Open track road course upgrades

[j card]

I'm thinking of doing a few open track road course events next year. The questions I have are:

Brake pads - recommendations?

Tires - not looking for ultimate grip, but good grip that lasts a while and doesn't go off after a few heat cycles.

Other recommendations? I used to open track my 91 LX, but this will be the first time for the Cobra. I'd appreciate any advice from those who have experience.

(BTW: I have experience with open track driving, so you can skip the part that says "learn to drive first". )

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bingo13]

Originally posted by j card
I'm thinking of doing a few open track road course events next year. The questions I have are:

1. Brake pads - recommendations?

2. Tires - not looking for ultimate grip, but good grip that lasts a while and doesn't go off after a few heat cycles.

Assuming you want to do some track events and still keep these items on the street.

1. Porterfield R4-S, ss lines, ford HD fluids.

2. Nitto RII series tires.

 

[bassin247]

SHM billet oil pump gears.

 

[Bingo13]

Originally posted by bassin247
SHM billet oil pump gears.

I could list three paragraphs of items he really needs but stayed true to the question almost. ;-)

 

[bassin247]

I know if I was going to race my car hard around the track I would want it cool and well oiled.

 

[03InThe11s]

Originally posted by Bingo13
I could list three paragraphs of items he really needs but stayed true to the question almost. ;-)

well, i need to lengthen my christmas wish list, and i would like to get into road racing, so go ahead. :beer:

 

[SVTdubs]

oh boy, bingo knows a lot, I cant wait for this response, you better have your reading glasses on... haha

 

[Bingo13]

Originally posted by 03InThe11s
well, i need to lengthen my christmas wish list, and i would like to get into road racing, so go ahead. :beer:

Let's wait for jcard to respond before I hijack his thread. ;-)

 

[toofast4u]

Originally posted by Bingo13
I could list three paragraphs of items he really needs but stayed true to the question almost. ;-)

:thumbsup:

 

[03InThe11s]

ok, well, i have the kenne brown matrix sub. connectors sittin in my garage. figured that would be a good starting point. its still going to be my daily driver, i just want to be able to handle on the road course. suggestions? how bout those 3 paragraphs :beer:

 

[maoun]

without doubt you want hawk HPS plus pads in the front...HPS regular in the rear....and MOTUL fluid all around.

m.

 

[Slide It]

Open track Events

I have done 8 track events with my 03 and the best upgrade to do to get the most enjoyable track time is improve on the brakes.

-A race pad of your preference, try different types until you find one you like. I use Performance Friction 03's. Hard on rotors.

-Stainless brakelines. I have Kenny Brown SS lines on my car.

-Hi Perfermance brake fluid. I use ATE Superblue. Bleed after every event.

-Brake cooling system. I developed my own system that works pretty good. I will be making more of these systems in the near future if you are interested in one.

-R compound tires. I use Kuhmo Victoracer V700. I get 4 events out of a set. Get them from Tire Rack- Heat Cycled.

All of these upgrades are for the cost concious open tracker but should be the minimum,in my opinion,to relay enjoy the capabilities of the 03 Cobra.

 

[Bingo13]

Originally posted by 03InThe11s
ok, well, i have the kenne brown matrix sub. connectors sittin in my garage. figured that would be a good starting point. its still going to be my daily driver, i just want to be able to handle on the road course. suggestions? how bout those 3 paragraphs :beer:

I will pm you later. J-Card still has not responded.

 

[j card]

Originally posted by Bingo13
Let's wait for jcard to respond before I hijack his thread. ;-)

Go ahead and hijack away I'm sure I can learn from other info as well. I'm not going to be pushing the car that hard, so I'm mainly looking to upgrade the basic stuff for now, but I may do more later on, so bring it on!

 

[03InThe11s]

i want to upgrade everything i can and still keep it drivable, and liveable. i dont want a cage, though i know it adds countless benifits, because i want easy access to the back seat. pretty much everything else is an option. i appreciate all the advice, as im sure most of us with little or no (in my case) track experience does. :beer:

 

[Bingo13]

Originally posted by j card
Go ahead and hijack away I'm sure I can learn from other info as well. I'm not going to be pushing the car that hard, so I'm mainly looking to upgrade the basic stuff for now, but I may do more later on, so bring it on!

