S197 2012 GT Street/AutoX build Build Thread Profile - S197 Mustangs

[JDmustang82]

This is the Build Thread for 2012 GT Street/AutoX build. Reply below.

 

[JDmustang82]

I have completed Quite a few upgrades on the car over the last few years and apperenlty never updated this build thread! So Photo Dump time!

 

[JDmustang82]

So I went threw and upgraded the timing chain tensioners to the boss 302 ones and installed the MMR oil pump gear with a new oil pump, and I Also installed LTH long Tube headers. other mods to the motor at the same time was a oil catch can and a tune but I haven't upgraded the intake which is next on my list.

 

[JDmustang82]

I have also been Autocrossing a lot more the last few years and have some pictures of that.

 

[JDmustang82]

And here is a small Video

 

[JDmustang82]

Just wanted to add some more photos from this years Autocorss's!

 

[JDmustang82]

Well my build thread has been kind of dead, I always forget to take before and after pictures and document what I have been doing with the car. So here’s my attempt to be better at it!

first let’s start off with I only managed to do 4 autocross events last year and no track days due to my wife and I selling our first home and moving to our second! So not a lot of race car stuff happened but this year I have a lot planned so I will post with results and updates to the car as the racing season is about to start!



This winter I managed to pick up a couple of upgrades for the car! Managed to get a ford racing tow point setup for the car cheap and a set of seats and harnesses and harness bar used for a decent price. Also threw in a new set of EBC blue stuff pads in the front.

 

[JDmustang82]

Also after talking to a few people I decided to change up my alignment on the car, due to having some understeer issues I changed the -2.0 to -2.9. Thankfully I work at a dealer so throwing it on an alignment rack is an easy task for me!

 

[JDMac34]

Looks good! Excuse my ignorance, but is that toe-in or toe-out? Those alignment specs look the same as what I have but the alignment is toe-out.

Also congrats on the house. I'm about to close on my first.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Congrats on the new home and now you need to update your pics and more by making it to the Solo Nationals in Lincoln , Ne. this September. Drop me a note so I can help you with any logistics, like where the fun parties may pop up, ha!

 

[JDmustang82]

Looks good! Excuse my ignorance, but is that toe-in or toe-out? Those alignment specs look the same as what I have but the alignment is toe-out.

Also congrats on the house. I'm about to close on my first.

I do have the Toe set to be Toe'ed in (positive numbers for toe mean toe in and negative numbers mean toe out) I have it setup for two reasons. One is the roads up here in Northern Michigan are Rough and with it still being somewhat of a street car it was for drivability. and Second the way I think about it for turn in and our cars having the tie rods in the front of the wheels, When the suspension compresses it makes the toe move out and the tire with the most load (outside Tire) will be pointing into the corner more. I don't now if that's the Right way to think about it but that's how it makes sense to me.

 

[JDmustang82]

Congrats on the new home and now you need to update your pics and more by making it to the Solo Nationals in Lincoln , Ne. this September. Drop me a note so I can help you with any logistics, like where the fun parties may pop up, ha!

Thank you! and I would love too go to Solo nationals. It really just depends on my budget later in the year, my Wife is training to compete in the Chicago Marathon in October so it really just depends. but I will for sure Message you to get more info!

 

[Dave_W]

I think part of the idea of using a little toe-out, especially for autocross, is to create increased Ackerman across the front axle - the inside tire needs to turn a tighter circle when cornering, and using static toe-out creates more of that affect for the tight turns seen in autocross. It may help turn-in feel as well.

Those belts look pretty sun-faded. If you're just using them for better support in autocross, they're probably okay, but check the certification dates on them in any case. I'd be wary of using them on track, as UV exposure degrades their strength.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Very, very good advice to check the date and likely get some new belts. They do wear and like so many safety items they do need to be replaced over the years due to age.

 

[JDmustang82]

I think part of the idea of using a little toe-out, especially for autocross, is to create increased Ackerman across the front axle - the inside tire needs to turn a tighter circle when cornering, and using static toe-out creates more of that affect for the tight turns seen in autocross. It may help turn-in feel as well.

Those belts look pretty sun-faded. If you're just using them for better support in autocross, they're probably okay, but check the certification dates on them in any case. I'd be wary of using them on track, as UV exposure degrades their strength.

That would make sense for the need for Toe out vs Toe in, I will play with it this year and see what works best. one of the bonuses of having a alignment rack at work! Unlimited alignments!!! lol
as for the harnesses they are defiantly outdated and worn. I plan on replacing mid season or next winter, it was a packaged deal for everything and I don't track the car much so they will be good for autocross. I did leave the stock belts in the car so I have those if needed

 

[JDmustang82]

Had a Nice Two day autocross event this past weekend, with results I never thought I would achieve anytime soon! On Saturday we started our nice warm 80 degree day. There were 70 drivers for the first day and we each had 6 runs. I was in heat 2 of 3 so I managed to hop into some cars and get passenger runs in to see the course a little better in heat one. Was also hoping into novice drivers cars to help them understand the course and feel more comfortable. when it came time for my heat I hopped in the car and and laid down a nice first lap putting me 2nd in raw time out of the 70 drivers! after that though it went down hill from there as I learned that the new alignment and more aggressive pads and the heat made the brakes fade and overheated my tires after run 2. So after figuring out that I need to start spraying my tires on the hotter days I manage to knock off 1 more second from my run time, and locking in my 2nd place time so I thought until a Miata in heat 3 laid down the fastest time of the day putting me in third. It was a great start to the autocross season!

Sunday on the other hand brough a whole new feeling! I was put in heat three and we had 77 drivers on Sunday so i made for a longer day but by the time I got to run all the other fast cars from day 1 had already ran so I knew what I needed to get a decent spot for the day. The Miata that won the previous day was back in first with a 46.698 and the Volkswagen that had second had a 46.927. I wasn't quite sure what to expect as the track seamed to be faster then the day before. (we just ran the same course but backwards with two small changes). On my first run but I managed to put down a 47.875 so I knew I would have to shave some time off but didn't know where. so my second run I ran a 47.796, third a 47.659 and fourth I blew a braking zone and ran a 48.534. so with losing confidence that I could break into the 46's I just went out a ran less on the edge and more controlled I managed to get a 46.965 which got me hyped again but still only put me in third for the fastest Raw time. My sixth run I was still trying to take the controlled approach and even took some corners wider then normal to keep the car happy and not spin the tires on exit. Well let me tell you it worked!!!!! I put down a 46.504 which put me in 1st for Raw time!!!!! THATS NUT'S I HAD WON MY FIRST EVENT!!!! ( I WON RAW, PAX, AND MY CLASS! I am beyond thrilled with this and still cant believe I did it this early in the season as that was the goal I set myself before the season started! Thank you to everyone on here that has given me pointers and help with setting up the car.

 

[mavisky]

Fantastic result.

 

[JDmustang82]

Finally edited some footage from My TC event. Enjoy!