Hey guys, I wanted to update this thread with the links of all of the articles thus far.
I just started this project on MotoIQ to take my experience and background racing the S197 Mustang platform professionally over the past 10 years in Grand-Am, and as a development driver who worked with Ford on the GT350, GT500 and Ford GT (among other Mustang variants) to recommend how to make an inexpensive, powerful, great handling and fun to drive track car. Stay tuned for some insight on the car, what's important to upgrade and what isn't necessary or even detrimental to change. Enjoy:
Part 1: INTRO
"More people need to consider the (2005-2014) “S197” Mustang for track use! Parts are cheap and it really does not take much to turn one into an awesome “Driver’s-car”. There are a lot of misconceptions that Mustangs don’t handle well, are too heavy, and only belong on the drag strip. This project car is focused on dispelling these myths and show how to make arguably the best and least expensive 400whp track car."
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Project Budget 400WHP S197 Mustang Track Car: Part 2 – Finding out what it takes to make 400WHP
"We strap our first-generation 5.0L “Coyote” V8-powered S197 Mustang to the dyno and test the 2018+ “Gen-3” intake manifold, K&N air intake, and tunes by Palm Beach Dyno to find out the least expensive way to make 400 WHP on pump gas. "
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In the article:
-Baseline dyno
-Dyno K&N Performance Cold Air Intake
-Dyno 2018 "Gen3" intake manifold
-Dyno Tune by Palm Beach Dyno
Project Budget 400WHP S197 Mustang Track Car: Part 4 – Installing the Roush 3rd Link
" Upgrading the 3rd link suspension arm in an S197 Mustangs is far more important than just to reduce wheel hop. Picking the right one will greatly affect the car’s handling and rear grip (and we all know Mustangs need rear grip). To improve the performance of our budget track car, we install the best 3rd Link on the market, from Roush Performance."
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In the article:
-The importance of the 3rd Link
-Why most aftermarket 3rd Links actually hurt the car's performance and ride quality
-Installation
Project Budget 400WHP S197 Mustang Track Car: Part 5 – Upgrading to an Eaton Truetrac LSD
" A performance Limited Slip Differential is a MUST for making 2005-2014 (S197) Mustangs handle predictably. We replace the weak factory LSD with Eaton’s TrueTrac helical (gear-driven) LSD which will transform the driving experience and character of the car.
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In the article:
-Stock LSD vs Torsen-style
-The tech behind Torque Bias Ratios
-Installation
Project Budget 400WHP S197 Mustang Track Car: Part 6 – Going Through the Suspension with Steeda
" This is where we defy the misconceptions and show how to make an S197 Mustang into a corner-carving track car. We are going to cover the pros and cons of Panhard Bars vs Watts Links, and go through the entire suspension with Steeda, picking the least expensive way to make our car fun to drive and competent on track."
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In the article:
-Panhard Bar vs Watts Link Pros & Cons
-Analysis: Panhard Bar Geometry vs Watts Link
-Overview & Front S197 Geometry vs Extended Ball Joint LCA
-Front LCA Removal
-Front LCA Install
-Rear Axle Weight Removal
-Rear Lower Control Arm & Panhard Bar Install
Project Budget 400WHP S197 Mustang Track Car: Part 7 – Springs, Shocks, and Bars
" Staying true to the ‘budget’ track car theme, we skipped expensive coilovers and upgraded our S197 Mustang with track-capable springs, shocks, and swaybars from Steeda."
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In the article:
-Front and Rear spring, shock and swaybar install
-Lightweight Radiator Support Brace Install
-The importance of a bumpsteer kit when installing extended front balljoints
-Street Review
-The creation of a new Steeda Suspension Package (Based off my feedback and the development of this project car).
-Billy