On-Track Limp Mode Poll

[mattlqx]

Thoae who had the tranny overheat, what was oil temp at the same time?

Engine oil peaks at 250 and holds.

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[84venom]

So far the only real data that we have is from Mattlqx . His car goes into limp mode at 280. Engine oil holds at 250.

Talked to Tremec today, they say 300 is the max trans temp before we see things go bad. This seems to make perfect sense and Ford probably has the ECU shutting things down at 280 to prevent damage.

So we're most likely dealing with a trans cooling issue here. I know that sounds obvious, but it's important that we know for certain what's going on so we can fix it.

That said, obviously a trans cooler is in order, but maybe some other simple modifications can help. Maybe a combination of exhaust pipe insulation and cold air ducting to the trans will be enough to keep it alive!!! Is anyone willing to try those quick fixes and head back to the track???

 

[montreal ponies]

I think this thread should be a sticky as i'm sure this is going to be a widespread issue with base/tech cars .
maybe we can get a favor from Paul or Tony. C'mon guys we need all the help we can get.
Thanks Venom for making this happen.

 

[Bossing]

My track logs:

* Base, Tech, or Track Pack? Track

* Which Track were you on? Homestead 12/20; Sebring 1/23 and 2/28; PBIR 2/26

* Ambient Air Temp? 76F at Homestead; 55F and 70F at Sebring; 53F at PBIR

* How long was your session? All events - 4 sessions each ranging fron 25 mins to 30 mins max

* Trans Temp if available? 160 max on Trans
--- Oil temps: 258 max at Homestead due to running Nascar banks; 230 up to 250 max at the other tracks

* Racing / Track Day Experience ( Judgement Free Zone ) Advance group at Homestead and PBIR; Intermediate at Sebring

* End result..... again no issues (so far) and come summer months it'll be a better gauge on the limits or threshold of Track/R cars based on environment conditions.

 

[Essex Wire]

First of all, thank you 84Venom for creating this poll;and it should be a Sticky.

I would like to respectfully suggest that you change the title of the poll to something like:

"DID YOUR GT350 GO INTO "LIMP MODE" ON TRACK?" POLL"

It will be much clearer to any newcomers who are looking into the issue. "Overheating Transmission" is kind of too broad and general and could apply to all kinds of things. Plus, the change makes it a neutral phrase seeking information. I do think the title change would be important.

Thanks again!

 

[84venom]

This is all great info!! Thanks to Bossing for the Track Pack data. Clearly the cooler makes a huge difference in trans temps!!!! 280-plus down to 160 is HUGE!!!

Thanks also to Essex for the recommendations. Can I go in as the poster and change the title or do we have to start over again with a new thread??

 

[montreal ponies]

This is all great info!! Thanks to Bossing for the Track Pack data. Clearly the cooler makes a huge difference in trans temps!!!! 280-plus down to 160 is HUGE!!!

Thanks also to Essex for the recommendations. Can I go in as the poster and change the title or do we have to start over again with a new thread??

You should be able to just edit your thread. Once you press "edit", then press " go advanced", that should let you change the threads name.

 

[Tony Alonso]

Thanks also to Essex for the recommendations. Can I go in as the poster and change the title or do we have to start over again with a new thread??

Let me know what title text you want and I will edit it.

 

[84venom]

Let me know what title text you want and I will edit it.

I like the idea of adding limp mode to the title, but would like to keep it short and to the point.

How about " On-Track Limp Mode Poll "

 

[montreal ponies]

Hey Tony, you think you can sticky this thread ! Thanks

 

[REAZO]

I didn't see any tech pack cars at the LS track tour event.

I think this thread is going to be full of tech pack cars with the same issue. And track pack cars without the issue, except for in the most extreme circumstances. Which doesn't surprise me. Does it really surprise the people who bought tech pack cars and track them?

But that is not the point......Of course everyone would expect the Track package or R to be better on the track. But that doesn't mean the Tech package should be "untrackable". If we wanted a dedicated track car, I think all would go for one of those models. But Tech pack owners likely want a great car to drive every day and occasionally take to the track.

My M3 (also high revving V8) didn't have a "track pack" and never had a problem. None of the M3/M4s at my track day had a "track" package. Nor did the miatas, the challengers, Chargers, the 235 or 335s, base corvettes, base caymans or even the pick up truck one session.

The point is......ONLY the 3 Tech package Ford GT350s were unable to complete a session. Ford should be embarrassed. Well, not completely true. A green charger ran out of gas during session 2 and had to be towed off. But other than that, it was just the GT350s.

 

[REAZO]

Most beautiful gray with black stripes!
Tech pack
PBIR
About 60 degrees, evening event
Novice group, but I have done a few track days in my old M3.
Session 1: instructor riding shotgun teaching line. Another student following in GT with Perf pack. I had to slow on the straights so the GT could keep up. As a result, I kept revs to 6500-7000. 18min in car went into limp mode.
Session 2: same scenario but slightly faster pace, limp mode in 15min. Again, novice group with heavy traffic.
Session 3: 7/10ths. Limp mode in 13-15 min.
Engine temp always seemed fine. Same with oil pressure. Don't have other gauges.

Also note, I'm in FL but bought the car in Louisiana. I drove it back to FL and put 800 highway miles on it first day. Great driving car. Very comfortable. No issues at all on that long drive.

 

[Bossing]

^Your car is stunning in Magnetic, Ron! I wish I was able to take a few pics... we were just so busy most of the night. Plus it was so crowded... the paddock was swamped!

In my run group we had 2 incidents... 2 spin outs at turn 2 and both stopped in time from like a foot from hitting the concrete wall! PBIR can biite you big if you throttle up too much too soon at the turn ins or apexes. It's a good track to consistently practice smooth in for a fast out especially due to the decreasing radius turns and technical sequences.

 

[REAZO]

Looking forward to our next track event at PBIR. It's still worth it even if only 10min sessions. I'm confident Ford will fix this. They have too much on the line for this car to get a bad rap. Camaro 1LE is out soon, and ZL1 and Z28 shortly thereafter.

The GT350 is truly an amazing and special car. "Supercarish" in many ways! Ford.....please don't let this fester!

I'll be very anxious to see your new Focus at an upcoming event as well, once you get it (I see the note in your signature).

 

[zombiekiller]

Most beautiful gray with black stripes!
Tech pack
PBIR
About 60 degrees, evening event
Novice group, but I have done a few track days in my old M3.
Session 1: instructor riding shotgun teaching line. Another student following in GT with Perf pack. I had to slow on the straights so the GT could keep up. As a result, I kept revs to 6500-7000. 18min in car went into limp mode.
Session 2: same scenario but slightly faster pace, limp mode in 15min. Again, novice group with heavy traffic.
Session 3: 7/10ths. Limp mode in 13-15 min.
Engine temp always seemed fine. Same with oil pressure. Don't have other gauges.

Also note, I'm in FL but bought the car in Louisiana. I drove it back to FL and put 800 highway miles on it first day. Great driving car. Very comfortable. No issues at all on that long drive.

Please, Please, Please... Take your car to a dealer, ask them to pull logs and report the problem to Ford.

The more data points that they have, the better this will go for everyone.

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