HPDE Safety Equipment for S550

[Nick20GTPP]

Hello All -

I am seeking and would greatly appreciate some advice regarding HPDE safety equipment. I have several years of HPDE experience in a Porsche 911 (996) and a Porsche 944 fully prepped race car. I sold my 911 (still own the 944) and recently purchased a 2017 Mustang GT PP (love the Mustang!). My goal is to drive the Mustang to the track and have fun safely. I'm not too concerned about lap times and pushing the car to the limit, however I have a great deal of respect for the risk associated with on-track driving. I'm willing to invest the money in safety gear, however I would like to keep the car as close to stock form as possible. I've been down the slippery path of fully prepped car, truck, trailer, etc. (certainly nothing wrong with this approach. I'm just looking to simplify and move away from the fully prepped race car).

Here's a couple options I've researched:

1. https://discoveryparts.com/simpson-...t-works-with-3-way-seat-belt-simpson-hys.html
2. https://discoveryparts.com/ford-han...5-g6-s550-harness-schroth-quick-fit-pro-.html

Option 2 I would wear my HANS.

Also I've serviced the Mustang with the following fluids:

• Fluids:
  - Engine: AMSOIL Signature Series 5W20
  - Transmission: AMSOIL DCT
  - Differential: AMSOIL 75w110
  - Brakes: Castrol RBF 600 (flushed and bled the system)

I'll see how the car does the first few events but I fully plan to install the necessary coolers.

Thank you all in advance for your time, I've learned a ton reading this forum!!

Cheers

 

[TMSBOSS]

I have the Watson 4 point bar and six point harnesses in my cars. I run the stock Recaro seats although I am considering upgrading seats in the 350. I run the Schroth Flex HANS. I put the quick fit pro system in my daughters RS, it should work with a hans. If you are not going to use a 5-6 point this is the next best thing.
You may want to check on the oil weight. I don't have that generation of engine so I am not 100% but I believe 5W-50 is recommended.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Have to agree with TMS on the oil weight ---- regardless of brand I would use a heavier weight for the track.

 

[Nick20GTPP]

I have the Watson 4 point bar and six point harnesses in my cars. I run the stock Recaro seats although I am considering upgrading seats in the 350. I run the Schroth Flex HANS. I put the quick fit pro system in my daughters RS, it should work with a hans. If you are not going to use a 5-6 point this is the next best thing.
You may want to check on the oil weight. I don't have that generation of engine so I am not 100% but I believe 5W-50 is recommended.

Thank you for the feedback. I think I will go with the quick fit pro system. This looks like a nice setup without going with the full 5/6 point harness with fixed back seats. Regarding the oil I spoke with a Tech Rep at AMSOIL and that's what he suggested for the 5.0. However, in researching this forum I'm thinking I should go with a heavier weight for track duty. Thank you again!

 

[Nick20GTPP]

Have to agree with TMS on the oil weight ---- regardless of brand I would use a heavier weight for the track.

Thank you! I followed the advice of AMSOIL, however in researching this forum I'm thinking I should go with a heavier weight for track duty. Thanks again

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Glad the Forum could assist and if it makes you feel better , having been around Dodge/SRT Engineers and Ford Engineers , a 5-50w ( Stangs ) or 15-50W ( Vipers ) for years they really push the heavier weights for those of us who live the Track Life!!

 

[Nick20GTPP]

Glad the Forum could assist and if it makes you feel better , having been around Dodge/SRT Engineers and Ford Engineers , a 5-50w ( Stangs ) or 15-50W ( Vipers ) for years they really push the heavier weights for those of us who live the Track Life!!

Thank you!! I'm new to the Mustang world so learning all I can

 

[Bill Pemberton]

There will be different schools of thought on here, but folks are willing to help and you don't have to fear someone getting cranky and telling you to use the " Search Button." Funny, but unlike many sites, it seems the group here remembers the excitement we had when we first starting racing ( autocross, road course, dragstrip ) and they like to help new initiates to this disease.

Remember the motto ---- Occasionally I may get passed, but at least it was while I was going fast! Besides , we all want to become friends with you because then we will have a place to stay when we go racing at Road Atlanta or Atlanta Motorsports Park, ha,ha!!

 

[Nick20GTPP]

There will be different schools of thought on here, but folks are willing to help and you don't have to fear someone getting cranky and telling you to use the " Search Button." Funny, but unlike many sites, it seems the group here remembers the excitement we had when we first starting racing ( autocross, road course, dragstrip ) and they like to help new initiates to this disease.

