[Gray Ghost GT]

I recently purchased a new 2009 Mustang GT Coupe w/ 5 speed for my daily driver with plans to do a few High Performance Driving Events (HPDE). My '04 Corvette C5 Coupe is our primary track car for events at VIR, Summit Point, Watkins Glen, BeaverRun, etc.

I've been talking to Mustang owners and researching several forum vendor companies for ideas based on my experience on the road courses - initially focusing on the suspension with a CAI and exhaust.


I came up with the following performance mods. I appreciate everyones recommendations since I'm new to the Mustang GT (this is my 4th Ford vehicle):

• FRPP M-5300-K Spring Kit
• FRPP M-5490-A Anti-roll Bar Kit
• FRPP M-5230-5GT Axle-back Muffler Set (Borla)
• FRPP M-18000-A Damper Kit
• FRPP M-9603-GTB 85mm CAI Kit w/ ProCal
• Aluminum Race Adjustable Panhard Rods
• Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines w/ Hawk DTC-60 pads
• Astra Hammond Front Chin Spoiler #13467
• Maximum Motorsports Mm5CC-1 Caster/Camber Kit
• FR500 18x9 and 18x10.5 Wheels w/ 265 and 315 tires
• Wheel alignment with corner balancing

I don't want to place my 7/100 warranty at risk so there are no plans to modify the engine. I'm working with my dealership on parts and installation - they support a local club and are reasonable when it comes to basic mods of this type.

I already have a pair of 5-point Schroth Harnesses and Halon Fire Extinguisher w/ mount. What are my wheel options for 18x10.5"?

Thanks! Mike

[kechme]

Sounds like you have a good plan. Staying with the Ford Parts won't void your warranty. One thing I found that works well on Mustangs is to use cheap OEM style rotors. I use Brembo's OEM replacemnt and they work every bit as good as my expensive Baer rotors. Plus it's alot cheaper to turn solid rotors than it is to machine slotted or drilled rotors. $10.00/ea to turn or $100/ea to machine.

[limp1969]

why not a coil kit buy bilstiens or konis for now then later you can install a coil over kit from MM but no other brands. Tire are a good start toyo 888r s and dtc-70 in front and 60s in back this is the 2 hawk compounds made for front and rear. 70 s are front and 60s rear.

[Gray Ghost GT]

Originally Posted by kechme

Sounds like you have a good plan. Staying with the Ford Parts won't void your warranty. One thing I found that works well on Mustangs is to use cheap OEM style rotors. I use Brembo's OEM replacemnt and they work every bit as good as my expensive Baer rotors. Plus it's alot cheaper to turn solid rotors than it is to machine slotted or drilled rotors. $10.00/ea to turn or $100/ea to machine.

I agree - using OEM style solid rotors (not drilled) make great HPDE rotors for the track. I don't turn or machine them though - just use them up and toss them out. I want to use Hawk DTC-70 front and DTC-60 rear brake pads like I use on my C5, but can't find the part numbers for them - using stock GT calipers.

[Gray Ghost GT]

Originally Posted by limp1969

why not a coil kit buy bilstiens or konis for now then later you can install a coil over kit from MM but no other brands. Tire are a good start toyo 888r s and dtc-70 in front and 60s in back this is the 2 hawk compounds made for front and rear. 70 s are front and 60s rear.

I decided to go with the Ford Racing Performance Handling Package, which includes the spring and damper kits that lowers the car by 1 1/2" - part #M-2005-FR3. Reasonable price for a tuned package from Ford. Good call on the brake pads - same pads I use now, but couldn't find the part numbers for the 2005+ Mustang GT. I think I'm going with the Falken Azenis RT-615 (255/40-18 front and 295/40-18 rear) for street tires that can also perform well on the road courses.

[limp1969]

Buy another set or wheels and put race tires on them and change them out when on the track. This is the single best thing you could do. A wear rating of 220 vs 100 on the race tire is a big difference.

Also the car can not be set up correctly with out coil overs. You can not scale the car or cross weight it with stock springs. Dont waste your money buy a strut and shock that can accept a coil over kit sooner or later. You can buy blistien hds for $500 for the set . $40 to have the goove put in the rear shock for coil overs. This is when you can tune the cars handling.
Unless you get to this level you will never know what can be changed on the car or how it effects the handling.


I had to call hawk direct. or ask race shopper.com If you are a nasa member you get a discount from them

[Gray Ghost GT]

Thanks. I probably should have mentioned that I've been running in the Advanced Solo group with NASA, Chin Motorsports, Mazda Drivers, Track Daze, SCMC and other clubs for 4 years. My '04 Corvette (highly modified, but still street legal) is my primary track car with trailer, extra set of tires with Hoosiers, etc. Like on the Corvette Forum - the discussion of coil overs vs. springs is always a hot topic.

