[2horseowner]

I'm gradually setting up my coupe for road racing. I'm installing a Watts link but want to make sure the gears are done first if necessary. It's running 3:55s now. What is the best ratio for a track car? Most of the threads here deal with drag racing ratios.

[vynle]

well i just looked at the saleen web site and their extreme edition s/c s197 is running a 4.10 maxigrip rear end. so id have to assume 4.10's would be great. vynle

[cekim]

Originally Posted by 2horseowner

I'm gradually setting up my coupe for road racing. I'm installing a Watts link but want to make sure the gears are done first if necessary. It's running 3:55s now. What is the best ratio for a track car? Most of the threads here deal with drag racing ratios.

Presuming you are not trying to hit 200 on the straight-aways, then you still want to pull hard out of the corners, which would mean the 4:10's are a good thing...

The issues at hand with 4:10 are:
a. max top speed - going past 120-130? you might right out of gear in 4th and/or spend more time than you like at red-line
b. mileage - not a huge concern, but on a longer race it means you have to carry a little more fuel and/or stop more often...

If neither "a" or "b" are a problem, I would think - strictly from a mechanical perspective, the 4:10s would give you better pull out of the corners and keep the car closer to its power band in slower technical parts of the track...

[stangcrosser]

I've been very please with my 4:10s for the auto cross track. Granted, that is different from a road track, however, I seldom get to use 3rd gear. You can use one of the gear calculators to find out what your top end speed will be in each gear with the wheel and tire set you are using.

[thump_rrr]

The FR500C was running 4.10's in the Grand Am Cup Series.

[2horseowner]

Originally Posted by thump_rrr

The FR500C was running 4.10's in the Grand Am Cup Series.

Really? I would have thought lower gears (numberwise) were better. I'm glad I asked. The consensus seems to be 4:10s so I guess thats what I'll get.

[sqidd]

Originally Posted by thump_rrr

The FR500C was running 4.10's in the Grand Am Cup Series.

I thought I read somewhere they were kicking so much ass they had to run 3.55's? I could be wrong though

[65sohc]

I don't know what ratio they were forced to run but you're right. They were penalized to the point where the axle ratio was so tall they only used three of the six gears. In Grand Am you can pretty much count on the fact that whatever cars are fast at the beginning of the season will be neutered by the end.

[LBJay]

By road racing I'm assuming track days?? Because most sanctioned production racing classes have limits on mods.

Normally rear gearing is set for the straights using the redline of the engine as the guide. You don't want to be up-shifting and then immediately downshifting for the corners all the time.

[2horseowner]

Originally Posted by LBJay

By road racing I'm assuming track days?? Because most sanctioned production racing classes have limits on mods.

.

Yes - strictly amatuer stuff. I still want to be able to drive it on the street.

[thump_rrr]

Here are a couple of open track vids from our local track.
It's not my car.
He's running stock 3.55's

YouTube - 05 Mustang Tremblant - Fast Lap

YouTube - 05 Mustang Tremblant - Trying to Keep up with 600+HP Cobra

YouTube - 05 Mustang Tremblant - Battling with a M3

Mods: Eibach Pro-Kit, Tokico D-Spec, Corsa Exhaust, MAC CAI, Saleen Shifter, SCT w/BamaChips, Start-Button, Hood Deflector, Cervini Ducktail, CDC Louvered C-Pillar Scoops, Seq. Tail-lights, MUSTANG Trunk Letters.

[sqidd]

Originally Posted by thump_rrr

Here are a couple of open track vids from our local track.
It's not my car.
He's running stock 3.55's

Mods: Eibach Pro-Kit, Tokico D-Spec, Corsa Exhaust, MAC CAI, Saleen Shifter, SCT w/BamaChips, Start-Button, Hood Deflector, Cervini Ducktail, CDC Louvered C-Pillar Scoops, Seq. Tail-lights, MUSTANG Trunk Letters.

It looks like that guy is going pretty good in that Mustang. Hard for me to judge though, I have never been around a track in a car (I roadrace motorcycles).

Is he doing pretty good as far as track day pace goes?

How modded is that car?

[Waxed'05 GT]

Originally Posted by sqidd

How modded is that car?

He listed the mods directly below the links....

[Waxed'05 GT]

Originally Posted by thump_rrr

Here are a couple of open track vids from our local track.
It's not my car.
He's running stock 3.55's

Mods: Eibach Pro-Kit, Tokico D-Spec, Corsa Exhaust, MAC CAI, Saleen Shifter, SCT w/BamaChips, Start-Button, Hood Deflector, Cervini Ducktail, CDC Louvered C-Pillar Scoops, Seq. Tail-lights, MUSTANG Trunk Letters.

That Eibach/Tokico set up makes a HUGE difference in handling - WOW!!! Can't wait to do the suspension. - Need more "Go" parts first.

[thump_rrr]

Originally Posted by sqidd

It looks like that guy is going pretty good in that Mustang. Hard for me to judge though, I have never been around a track in a car (I roadrace motorcycles).

Is he doing pretty good as far as track day pace goes?

How modded is that car?

By looking at the timing on the video he's running around 2:05. which I think is very good.
Someone I know with an M3 on modded suspension, StopTech 14" Brakes and Michelin Cup Tires is running 1.57.
The 2004 Grand Am GS Audi S4 set a record lap of 1:47.56