2022 Mach 1 Handling Package-Yay or Nay?

[jrpav]

My main problem with the Handling Package is that the wheels and tires are so wide (305-30-19 & 315-30-19) that replacements can be both pricey and hard-to-find. Unless race car, the Handling Package can be an overkill.

I currently have a car with 275-30-19 tires. It's already a pain to source the tires and to pay the price tag. And on top of those I have to find specialized tire shops that have the right tools to mount these tires. They charge an arm and a leg for the job.

The non-Handling-Package Mach 1 tires (255-40-19 & 275-40-19) are so common and you will have so many choices.

Well yeah. This is "progress." FYI even tires for a "normal" car are expensive. My daily driver is either a 2014 Dodge Durango or a 2000 Mercedes SLK230. I just put a new set of tires on my Durango before Winter. I bought Michelins because they're OE so I paid a little more than if I bought Coopers or something and it cost me about a grand even with the rebates.

Back in high-school (the early eighties), I had a '67 Mustang coupe with a 289. I had "throttle management" issues back then so rear tires lasted 1-2 weeks at best. I used to use bias-ply retreads to save money. Because those "modern" radial tires were way too expensive!

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[Ragamuffin]

Here's the front's from the same seller I got it from. When I got them they were $289, but the free shipping was what made it worth it. They're $329 now. Everywhere else was trying to charge $70 to ship. Comes complete.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234207058023

Here's the HP wheels (includes TPS sensors and center caps) at a good price, I picked up a set of those too. Just need to get some tires on them.

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/m-1007k-mach1h.html

Just buy the front wheel moldings from Levittown as well. They are $272

Genuine Ford Wheel Lip Molding - Mach 1 Black - VMR3Z-16268-A | Levittown Ford (levittownfordparts.com)

 

[Cobrajet70]

The Mag ride, ABS, RCM, PSCM and Advance track calibrations are different as well has the Drive mode settings. Mostly for track use and calibrated for the use of Cup 2s so once you swap those out it doesn't matter and you really wont notice the difference on the street.
Same was with the R model, pp2 and CFTP gt 500.

Just get the HP, its a better Drivers car, I daily cup 2s in Florida at 40 miles a day. No its not a Cadillac, It drifts, it pulls, it keeps you awake and engaged. New Tires will make it tamer but its not something I feel I need to replace now.

So think about this, If you don't get the HP, will you wish you did after and just end up spending more to have a lookalike?

 

[RobZ71LM7]

I’m curious about the 350r springs as well. Do you know if they keep ride height the same as oem for our cars?

That's something I'm actually working to confirm before asking 350R owners to take measurements. If they maintain stock height or very close to it I'm definitely interested in them. It *appears* the 350R springs lower about 1/2".

 

[cheeser]

I've been happy with a non-HP version, and am looking forward to taking it out on the track this summer. My only change over time may be the HP style wheels...simply to have a second set of wheels.

From what I have seen so far, most "non competitive" drivers are not going to care in a couple second advantage the HP package may provide. I haven't seen anyone provide a back to back comparison between the two versions with a pro driver to see the difference on a decent road course.

If you are going to track the car without additional mods and care about those last few seconds, then the HP optioned car may be a better choice. Otherwise, the already excellent Mach 1 should still put a smile on your face.

 

[Hoose71]

Just buy the front wheel moldings from Levittown as well. They are $272

Genuine Ford Wheel Lip Molding - Mach 1 Black - VMR3Z-16268-A | Levittown Ford (levittownfordparts.com)

That's who initially wanted $70 to ship them.

 

[Charlemagne]

That's who initially wanted $70 to ship them.

50% discount on shipping via code from Benny. And it's always better to buy more things at the same time, like rear guards, catch can, floor mats, etc.

 

[Atlas1]

That's who initially wanted $70 to ship them.

Always send a message to @LevittownFordParts when you need to order something. Benny will take care of you.

 

[Atlas1]

That's something I'm actually working to confirm before asking 350R owners to take measurements. If they maintain stock height or very close to it I'm definitely interested in them. It *appears* the 350R springs lower about 1/2".

Let me know what you find out! I would be thrilled with a 1/2” drop and slightly stiffer springs using the 350r pieces

 

[Coastal-Mach]

From what I have read, and talked with some guys here, the Steeda dual rate springs are a good option for the Mach.

Owners of these springs, please chime in.

 

[svtfever]

 

[Dave2013M3]

The factory handling package has different front and rear springs and a solid rear sway bar. If you do a search on this forum you will see that… what we call rear tire spats are pretty small but they are on the handling package and not on the non handling package.

Here it is straight from the US owners supplement from Ford which I referenced in my previous reply to you:

Those spring rates aren't even as stiff as the Ford Racing Y springs from the track kit.

 

[RobZ71LM7]

Those spring rates aren't even as stiff as the Ford Racing Y springs from the track kit.

Yup, pretty damned soft.

 

[Dave2013M3]

Yup, pretty damned soft.

Actually the HP has similar front rates but not as stiff rear, plus the larger sways of the Ford Racing Track kit which are 37mm front and 25.2mm rear.

I would vote to pass on the HP, just because I would do the Ford Racing Magnaride kit which includes the larger sways and to go along with the slight ride drop.

 

[RobZ71LM7]

I meant pretty soft in general.

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