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New to forum questions re: GT350 R

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Hi all I'm new here, mostly have Corvettes (Corvetteforum - same user id).

I instructed last weekend (autox) and one student has a GT350 R. I didn't ask him to drive it as I could tell it was a special car, but have driven many C7 Z06, GT3, couple of Ferrari etc.

Spend about a half a day in it, surprisingly easy to get in/out with the race seats.

:)

I'm not a kid for many years, so small things like that appreciated.

Been instructing about a dozen years. Autox & HPDE about 16 or so.

I was so impressed by the car I plan on buying one, never had a Mustang of any kind.

I've had my 2004 Z06 about ten years & heavily modified the suspension myself, motor is stock.

So my question is this, ALL cars have their "weak links" my z06 included.

So if I autox this 350 R twice a month (think high rpm 1st & 2nd, occasional redline on the limiter, and track it 3-4 a year, what is going to "need attention"? What would you suggest to start (Dot 4 brake fluid, increase neg camber, rear toe in a little, stuff like that.

If it's already covered please point out the link & thanks.

:)
 
Froggy, welcome to TMO and you've picked an excellent "First Mustang". I have six track days on my 2016 GT350 Track Pack and one in the GT350 Track Attack car. I almost don't want to type this but so far I haven't found any weak links and I've run mine in 100 degree temps. This is quite a bit different from my experience with my 2012 BOSS 302 which needed several modifications for serious track use. Install camber plates, have the track alignment completed, add your favorite brake pads and DOT 4 fluid, and add lightweight wheels and PSC2 tires if you don't buy an R and you're ready for serious track time. Ford recommends adding oil separators for the intake which I have installed on my car.

Three years ago a couple of TMO members and I went to an advanced Ron Fellows class at Spring Mountain and drove the C7 Z51 Corvettes for two days. The GT350 is similar in performance but goes about it's business differently. I've been on track with multiple 991 GT3's and GT3 RS's and the GT350 is competitive with them. I've had a few GT3 owners come up to me and be completely surprised when they find out my car has not been modified other than brake pads, tires and wheels.

Let us know what other questions you may have and good luck locating a GT350R.

Where are you located in CA? Check the link below for an upcoming track day.

https://trackmustangsonline.com/threads/tmos-norcal-track-tour-2017.11853/

Me and @moto in his GT350R at Thunderhill earlier this month.


 
Keep up with fluid changes, camber( Auto-X you will want to go 2+F to save tire wear). Ford Performance has baselines on track alignments to start from. Pretty solid foundation. For Auto-x the OEM Brake fluid is already a DOT4 good for 509F, so fresh fluid and maybe a pad compound change for more rear bias for balance to help turn the car when the stock ones wear out. Pretty ready to go out of the box like Rick said. If looking at used (2016) make sure it's a Track Pack or R, 2017 models all have coolers for the transmission and rear axle. There seems to be some R's available more now than before.
 
Q1: Thanks guys, does anyone ever LOWER the car? I lowered my z06 (using the factory adjustments only) I did have to add a bump steer kit, but was very happy with all the pluses of lowering. I am aware of the minuses like scraping EVERYWHERE. It's a trade off.

Q2: How much to replace a wheel? Accidents happen? I have "heard they are VERY expensive? Would I be smart to just buy a decent set of replacement wheels (say $2000) and put the CF ones away?

:)

BTW I checked with national SCCA on the classing for autox. It's legal in SuperStreet, and CAM-C and CAM-S as built.
 
Ford Performance is releasing lowering springs any day now. They will lower the car 20mm and be slightly stiffer than R springs. I have a set on order.

Regarding the CF wheels they are the main thing that make the R special so why not use them? If you're going to track your car use the CF for the track and get a set of N4SM R spec wheels for the street. The CF wheels can be purchased for about $2,500 each.
 
Hi,

The wheel thing is because my home autox lot has badly broken up asphalt, it's often the case that you do a lap/run and the surface is unbroken, then on the next lap a big broken up section will have developed (from other drivers) so you have no warning. I know the cf is strong but a chunk of asphalt (say the size of your fist) banging around a wheel well may scratch up the cf pretty good.

Do they "survive/tolerate deep scratches? Chunks? Stock z06 rims are fairly light & take plenty of abuse, like most I have never had cf rims. I would use the heck out of them on a decent track surface, no hesitation, but hate to damage one running for a plastic trophy on a parking lot.

I am a bit of a rim collector, I have 5 sets with different tires for the z06, street, track, autox - good ones, autox - so-so for practice days, etc.

For about $1500 I'd pick up a new set of Forgestar (not Forgeline) and good to go.

:)
 
2,198
1,065
Bay Area
Ok now, since some serious responses have come through. I am gonna be a smart ass. The weak link on the 350 and the R. Id say the driver and the cooler lines. Good luck getting a R if thats what you want. Buy a track pack and make it like a R. Alot less pricey in the end.

But this is a great place to learn about these cars. I know more about Mustangs than I thought. Welcome to the site and everyone here is pretty solid.
 
Ok now, since some serious responses have come through. I am gonna be a smart ass. The weak link on the 350 and the R. Id say the driver and the cooler lines. Good luck getting a R if thats what you want. Buy a track pack and make it like a R. Alot less pricey in the end.

But this is a great place to learn about these cars. I know more about Mustangs than I thought. Welcome to the site and everyone here is pretty solid.
Which cooler lines? Do they get hit because of location or just leak from inadequate design?

:)
 

ArizonaBOSS

Because racecar.
Moderator
8,730
2,734
Arizona, USA
I think your biggest issue will be getting your hands on one. The 350Rs have proven quite difficult to purchase unless you are in-good with a dealer or are willing to pay a substantial "market adjustment" premium.
 

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