I will have a listing up tomorrow, it was a long day and two sick kids. ;-)

 

[maoun]

i also did the B&D brake ducting kit....i like it lots bdracing.net

 

[j card]

Originally posted by maoun
i also did the B&D brake ducting kit....i like it lots bdracing.net

Can you tell me more about that? - their website doesn't show it.

 

[six speed]

I would do brake pads I am using ht-10,do a front alinment neg camber 2 min,toe straight,caster 5 and tire I would just run the f1's for the first time it's not that bad of a tire and you have them, but if you have to buy tires I would buy a hard compound tire in race form, the car is heavy and has a lot hp if you don't watch it you will waste a set of good soft tires,I did the first day. Have fun

 

[Bingo13]

Originally posted by j card
I'm thinking of doing a few open track road course events next year. The questions I have are:

Thanks in advance.

I have no idea where to really start without knowing what "a few events" encompass or your driving style. Anymore than four recreational events a year and I would consider a different car or some serious upgrades. I will try to be vendor generic but would rely on Griggs/MM for the suspension items. ;-) I will assume the following conditions and your car has the basic mods (pulley/chip/cai/catback)-

A. Two to Four Track Events- each lap session averaging 20 minutes (two per event). Car will be driven to the event and components remain on the car for normal street driving.

B. Four to Six Track Events- each lap session averaging 25 minutes (two~three per event). Car will be driven to the event and components remain on the car for normal street driving or have optional track day only items.

C. Six or more Track Events- each lap session averaging 30 minutes (several per event). Car will be driven to the event and components remain on the car for normal street driving or have optional track day only items.

Basic Package- A condition (balanced cost/performance)

Suspension-
Full Length Subframe Connectors
MM IRS Bushings
Differential Bushings
MM CC plates
MM 4 point crossmember brace
MM front urethane bushing kit
Preformance alignment

DriveTrain-
Shifter Kit (Steeda/Pro5)
Fluids- (Redline D4 ATF , example)

Engine-
Fluids-
oil 5w-30 (Mobil One and Filter, example)
Thermostat- 160F hypertech
Water Wetter- add in radiator/intercooler
Other-
Intercooler Fans- Dual 9.5"
Hood Blanket Mod

Brakes-
SS lines
Ford HD Fluid- change before/after event
Street/Track pads- (Porterfield R4-S, example)

Tires-
Nitto 555RII- 275/40/17 x 4

Upgrade Package- B condition (balanced cost/performance)

Suspension-
Full Length Subframe Connectors
MM IRS Bushings
Differential Bushings
MM CC plates
MM 4 point crossmember brace
MM swaybar links
Front swaybar bushings- urethane
Steering Rack bushings- aluminum
MM Front Lower Control Arms non-offset-urethane inserts
Ford 14mm front IRS assembly Bolts
'00R Springs- Front/Rear
'00R Shocks
MM Race Spec Bilstein Struts
Steeda 1.375" Sway Bar
Performance Alignment


DriveTrain-
Shifter Kit (Steeda/Pro5)
Fluids- (Redline D4 ATF , example)

Engine-
Fluids-
oil 5w-30 (Mobil One and Filter, example)
Thermostat- 160F hypertech
Water Wetter- add in radiator/intercooler
Other-
Heat Exchanger- (Gords, AFCO, etc)
Intercooler Fans- Dual 9.5"
Hood Blanket Mod

Brakes-
SS lines
Fluids- Castrol SRF/Ford HD- change before/after event
Street/Track pads- (Porterfield R4-S, example)
Rotor/Calipers- '00R Front Brembo Kit
Duct Kit- easy to do a homemade kit on this car.

