Car looks good on track.
Photograph by David S. Wallens
Randy Pobst, unlimited track time and our Mustang project car: the chance we couldn’t pass up.
While we have baseline data for our Mustang–destined for the new SCCA’s Club Spec class–we aren’t going to miss the opportunity to have Randy take the wheel at our official test track, the Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park.
Photograph by Paris Van Gorder
Before jumping on track, we spent time with our GRM family–a group of them gathered at the FIRM the day after the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge Presented by Tire Rack and Powered by AutoBidMaster.
After a few hours of runs, mingling, photography and lunch–prepared by Publisher Emeritus and grill master Tim Suddard–finally, it was time. But first, we had GRM Tech Editor, JG Pasterjak, run a couple laps to get everything nice and warmed up and to get some new Mustang feedback.
“This car feels better than it has any right to immediately off the used car lot,” JG quipped. “The current tendencies of the car should really be seen as aspirational. If we can retain the balance and good habits of the chassis as it sits but just simplify everything, we’ll be in good shape.”
His recommendations?
“I would encourage the project manager to do the class-allowed brake upgrade. The current brake setup is okay, but brakes are always one of those things that you can never have enough of,” JG explained. “Better brakes offer not only more capacity, but more chassis control due to the ability to manage weight transfer more precisely. This is a responsive chassis, so we should take advantage of those natural tendencies by doing upgrades that accentuate the strengths when they’re available to us under the prep rules.
“I’d also recommend that we definitely take advantage of the seat allowance. The stock seats just aren’t up to fast driving,” JG continued. “Especially as the car’s capabilities increase, the less energy the driver can expend holding themselves upright is more attention they can put into driving.”
After gathering some more baseline data–can never have too much–it was time for the Mustang’s main event: Randy Pobst.
Off Randy went, pushing the Mustang and taking the FIRM in a blur of red. Once he completed his last lap, Randy hopped out of the Mustang with a grin. “That was a lot of fun. I love this thing a lot,” he beamed.
“The engine runs great and makes a nice, mellow rumble,” Randy explained. “[It has] a wide powerband and [is] not the least bit twitchy.”
For a stock car, the Mustang left Randy quite impressed. “I mean, it's on a street tire and totally stock but very soft, lots of body roll and I never got any trouble with the steering,” he explained. “It’ll be good for autocross. It’s got a rather tall second gear and it’s got a good pull off those tight corners. [Overall], I just think it is a really nice package to turn into a fun track car.”
Photograph by David S. Wallens
With the Mustang receiving the Randy seal of approval, it's time to get the car on the lift for our next steps which includes new spec Goodyears and Konig Hypergrams from Tire Rack and more.
Car looks good on track.
It may be time for me to give the Mustang a second look. The conclusions from both JG and Randy were (surprisingly) positive. The chassis can always be improved, but starting with a good baseline is key.
In reply to DavyZ :
I'll also add that the styling has aged surprisingly well, at least in my opinion.
In reply to Colin Wood :
I can agree. Plus, if there is ever something you want to change, there are so many parts available to switch things up.
Paris Van Gorder said:In reply to Colin Wood :
I can agree. Plus, if there is ever something you want to change, there are so many parts available to switch things up.
I bought a Mustang solely on parts availability. You can buy anything you could ever want for one.
In reply to Tom1200 :
I think it's a smart move! I'm currently browsing around for a new car, and have been taking OEM and aftermarket part availability heavily into consideration.
Tom1200 said:Paris Van Gorder said:In reply to Colin Wood :
I can agree. Plus, if there is ever something you want to change, there are so many parts available to switch things up.
I bought a Mustang solely on parts availability. You can buy anything you could ever want for one.
It's a big reason I've owned 6 of them.
The wide range of parts availability extends all the way back to the first generation Mustang should you wish to go vintage.
In reply to wawazat :
We actually have an early model in the fleet, our 1965 Mustang vintage racer.
It's good seeing the S197 get some love. I maintain that they're underrated and underappreciated.
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