Base 2016 gt track car

[Coolmanfoo]

Bought my base (auto) mustang new back in 2016. After many years of using it for work, family, long road trips I am thinking of retiring it and getting a ct4 blacking as a daily.

But I'm keeping the mustang and I really want a dedicated track car. Something that if I crash into a wall it won't be the end of the world. So I have some questions.

I have a base 2016 gt with auto. I believe the ratio is 3:05. My immediate upgrades are going to be ford performance suspension kit stage 2 and upgraded brake system. I'll also replace fluids with higher quality. What I'm most curious about is how is this auto 6 speed going to hold up with the abuse? I know the engine is stout for hell but I'm curious which components I'll be replacing quickly.

Appreciate the help. It's been a lifelong dream to have a track toy and even tho it's not a stick, I'm thrilled to be able to have the s550 platform for tracking. So many mods/upgraded available

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[2morrow]

Man, that’s a tough one. I have 1 friend that hasn’t had issues and has done some track but previous to that a lot of strip. I know another person that has had significant issues with his 6R80.

Before you start to put a lot of money into the equation I would recommend taking it out and seeing how she runs and responds.

Generally speaking I would run it un-modded then build confidence/speed before modifying,

 

[Hye Power]

#1 killer of any auto transmission is heat, so add any possible cooling you can and keep an eye on the temps, 6r80 may not be as fast as the 10r80(and i know a handful of people tracking 10 speeds) but id say the 6r80 is a more stout trans.

 

[Coolmanfoo]

Thanks for the replies. Running it stock is a good idea. I'll also look into better cooling. I have to say the transmission has been flawless for the life of the car so far. It's got 40k miles give or take.

 

[David Vizard]

Mr.Coolman sir,
It appears we have similar goals here. Last april I bought a base Ecoboost Mustang with just 8 miles on the odometer. It is a dedicated project car for youtube channel 'PowerTec 10'

So far the Ecoboost performance series has gone for ten parts series with new ones coming out about every two weeks.
The starting episode is # 92. the link for that is:-


I am sure you can find the other episodes from this point on.

One of the early videos deals with a very important track requirement and that is wheels, tires, brakes and ride hight. We achieved a great improvement in all these area's for less than $2300 and took 6 tenths off the eight mile in the process as well as adding nearly 4 mph in trap speed.
Hope your endeavors flourish.
David vizard

 

[David Vizard]

#1 killer of any auto transmission is heat, so add any possible cooling you can and keep an eye on the temps, 6r80 may not be as fast as the 10r80(and i know a handful of people tracking 10 speeds) but id say the 6r80 is a more stout trans.

Took an enlarged view of your Mustang. Thats a great and mean looking machine. Like to know more about it.
David vizard

 

[David Vizard]

Man, that’s a tough one. I have 1 friend that hasn’t had issues and has done some track but previous to that a lot of strip. I know another person that has had significant issues with his 6R80.

Before you start to put a lot of money into the equation I would recommend taking it out and seeing how she runs and responds.

Generally speaking I would run it un-modded then build confidence/speed before modifying,

This is good solid advice from '2morrow'

Before you start to put a lot of money into the equation I would recommend taking it out and seeing how she runs and responds.

David Vizard

 

[1995_4.6]

my 2015 GT has a 6R80. I've been doing Time Trials and open track days for almost 3 years. Only issues were in up shift and down shift. Once the TCU was modified it has been a good experience. Paddle shifting is actually fun. I run 315/30/18 square...

 

[SBR70.3]

Do some HPDE days first. Driver training/experience is the most important mod you can make. Observe what works and what doesn't, then upgrade. For me, it was cooling issues since I have a big ass intercooler blocking my radiator.

 

[Hye Power]

Took an enlarged view of your Mustang. Thats a great and mean looking machine. Like to know more about it.
David vizard

Thanks if you are on instagram look up hyepowerracing

 

[Diegosuave]

I have a ‘16 gt base auto with 113k miles, daily for 7 years, track for 3 years and never had any transmission issues. My plan is to also make it a track only car. The only done are l the Ford performance front control arm kit.

Get it maintenance and take it to the track as it is and get a feel for the car and see how it reacts. For me it has been a great experience in understanding the limit and how much more it has to offer. Due to the high mileage I’m upgrading my suspension first. This is what I’ll be installing in the upcoming weeks:

-ford performance track shocks and struts kit
- BMR handlings springs
-Maximum Motorsport caste amber plates
-Steeda subframe alignment and support kit

Then do a couple more track days and then install:

- 18x10 Apex EC-7 square
- 275/40 - continental extreme contact or hankook Ventus RS4

Then progressively do other upgrades :
- Ford performance brembo brakes OR Steeda 2 piece performance pack brakes
-Borla S Type exhaust w/ H Pipe
- Steeda bumper steer kit
- Steeda IRS support braces
- Ford performance knuckle to toe link bearing
- Ford or Steeda front and rear adjustable sway bars
- adjustable sway bar end links
- Ford performance strut tower brace
- Steeda vertical links

In terms of power, I am pretty pleased but will eventually will do
- cold air intake and tune
- coolant expansion pack
- radiator/fans

hope this helps and keep looking at the forums, a lot of amazing info out there.

 

[Hack]

This might be an unpopular comment around here, but what I would do is to sell and buy something like a Miata as a dedicated track car. You can get the same fun from it, and consumables will be WAAAAYY less expensive. I don't personally fit into a Miata, because I'm 6'4", but they are a great platform for dedicated track machines.

Probably for the difference in the car cost you will be able to afford all the suspension, brakes tires and wheels that you need to set up the Miata for the track. And the first time you need to replace tires you will thank me.

But I agree with the others. Probably start by just running the Mustang as-is. Bleed the brakes and get fresh fluids in the car prior to the track day. Take it easy and learn whether it's something you want to do more of.

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