Anybody here track the Mach 1? Considering getting one

[RPDBlueMoon]

Im realizing the GT350 isnt what I want and the track reliability just isnt there. Looking back I should have gotten a Mach 1 since I really want something to track and give me no issues.

I got a CTR and have been loving to learn and track it and ever since I got it my GT350 just collects dust because I use it as a street car.

Can anybody give me the lowdown on how it is to track in terms of reliability and consumables?

I know that with the GTs its common for starters go out alot because tits located on the hot side of the engine bay

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[Aonarch]

It's the best S550 track car money can buy.

Plenty of cooling, good brakes, Recaros, etc.

Consumables aren't bad.

Maintenance is easy.

Coyote is much more reliable than voodoo.

 

[GTP]

What @Aonarch said.

One hot day at NCM my car wouldn't start. So I put a heat sleeve around my starter, added heat wrap to the exhaust around the diff, plus 140w gear oil. I run 0w40 engine oil.

The Mach1 wasn't available when I traded my '16 for my '19 GT. I've added spherical bearings everywhere, GT350 suspension and brakes, camber plates, and DIY coolers for oil, diff, and A10 trans.

My car is now part GT350 and part GT. So, get the Mach1 and you won't have very much to do for hard charging on track.

 

[John S]

Please expand more on the starter heat sleeve, aftermarket or DIY?

 

[Boyd]

Im realizing the GT350 isnt what I want and the track reliability just isnt there. Looking back I should have gotten a Mach 1 since I really want something to track and give me no issues.

I got a CTR and have been loving to learn and track it and ever since I got it my GT350 just collects dust because I use it as a street car.

Can anybody give me the lowdown on how it is to track in terms of reliability and consumables?

I know that with the GTs its common for starters go out alot because tits located on the hot side of the engine bay

You have a CTR, as in RUF? Like a Yellowbird? Didnt they only make like 25 of those?

Mach 1 is a great track car. I've spent some time and money just tightening up the suspension on mine, stock eng and trans. Thought about going forced induction, but reports are that its not the best for track days due to high CHT's even with massive intercooling.

In stock form, the Mach 1 is a very capable track car and has higher limits than most novice drivers. Consumables? Tires, brakes, fluids. The harder you drive, the more often you change em. Same as any car on the track.

Be aware if you buy a newer model that's still under warranty... if Ford finds out you've tracked it, they will do everything they can to deny warranty for anything remotely related.

I know of no history at all related to hot starters.

 

[GTP]

Please expand more on the starter heat sleeve, aftermarket or DIY?

I have these in my engine bay. They both fit perfectly, so don't be tempted to consider other sizes. Also, I did fasten one stainless tie around the starter blanket just for peace of mind.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/DEI-010384
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/DEI-010480

 

[RPDBlueMoon]

You have a CTR, as in RUF? Like a Yellowbird? Didnt they only make like 25 of those?

Mach 1 is a great track car. I've spent some time and money just tightening up the suspension on mine, stock eng and trans. Thought about going forced induction, but reports are that its not the best for track days due to high CHT's even with massive intercooling.

In stock form, the Mach 1 is a very capable track car and has higher limits than most novice drivers. Consumables? Tires, brakes, fluids. The harder you drive, the more often you change em. Same as any car on the track.

Be aware if you buy a newer model that's still under warranty... if Ford finds out you've tracked it, they will do everything they can to deny warranty for anything remotely related.

I know of no history at all related to hot starters.

CTR as in Civic Type R.

Thanks for the input, it seems like Ford is really stingy about warranty coverage which is funny considering how Jim Farley has been open about creating new cars for enthusiasts. At least the Coyote long block is around $10k, I can stomach that having to drop +$25k for a new 5.2L Voodoo

And yeah I wouldn't mess with forced induction, NA is just so much better in terms of cooling for track use.

Im currently considering a GR86, a Camaro or the Mach 1. Heavily leaning towards the Mach 1 because Mustang lol

 

[Boyd]

CTR as in Civic Type R.

Thanks for the input, it seems like Ford is really stingy about warranty coverage which is funny considering how Jim Farley has been open about creating new cars for enthusiasts. At least the Coyote long block is around $10k, I can stomach that having to drop +$25k for a new 5.2L Voodoo

And yeah I wouldn't mess with forced induction, NA is just so much better in terms of cooling for track use.

