| Shamu |
04-25-2011 04:08 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by m4a1mustang
(Post 1072784)
The Grand Am series shows just how good of a track car the Mustang can be. It, along with the M3s, are dominating this year. If you haven't seen much of it might surprise you a bit.
I agree with a lot of your points, many are ones I have made in the countless 370 vs. 5.0 debates. I'm not sure what Mustang you drove, base suspension or Brembo package, but in either case the stock shocks/struts are the limiting factor on the stock suspension. You'd probably be really surprised at how much a difference a proper set of shocks/struts or coils will make on one of these cars. I'd venture to guess you'd be pretty pleased with the feel of a Brembo package 5.0 on Koni yellows and Steeda sport springs... much better control. I'd actually be pretty interested in your thoughts on the Boss if you get a chance to get behind the wheel of one on track.
But that's really beyond the point. It's still not going to "feel" like a sports car because like you said, it really isn't. It might put down the numbers and get lumped into that sports car performance category, but it won't feel quite like a Z or a Cayman.
It's a different driving experience and it all comes down to preference, like you said. I'm just glad there are still people out there willing to discuss this kind of stuff maturely!
I do suspect the 2014 redesign will be somewhat of a game changer. If what Ford is saying is right, we're looking at a smaller, lighter (250lbs or more) Mustang with a direct-injected 5.0 and IRS. Should be interesting.
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I know a guy on the Ford SUspension team who works on Mustang development. They have come a long way and they do get to several tracks to test setups including Laguna Seca. But they still are over coming overly front weight baised car with a single axle. Dont get me wrong its a great car but dynamically its a bit porky. Any doubts? Just watch Mustang come over corkscrew at Laguna Seca. Its not pretty.
The Z while nose heavy is much more composed. Yes the tons of money thrown at Mustang Grand Am cars have cured some of the ills but they still get real ugly to drive when you get into features where elevation changes quickly in a turn. Drivers have to "billy bob" the cars a bit. On tecnical tracks mustangs can be a handful.
Watch the VIR race this May. I think the Mustangs will have a new freind. AM Performance team has really done a great job of sorting out their 370Z race car. Found this video of a LS1 V8 powered Miata race car chasing them during testing at a local race. Look at how rock solid the Z is in and out of turns. While both BMW and Miata have more power the braking and in turn dymamics of the Z are far better. Also impressive as the Z is on hard skinny race slicks used in the Grand Am series. My car has benefited setup wise from the AM Performance race car. Spring choice was directly influenced from data collected from the race car.
LS1 Miata NASA SU Race - Thunderhill - Dean - Apr 16, 2011 on Vimeo |
