Obsolescence to Obsession – Tales of the Rented Mule (FPRS GT350 Track Attack #14)

[Muligan]

As we slide into winter (more like a crash, given the temps in the low teens here in the midwest lately), here's a brief update on the Mule's exhaust issue.

This man-made problem was highlighted in the end-of-season summary (post 297). The Mule received solid sections in the OEM mid-pipes as a means of repairing a failed flex joint (done by a third-party without the knowledge of this humble caretaker). Although such a repair may be acceptable on a car with solid engine mounts (when done correctly), it didn't last long given the softish OEM engine mounts in the Mule; the result was a crack clear around the circumference of the welded pipe section.

We tossed around a few alternatives - long tubes, non-cat pipes, or OEM. But, new OEM pipes are nearly 1400 bucks msrp. So, we kept our eyes open on the forum classifieds and other online sources. As luck would have it, we came across a set of OEM pipes from a 9k mile car and scored them for just $300. As a bonus, the original damper weights are still in place and undamaged!

The Mule is tucked away for the winter, but with these on the shelf awaiting spring, we can count this as one problem solved.

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[TonyNJ]

The Mule received solid sections in the OEM mid-pipes as a means of repairing a failed flex joint (done by a third-party without the knowledge of this humble caretaker). Although such a repair may be acceptable on a car with solid engine mounts (when done correctly), it didn't last long given the softish OEM engine mounts in the Mule; the result was a crack clear around the circumference of the welded pipe section.

Was that the FPRS that welded that repair or an unnamed repair shop you happened upon since acquiring the car?

Nice job and find getting the oem exhaust.

 

[Muligan]

Was that the FPRS that welded that repair or an unnamed repair shop you happened upon since acquiring the car?

Nice job and find getting the oem exhaust.

Not FPRS. The Mule was out for some driveline repairs and other track-prep work and the shop sent the mid-pipes out. It's likely the exhaust shop thought it was for a car with solid mounts. When I was told about the "fix" when I picked up the Mule, I was skeptical, but took a wait and see approach. The primary shop was very stand-up about it once the "fix" failed, so water under the bridge now and a learning experience worth sharing for others' benefit.

 

[Muligan]

 

[Muligan]

Those of you who occasionally venture over to the Track Mustangs Online site may already be aware of this but, for others, I thought I'd post some good news for the Mule.

Near the end of last year, I submitted a pic to the guys who were putting together 2025 calendars. I sorta forgot about it and then just the other day found this......

They have a variety of different calendars highlighting Mustangs from throughout the generations with some focusing on certain years (the Mule is on the cover of the S550/650 version).

 

[Lorne34]

congratulations Chris! I will want my copy signed sometime this year… by both yourself and the mule..
I thought we could attempt a tire track print or even a hoof print will do!

 

[ihasnostang]

happy with MVP? thinking about doing their event at RA this year because all time trials events by SCCA are two day only now, unlike last year.

edit: didnt see previous posts. it looks like you do. maybe see you there

 

[Muligan]

happy with MVP?

Yes - quite happy with MVP. I first ran with Mark Pfeffer's group back in the late '00s and they've only improved over time. MVP visits quite a few tracks, offers lots of time on-course, and has a great group of instructors for those new to the hobby or those who want to continue improving.

 

[Muligan]

February (the "enough is enough" month) is halfway over and those of us stuck in northern climes are starting to think about the upcoming track season. Planning for the Mule's outings this year is taking shape with some of the usual midwestern suspects on the list (Road America, Gingerman, Mid-Ohio, and Autobahn full-course). There will, of course, also be a longer road trip thrown in somewhere along the way, so stay tuned for the final season schedule.

With that development, we're ready to announce that this year's tour, using the naming convention of the past where we highlight misfortune from the prior season, shall henceforth be known as the "Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be" tour - taking its name from last season's cracked exhaust debacle (see posts above). The shirts are dark gray with white lettering to mimic the metallic pipes.

Hope you can make it out to one of the events this year, strap yourself into the passenger seat of the Mule, and come away with a huge smile and a commemorative tour T-shirt. Here's a tease showing the front of this year's design.

Hope to see ya at the track this season.......

BBBbbbrrrrrrrrrrr...... Mule out -

 

[MAGS1]

February (the "enough is enough" month) is halfway over and those of us stuck in northern climes are starting to think about the upcoming track season. Planning for the Mule's outings this year is taking shape with some of the usual midwestern suspects on the list (Road America, Gingerman, Mid-Ohio, and Autobahn full-course). There will, of course, also be a longer road trip thrown in somewhere along the way, so stay tuned for the final season schedule.

With that development, we're ready to announce that this year's tour, using the naming convention of the past where we highlight misfortune from the prior season, shall henceforth be known as the "Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be" tour - taking its name from last season's cracked exhaust debacle (see posts above). The shirts are dark gray with white lettering to mimic the metallic pipes.

Hope you can make it out to one of the events this year, strap yourself into the passenger seat of the Mule, and come away with a huge smile and a commemorative tour T-shirt. Here's a tease showing the front of this year's design.

Hope to see ya at the track this season.......

BBBbbbrrrrrrrrrrr...... Mule out -

You said it with regards to February. -4 to start the day here in the western burbs SUCKS. April can’t get here soon enough (March often sucks as well as you know, it’s just less sucky ).

 

[rocsteady]

Been gone a while, just popped in to try to sell wheels/tires and noted that Muligan and the Mule have been absent?

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