To pull or not to pull, that is the question

[Dubstep Shep]

Now that I've finally decided to go straight into the RR-Spec and eliminate my AC system, I've been looking at pulling a few other things. Most of these I still haven't decided on.


Front bumper. I would be moving the front number forward where the foam is now to free up a few inches for a bigger heat exchanger. Combined with the elimination of the condenser, I'll have a ton of space.

Heater core. This would simplify my coolant routing and open up some room for IC hoses, but I need some sort of defroster. Recommendations?

Interior. Because race car. Also for weight savings and I'm going to eventually put a roll cage in.

Fuel tank. It's not like I'm going to be taking any road trips on a car with no AC. Or potentially heater. Also, I've been looking at the Aeromotive cobra jet system that comes with a fuel cell.

Radio. Same as interior. This isn't going to be a street car anymore.

Power steering. I'm a little iffy on this one. Yes, I've seen race cars with manual racks, but idk if I wanna go that route. I'm hoping to do the EPS conversion once Lito figures it out, but that could be awhile.


Anything else? The budget is fairly open at the time being, but I'd prefer DIY improvements.

 

[Sky Render]

All road-race Mustangs (at least that I've seen) have power steering. You really want to muscle that thing around a road course at triple-digit speeds with 305-width slicks on the front?

Also, why would you want to convert to EPS whenever it gives a much more vague feeling than good-old hydraulics? Hell, I'd put an '05-10 rack in my 2011 if there was a way to do it easily and still keep my A/C.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

I've driven my brothers 2012 brembo around a bit and I didn't notice the steering feeling any different. The thing about electronic steering is that like electronic ABS, it can be swapped or tuned easily.

Also, I know Griggs offers a manual rack. I can't remember the ratio though.

I'm not opposed to a little extra effort lol, I just don't know how much a little extra is. I've driven a few non power steering vehicles and they aren't terrible just driving around. I imagine autoX would be a nightmare, but idk about road race.

In any case that's an iffy change. I'm certainly not set on it, I'm just looking for opinions. I certainly appreciate yours.

Really I need to find someone that has a manual rack and drive their car hahaha

 

[19COBRA93]

No way would I build an autox or road race car with manual steering. I've autocrossed a car with manual steering before, and it sucks. On a road course with sticky tires for 20 minutes at a time, no way. I'm a pretty strong guy, but that's just no fun after 10 minutes. It can be done, but you're going to hate it.

 

[Sky Render]

I've driven my brothers 2012 brembo around a bit and I didn't notice the steering feeling any different. The thing about electronic steering is that like electronic ABS, it can be swapped or tuned easily.

...Except for the fact that no one has figured out how to reprogram the EPS. That's the issue with them. The "active nibble control" built into the stock racks goes nucking futs when you change just about anything on the front control arms. The only solution is to purchase a Ford Racing rack, which is the exact same part but with different firmware.

So, if you are set on the EPS (which would definitely have less parasitic draw on the motor), make sure you get the Ford Racing one. I would still prefer a hydraulic setup myself, though.

 

[claudermilk]

Even switching the '13's EPAS to sport mode makes it extra heavy to steer; I just leave it at Normal all the time now. I had to armstong my Fusion when it's EPAS failed, and wouldn't want to wrestle it around a track. I'd leave the steering alone if it were me.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

Interesting. I probably won't pull the PS for now and wait to see what Lito does with the EPS.

 

[BadPiggy]

Heater core. This would simplify my coolant routing and open up some room for IC hoses, but I need some sort of defroster. Recommendations?

Try blowing all that hot air from your mouth toward the windshield.

 

[eighty6gt]

Why not just buy a race car (miata/3 series/?) and not ruin your Mustang?

eh, whatever.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

Why not just buy a race car (miata/3 series/?) and not ruin your Mustang?



eh, whatever.

The car is a salvage title and never had any value to begin with. Plus I just love Mustangs. I couldn't fit my big ass in a Miata to save my life lol.

 

[Sky Render]

Driving a Mustang fast around corners is far more difficult than in a Miata. It is also far more rewarding.

 

[BruceH]

I'd vote S2000. Fully forged motor that's ready for whatever you throw at it.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

I'd vote S2000. Fully forged motor that's ready for whatever you throw at it.

My old roomie had one. I was unimpressed and I did not fit comfortably.

 

[eighty6gt]

 

[Dubstep Shep]

Driving a Mustang fast around corners is far more difficult than in a Miata. It is also far more rewarding.

Allllllll of this.

There's nothing better than seeing the look on other guys faces when they get dusted by a "slowstang" as my tuner friends call them lol

 

[shuvool]

Chiming in as another "keep the power steering" voice. I loved having non power steering in my 85 MR2, but that thing weighed ~2400 lbs and the tires were nowhere near as wide. I would think that an S197 would make you feel like you're constantly fighting the wheel

 

[Department Of Boost]

Now that I've finally decided to go straight into the RR-Spec and eliminate my AC system, I've been looking at pulling a few other things. Most of these I still haven't decided on.


