Simple Suspension Mods Transform Your S197 Into a Track Day Beast
The S197 Mustang isn’t the most common car at any given track day. That’s a shame too, because as you can see in the video below, Speed Academy has just proven that with a little bit of suspension work, S197 Mustangs can become a treat to drive on the track. The trick all comes down to suspension. Ford undoubtedly made the standard GT a bit soft, and could have fitted it with better-performing tires. Those two little changes have a profound effect on the way it handles.
For the suspension, Speed Academy picked coil-overs. Not because of how much they lower the car, but because of their adjustibility features. In addition to those, they also threw on some anti-roll bars for good measure. Amazingly, they report that ride quality hasn’t suffered at all; in fact, it has improved. That most likely comes down to body movement being more controlled.
Real world results come from a test track, so Speed Academy took their Mullet Mustang project to Toronto Motorsports park for some hot laps. Turn-in has dramatically improved, helped no doubt by the 275-width front tires, and body roll is kept at a minimum. Compared to stock, the car is now seven seconds faster per lap. Power can be put down earlier, and the car actually has grip to work with. Not bad for some simple bolt-ons.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Via [Speed Academy]
