pinch welds and don’t reduce ground clearance at all. They make jacking up your S550 a breeze.
A great bang-for-your-buck improvement is changing the clutch spring assist. It improves the feel of the clutch engagement through the pedal and takes less than 5 minutes to install. Best of all, it costs $14.95. Next, I would suggest our short-throw shift handle. For $129.95 you will reduce your throw, and the installation is not that difficult.
There haven’t been too many common issues so far. Some of the cars built in 2014 and early 2015 had body panel alignment issues, but that’s about the extent of it.
Investing in an oil separator is a good step toward a long, happy life for your GT.
Before taking an S550 to a track or autocross event, I recommend upgrading the oil cooler, diff cooler, radiator, camber arms, diff bushings, springs, sway bars, shifter, struts and shocks.
A couple versions of the S550 Mustang GT are considered particularly desirable. The Performance Pack cars are more sought-after by the road racer and autocross crowd due to the upgraded brakes. Automatic cars have a growing popularity among the drag racers because of the durability of the stock unit and its unbelievably quick shifting.
EXPERT:
Bob Roese
J&M Products
hotpart.com
(805) 544-1128
All in all these are great cars, being the culmination of 60 years of constant refinement. When you look at the underside of the car, you can see the attention to detail, the use of lightweight materials, and the quality of the aluminum castings.
Having said that, some parts need improvement for competition purposes. The clutch, for example, is made for the street and not repeated high-rpm launches. The lack of caster/camber adjustment from the factory leaves something to be desired for track, autocross and drag use.
The brakes also hold up well on the street, but a more aggressive pad and larger rotor/caliper will increase clamping force and improve modulation under the extremes of road racing. Additionally, race pads and cool temperatures can be very destructive to rotors. Make sure that you change your brake fluid on a regular basis. As soon as it starts turning a different color, it’s time to start thinking about a system flush.
Exhaust modifications are one of the first investments that many owners make, whether it’s installing full-length headers and a complete exhaust system or simply adding our resonator delete X-pipe that we offer in 304 stainless steel.
We also offer a subframe alignment kit that keeps the rear subframe aligned in the cross member for consistent alignment. Spring and shock changes are also very popular modifications.
Keep that crankcase filled with clean, recommended oil.
Which S550 Mustang is for you? It depends on your intended usage. If you are going to the track, get the correct package that includes the better brakes, bigger wheels and tires, and more supportive seats. You can also order a relatively stock car and make the modifications that appeal to you, building it bit by bit.
That’s the great part about these cars: The Mustang has been, and will continue to be, the most modified car in the world, and there are parts and pieces available from numerous manufacturers so you can make it your way.
“Upgraded springs are probably the most popular mod due to the visual effect and the gains in handling, but an air intake system is a close second.”
“Additionally, race pads and cool temperatures can be very destructive to rotors. Make sure that you change your brake fluid on a regular basis. As soon as it starts turning a different color, it’s time to start thinking about a system flush.”
“That’s the great part about these cars: The Mustang has been, and will continue to be, the most modified car in the world.”
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I'd be curious to know how much of these changes are required with the GT350r before track use
rustybugkiller wrote: I'd be curious to know how much of these changes are required with the GT350r before track use
With the track package, nothing.
Same with the Camaro SS 1LE package.
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