David Figs - My Journey || 2017 Avalanche Gray GT350R Build Thread

[davidfigs]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to do a build thread/document everything with my 2017 GT350R in Avalanche gray with black stripes and black roof!

My mustang journey started in the late 90s when my older brother bought his first car, a 1967 Mustang. At the time I remember being into cars and having posters & magazines in my room. I remember having a poster of a countach and a 911 gt2(993 gen).

I will never forget when my brother turned it on in the garage(open headers) and I legitimately soiled myself . At that moment I knew I wanted an american V8 when I get older.

Fast forward 25+ years and I have owned a 71 vw bus, 07 wrx, 12 mazdaspeed 3, 10 Camaro SS, 16 audi s3, 17 focus RS, 19 Ford Raptor, 14 Ford Raptor SE(current car), 06 911 C2S.... and as of a month ago, proud owner of my first ever mustang and shelby!!!

As for plans for the car - intend to do 3-5 track days a year and enjoying as many to local car shows as my wife allows

I made my youtube channel in 2018 because there wasn't much info on the focus RS and I wanted to provide an ownership experience + document my build.

Here is me taking delivery of the car



Here is a breakdown of what specs the car has from factory and the items the car came with



Current Spec:

• All oem parts(still in boxes)
• JLT catch can - passenger side
• FP Air Filter
• Red Shelby Shift knob
• Factory rear seat delete + rare R rear seats(for my kids)
• Factory bumper to bumper warranty

I intend to upload a video every ~2 weeks and I have a few more driving video's and initial impression videos coming. Can't wait for my first track day next month!

I have purchased a few items and some are installed/waiting to get the car shipped home to install.

• Gorilla black lugs from CJ Pony parts to replace the OEM parts bin special lugs
• Jaeger Brothers rock guards
• Ford Performance front + rear tow hooks

Looking to purchase

• Archetype racing front canards & side splitter extensions

I will be updating this thread periodically but I am ecstatic to join the community and looking forward to many many many many many amazing miles in this machine.

-David Figs

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[honeybadger]

I seem to remember expecting only a couple track days a year when I first got mine. Welcome and holler if you have any questions about ruining a perfectly good street car. That seems to be my area of expertise.

I’d rely on others in the community for street stuff

 

[davidfigs]

I haven't done a good job updating this thread but I have done a ton since my original post.

I have put on ~2600 miles since I have purchased it and already have a full track weekend under the belt with another next month.

I am shocked the amount of effort it takes to install FP front tow hooks(yes I know there are ZL1's but from research the quality isn't up to snuff vs FP)

I have a few more months of enjoyable weather until I have to store for winter in Colorado but as of now I have another track weekend next month a Shelby Museum Annual Car show in Boulder.

I need to start researching new tires as I will probably have 1-2 more weekends left on my Ventus evo's.

Here is a bit of an update video + clips of what I've done so far with the car. Hope you guys enjoy

 

[davidfigs]

I seem to remember expecting only a couple track days a year when I first got mine. Welcome and holler if you have any questions about ruining a perfectly good street car. That seems to be my area of expertise.

I’d rely on others in the community for street stuff

Well I just had an amazing weekend tracking the shelby and on the very last session sunday, check engine light came on.

Looks to be the P0020, which I wanted to thank you for your posts and content around this. I wasn't sure what it was but your stuff helped me out.

I go to the dealer(unfortunately) next week to get it all sorted. Car still has factory warranty.


Question - it is ok to drive to the dealership with this right? It is about a ~30-40 minute drive.

 

[5.2 liters of democracy]

Well I just had an amazing weekend tracking the shelby and on the very last session sunday, check engine light came on.

Looks to be the P0020, which I wanted to thank you for your posts and content around this. I wasn't sure what it was but your stuff helped me out.

I go to the dealer(unfortunately) next week to get it all sorted. Car still has factory warranty.


Question - it is ok to drive to the dealership with this right? It is about a ~30-40 minute drive.

First off, great job on color choice.

Second, see if your dealer is a participating member of Ford's pickup and delivery service. They'll come to you and then drop your car back off when it is done so you don't have to drive it. That would be better than taking the risk of driving it with the code on (assuming they flatbed it). That being said, if you had to make the drive you'd probably be okay in my opinion.

 

[honeybadger]

Agree with the above - I wouldn't drive it if you don't absolutely have to. This code means the ECU is calling for a specific cam timing and it's not getting it. Not ideal running conditions.

I'd call the dealer and see what they say. If they say drive it, at least you have some guidance.

 

[davidfigs]

Agree with the above - I wouldn't drive it if you don't absolutely have to. This code means the ECU is calling for a specific cam timing and it's not getting it. Not ideal running conditions.

I'd call the dealer and see what they say. If they say drive it, at least you have some guidance.

Dam good to know. I am going to call as ask asap.

 

[davidfigs]

First off, great job on color choice.

Second, see if your dealer is a participating member of Ford's pickup and delivery service. They'll come to you and then drop your car back off when it is done so you don't have to drive it. That would be better than taking the risk of driving it with the code on (assuming they flatbed it). That being said, if you had to make the drive you'd probably be okay in my opinion.

Agree with the above - I wouldn't drive it if you don't absolutely have to. This code means the ECU is calling for a specific cam timing and it's not getting it. Not ideal running conditions.

I'd call the dealer and see what they say. If they say drive it, at least you have some guidance.

Thank you both for the recommendations, flat bedding it to the dealer

 

[davidfigs]

 

[davidfigs]

Update: since dropping the car off at the dealer, they are replacing the VCT solenoid which includes the wire / sensor

 

[davidfigs]

Ok got the car back in amazing shape(always nervous going to a Ford dealer).

The wire wasn't replaced just the solenoid and connector was replaced. Car seems to be running fine outside of 3rd gear.

Not sure if it's because of fault / solenoid replace and the ECU needs to adjust but it is a very choppy gear.


Whenever I let go of the gas pedal it jerks forward and then decelerates..regardless of rpm, I tried between 2-5k.

Any suggestions? I'm doing a full oil change this weekend to ideally have 1 more nice road trip before storage.

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