Remember the motto ---- Occasionally I may get passed, but at least it was while I was going fast! Besides , we all want to become friends with you because then we will have a place to stay when we go racing at Road Atlanta or Atlanta Motorsports Park, ha,ha!!

Thanks Bill, I appreciate that!!
I do feel blessed to be 1:15 from RA and AMP, 3:00 from Roebling, and 2:30 from Barber. Looking forward to meeting you all at the track!

 

[byronj]

don’t forget to upgrade brakes and keep an fire ext within reach.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Thanks Nick, and keep the sheets clean on my bed in the guest room, ha. You are a definitely a lucky guy with the tracks near you!

 

[302BOB]

Occasionally I may get passed, but at least it was while I was going fast!

Bill, Tyme may beg to differ...He's TMO's official Pace Car Driver.....He's going as fast as he wants to for now.................He just can't get a slot in to put a lap in at Talledega...me neither LOL

 

[JAJ]

...Here's a couple options I've researched:

1. https://discoveryparts.com/simpson-...t-works-with-3-way-seat-belt-simpson-hys.html
2. https://discoveryparts.com/ford-han...5-g6-s550-harness-schroth-quick-fit-pro-.html

Option 2 I would wear my HANS.

Also I've serviced the Mustang with the following fluids:

• Fluids:
  - Brakes: Castrol RBF 600 (flushed and bled the system)

I'll see how the car does the first few events but I fully plan to install the necessary coolers...

The Quick Fit Pro with HANS works well - it's what I use in my GT350. On the brakes, the RBF is great fluid, but some of the GT brakes are built with "reverse" rotors that cool from the outside. They have a reputation for overheating at the track and causing problems that the best fluid in the world can't fix. I don't know enough about the various Perf Packs for the GT, but have a look at your front brakes. If the cooling vane openings are visible behind the wheel, then you might want to swap them out before you go too much further.

 

[Nick20GTPP]

Thanks Nick, and keep the sheets clean on my bed in the guest room, ha. You are a definitely a lucky guy with the tracks near you!

Haha you are welcome anytime!

 

[Nick20GTPP]

don’t forget to upgrade brakes and keep an fire ext within reach.

Agreed. Currently I have the OEM PP brakes with Castrol RBF 600 fluid. Will upgrade the pads soon.
Also I have a fire extinguisher

 

[Nick20GTPP]

The Quick Fit Pro with HANS works well - it's what I use in my GT350. On the brakes, the RBF is great fluid, but some of the GT brakes are built with "reverse" rotors that cool from the outside. They have a reputation for overheating at the track and causing problems that the best fluid in the world can't fix. I don't know enough about the various Perf Packs for the GT, but have a look at your front brakes. If the cooling vane openings are visible behind the wheel, then you might want to swap them out before you go too much further.

Thanks for the advice and feedback!

 

[Nick20GTPP]

Glad the Forum could assist and if it makes you feel better , having been around Dodge/SRT Engineers and Ford Engineers , a 5-50w ( Stangs ) or 15-50W ( Vipers ) for years they really push the heavier weights for those of us who live the Track Life!!

Quick question and not trying to start yet another oil thread.... I'm ordering AMSOIL now and curious if 5w50 is to thick for DD use? Other option would be AMSOIL SS 5W30 as a dual use.

 

[PatientZero]

Quick question and not trying to start yet another oil thread.... I'm ordering AMSOIL now and curious if 5w50 is to thick for DD use? Other option would be AMSOIL SS 5W30 as a dual use.

IMO, 5w50 would be fine if your location is Georgia. Just don't go hammering on it right after you start it. Give it a few minutes to get some heat in it. That goes for any oil you use really.

Although, Amsoil recommends running the thinnest oil your manufacturer recommends in the winter.

Should I Use a Lighter Winter Oil Weight? - AMSOIL Blog

Using a lighter winter oil weight when the temperature drops can improve cold starts and maximize wear protection at startup.

blog.amsoil.com

 

[Nick20GTPP]

IMO, 5w50 would be fine if your location is Georgia. Just don't go hammering on it right after you start it. Give it a few minutes to get some heat in it. That goes for any oil you use really.

Thank you! Yeah I always let any engine warm up. I've read lots of good info on 5w50 for the track just making sure I will be good for the occasional DD use and to/from the track. Thanks again for the response!

 

[thelostotter]

Just chiming in to say the Schroth Quick Fit harness works great with the stock seats and easy to install.