It's all a compromise based on budget, and streetability vs trackability. Unless it's a separate budget, I'd buy the bare essentials, and spend the money on track time. Throwing a bunch of parts at the car won't make you a better driver. It'll make it easier to drive fast, but don't neglect seat time. The same can be said for safety gear. That said...
I won't speak to the AutoX because I don't care one bit about that. But from a track nut, here's my perspective:
First things first....Dump those Sportlines and get something that won't lower the car beyond it's usable range, having you bottom out constantly. I don't care if you go back to stock, it'd be more usable than those stupid things. Coilovers are great if you are really going to use them and get the car properly corner balanced...see adjustable endlinks. Otherwise, H&R Race Springs are as stiff as you can easily get on there. Ground Control makes a cheaper option imbetween, but it's a compromise and I think you'll be better suited to just go coilover all the way or stick with the H&R Race springs and GOOD dampers.
Second, Dampers, or shocks and struts to you crazies.
Get the best you can afford. They make the biggest difference especially when combined with proper spring rates. Koni yellows are going to be the favorite here. I don't care for the DSpecs. Bilstein makes quality dampers and coilovers, if you don't think you'll actually play with the adjustments, and just focus on driving, or if your class your running doesn't allow adjustables. Eibach has great marketing, but I've yet to see anyone actually racing on their R2's... seems like street bling to me until it becomes proven quality. Then there's the higher end dampers... Moton, AST, KW, FR500S from Ford Racing, Koni Racing series... Without knowing exactly where you're at, it's hard to say what you need... All I can tell you is buy the best dampers you can afford.
Third- Skip the sway bars and the bracing for now. With high rate springs, and quality dampers, you'll have plenty of roll control. Once you get some time under you, then decide if you want to make small changes with sway bars. Also, the car is plenty stiff for what you are doing. Bracing only really helps when you're eeking out .10 seconds on these cars.
Fourth- Tires, tires, tires. Once you feel comfortable destroying street tires on the track, you're ready to step it up... Dedicated Track wheels and tires. Tires allow you to go faster around the track than any other performance modification. Again, get the best you can afford.
Fifth- Do get a way to tune the rear roll center. Either with a adjustable Watts link, or a roll center adjustable Panhard bar like the one from Kenny Brown. Doing so will allow you to change how the rear feels on the track. Lower it, there's more grip... Lower it too much, the rear grip overcomes the front and the car pushes. Its a balance, but lowering the rear roll center from stock will buy you more rear grip.
No idea where that leaves your budget, and that's up to you. Enjoy the process and experience of the changes and don't get too caught up in having the perfect setup. Everyone drives different, and you should focus on learning what your personal needs are and how the car is reacting to you.
Keep us posted on how it goes! We love Mustang track video around here!
I won't speak to the AutoX because I don't care one bit about that. But from a track nut, here's my perspective:
First things first....Dump those Sportlines and get something that won't lower the car beyond it's usable range, having you bottom out constantly. I don't care if you go back to stock, it'd be more usable than those stupid things. Coilovers are great if you are really going to use them and get the car properly corner balanced...see adjustable endlinks. Otherwise, H&R Race Springs are as stiff as you can easily get on there. Ground Control makes a cheaper option imbetween, but it's a compromise and I think you'll be better suited to just go coilover all the way or stick with the H&R Race springs and GOOD dampers.
Second, Dampers, or shocks and struts to you crazies.
Get the best you can afford. They make the biggest difference especially when combined with proper spring rates. Koni yellows are going to be the favorite here. I don't care for the DSpecs. Bilstein makes quality dampers and coilovers, if you don't think you'll actually play with the adjustments, and just focus on driving, or if your class your running doesn't allow adjustables. Eibach has great marketing, but I've yet to see anyone actually racing on their R2's... seems like street bling to me until it becomes proven quality. Then there's the higher end dampers... Moton, AST, KW, FR500S from Ford Racing, Koni Racing series... Without knowing exactly where you're at, it's hard to say what you need... All I can tell you is buy the best dampers you can afford.Third- Skip the sway bars and the bracing for now. With high rate springs, and quality dampers, you'll have plenty of roll control. Once you get some time under you, then decide if you want to make small changes with sway bars. Also, the car is plenty stiff for what you are doing. Bracing only really helps when you're eeking out .10 seconds on these cars.
Fourth- Tires, tires, tires. Once you feel comfortable destroying street tires on the track, you're ready to step it up... Dedicated Track wheels and tires. Tires allow you to go faster around the track than any other performance modification. Again, get the best you can afford.
Fifth- Do get a way to tune the rear roll center. Either with a adjustable Watts link, or a roll center adjustable Panhard bar like the one from Kenny Brown. Doing so will allow you to change how the rear feels on the track. Lower it, there's more grip... Lower it too much, the rear grip overcomes the front and the car pushes. Its a balance, but lowering the rear roll center from stock will buy you more rear grip.
No idea where that leaves your budget, and that's up to you. Enjoy the process and experience of the changes and don't get too caught up in having the perfect setup. Everyone drives different, and you should focus on learning what your personal needs are and how the car is reacting to you.
Keep us posted on how it goes! We love Mustang track video around here!
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