Went to Homestead Motor Speedway yesterday for my first track day in the Boss (have tracked numerous other cars before). I had a couple questions and thought I'd share my impressions for those interested:
1. Overall the car held up great with one possible exception. After 4 or 5 laps the oil temp would climb dangerously close to the yellow line. It never got there probably because I lowered the revs and/or pitted and cooled the car down. Is this a known issue and if so what is the solution? Is there an uprated oil cooler on the LS or Shelby I should fit on the car? Outside temp was about 81 degrees at mid-day. Was using the track key.
2. I was concerned about water temp going out there but had no issues whatsoever. Needle never budged.
3. I was also a little worried about the brakes, as all I did was change the fluid to Castrol SRF, but the stock pads held up fine. I went to a track day many years ago and watched a guy with a fox body GT set the rear drums on fire, literally. Obviously that has nothing in common with the Boss but still the image sat in the back of my head of a flaming Mustang as I rolled out of the pits. So, I was cautious and exercised more mechanical sympathy than I might have had I total confidence in the brakes, but by being a little conservative I had no issues. I'm going to upgrade the pads for the next trip but probably nothing more.
4. I like the OE Pirellis. I have no idea if that is a majority or minority opinion but the outer tread blocks held up well and they're progressive at the limit IMHO. They may not be the last word in absolute grip but I wasn't really out there to set a lap time.
5. I think the peddles are perfect for heel and toe. Everyone is different but I barely missed a downshift....but that 2-3 upshift caught me out a few times, especially if I wanted to overtake and the red mist was in my eyes. It doesn't like to be hurried.
Overall I think it's a great track car and a helluva deal for the price. Thanks for your input.
1. Overall the car held up great with one possible exception. After 4 or 5 laps the oil temp would climb dangerously close to the yellow line. It never got there probably because I lowered the revs and/or pitted and cooled the car down. Is this a known issue and if so what is the solution? Is there an uprated oil cooler on the LS or Shelby I should fit on the car? Outside temp was about 81 degrees at mid-day. Was using the track key.
2. I was concerned about water temp going out there but had no issues whatsoever. Needle never budged.
3. I was also a little worried about the brakes, as all I did was change the fluid to Castrol SRF, but the stock pads held up fine. I went to a track day many years ago and watched a guy with a fox body GT set the rear drums on fire, literally. Obviously that has nothing in common with the Boss but still the image sat in the back of my head of a flaming Mustang as I rolled out of the pits. So, I was cautious and exercised more mechanical sympathy than I might have had I total confidence in the brakes, but by being a little conservative I had no issues. I'm going to upgrade the pads for the next trip but probably nothing more.
4. I like the OE Pirellis. I have no idea if that is a majority or minority opinion but the outer tread blocks held up well and they're progressive at the limit IMHO. They may not be the last word in absolute grip but I wasn't really out there to set a lap time.
5. I think the peddles are perfect for heel and toe. Everyone is different but I barely missed a downshift....but that 2-3 upshift caught me out a few times, especially if I wanted to overtake and the red mist was in my eyes. It doesn't like to be hurried.
Overall I think it's a great track car and a helluva deal for the price. Thanks for your input.
Sounds like you had fun and kept the shiny side up!
