SN95 RinerAutomotive's CAM-T Mustang Build Thread Profile - SN95 Mustangs

[RinerAuto]

Congratulations on another successful year!

I find I have trouble at major events because they usually require a hotel stay, and at least the first night I usually can't get to sleep and end up only getting 2-3 hours of sleep. Plus, there's an "on the big stage" mindset that I sometimes have trouble dealing with. Especially with Nats, there's a lot of socializing and extra stuff happening that doesn't occur at the same level at a local event. It's hard to compartmentalize and shut all that out when I'm on the course.

One thing I've tried is to adopt a "3 runs and done" attitude at local events. I'll put all my effort into the first 3 runs of the day. I'll still take any additional runs, but I'll re-score myself in the results based on just the first three runs. I think putting that extra pressure on myself to get my best run quickly has helped me focus at Tours & Nats where you really only get 3 runs.

Thanks Dave. It's interesting, I was listening to the recent "It's not the Car" podcast where they were talking about getting into a Flow state and the Challenge vs Skill portion really struck me. Same as you mentioned with the "on the big stage" mindset. At those larger events where "the best of the best" are there I get in the back of my mind that I'm not on there level. So my perceived skill level is not up to the challenge and I don't do well. This is all in my head, I do deserve to be there and can compete on their level. Then the added pressure of social media that I have brought onto myself.

Next year I want to attend a couple tour events to help with that 3 runs and done mentality. That's a good idea to adopt for local events. I think easier said then done though.

 

[RinerAuto]

This off season list of upgrades/repairs

• MM K-Member - I'm not gaining any suspension improvements from this but losing front end weight and I want to move the engine rearward
• Tru-Trac Differential Swap/Rebuild - Currently have a discontinued Auburn Gear Autocross Diff that is on it's way out, going to put a stock rebuild diff in for now
• Transmission - current one is grinding 2nd and vibrates in 5th. debating whether to buy new/used or rebuild mine. I would like to change gear ratios though
• Aluminum flywheel - reduce weight and allow engine to rev quicker
• Shock travel sensors - I'll be able to record suspension position with the race capture. This is going to be great for data analysis
• Re-valve JRI shocks - going to change front shocks from progressive valving to digressive valving and add external reservoir
• extended front fenders - started this last year, need to finish

Now that I write it all out, it does seem like a lot to do in a few months. Not to mention the cost to do all those items, but we all know racing isn't cheap. (Shh...don't tell Ashley )

 

[Dave_W]

I haven't done it yet, but I've heard you can save money from the pricey motorsports position sensors by using factory ride height sensors. You may be able to adapt something like this - https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/e...e-height-sensor-left-p-jl1z3c097d?pdp=y&gQT=2
The main issues are what resistance curve is built into it, and can you mount it.

 

[Peter92lx]

You're going to like the aluminum flywheel in the car. The motor spins so nice up and down.

 

[Fabman]

I haven't done it yet, but I've heard you can save money from the pricey motorsports position sensors by using factory ride height sensors. You may be able to adapt something like this - https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/e...e-height-sensor-left-p-jl1z3c097d?pdp=y&gQT=2
The main issues are what resistance curve is built into it, and can you mount it.

I was talking to Mike Maier about this and he said the gm sensors are cheap and adequate.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

When Mike Maier speaks Mustang owners listen.........

 

[RinerAuto]

I haven't done it yet, but I've heard you can save money from the pricey motorsports position sensors by using factory ride height sensors. You may be able to adapt something like this - https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/e...e-height-sensor-left-p-jl1z3c097d?pdp=y&gQT=2
The main issues are what resistance curve is built into it, and can you mount it.

I was talking to Mike Maier about this and he said the gm sensors are cheap and adequate.

Oh man! I already bought some Rife sensors. I didn't think about factory ride height sensors. Also never owned a car new enough to have these so didn't really cross my mind.

 

[Fabman]

Oh man! I already bought some Rife sensors. I didn't think about factory ride height sensors. Also never owned a car new enough to have these so didn't really cross my mind.

 

[RinerAuto]

I had the opportunity to talk with Tim on Talbot's Turn Fast Podcast. We talked about how I got started in autocross, why the SN95 Mustang, why I started a YouTube channel, and more. Check it out and give it a like if you enjoy it. I've started listening to his podcasts and really been enjoying them.

16: Stephen Riner - 1994 Ford Mustang

 

[RinerAuto]

I made this years TMO calendar and for my birthday month of May

 

[RinerAuto]

While I had the front suspension out I realized that it gave perfect opportunity to clearly show my SLA setup. I'm quite happy with how it's turned out and how it performs. It has taken a lot of time to get it tuned.



There are a few upgrades that I want to do in the future like a proper spindle instead of the SN95 with an upper ball joint adapter.

Video with all the details:

 

[RinerAuto]

Update on my off season list

• MM K-Member - In Progress
• Tru-Trac Differential Swap/Rebuild - Done
• Transmission - update coming soon
• Aluminum flywheel - Done
• Shock travel sensors - Tried to start but ran into an issue
• Re-valve JRI shocks - Partial progress, still need to be sent back to JRi
• extended front fenders - Not started

I've take the engine and suspension in and out a couple times so far. I'm making sure everything fits correctly. I modified the MM k-member to increase the engine setback to 1.5" over stock. I have clearance to firewall. The steering clears the headers, but hits the dipstick. That is easy to bend and make work though. Since I have a manual steering rack, there is tons of room there too. Driveshaft is good with the transmission I chose. I haven't test fit the h-pipe yet, but that will be easy to shorten. I've already length it once for the torque arm install.

