GTP’s Poor Mans McLaren (w/ pics, tips, & techniques)

[GTP]

Rather than showcase my car, I chose to focus my build log on tips and techniques for mods and service.

Master link list to my more helpful posts. New posts added will display in red.

ALIGNMENT

Multi-part series on DIY methods for measuring and adjusting your car's alignment

At-home method for measuring camber
At-home method for measuring toe with Toe Plates
Tips for easily adjusting Camber and Toe between street and track settings
Review of Rear Camber Adjustment Kit (Steeda or J&M camber arm brackets)
My DIY Wheel Cribs
Additional information unique to Steeda camber plates
DIY Camber gauge for Steeda plates
Slotting the strut for more camber
I notched the strut tower hole instead of using hole saw (many pics)



MODS & DIY

White Madness shifter

Installing new magnetic paddle shifters - tips & photos

Swapping wheel studs using a ball joint press

DIY cradle lowering studs kit

Changing seat cushion angle with leveling washers (for tall drivers)

Replaced single with dual horn

DIY brake bleed catch can

How I improved the B&O sound quality for free

Join me in fixing the center speaker issue

Ronin oil drain valve

Spherical bearings

GT350 brakes and knuckles

GT350R bars

GT500 CFTP front springs and Steeda camber plates

Viofo A229+ 3-cam Dashcam

Clear film scheme

Ecoboost vents in bumper corners



PARTS I HAVE DESIGNED

Brake Air Vanes

Radiator Gap Blockers

Hood side vents

DIY Camber gauge for Steeda plates



TIPS

Replaced OEM end screws at top of bumper with 7mm screws

Mocked up parts to check wheel fitment on the GT350 calipers, front and rear

Tips to remove LRCA (needs photo)

Rebuilding IRS (This thread has excellent scheme for all four diff through bolts)

Tip about popping that ball joint loose

Add a little post as a ground test point by the interior fuse box

Redline brackets changed for 2018+ cars

Install tips on --> Ford Performance Knuckle To Toe Link Bearing Assembly?

Removing Magneride shock tips

Replaced single with dual horn

Tips on installing front diff bushing insert pucks

Clunk when first applying the brakes

Outerwears pre filter on Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake

Checking A10 transmission fluid level, tips & photos

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/videos/WorkShopManual/V34.mp4

Painting my RTR-style front splitter

Better method for tightening strut nut

Better access to bumper end nuts

e-clip at bumper ends

Screws at front lower fender liners replace the plastic rivets

Solution to mounting ZL1 rock guards

Access to RLCA big bearing via toe link

Roll pins on OEM toe link adjuster

Leave belly pan on bumper

Holding up the Redline wedge while tightening to the fender



TOOLS

Drilled caliper pin punch

Five Bananas brake spreader

How I chose Quickjack 7000TL

QJ wood insert panels, new puck tags, and rollers

pinch weld pucks for my Quickjack

Parking brake cable retainer (WTF)

24mm ignition wrench for turning front tie rods (see Tips for easily adjusting Camber and Toe between street and track settings)

Long 16/18 gear wrench for tightening rear camber arms (see Review of Rear Camber Adjustment Kit (Steeda or J&M camber arm brackets))

Tie rod end tool for pressing out wheel hub studs (see Swapping wheel studs using a ball joint press)

Anti-freeze and brake fluid testers

Adjustable wrench for AN hoses



FLUID COOLING

My DIY oil cooler build

DIY sensor port in sandwich plate

My Diff Cooler Build

Diff temp, stickers, gauge display, Kobalt fan (prior to diff cooler)

Changing diff oil procedure

Starting post for my DIY trans cooler (Needs new writeup of trans cooler)

Oil viscosity chart



AIR COOLING

Brake Air Vanes

Hood side vents

Radiator Gap Blockers

Opening OEM grille cells with router technique

Right side Velossatech Bigmouth



HEAT WRAP

Heat wrap my starter

Heat wrap exhaust

Heat wrap battery

Heat wrap on diff cooler pump



TRACK DAYS

Hauling everything to track day

Seatbelt doubler for securing wheels in the back seat

Installed Schroth 4-point harness and Hans

Cut down headrests to half thickness for more helmet clearance

6” cotton wrist bands made my Hans more comfortable Needs photo

Installed Schroth anti-sub belt for use with sofa seats

Interior camera mounted to headrest

Annual cost of tracking my Mustang

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[GTP]

My third brake light says Poor Man’s McLaren, because I have been a McLaren fan since the CanAm days of the ‘60’s. Plus it is Orange Fury with blue stripes.

Otherwise, my car has no name and no gender.

I don’t enjoy detailing my car, but I like the result. There is no “grain” to any of the body panels when I wash it. I don’t post an apology for my car being “filthy” when there is just a little dust on it.

I never say I love my car (although secretly I do). I can’t help it, but it has become part of my identity. Mustangs are a great anti-depressant.

I still get a kick when a little boy holding onto his mom’s hand stops and points at my car.


Making this vinyl overlay was a lot of work and took four attempts.

What little boys turn to stare at. (It's the color of course, but I think deep down they already recognize a sports car.)

 

[GTP]

Background of acquiring my second Mustang. TLDR – Traded my 2016 GT for 2019 because all the great new features were not available when I got my first Mustang in Fall 2015. Will update with a longer story later, but mainly the 2018+ cars had so many improvements over the 2017- cars. For example, more gears, 3.55 diff ratio, rear wing, safety radars grouped together, digital dash, adaptive cruise, PP with auto combo, louder exhaust, more HP, etc.

Photo of my "starter" Mustang, a 2016 Premium non-HP A6 in triple yellow with grabber blue strips, and the new car.

Finally - Here is my secret to finding new Mustangs.

 

[GTP]

Reserved

 

[Duece McCracken]

Subbed!!!

Its about time!! Lol

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