This is topic Anyone tracking their Stangs lately? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on :
 
Looking to get into tracking a Mustang soon. I have not done one in a Mustang/car before, so I'm looking for where to start.

I've done my fair share of MC track days with my R1/CBR1000/1199S and a VFR750. Now looking to do the Stangs
 
Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on :
 
I'm looking at Laguna Seca and Willow Springs. The car is a 99 Cobra with only 4:10s, Eibach Pro-Kit, Bilstein shocks/struts, cat back exhaust.
 
Posted by Black 02 SS (Member # 5939) on :
 
I haven't tracked a Mustang, but I do have at least a dozen track days under the belt thus far. I'd say brakes, tires, and cooling are your best starting points. Make sure you get a solid track friendly pad, or swap to a race pad for the track day. Keep an eye on your engine oil temps, as I saw mine creep to 290+ before ending a 20 minute session. An external oil cooler would be ideal. Get a sticky set of street/track tires like R888 or RA1's and a track oriented alignment. Better yet, go have a blast! Laguna Seca is my favorite track of all time, although I've only ha a chance to drive it for two HPDE days. Most of my track time has been at Thunderhill, which I feel is a bit friendlier if you're just starting off. LS is heavy on the brakes, so prep them well!
 
Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on :
 
Cool thanks for pointing those out. I'll consider upgrading those you mentioned before taking her out. I do plan on making the 99 snake a dedicated track car. It's already been gutted like the AC, stereos and speakers/amps, rear seat.
 
Posted by CoyoteMike (Member # 13748) on :
 
I track my `13 and my SVO is a dedicated track car.

I would say at the BARE minimum, change to Dot4 break fluid and a track oriented brake pad. I personally swap my brake pads from track to street since I do not like the dust/noise of a harsh track pad.

These two will prevent the worst part of tracking and thats brake fade +_you do not want to have your brake fluid boil (potential fire risk).

Next would be remote coolers for both the engine oil ( a thermostat controlled system if you are doing like a DD since a remote oil cooler has a hard time letting the temp get to normal operating temps on the street)... and a remote oil cooler for your manual transmission.

Then suspension/tires/weight reduction ect.

[ 2016-05-09, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: CoyoteMike ]
 
Posted by phildog (Member # 1214) on :
 
Boiling the brake fluid and crashing into something due to hydraulic failure is far more likely than managing to get the brakes to catch on fire.

For street cars which are open tracked, temperature management is key. Twenty minute sessions will put all your systems to the test. Fresh, synthetic lubricants, and a fresh flush with a high quality brake fluid are essential.

Don't worry about sticky tires right away. Driving on your 200-300 TW tires will teach you beneficial lessons on car control at the limit.

Just my .02. There will of course be many keyboard crewcheifs, who never go to the track, who will be more than willing to pump out BS.
 
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :
 
I agree with phildog - Don't worry about super sticky tires just yet. Street tires actually scream when they're at the limit and that is the feedback you want when first starting out. I used to run Bridgestone RE11 summer tires on the track and they provided plenty grip!

As mentioned, change all your fluids and use quality brake pads with front brake cooling ducts. Being that mustangs are so heavy, cooling ducts are very important to avoid overheating your brakes and getting brake fade. Other than that, get some good gloves, a helmet, and maybe some driving shoes and get out on the track! As many pros will tell you, seat time is more important than any mod you can do to the car.

Have fun and post pics. Hope to see some of you guys out there later this season [patriot]
 
Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on :
 
Much appreciate the feed back, thank you!
 
Posted by v-town coupe (Member # 2771) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by CoyoteMike:
I track my `13 and my SVO is a dedicated track car.

I would say at the BARE minimum, change to Dot4 break fluid and a track oriented brake pad. I personally swap my brake pads from track to street since I do not like the dust/noise of a harsh track pad.

These two will prevent the worst part of tracking and thats brake fade +_you do not want to have your brake fluid boil (potential fire risk).

Next would be remote coolers for both the engine oil ( a thermostat controlled system if you are doing like a DD since a remote oil cooler has a hard time letting the temp get to normal operating temps on the street)... and a remote oil cooler for your manual transmission.

Then suspension/tires/weight reduction ect.
was that you in the SVO at the USCA race back in Feb at T-hill?
 
Posted by BLK66FB (Member # 8282) on :
 
I just signed up for a two day race school at http://www.fordperformanceracingschool.com

It is in Utah. I plan on road tripping my 2016 gt out there in August and using their car for the track. They also have a Boss 302 upgrade as well as a GT350 [Smile]
 
Posted by Autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on :
 
Damn that is awesome! If we weren't trying to buy a house right now I would be signing up and joining you out there. I may keep an eye on some of the future dates and see If I can squeeze in one
 
Posted by SVTGhoust (Member # 20) on :
 
The Shelby club has it's annual mini nationals happening at infineon early August. Good HPDE sessions with some cool Fords. I tracked my car last year. If i can get my parts ordered and installed by then, I will be doing it again this year.
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
I try to go about once a month to an autox or hpde track day.

Regular brake fluid changes, and a dedicated set of pads for the track days is all I do. Never had any issues really. However, if your car has hidden issues they will pop up at a track day, especially cooling system, or brake system related. I see lots of cars blow up radiators/expansion tanks and have to get trailered home.

So I would say the most important thing to have, is AAA with a far enough towing distance to get you close to home [dance]
 




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