Mystique 2018 GT PPL1

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I ordered the 2018-19 GT FRPP Suspension set-up (GT350 springs and sway bar w/Magna Ride VDM software upgrade). I’ve been riding on the springs and sway bar setup for a couple of days now. Springs settled nicely and noticeable difference. In the package comes the dongle that you hook up to the car via usb connection to your computer.

You have to log on to FRPP and download the software to get the programming via a voucher of your purchase. Takes about 5-10mins. Mines took 3min.

I was unsure if it took or not and did it again.

Could hear the PCM doing its thing with the normal lights flashing etc. for a min I thought I did something wrong, for the tire PSI wasn’t reading for about 4mins. Couple creeks and squeals so I don’t know if it’s the dampeners adjusting or just the springs still being new. Going to have everything checked out and re-torqued this week.

So much tighter and responsive in sport mode as if I was driving in track mode.

Also put a washer where the sway brackets go to allow some movement as it was recommended where I got the service and track alignment installed. Very important to spend the extra money on adjustable end links when you're doing this.

Next up will be replacing all the factory rubber bushings throughout the car. Going to be so much fun...not!

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GT350 Springs which are progressive with a lot of spring rate for a progressive spring.

 

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Springs uninstalled

 

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You can see where the bracket and bolt is. That is where I added the washer to shimmy it.

 

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Got to redo the alignment to get the best I can. Vorshlag plates are strongly recommended.

 

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The ProCal tune for the Magna Ride was pretty simple and timeless. Just have to make sure you follow the directions to a T and you're all set. I haven't driven a GT PPL2 or GT350R, but I can tell you this tune for the Magna Ride is serious and I can't wait to get it on the track.

 

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I must say the FRPP Knuckle to Toe Link bearing and Cortex Monoball kit is a no brainer when it comes to improving the handling of the S550. Getting started Ford put some authentic locktite on the bolts, was hell getting them off. I had a mechanic talk me through it and showed me how to install the bearings. As I wasn't comfortable doing it, but of course he made it seem so simple. Because Texas has many back roads and I wasn't going directly to the track I had to test it. Punching the throttle from a dead stop, there was no stutter, excessive wheel hop (which I believe and feel that decent tires and these bearings will eliminate 90% of it) or spinning. Felt like the suspension just committed at the same time, moved as one and felt great. No noise vibration what so ever, even with deleting my back seat I hear no extra. I took some back road corners hard as I could for street driving and it was just point and shoot. No hopping what so ever. You definitely can tell there is more power being put to the ground and grip comes a lot faster for the 4's.

The Monoball Kit is on another level!! Taking a twisty road back from Austin and the only one on the road for awhile....I trusted the car more as I practiced looking ahead of the curve and steering and pointing to where I wanted to go. I know it is not the same as driving on the track, but for now it is the closest way I can say how I feel. Like anything, you have to be on the car heavy to feel and notice any of the improvements from the modifications. When I hear others talk about "Load" on a particular side of the car, I understand more of what they are referring too.

I can't wait to get to the track and fully experience what these mods did for the chassis and the car. I know I will be more confident on the track entering/exiting the corner and getting on the power harder as wheel hop is near eliminated. I think after awhile and some seat time, I'll do the sub-frame and be good with the suspension for quite some time.

 

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The MGW X-Spec is fricking awesome. Still some breaking in that needs to happen, but damn that thing feels good. Like an extension of the transmission as you feel everything!

 

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Cortex Monoball Kit is such a deserving upgrade to the front and rear control arms. Never thought replacing the rubber bushings throughout the car would make a difference. I was so wrong!

 

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Could never get tired of this Magnetic .

 

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Well over the past couple weeks as some of you know, changes been made to the car. First I had the resonator deleted and had the FRPP X-Pipe welded in its place. Definitely noticeable. As far as the mode differences from quiet to sport definitely a change but not so much track.

 

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I finally decided on the color scheme I want to go with for the car, so I started with stripes. Didn't want the GT350 stripes, supersnake or GT500 stripes. I really wanted the OEM look so I had those stripes added.

 

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After realizing that most run 18x111's on slicks or Nittos....I knew I was not ready for slicks and felt more comfortable selling my 18's and getting the 19's instead. Better tire selection as I chose the RE-71R's for dual purpose. Having the 200TW was my main concern, as majority of the HPDE's require beginners to have no less the 200TW. These are 305/30/19 square fitment on 19x11 Apex EC-7's.

My thoughts on these tires will be in the next couple post.

 

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Wheels came in so off to Winding Road Racing to get them installed as well as the hubs. I purchased the hubs from @Optimum Performance which are OEM GT350 hubs with 14mm ARP studs and OEM GT rear hubs with the ARP studs. Along with a 25mm spacer to allow a great fitment up front.

 

[Cardude99]

Cortex Monoball Kit is such a deserving upgrade to the front and rear control arms. Never thought replacing the rubber bushings throughout the car would make a difference. I was so wrong!

How much nvh is added due to this? Very interesting upgrade.

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