Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. Other than seat time, I've found that getting comfortable in the car is the key to being relaxed. That's the only reason I run an aftermarket steering wheel--it allows me to use spacers to get the wheel exactly where I want it.
As for mods on the car--I try and keep it pretty simple and reliable:
JLT2 intake and BrooksSpeed tune
FRPP Stingers and x-pipe
GT500 Brembos and homemade ducts
4.10 gears
Torsen TruTrac rear diff
Koni yellows with Ground Control coil over sleeves (275 lb. front/ 225. lb rear)
FRPP sway bars
Steeda LCA relocation brackets
UMI poly/rod LCA's
UMI adjustable panhard
Nitto NT01 tires
Next tweaks will most likely be some more spring rate up front, some front roll center correction (have both the Steeda X5 balljoints and the front control arm relocation kit sitting on the workbench) and eventually a Fays2 watts link.
Isn't it frustrating when the drivers of "superior" cars pit instead of waving a Mustang past.
That is a pet peeve of mine. You would think that by now with the S197 platform being out there since late 2004, and plenty of people tracking them, that other drivers would realize that we have very capable cars. Some get it, but others are really D-bags. I make it a point to grid up behind them.
Very tidy driving sir. Smooth is fast.
I just noticed though, You have 4.10's don't you?
You're only in second gear coming around the button but otherwise it's a 3rd and 4th gear track for you.
Thanks. Yup--4.10's. With 3.55s I was also only in 2nd for the buttonhook. Actually, 2nd w/ 3.55's there was perfect. I'm sort of between 2 and 3 there now. Next time out I may try 3rd in that section, or shift to 3 earlier in the turn instead of waiting for exit. Everywhere else, though, I'm loving 4.10s.
1) BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL. Keep them there unless you need to make a shift. Also, note that even with tighter turns, there's no need to shuffle-steer. Keep them pinned at 9:00 and 3:00!
Dave, I can't agree more!!! Years back with NASA Mid-A we had a head instructor who basically started forcing just the opposite. "You should always try and keep your hands at 9 and 3 in space no matter where the wheel is turning." Ridiculous in hindsight, and to this day I know it played a huge part in me destroying Mustang #1.
When I got back on track (literally), I swore off shuffle steering altogether. I just haven't seen a need for it and as a result I'm quicker and don't even think about the corrections. They happen so much more naturally when, as you said, you keep your hands pinned at 9 and 3 ON THE WHEEL. When I instruct now, that is one of the first things I look for in the tight turns, and
suggest changing.
What gauges are you running?
I'm running the Stewart Warner competition gauges (coolant, oil pressure, oil temp) in a Speed of Sound panel.