Im currently considering a GR86, a Camaro or the Mach 1. Heavily leaning towards the Mach 1 because Mustang lol

I dont know of any manufacturer that will warranty track use. I think McLaren has a track warranty, but you have to have the car inspected and maintained by them before and after. At your cost.

This is what came to me as a CTR. 200mph supercar from 10 years ago or so.

 

[Aonarch]

CTR as in Civic Type R.

Thanks for the input, it seems like Ford is really stingy about warranty coverage which is funny considering how Jim Farley has been open about creating new cars for enthusiasts. At least the Coyote long block is around $10k, I can stomach that having to drop +$25k for a new 5.2L Voodoo

And yeah I wouldn't mess with forced induction, NA is just so much better in terms of cooling for track use.

Im currently considering a GR86, a Camaro or the Mach 1. Heavily leaning towards the Mach 1 because Mustang lol

Strong list.

GR86 is a cool car, but if you are cross-shopping V8s, you will get bored of the lack of power.

And slapping a turbo, or supercharger on a GR86/BRZ only creates a slippery slope of supporting mods, and will generally prevent you from competing national or regional events like SCCA. Additionally you will struggle with keeping everything cool on track. I have SCCA friends who have been there, done that with Miatas and BRZs.

Camaro 1LE is awesome. Alpha chassis is better than the S550. I've had two Alpha cars. ATS-V and a Camaro SS. I loved them both, except my Camaro caught on fire. Yay GM!

Camaros are discontinued and a clean, well-priced 1LE is hard to find now.

The visibility out of the Camaro is atrocious. This is the big downside for me. It also feels like a huge car while driving.

Mach 1 is awesome. The best OOTB track car in my opinion. Mustangs have so much aftermarket support, and consumables are actually pretty inexpensive, thanks to the sheer volume of Mustangs. The S650 basically being the same car mechanically helps.

I sold my C7 Corvette for the Mach 1. Corvette was cool, but the aftermarket was practically non-existent, except engine mods. Good luck trying to get wheels, suspension, or chassis mods on those.

 

[Nickel]

I don't really have pics or videos of the track stuff, just mountain footage. But I was on RA last year with 2 other Mach 1's. One HP "converted", another a base. Mine is an HP with Recaros and a manual, other than that stock besides x-pipe. Me and my friend put most of the other cars to shame on track. It's like a damn cup car. Also, got to do about 10 laps out at AMP since I know the owner and got the track to myself one evening and the car ate that track up like it was breakfast. It just does everything you want when you want it. As good as the brakes are, for the straight into 10A at Road Atlanta, I started wanting XP12F/XP10R pads with some good fluid but it's amazing what an HP car can do out of the box.

 

[Boyd]

I don't really have pics or videos of the track stuff, just mountain footage. But I was on RA last year with 2 other Mach 1's. One HP "converted", another a base. Mine is an HP with Recaros and a manual, other than that stock besides x-pipe. Me and my friend put most of the other cars to shame on track. It's like a damn cup car. Also, got to do about 10 laps out at AMP since I know the owner and got the track to myself one evening and the car ate that track up like it was breakfast. It just does everything you want when you want it. As good as the brakes are, for the straight into 10A at Road Atlanta, I started wanting XP12F/XP10R pads with some good fluid but it's amazing what an HP car can do out of the box.

I'd love to see what your accelerometer recorded.

 

[WItoTX]

I personally know of more M1s with track time that have a replacement motor than GT350s. I also know of one particular GT with 130k on the clock, with tons of track miles and driven daily, and still the factory motor.

Track time is hard on shit. No matter the make. If we're tracking our cars, we should expect breakdowns.

 

[WItoTX]

And just to clarify, the M1 is a fantastic track car. It's not the GT350, but for the price, it would be tough not to consider it as a track vehicle. But it is missing basic modifications that should be done to get the most out of the car.

 

[Paddles]

I dont know of any manufacturer that will warranty track use. I think McLaren has a track warranty, but you have to have the car inspected and maintained by them before and after. At your cost.

This is what came to me as a CTR. 200mph supercar from 10 years ago or so.

10 years ago?
Based on this picture that was more like 25+ years ago haha

 

[Boyd]

10 years ago?
Based on this picture that was more like 25+ years ago haha

I'm old, years dont matter anymore. But thats what popped into my head when he said CTR.

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