dmichaels

I posted the pics in "latest pics" as well, but figured I would start a separate thread for this topic.

Back on Memorial Day weekend I was screwing around on the computer looking up Mustang stuff and I stumbled on the Stillen splitter. It was on sale for ~$200 shipped, which of course is FAR less than a Boss LS splitter, so I figured I'd try it out. Arrived today... seems to be of good quality plastic, and I'm thinking it's probably more visual than functional based on how it mounts up, however with the struts installed it didn't flex much with a 40 lb dumbell placed in the center, so I think it's capable of supporting downforce if it does in fact turn out to be somewhat functional. If nothing else though, it adds a lot to the appearance of the car, giving a more track oriented look. I'm not big on doing things for looks, but this is one item I really do like.

Next up is a "track day only" trunk lid with adjustable wing mounted to support my track day addiction (and desire for more downforce...)

Anyways, onto the pictures. Comments are welcome.

14Glassback

Looks really good! I don't know why but I have this Phobia of installing one like that on my car... I just have these visions of some Little Richard walking by and standing on it to break it off... Nice Piece!

dmichaels

haha yeah, I understand the fear of potential snap off under someone's heavy foot... I don't take my car out much aside from ~2x/week to work and then track days though, so not too concerned personally.

lakeguy77

Posted this question to the latest pics thread before I saw you had a dedicated thread for it but just curious how sturdy it is without the struts? Love the look of the lip but never been a fan of the look of the struts, and if it's possible to take them off/put them on when needed (IE track use) I'd be really interested in this thing. Even the regular price is half the price of the Boss lip, never mind adding the LS splitter to that.

Nice find though. I didn't notice this in the other pics you've posted, but is that the brake cooling kit I spy in the lower fog openings?

dmichaels

This one is far less sturdy without the struts... that said, if you're not a fan of the look of said struts, I don't think it would be particularly difficult to work up an alternate option such as bracing under the splitter that goes back and mounts to the underside of the car. Sturdy as the struts? probably not, but I bet you could get it close... I'm thinking just a couple of 1/8" thick ~6" long strips of steel that you could attach to the underside of the splitter and run aft to some attachment points. I don't think I would run this splitter without some sort of bracing though in the mid section. But you're right though, even at the "normal" pricing (bet they offer forum discounts...) this is a far better overall deal as compared with the Ford Racing hardware.

You have sharp eyes regarding my other "track worthy" modifications... yes, that is a brake cooling setup. It makes an enormous difference (at the track) and I love it.

dmichaels

And regarding taking the struts on/off for street/track use, these particular struts wouldn't easily go on and off the way they are attached, however I would expect a higher quality set (which would attach to a tow hook brace such as the one from Blowfish Racing that I will be procuring soon...) would likely have better ability to be removed as required.

lakeguy77

Thanks for that. Reason I asked the questions, I did some autocross in years past, but there is a road course about an hour away that does solo sprints and lapping. You need to take a driving course there to get a "license" and as always, that sort of grass roots stuff is really the best way to explore the limits of what a car of this level can do. I plan to take that course and see if it's something I truly like doing...afterall I really liked autocross. Life took on another direction that took it out of the picture. Pictures change though.

I've had performance oriented cars before, but never a true performance car and certainly nothing this powerful. Not that interested in driving it up a tree seeing what it can do in the wrong place.

dmichaels

If you liked auto-x, you would love road courses... that's the primary reason I bought the car - fastest, most reliable (so far) option to get around road courses. I've done about 6-7 days since getting the car about a year ago and it's been a blast. Came from a 2002 Audi S4 that was tuned and upgraded for road courses. I had about 4 years of experience driving that at Limerock (my local track) and my best there in that car was about 1.07.90. First event at that track in the Mustang was 1.04.59. over 3 seconds on a 1.5 mile course was enough to convince me that the Mustang is a solid track car. It does extremely well with the track package. Although I HIGHLY recommend the brake cooling and suspension. If you have one and only one option for track upgrade, do brake cooling with high temp fluid and pads.

I did 2 days at Watkins Glen 2 months after getting the car and I had only put in track pads and fluid - boiled the fluid within 10 minutes of each session until I started backing off on all the straights cause I did not have the cooling in. Has not had a problem since though with the ducting! Nothing is worse than 130mph and having the brake pedal go almost to the floor...

TommyV

I love my Stillen. The other day I was up around 100 and could feel it pulling the front end down.

lakeguy77

Definitely noted. I just missed the school this year. I actually wanted to have my Mustang for the school...it was initially due to arrive towards the end of May. So it'll have to be next year for actual track work, although I may take it to a couple auto-x events this summer to get a feel for her. I know job 1 in track duty is brake prep, good to know that brake cooling kit is the real deal and gets the job done along with the right fluid for the job.

dmichaels

What difference did you feel? I'd like to have a touch more front end grip on high speed sweepers at the track, but I'm doubtful I'll feel anything on the street. I've only taken the car to 50mph since installing though.

dmichaels

Have you looked on Motorsportreg.com for local events? I see you're in Winnipeg, which probably doesn't host much for events... not like the USA east coast or west coast at least... but never know there might be a couple local events?

Brake cooling, fluid, and pads are a must at the road courses with this car. It builds speed so quickly and has a lot of mass to haul back down... but fortunately the brake cooling setups work quite well. I pieced together my own kit and saved quite a bit over the Ford Racing setup. I have a thread on this forum somewhere with details if you're interested actually.

lakeguy77

Cool, I'll definitely do some searching. There's a pretty good Auto-x scene up here, every year a crew drives down to the SCCA nationals and end up doing very well there. But the only road course is an hour north, an old converted airstrip. The main straight is a 1/4 mile drag strip hosting IHRA events most weekends, and only does a handful (5-6) of road course running. The bike racing club also has it's weekends too. So it's just not a very strong scene here. I'll do some auto-x this summer and sign up for the school next spring. It is a requirement just to get on the road course so I'm S.O.L. this year.

Stevedotmil

I like the way the splitter turned out. If it turns out to be functional then even better. I'm am looking at options for this too. I'm going to take your advice on the brakes. The cooling ducts are the key.

5.M0NSTER

Looks sharp, I like it. Hope it gives you the down force you're looking for

mustangfan410

Looks really good. It goes well with the black stripes.

TommyV

It definitely felt like it was pulling the front end down. It was kinda weird, but felt very planted. Again, I didn't feel much until I was around 100.

CiniZter

wish i had seen this before i went roush way...

John H

May I ask where you guys purchased the Stillen front splitter? I'm seeing it for $300+ right now.

Horspla

Very nice Mr. Michaels I bought the Roush before this one hit the market. Wish I had waited. I'm thinking a few mods to the Roush unit will get it looking closer to that sweet Stillen.

John