Husker
Just The Basic Facts
So...If you were considering the S_E Mustang, which transmission would you order for it?No, I mean the equipment that the performance pack Mustang GTR comes with was intended for the organization SCCA. Not a particular class but ALL classes the '15 is eligible for. For example, the MGTR's rotors are the SCCA maximum permitted size (380mm). The maximum front tire size is a 275mm, 285/295 are the largest size permitted with a waiver. Ford selected the components that are part of the performance package to be in accordance with the entire SCCA's rulebook. The #1 issue buyers have at the track is brakes and tire compliance, also another area most overlook while registering for the season.
None of the R&D went into an automatic performance package because automatics are not widely used for track or competition. Maybe Ford should have released a Competition Package for the GT. I would like to see the Performance Package available for the auto equipped cars and just create a Competition Model (via Mustang GTR) for serious racers. In my eyes, the Performance Package isn't really a serious jab at real racing. It will outrun the outgoing Boss 302 Laguna Seca but, I would still make some changes come competition. Ford merely took the SCCA's rulebook into consideration when equipping the GT and GTPP. The base GT has also took those rules into consideration as well...
Ford equipped the base GT with 352mm disc in front and lower than the standard 355mm SCCA max. As I said, you can apply for a waiver to up the disc size to 380mm. When designing a car that will eventually go on to dominate a certain sport, its a good practice to actually cater to the governing bodies rulebook instead of leaving the customers figure it out themselves.
That said, if a competition model were offered, people would probably still ask where the automatic version is at. Unless it is a paddle shift sequential manual, it absolutely needs to be a manual. Full control of your downshifts is priority...
FYI: The GT350 may completely avoid a 305 front tire until the rules change and allow it. It's stupidity to buy a car for track/comp for $50,000 and have trouble at registration. What do you mean I need to change the tires??? I just bought the car, it is sold as a track car...
I would like to see a Drag Package come in a automatic... Something people here haven't considered:
The 1st gear ratio in the automatic is a steep 4.17 (3.6x-3.7x for the Getrag). Consider the results of a 3.73 running a 4.17 1st gear, it pretty much makes 1st gear useless. Bringing the 3.73 down just defeats the "Performance" in the package too... Gotta keep them revs up but, with an auto, it would be shift, shift, shift, shift, shift, shift, shift, shift, shift....
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