Log onto www.palmbeachmustangclub.com and we'll keep you updated on the events. This club has alot of track dawgs and is a wealth of information. We have members in Tampa also.

 

Hey can I get a candid opinion on the S-197 vs 4th Gen F-bods, I made the bold statement that the S-197 stang could hold its own handling wise against an F4 (after being told that 05+ handling was sub-par even to the F4 Firebirds and Camaros) especially if all things were equal (eg; tread footprint, suspension mods, etc). Now I'm not saying that the S-197 would flat out kick an F4's butt ( that extra 50hp would do the F4 well on a course where its better aerodynamics and power would add up), I just want to confidently back up my arguement with some real world experiences.

 

I had a 4th gen track car - a '95 Z/28. I ran Eibach's and Konis with ZR1 wheels - 275s all around if I remember correctly. I must say that was one heck of a handling car. With the ZR1 PBR brakes it did a pretty good job stopping as well. But, it was freaking heavy. Mine was a t-top which weighed in at a hefty 3,550 wet w/o driver. I ended up retiring it because I kept wearing stuff out. I literally had to replace front hubs every other event (myself and my wife drove the car back to back every weekend). The main problem with the car was that it was a parts bin car with lots of parts not really fit for the task. The front hubs for example were actually rear hubs from a Bonneville. The rear used Vette disc brakes, which was a plus, but I used to wear out axles a couple times a year. I DO know I used to walk all over SN95s no matter what track we were one. Even Cobras weren't close. The trailed both in entry and exit corner speed. They just didn't have the LT1's torque. I haven't had the S197 on track yet, but with the suspension mods I've made to date I'd say the handling would be pretty darn close. The Brembo 4 pots won't hurt either. I haven't had the S197 on the scales yet either, but it HAS to be lighter than the porky Camaro. I replaced the Z/28 with a BMW dedicated track car, so I really don't have a good reason to take the S197 on track, but I'm thinking the next time I go to Watkins Glen I might just have to take it out for a couple of laps.

 

Sweet rides Fastduo & Rev!

You guys should check out the handling package if you don't already have it or something similar!

Works GREAT in HPDEs!!

 

Thanks 06GT. I will be doing upgrades as the budget allows. Right now I am stock except for Steeda Sport Springs, 18" wheels with Hoosier GAC slicks, butlerbilt seat and Simpson 5 point harness.
In the garage is a brand new set of Steeda Pentars in black and the upper strut bearing/adjuster assy. Will install those in the coming days.

 

For SCCA, when racing top-down do you have to have a full-face helmet with shield or will an open-face helmet be sufficient?

 

Open Face is OK but I highly recommend eye protection like wrap around sunglasses. If you spin, you could end up with a bunch of dust and dirt in your eyes.

 

Thanks! I'm ordering a helmet for the drag strip and wanted to ensure it would work for SCCA if I decide to try that down the road. If I do, I'll definitely do the wraparound sunglasses...

 

Make sure it is "Snell Foundation" approved helmet. Those are the only ones approved for SCCA or track events.


Look up SCCA helmet regulations 4.3.1 for specifics on helmets

 

I'm looking at the G-Force GF750. Like this, but the one I'm considering is Snell SA 2005.

 

My buddy runs a whacked out Mini Cooper S and he has the exact same helmet. Go for the SA2005 as the SA2000 will expire in 3-4 years and you'll get 8 or so years out of the SA2005.