Questions on Tracking a GT

[Automobilist]

Brakes indeed...
We run Castrol SRF, Motul or ATE brake fluid. You need a high boiling point to keep brake pressure consistent. We also use Porterfield brake pads.

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[JohnD]

I’ve been watching videos and stock mustangs seem to do well. I was thinking I needed a PP to safely run a mustang on track due to the oil coolers they’re outfitted with. This coming weekend I will finally put the stang and myself on track. I haven’t done an HPDE in about a decade. I’m excited to get back on track.

I recommend watching your gauges. Keep that engine and oil temp gauges as your primary focus. Also focus on your brakes. If they begin to fade, pull into the pits. One last recommendation, make sure to have enough gas in the tank. Last thing you want to do is run out of gas on track. Depending where you are stopped, it will cause the entire track to stop. Other drivers will lose track time. You will get some ugly looks.

PP's don't have anything special for oil cooler that the normal GT doesn't have. PP has a much bigger rad, so can handle more heat, but the normal GT also has an oil cooler. Or what some cynical people call an oil heater.

Regarding gas, if you are driving at any rate of knots at all you are going to start starving in corners long before you run out of gas.

 

[Lorne34]

The only thing you really should do (especially because Road America has VERY long straights), is brake upgrades. A higher friction pad and higher temp fluid should be enough for a novice. Brake cooling (like JLT's kit) would be good for someone with a bit more experience. You absolutely can make do on stock stuff, but you'll have to brake much earlier and at a lower rate in order to preserve them for full sessions.

An item that will help you drive better is something like the Scrotch Quickfit (get with Harness pads if you don't have the recaro seats). It'll keep you planted in the seat, which allows you to focus on your line and to drive with 'light hands'. It's also easily removable afterwards.

Thanks! I will probably do the intro day and see how it goes from there. If I plan to pursue it more I will look into the Brake upgrade

 

[BmacIL]

Thanks! I will probably do the intro day and see how it goes from there. If I plan to pursue it more I will look into the Brake upgrade

I'd recommend doing fluid at the least just before the event. If the pads fade it's easy to let them cool for a slower lap and then get right back on it. If fluid boils you're in full pucker mode. Ask me how I know :headbonk:

 

[Norm Peterson]

Other than brake fluid and at most entry-level track pads (beware with that last that there can be pad compatibility issues), you're best off driving the car you know instead of trying to learn any new or slightly different behavior at the same time you're being introduced to a lot of new and unfamiliar concepts.


Norm

 

[NightmareMoon]

I do suggest buying supplemental insurance for your track day. You won't want to make a claim on this type of insurance for any small damages, but its piece of mind against a big uh-oh if this is your daily driver.

As far as downsides (other than wrecking an uninsured car, see #1), track use is particularly hard on tires and brake pads and, in general, dramatically accelerates the kind of wear that cars accumulate over many miles on the street.

How fast you are going to see premature wear on susceptible parts depends a lot on how hard you're pushing it. For a novice, expect your street tires will suffer from the abuse and may need replacing a lot sooner than you would otherwise expect (possibly immediately after the event, in some extreme cases)

Brake pads get worn down quick, wheel hub bearings get cooked from the heat and fail more rapidly, engine, transmission, and rear diff oils may want replacing more often than usual, etc.

FWIW, S550s hold up pretty well to the abuse of track days, and its soo much fun.

 

[sonicc]

"However, a Ford representative sent us this clarification: "Ford vehicles such as Mustang, GT350, Focus RS, Focus & Fiesta ST and Raptor are designed for spirited driving and will be covered by warranty if the vehicle is operated within the limits and guidelines outlined in the vehicle's owner's guide and warranty manual, including when the vehicle is driven in 'track mode,' a feature that is contained on some vehicles, if it is driven on a track in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines. Ford does not recommend racing these vehicles in timed competitions or sanctioned race events, as they are designed and built to be driven as delivered from the factory, and the vehicle warranty does not cover mechanical failure or damage caused when a vehicle is used for racing."

https://www.autoblog.com/2017/02/27/new-car-warranty-valid-race-track/

There is a difference between tracking your car and actually racing for competition.

That's actually pretty reasonable (unlike Nissan with certain high-performance model). If you're turning it into a race car then that's a whole another level and Ford can't be responsible for that.

