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2018 GT PP1 suspension help

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All,

So far I’m absolutely loving this car. It’s decades ahead of my ‘14 GT. I’m already signed up for two HPDE’s in July and September. I currently plan on tracking this car 5-7 times a year so nothing crazy. I’m going to keep the engine stock as I really don’t want to void the warranty just yet, I’m seeing far too many issues with the 18’s transmission online.

My question is, which suspension upgrades would you all recommend? I’m new and honestly clueless when it comes to IRS. I don’t believe I want to spend $1500+ on coilovers just yet. I was thinking of starting with the eibach pro lowering springs. I have heard mixed reviews about the much lower sportlines option. Any feedback is appreciated!


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Beautiful car! I have a ‘17 GT PP 6 speed. I’ve only taken it to one HPDE so far. I absolutely love the car. It was great on track with everything stock except for high temp brake fluid and front pads.

For the front pads, I used Hawk street/track. The only thing I plan to do differently for my next HPDE is to get a dedicated track pad. The street/ track pads weren’t quite enough. I made them last through the weekend but had to adjust my braking a bit. Wouldn’t have had to do that with track pads.

I realize you didn’t ask about brake pads. Just thought I’d share my recent experience.

One other minor issue came up on Sunday afternoon, during my third session. I got a message that my differential fluid was too hot and I should reduce speed. (I haven’t looked into any options to address that yet.)

Anyway, there are lots of mods I’d like do, but I have budget limitations. Because of that, I plan to leave the car stock except pads and fluid. I’d rather spend my limited funds on track time.

I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy your new mustang .
 
Beautiful car! I have a ‘17 GT PP 6 speed. I’ve only taken it to one HPDE so far. I absolutely love the car. It was great on track with everything stock except for high temp brake fluid and front pads.

For the front pads, I used Hawk street/track. The only thing I plan to do differently for my next HPDE is to get a dedicated track pad. The street/ track pads weren’t quite enough. I made them last through the weekend but had to adjust my braking a bit. Wouldn’t have had to do that with track pads.

I realize you didn’t ask about brake pads. Just thought I’d share my recent experience.

One other minor issue came up on Sunday afternoon, during my third session. I got a message that my differential fluid was too hot and I should reduce speed. (I haven’t looked into any options to address that yet.)

Anyway, there are lots of mods I’d like do, but I have budget limitations. Because of that, I plan to leave the car stock except pads and fluid. I’d rather spend my limited funds on track time.

I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy your new mustang .

Thanks! Yes, I’m planning on changing the pads after my first day on the track. To be honest, I won’t be pushing the car extremely hard as I only have two HPDE’s under my belt. My main motivation to switch is how bad the brake dust is with the stock pads[emoji40]


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That’s a sharp looking Mustang. Good luck with the mods.
 
209
178
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
Under 3 Years
Colorado Springs
I have a 17 GT Non-PP and I started heavily tracking the car this past year in Germany. After talking to people in this forum, I upgraded the brake pads to track pads through Optimum Performance @OPMustang Tim can help you in that area. I started on G-Loc R8's all they way around with Castrol SRF Brake fluid and BG Fluids for the transmission and diff. I never once experienced the temp readings to exceed temp operating range. I also used Amsoil 5w-20 SS engine oil. I practiced on the Autobahn and Nurnburgring and for a beginner I was fine.

As far as my Non-Performance pack suspension, I didn't do anything to the car while deployed there. After late night readings and listening to others...the first thing I'm doing is the Cortex Monoball kit to replace the rubber bushings in the control arms and IRS Differential and Subframe to body bushing kit. Some good dampers and springs after you advance through the HPDE's 1-4.

I actually like the idea of doing pieces at a time so I can feel and notice a difference as I modify parts to my car. As it will be a dedicated track car by next year. Beautiful car (I know I've been thinking about an 18) and this is a awesome group to be involved in!
 
Thanks! Yes, I’m planning on changing the pads after my first day on the track. To be honest, I won’t be pushing the car extremely hard as I only have two HPDE’s under my belt. My main motivation to switch is how bad the brake dust is with the stock pads[emoji40]


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I ran my entire first season on the OEM pads. As long as you keep fresh OEM Brake fluid every 3 months with the stock pads and tires you will be fine. Driving the car as is will allow you to find where you can improve the car. If you go to a track pad put SRF brake fluid in it.

Do not install 'lowering' springs. While they may look cool they are fairly useless for roadcourse use. Ford Performance, Steeda, BMR all have springs that provide minimal lowering with suitable spring rates. Once you start changing any of these items you start down the rabbit hole to get the balance back that it came with from the factory. An alignment and a square wheel and tire combination make these cars work very well, and actually improve the balance of the car. If you are new to driving save you money on seat time, and consumables. The tires are actually pretty good, just need to put the rears on the front ;)
 
I'll provide my recommendation on basic prep based on your experience (2 events).

1. Brake fluid, I've used both Castrol SRF and Endless. I'm sticking with Castrol SRF due to noticing no difference and it's noticeably cheaper (still ridiculous). You'd be fine on something like ATE 200 gold or Motul RBF600.
2. nothing, learn the car, drive it and upgrade from there

If you do want springs, skip eibach and any progressive altogether, ensure they're linear. I'd use BMR Handling, and do.

With pads, if you find yourself wanting more pad, get ferodo DS1.11s, they can be paired with the stock pads for the street on the same rotor.
 
BlackFiveOh, clean car man. As for you looking into the eibach pro springs, i came across a set for dirt cheap and put them in to clean up the wheel gap from the factory. They made a fairly significant improvement in body roll. These are nkt as good as a proper coilover setup by any means but they are significantly netter than factory. I shoukd mention that I have a full package on my 18, front splitter, gt250 wing, and canards and heat extractors coming soon. The aero definately made the most noticable improvement in high speed corners, coupled with just the lowering springs it is a fantastic car to drive. Cant go wrong for the price with the pro kit.
 

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