With the shock travel sensors I bought some install parts from Motion Raceworks. They sent the correct packaging unfortunately the wrong thread pitch mount was accidentally put in that packaging. I'm not entirely sure, the sensors will fit where I'm trying to install them until I have the correct parts.

The goal is to have the car driving mid February. I'm contemplating going to the Georgia SCCA National Tour which is in March. It is 10 hour drive, so I'm still trying to figure that out.

 

[RinerAuto]

On a YouTube note I found a new site that uses AI to help create Titles (YouTube Title Generator). I've updated several titles to be more catchy. I think it's working as I've seen an uptick in views. Still nowhere on the scale of other YouTubers, but I'm happy with it.

 

[Dave_W]

Just start each title with "One simple trick to..." or "Avoid this costly mistake..."

 

[RinerAuto]

Just start each title with "One simple trick to..." or "Avoid this costly mistake..."

Ha, yea I bet that would work.

 

[RinerAuto]

I've been getting the urge to design and build something. I think the rear suspension needs some attention. But I don't know what to do yet. I need to take some measurements and put it into suspension analyzer.

Current design is Maximum Motorsports torque arm and panhard bar. I feel it's a really good design but is a compromise to work well for in all scenarios (road race, autocross, drag race, street).

Other options:

• Decoupled torque arm - requires modifying torque arm mount and adding a top link
• 3 link - requires adding a top link
• IRS - I don't want to do the standard Cobra IRS. I wanted to do a S550 IRS, but now I'm thinking it might be too wide for autocross. I've thought about modifying it to be narrower like RideTech does but then that requires custom axles.

I don't know what is desirable as far as roll center height and anti squat % for autocross though.

 

[RinerAuto]

The Maximum Motorsports k-member is fully installed. It is such a nice piece of equipment. I've heard it mentioned many times, but the amount of room around the engine to work is so nice. The suspension geometry benefits are nice but less important to me since I had already modified the stock k-member. One negative though is there is a 1" loss of ground clearance with the MM over stock. I may do a skid plate to help protect it. But here are some of the benefits over stock:

• 11 lbs lighter
• two raised lower control arm mounts
• lower control arm mounts moved forward
• engine mount positions (stock and 1" setback)

The engine is fully install. Just need to finish buttoning everything up. The driveshaft is at the shop getting balanced. I don't need to get it shorten, which is good. I still need to figure out the exhaust with the engine setback.

 

[RinerAuto]

Throughout this year I've been battling vibration in 5th gear and occasional grinding into 2nd gear. The grinding into 2nd was one of the main reasons I removed the S1 sequential shifter. But now is the time to finally get that all fixed. There are a couple options I can go with: used T5, rebuild my T5, or buy a new transmission.

My current T5 is the second one I've installed in the car. It was from a junkyard V6 SN95 and has lasted 10 years. But I've increased the engine power and the stickiness of the tires. I could rebuild the T5. My dad and I did that in my fox body back in high school, so I have the experience. I could also change the gearing to be like a T5Z. I actually have another T5 from a 94-95 Cobra that I was going to rebuild. But after pricing out the cost to rebuild, regear, and the time to do the rebuild it was starting to get pricey and close to the cost of a new T5.

Now there is no reason to buy a new T5 for a "racecar". Especially when it's likely to fail again in several years. It would be great to be one and done. Enter the Tremec TKX. It's basically a direct swap (with correct supporting parts) into a Mustang. I went with a complete kit from Silver Sport Transmissions. I like that they call the customer to make sure get exactly what is needed. No extra parts and they know every little thing that is needed.



I recently upgraded to a MM k-member, which allows me to move the engine 1" rearward. If I go with a fox input that moves the transmission forward 5/8", so overall the transmission will only move rearward 3/8". That means the driveshaft doesn't need to be shorten. I did send the driveshaft off to have the balance checked. They recently called and said it was out of balance. There are some grooves in the driveshaft from it contacting the parking brake bracket that may mean the tube needs to be replaced.

Enjoy the video!

 

[RinerAuto]

Last week we got a good bit of snow (6-10 inches), which is not normal for southeastern Virginia. But in this age of remote work meant I still had to work when in the past my work would have likely been closed.

Now for some car tech.
As mentioned I'm installing suspension position sensors on all four corners. I picked up some Rife linear transducers from Motion Raceworks to pair with my Autosports Labs Race Capture Pro Mk4. Shown here is only the fronts, which are 6" stroke. I also have 3.75" stroke ones for the rear.

Installation on the front I am using the standoffs from Motion Raceworks which go onto the coilover bolt. I have just enough room to squeeze it onto the front side of the coilover. the rear was too close to the upper control arm. The sway bar (not pictured) does get really close, but I think there will be enough room.

For the rear I drilled a hole in the inner fender and had a bracket on the bottom also from Motion. I'm hoping the 3.75" stroke will be enough, I'm not really sure how much the rear end moves. I was a Test Engineer, so installing test equipment is my jam. Also shown here is some of the wire mounting. Proper strain relief is key, stay away from moving parts, hot objects, and noise inducing equipment.

I'll have a video eventually coming out about the sensors.

 

[RinerAuto]

My profession is a Test Engineer. I'm used to installing test equipment and processing data. But on my personal car I have not collected data until now.