Front bumper. I would be moving the front number forward where the foam is now to free up a few inches for a bigger heat exchanger. Combined with the elimination of the condenser, I'll have a ton of space.

Heater core. This would simplify my coolant routing and open up some room for IC hoses, but I need some sort of defroster. Recommendations?

Interior. Because race car. Also for weight savings and I'm going to eventually put a roll cage in.

Fuel tank. It's not like I'm going to be taking any road trips on a car with no AC. Or potentially heater. Also, I've been looking at the Aeromotive cobra jet system that comes with a fuel cell.

Radio. Same as interior. This isn't going to be a street car anymore.

Power steering. I'm a little iffy on this one. Yes, I've seen race cars with manual racks, but idk if I wanna go that route. I'm hoping to do the EPS conversion once Lito figures it out, but that could be awhile.


Anything else? The budget is fairly open at the time being, but I'd prefer DIY improvements.

Cobra Jet fuel cell in a roadrace car is a no go. Put a real fuel cell in if you are going to go that way. Take a looks at the Fuel Safe stuff.

I thought about going with a cell for my 2007 this winter and after thinking it out decided not to. The stock tank is in a great spot. In the center of the car and low. It works as a "belly pan" right there. And a good fuel cell gets expensive.

No way I would ditch my power steering. I have considered ditching the ABS though.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

Cobra Jet fuel cell in a roadrace car is a no go. Put a real fuel cell in if you are going to go that way. Take a looks at the Fuel Safe stuff.



I thought about going with a cell for my 2007 this winter and after thinking it out decided not to. The stock tank is in a great spot. In the center of the car and low. It works as a "belly pan" right there. And a good fuel cell gets expensive.



No way I would ditch my power steering. I have considered ditching the ABS though.

Out of curiosity, why no on the cobra jet fuel cell? Checked out the fuel safe stuff and it looks like they only make cells up to the 2004 model mustangs.

I agree, the factory tank is in a nice low position, but the sucker is huge. Weight is weight, and I'm adding enough elsewhere lol. That said I'm not completely opposed to keeping it, I'm just not 100% sure it's the best option.

I would never ditch ABS on a road race car. Maybe on a drag setup. I'm definitely keeping the PS for now.

 

[Department Of Boost]

Out of curiosity, why no on the cobra jet fuel cell?

Because it has a drag race fuel pick up. That means you will starve for fuel in corners. You need a rodrace fuel cell with multiple fuel pickups.

You don't need a "Mustang" fuel cell. For all intents and purposes they are "generic"/ Cut a hole, drop it in.

Check out the 22gal cells:

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=2502

The stock tank is NOT big. How many laps/time do you think you will get on e85? I get about 4pm on pump at the race track. It would be about 3mpg with e85. If the stock tank gets down under 4-5gal you may get starvation issues. That means you have about 10gal of fuel to use per session. Which is 30mi. At your average 2-2.5mi course you will get about 12 laps. That will be pretty close to the tanks capacity.

You want at least 14gal (stock tank). If not bigger.

Checked out the fuel safe stuff and it looks like they only make cells up to the 2004 model mustangs.

Go generic

I agree, the factory tank is in a nice low position, but the sucker is NOT huge. Weight is weight, and I'm adding enough elsewhere lol. That said I'm not completely opposed to keeping it, I'm just not 100% sure it's the best option.

Bold in order:

-Not huge

-Weight is not weight. Centralized mass is the name of the game.

I would never ditch ABS on a road race car.[/QUOTE]
Most race cars don't have ABS

 

[Dubstep Shep]

Because it has a drag race fuel pick up. That means you will starve for fuel in corners. You need a roadrace fuel cell with multiple fuel pickups.

You don't need a "Mustang" fuel cell. For all intents and purposes they are "generic"/ Cut a hole, drop it in.

Check out the 22gal cells:

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=2502

The stock tank is NOT big. How many laps/time do you think you will get on e85? I get about 4pm on pump at the race track. It would be about 3mpg with e85. If the stock tank gets down under 4-5gal you may get starvation issues. That means you have about 10gal of fuel to use per session. Which is 30mi. At your average 2-2.5mi course you will get about 12 laps. That will be pretty close to the tanks capacity.

You want at least 14gal (stock tank). If not bigger.


Go generic


Bold in order:

-Not huge

-Weight is not weight. Centralized mass is the name of the game.

The other issue I have with the stock tank is that it sits on both sides. I would rather have a single unit where you could centralize the pump to avoid starvation issues. I feel like that wouldn't be as much of an issue with a single tank.