S197 Smokey_Vol Build Thread Profile - S197 Mustangs

[smokey_vol]

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[smokey_vol]

I feel a bit scatterbrained with where I would like to see the car in the coming months and years so I'm typing this here to organize my thoughts. I went to NCM today as a spectator for a Binge track day in hopes I could pick the brain of some S197 guys there, and of course there wasn't a single Mustang on the track. My mechanical experience is limited to some motorcycles I used to have, but I would like to do nearly all modifications and maintenance to this car myself. I bought a turkey baster and brake fluid to do a flush this week along with a jack and jack stands.

I don't feel inclined to start throwing bolt-ons on the car at the moment. It's a stock 5.0 and MT-82 with 90xxx miles. It's on unknown lowering springs and Excel G shocks. I haven't yet gotten under the car to look for any other suspension work such as a bump steer kit or sway bars. From what I understand, due to the lowering springs I likely need a bump steer kit in the near future.

I've read that seat time is the most valuable thing to purchase, but prior to seat time I need to flush brake fluid, inspect brakes, and get new wheels and tires. I like the idea of a square setup, and the Apex SM-10 19"x10" really catches my eye.

All critiques welcome

 

[302BOB]

Hey Smokey, Welcome to TMO!!!!! THis is the forum to help you find where you want go...........Once you catch "track fever" it's hard to find a cure (keep that in mind). Things to start with are safety concerns, seat time and a growing budget for other things down the road. Best of luck on your new journey to ...................you fill in the blank...

 

[EF1]

Binge isn't big on American cars. I think I was the only S197 when I ran NCM with them a couple of years ago. You don't need to do much to the car to get started. Make it safe first and get out there. This includes making sure your brakes, fluids and tires are good condition and have enough life in them to get through a weekend on track. Mods can come later as you you find behaviors you don't like or the cars limitations.

 

[TMSBOSS]

Welcome to the site.

Binge isn't big on American cars. I think I was the only S197 when I ran NCM with them a couple of years ago. You don't need to do much to the car to get started. Make it safe first and get out there. This includes making sure your brakes, fluids and tires. Mods can come later as you you find behaviors you don't like or the cars limitations.

Good advice. Get with a good instructor and learn what is and is not working, then spend your cash. I also started with 10” wide wheels. If you stay with the sport, you will out grow them sooner than later. Consider 18 x 11 wheels Square with spacers up front. The 18’s seem to have a better selection of tires over the 19’s.

 

[smokey_vol]

Consider 18 x 11 wheels Square with spacers up front. The 18’s seem to have a better selection of tires over the 19’s.

Appreciate the reply. I like the idea of 18x11, thank you for the recommendation.

I'm also getting the small and large evap leak codes that will be addressed soon. Would like to address some fixes before replacing the gasket/sleeve, not sure what to call it, coming from the fuel inlet.

 

[TMSBOSS]

Smokey I replaced the filler tube chasing these codes once. No fun. They came back soon enough. If I get the code now, I out a piece of tape over the filler inlet, that usually fixes the problem. The "Automatic" filler neck door, is not. I sometimes have good luck by cleaning the flapper with WD-40. It lasts a few months then clean it again. Once the check engine light goes away, the run cycles needed to erase the codes sometimes take a while. For me, no lights, no problem. The Track Key still kicks in as long as the light is out.
Others have had issues with tubing getting too close to after market exhaust.
Good luck tracking down your issue.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Welcome and you have your priorities in order , with your first purchase going towards wheels and tires ---- rubber is the first and fastest mod to make! Look into NASA ( drivenasa.com ) for Instruction that comes at each of their events and with a solid ladder through the various levels with their HPDE system, you will get quality Instruction to help you progress on track. No extra price , it is part of each of your weekend entry for track time.