I found the part numbers for the Carbotech XP12 and XP10 pads, and will call Hawk for their DTC-70 and DTC-60 pads. The Mustang GT is my daily driver and will only see a little track time. Here are a few videos in the vette - HPDE is a lot of FUN!

Corvette C5 at VIR Grand East Course HPDE Video by Michael Higgins - MySpace Video

C5 at Watkins Glen PDA Video by Michael Higgins - MySpace Video

C5 at VIR North Course - Session 1 Video by Michael Higgins - MySpace Video

I appreciate your information and recommendations!

[jrowledge]

I am looking real hard at Eibach's pro r2 coil over suspension. I currently have the FRP lowering and handling kit and it works well. I am interested in the adjustability of the coil overs and the indepent compression and rebound adjustment capabilities. Give it a look and let me know what you think.

[Gray Ghost GT]

The more I research the more I'm amazed by all the resources available for the Mustang GT S197 owner! This forum and others have provided me with lots of useful insights, which led to me changing my "wish list" - I'm now planning to get the BMR Fabrication Handling Package Level 2 along with stainless steel brake lines, etc.

While I'm a Corvette guy - owned two and road course my C5 regularly for 4 years now, I've always liked the styling and sound of the new Mustang GT - now I have one of each. Once I get my GT sorted out (suspension, brakes, etc.), I'm going to have some fun with my Corvette friends on the track next season with the GT. Life is good! Two great american cars.

[Hipogt]

Originally Posted by Gray Ghost GT

The more I research the more I'm amazed by all the resources available for the Mustang GT S197 owner!

Have you talked to Sam at Strano Performance Parts for handling tech? BTW, that 2:14 is cookin at the Glen. The last time I was there (96?) with my 66, I was lucky if I was doing mid 30's. Good luck with the build and have fun at the track. Curious to see what time the GT runs......

[Gray Ghost GT]

I think I finally made my decision for my first series of mods for my '09 GT this year as I prepare it for some HPDE at VIR next year - complete the install this year, fine tune everything and get some more miles on the engine, etc. Here's what I've come up with:

• BMR Fabrication Handling Package Level 2
• Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines Set
• Hawk DTC-70/60 brake pads
• Borla Stainless Steel Cat-Back System
• Steeda X5 Ball Joint
• Black Machined Shelby Mustang GT500 Wheel 18x9.5
• Nitto NT-01 275/40-18 tires
• Cervini Type III Chin Spoiler Textured Black
• FRPP 85 MM CAI Kit with PREMIUM CAL
• Quantum Motorsports Track Front Brake Duct Kit w/ GT Inlet Adapters
• FRPP S197 Power Steering Cooler
• FRPP HD Transmission Self-Regulating Oil Cooler Kit

Looking forward to the results on the street (daily driver) and on the road courses soon. Should be significant and a lot of fun. Approx. $6K in parts. Glad I have a supportive wife that enjoys HPDE too!

[Gray Ghost GT]

I'm making good progress on getting my 2009 GT ready for HPDE road course events in 2010. Here's what's installed so far, which really made significant improvements in handling and performance:

• Steeda Adjustable Panhard Bar
• Steeda Strut Tower Brace
• Steeda G-Trac Brace
• Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines
• Steeda/Vogtland 1.2" Sport Springs
• Maximum Motorsports Caster/Camber Plates
• Cervini Type III Chin Spoiler Textured Black
• Bassani Stainless Steel 2.5" Race Exhaust
• Hotchkis Front and Rear Sport Sway Bars
• C&L Racer CAI with SCT X3 Tuner
• Koni Yellow Sport Adjustable Front /Rear Struts & Shocks
• 18X9 / 18x10 Gunmetal Cobra Deep Dish Wheels
• 265/40-18 and 285/40-18 Yokohama ADVAN Sport
• Steeda X5 Ball Joint & Bumpsteer Kit
• Ford Racing 3.73 gears
• Spydershaft 4.0” Aluminum Driveshaft
• Steeda UD Pulley Set
• Fluidyne Radiator
• Steeda Lightweight Radiator Support
• CHE A-arm brace w/ torque limiters
• Moroso Steel Oil Pan
• Roush Mustang Billet Shift Knob with Grips
• BMR Lower Control Arms with poly bushings
• Steeda Adjustable Upper Comp/Street Kit with HD Mount
• Fire Extinguisher Bracket
• Mustang Sequential Taillights Kit

Once I get the Agent 47 High Flow Lower Grill and Cooling Kit for the front brakes and she's done and READY TO GO! I don't plan to install a Supercharger - keeping it Naturally Aspirated for the track. However, I will install Kooks 1 5/8" SS headers with high flow cats once the budget allows.

This is my 1st Mustang - great daily driver - I'm having a lot of fun preparing it for some HPDE next year.