Tires-
Nitto 555RII- 275/40/17 x 4


Options- B Package

Drivetrain-
Differential Cooler (probably should be in the "B" package)

Brakes-
Front- Wilwood Six piston kit /Baer Alcon PRO Plus/ StopTech Big Brake Kit

Additional Rotor F/R Set for Track Day- run race pads (Hawk Blue- example, 93 compound pad is suggested, rear can get by with the Porterfield R4-S)

Suspension-
MM Coil-overs F/R instead of '00R springs- 425f/650r lb rates
MM Solid Steering Shaft

Engine-
Upgraded Hoses
Canton Road Racing Oil Pan
SHM Billet Oil Gears
Fluidyne radiator

Tires-
Nitto 555RII- 285/35/18 x 4, BFG KDs, etc.

Wheels-
Light Weight 18x9/9.5"- SSR Comps/Steeda Ultra-Lite-etc, or the '00R wheels if you want to maintain the Mustang image.

Upgrade Package- C condition (balanced cost/performance)

Suspension-
Full Length Subframe Connectors
MM IRS Bushings
Differential Bushings
MM CC plates
MM swaybar links
MM Solid Steering Shaft
Front swaybar bushings- urethane
Steering Rack bushings- aluminum
Griggs or MM Lower Control Arms -urethane inserts
Griggs K-Member, MM suggested but requires oil relocation kit.
Griggs Delrin IRS Control arm bushings
Ford 14mm front IRS assembly Bolts
MM Coil-overs- 425f/650r lb rates
'00R Shocks
MM Race Spec Bilstein Struts
Steeda 1.375" Sway Bar
KB rear strut tower brace- welded
KB Rear Steer Kit- aggressive alignment only
Performance Alignment


DriveTrain-
Shifter Kit (Steeda/Pro5)
Fluids- (Redline D4 ATF , example)
Differential Cooler

Engine-
Fluids-
oil 5w-30 (Mobil One and Filter, example)
Thermostat- 160F hypertech
Water Wetter- add in radiator/intercooler
Other-
Heat Exchanger- (Gords, AFCO, etc)
Intercooler Fans- Dual 9.5"
Hood Blanket Mod
Fluidyne radiator
Meziere H20 pump
Upgraded Hoses
Battery Relocation Kit
Apten Blower (runs cooler, reduce boost for advantage)
JBA Shorty Headers- coated
Canton Road Racing Oil Pan
SHM Billet Oil Gears

Brakes-
SS lines
Fluids- Castrol SRF/Ford HD/Motul 600- change before/after event
Track pads- (would use dedicated rotors)
Rotor/Calipers- '00R Front Brembo Kit
Duct Kit- easy to do a homemade kit on this car.

Tires-
Nitto 555RII- 285/35/18 x 4

Wheels-
Light Weight 18x9/9.5"- SSR Comps/Steeda Ultra-Lite-etc, or the '00R wheels if you want to maintain the Mustang image.


Options- C Package

Brakes-
Front- Wilwood Six piston kit /Baer Alcon PRO Plus/ StopTech Big Brake Kit

Rear- Baer Touring Plus Select

Additional Rotor F/R Set for Track Day- run race pads (Hawk Blue- example, 93 compound type pads front/rear)

Tires-
Hoosier R3S03 - 275/35/18

Drivetrain-
Torque Sensing Differental (Torsen, Tru-Trac or DPI)


Obviously these are middle of the road suggestions and there are an infinite variety of combinations. I was trying to stay true to a street car that would be used on the track occasionally. Also, any of these improvements (except race pads/tires) will benefit your street performance. If you have specific needs then I can be more direct in the suggestions.

I have no idea what type of wheel package you want to run or if you are willing to have two sets. This holds true for the brake systems.

This car was not really designed with road racing in mind considering the supercharger. It is very difficult to keep this car cool for long periods of time and in some ways I would suggest the oiling changes to be needed in the "A" package to some degree. Also the car is very heavy so you can get very creative with weight reductions if you want to drop the creature comforts.

I did not go into body panel changes but a really good rear spoiler would help along with some front end changes.

Your alignment specs are critical also.

I have not covered everything (seats/harnesses/jacking rails/etc) but this is a good start for discussions.