For those of you who know Van, you are likely to say "Yes, Van is an encyclopedia of information regarding the GT500, he knows how to tailor the car to your needs, and he is 100% accurate, even if it results in less money in his pocket!"
Well, here is my story.
Early on, Van recommended that I start with a basic Griggs rear end. I saw the price, and I said to myself "wow, that is a steep price! I will just override that recommendation and go in another direction."
Just like Slow Pony, my GT500 was not road racing to the degree that I desired. I was developing poor driving habits too, trying to accommodate for the periodic handling weakness of the OEM and other rear-end after market parts for my desired type of driving.
Just like Slow Pony, I called Van about my frustration. With his calm wisdom, Van re-directed me again to Griggs to address my needs for my car given my type of driving adventures --- Autocross (against those pesky Miatas and not-so pesky M3s) and high speed tracks like Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, and Auto Club Raceway in Fontana.
I listened to Van, this time not overruling his recommendation in my mind. I talked to my wife. I bought the Griggs rear end (Watts link, rear Vari-shock coil overs) and the BMR front end.
Before I get to my description of the changes, let's just say that after paying for the parts and the installation by Bruce Griggs himself, my wife said that it was worth every penny. Yep, nobody can get a better affirmation than from one's spouse who is in the passenger seat.
My buddy, who is a seasoned BMW tech who loves to autocross his M3 and who raced his motorcycles at Willow, said "I used to hate flexy-Fords and Mustangs. Now, I want to sell my M3 and get a Mustang!"
With those evaluations, you still want to hear from me after hearing the comments of my wife and my BMW buddy?
You no longer have to worry about your car fishtailing under power. It powers down in a straight line. It turns with authority. It is nothing less than magnificent on the course, and I am not being Irish with a colorful choice of expressions days before St. Patrick's day.
If you think that I am, kindly read the comments of others on this list serve regarding Griggs and Van.
I am putting this detailed report to other members, because I benefitted from Slow Pony's report, which was an epiphany for me. One good turn (pun intended) deserves another.
So, thank you Van for leading me in the right direction; thank you Bruce for being so smart and becoming a friend; and thank you Slow Pony for taking the time to do your post that caused me to reflect and call Van again.
Thank you, Gentlemen,
Tom Leary - aka "Brute"
Well, here is my story.
Early on, Van recommended that I start with a basic Griggs rear end. I saw the price, and I said to myself "wow, that is a steep price! I will just override that recommendation and go in another direction."
Just like Slow Pony, my GT500 was not road racing to the degree that I desired. I was developing poor driving habits too, trying to accommodate for the periodic handling weakness of the OEM and other rear-end after market parts for my desired type of driving.
Just like Slow Pony, I called Van about my frustration. With his calm wisdom, Van re-directed me again to Griggs to address my needs for my car given my type of driving adventures --- Autocross (against those pesky Miatas and not-so pesky M3s) and high speed tracks like Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, and Auto Club Raceway in Fontana.
I listened to Van, this time not overruling his recommendation in my mind. I talked to my wife. I bought the Griggs rear end (Watts link, rear Vari-shock coil overs) and the BMR front end.
Before I get to my description of the changes, let's just say that after paying for the parts and the installation by Bruce Griggs himself, my wife said that it was worth every penny. Yep, nobody can get a better affirmation than from one's spouse who is in the passenger seat.
My buddy, who is a seasoned BMW tech who loves to autocross his M3 and who raced his motorcycles at Willow, said "I used to hate flexy-Fords and Mustangs. Now, I want to sell my M3 and get a Mustang!"
With those evaluations, you still want to hear from me after hearing the comments of my wife and my BMW buddy?
You no longer have to worry about your car fishtailing under power. It powers down in a straight line. It turns with authority. It is nothing less than magnificent on the course, and I am not being Irish with a colorful choice of expressions days before St. Patrick's day.
If you think that I am, kindly read the comments of others on this list serve regarding Griggs and Van.
I am putting this detailed report to other members, because I benefitted from Slow Pony's report, which was an epiphany for me. One good turn (pun intended) deserves another.
So, thank you Van for leading me in the right direction; thank you Bruce for being so smart and becoming a friend; and thank you Slow Pony for taking the time to do your post that caused me to reflect and call Van again.
Thank you, Gentlemen,
Tom Leary - aka "Brute"
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