Ordered GT350, second thoughts on GT350R

[Schilling]

I ordered a GT350 two days ago with tech package. After watching all the winding roads videos just published I'm second guessing myself. I use to track a GT3 and really want to get back on the track. Reality is tires, track cost, fluids, pads and misc parts average about 2k per weekend so there's no way I'm going to get into it heavy again. Realistically, I think 4-6 times a year. My initial thoughts were to buy the GT350 and get a recaro seat for driver side and track wheels/tires(perhaps 18") for track days. My concern is whether or not the GT350 will handle a long track day without the additional coolers. Anyone else having the same concerns? Seems like the GT350R w tech package is the perfect car for my situation but the ADM plus additional cost make it tough to step up!

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[shelby_r]

I ordered a GT350 two days ago with tech package. After watching all the winding roads videos just published I'm second guessing myself. I use to track a GT3 and really want to get back on the track. Reality is tires, track cost, fluids, pads and misc parts average about 2k per weekend so there's no way I'm going to get into it heavy again. Realistically, I think 4-6 times a year. My initial thoughts were to buy the GT350 and get a recaro seat for driver side and track wheels/tires(perhaps 18") for track days. My concern is whether or not the GT350 will handle a long track day without the additional coolers. Anyone else having the same concerns? Seems like the GT350R w tech package is the perfect car for my situation but the ADM plus additional cost make it tough to step up!

:welcome:

My 2 cents...if the ADM is too much on an R, I would go with a GT350 with the Track Pack. You'll get all the coolers, the Recaro seats, etc. And, you'll get it at a lower price point than the R...even at MSRP.

:ford:

 

[cjgt350]

You just described the reasons I ordered a R. You may have to stick with what you ordered now. It is going to be real tough to find a R that is available. Also I think I remember reading you have to stay with 19" wheels due to the brake size.

 

[CliffClavin]

Other option is to address cooling in the aftermarket. I suspect there will be options in the not too distant future to address your needs.

 

[cjgt350]

:welcome:

My 2 cents...if the ADM is too much on an R, I would go with a GT350 with the Track Pack. You'll get all the coolers, the Recaro seats, etc. And, you'll get it at a lower price point than the R...even at MSRP.

:ford:

Agreed...probably the best option.

 

[likeaboss]

I ordered a GT350 two days ago with tech package. After watching all the winding roads videos just published I'm second guessing myself. I use to track a GT3 and really want to get back on the track. Reality is tires, track cost, fluids, pads and misc parts average about 2k per weekend so there's no way I'm going to get into it heavy again. Realistically, I think 4-6 times a year. My initial thoughts were to buy the GT350 and get a recaro seat for driver side and track wheels/tires(perhaps 18") for track days. My concern is whether or not the GT350 will handle a long track day without the additional coolers. Anyone else having the same concerns? Seems like the GT350R w tech package is the perfect car for my situation but the ADM plus additional cost make it tough to step up!

In the SVTP article they said the Tech pack without the coolers can handle 20 minute track sessions without issue. Any more than that you should at least get the Track pack.

 

[Stuntman]

If you plan on tracking the car and are a semi-skilled, intermediate driver, get the TP.

 

[65Terdlingua]

I ordered a GT350 two days ago with tech package. After watching all the winding roads videos just published I'm second guessing myself. I use to track a GT3 and really want to get back on the track. Reality is tires, track cost, fluids, pads and misc parts average about 2k per weekend so there's no way I'm going to get into it heavy again. Realistically, I think 4-6 times a year. My initial thoughts were to buy the GT350 and get a recaro seat for driver side and track wheels/tires(perhaps 18") for track days. My concern is whether or not the GT350 will handle a long track day without the additional coolers. Anyone else having the same concerns? Seems like the GT350R w tech package is the perfect car for my situation but the ADM plus additional cost make it tough to step up!

Keep in mind you likely wont be able to fit 18" wheels over the stock brakes.

 

[DrumReaper]

Change to a track pack. Tech pack is for street-bred racetrack wannabes. ;)

 

[Bossing]

Agreed...probably the best option.

Concur as well!

Because I regularly track (w/ my Z06), I was also pondering on ordering an R... but in reality I wouldn't track the CF wheels anyway in order to deter damage. Plus the ADM from many dealers is simply ridiculously over the top on an R. And IMO the GT350 w/ the Track Pkg is not a far gap away from the R-version (sans weight savings of course). Cup 2's can also eventually be put on a non-R... same as what I did on my Z06 and it's a difference in terms of grip. Tires alone makes a huge improvement.

 

[Rated R]

I ordered a GT350 two days ago with tech package. After watching all the winding roads videos just published I'm second guessing myself. I use to track a GT3 and really want to get back on the track. Reality is tires, track cost, fluids, pads and misc parts average about 2k per weekend so there's no way I'm going to get into it heavy again. Realistically, I think 4-6 times a year. My initial thoughts were to buy the GT350 and get a recaro seat for driver side and track wheels/tires(perhaps 18") for track days. My concern is whether or not the GT350 will handle a long track day without the additional coolers. Anyone else having the same concerns? Seems like the GT350R w tech package is the perfect car for my situation but the ADM plus additional cost make it tough to step up!

I've had several 911's and got out of them as the cost of maintaining those cars is astronomical, and I just got tired of feeling like I got ripped off all the time. If cost is a major concern in tracking a car I would suggest trying out sport bike track days. The cost of one day is approx. $200. Slicks are $400 a set and will last 4-5 days, brake pads are $300 or so one and last a full season (15+days), oil change after every third day ($80). Compared to bike days, the intensity of car days feels like a day of fishing

I'd say I have about $20K into my bike, parts and gear:

 

[Strokerswild]

I've had several 911's and got out of them as the cost of maintaining those cars is astronomical, and I just got tired of feeling like I got ripped off all the time. If cost is a major concern in tracking a car I would suggest trying out sport bike track days. The cost of one day is approx. $200. Slicks are $400 a set and will last 4-5 days, brake pads are $300 or so one and last a full season (15+days), oil change after every third day ($80). Compared to bike days, the intensity of car days feels like a day of fishing

This.

 

[krt22]

I've had several 911's and got out of them as the cost of maintaining those cars is astronomical, and I just got tired of feeling like I got ripped off all the time. If cost is a major concern in tracking a car I would suggest trying out sport bike track days. The cost of one day is approx. $200. Slicks are $400 a set and will last 4-5 days, brake pads are $300 or so one and last a full season (15+days), oil change after every third day ($80). Compared to bike days, the intensity of car days feels like a day of fishing

I'd say I have about $20K into my bike, parts and gear:

While I fully agree with you about the consumable costs and the intensity/physicality of a hot lap on a bike, one thing you also must factor in is crashing. It's just 100x more punishing to make a mistake on a bike vs a car.

A single bad crash can set you back 10k+ once you factor in rebuilding the bike, medical bills (even with insurance), physical therapy, etc etc.

That and track days on bikes are much much more addictive than car days. Once you get that knee down, man, hard to stop

 

[Steve68]

You forgot to mention the meat wagon, there, krt22! A ride in a meat wagon can't be cheap. :faint:

And yeah, four wheels and a metal and glass cage around me please.

 

[krt22]

Well, I was lucky enough to only need the meat wagon and not a heli ride.

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