Thank you all for the input! I guess I am looking for an experience that will get my feet just a tiny bit wet and help me to decide if it's something I really want to dig into or go back to twisty country roads.

I've put a lot of miles on twisty back roads and it's not even close to the rush you get at the track (unless you drive like Ken Block or something, which would be illegal). Go to motorsportreg.com and register, then see which events SCCA has in your area.

 

[Davez17GT]

Thanks! I will probably do the intro day and see how it goes from there. If I plan to pursue it more I will look into the Brake upgrade

Lorne,

I got my 17 non-PP last August. It was in September with just 2900 miles on it when I tracked it at the Milwaukee Mile. They have a really nice facility. It is run by the local Milwaukee SCCA. It is not timed, and NOT a race. You will hear that in EVERY drivers meeting. A true HPDE. They have lots of Instructors to help out and give you guidance.

Now, my 17 only had one small issue, I caught a 03-04 Cobra, followed him for a lap, then got the ok to pass. Upon passing him, I ran deep into the first turn, and had to brake HARD. That made the brakes a bit hot for a lap or 2. Now, I don't push my car to 100% of its ability. I might run it 75-85%. And I brake earlier than most for this reason.

If you want to push the car harder, later, then look into getting some brake cooling ducts. They help out a lot!!

I truly enjoy the ability to drive fast with out seeing any red & blue lights behind me.

My recommendation for doing Road America, brake early!! You will carry a LOT of speed on the straightaways (way into triple digits) and need to do a lot of braking. These S550's make short time of the straightaways. And you will be on the brakes before you know it.

Here is a link to the Milwaukee Mile that I attend as often as I can. http://www.milwaukeetrackdays.com/

Be safe and truly enjoy it. The S550 is more than ok doing an HPDE.

Dave

 

[17LightningGT]

If you plan on going the route of autocross, plan on replacing tires pretty much immediately. I melted the heck out of my all seasons in a day.

My only real winter mod was wheels/tires. I have a non-pp car so mine came with all season tires and dinky 18x8 wheels.

[/url]22688695_10210423188552755_5156000748179155097_n by 08Sunburst, on Flickr[/IMG]


Now I have more meat and summer only tires, so hopefully I will do a bit better and the tires will hold up for more than just a day.

[/url]28236057_10211223039788536_1801193916_n by 08Sunburst, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[Lorne34]

If you plan on going the route of autocross, plan on replacing tires pretty much immediately. I melted the heck out of my all seasons in a day.

My only real winter mod was wheels/tires. I have a non-pp car so mine came with all season tires and dinky 18x8 wheels.

[/url]22688695_10210423188552755_5156000748179155097_n by 08Sunburst, on Flickr[/IMG]


Now I have more meat and summer only tires, so hopefully I will do a bit better and the tires will hold up for more than just a day.

[/url]28236057_10211223039788536_1801193916_n by 08Sunburst, on Flickr[/IMG]

Thanks! I have heard that about the tires!

 

[Lorne34]

Lorne,

I got my 17 non-PP last August. It was in September with just 2900 miles on it when I tracked it at the Milwaukee Mile. They have a really nice facility. It is run by the local Milwaukee SCCA. It is not timed, and NOT a race. You will hear that in EVERY drivers meeting. A true HPDE. They have lots of Instructors to help out and give you guidance.

Now, my 17 only had one small issue, I caught a 03-04 Cobra, followed him for a lap, then got the ok to pass. Upon passing him, I ran deep into the first turn, and had to brake HARD. That made the brakes a bit hot for a lap or 2. Now, I don't push my car to 100% of its ability. I might run it 75-85%. And I brake earlier than most for this reason.

If you want to push the car harder, later, then look into getting some brake cooling ducts. They help out a lot!!

I truly enjoy the ability to drive fast with out seeing any red & blue lights behind me.

My recommendation for doing Road America, brake early!! You will carry a LOT of speed on the straightaways (way into triple digits) and need to do a lot of braking. These S550's make short time of the straightaways. And you will be on the brakes before you know it.

Here is a link to the Milwaukee Mile that I attend as often as I can. http://www.milwaukeetrackdays.com/

Be safe and truly enjoy it. The S550 is more than ok doing an HPDE.

Dave

Thanks again Dave! I will be sure to check out the link to the place in Milwaukee!

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