Track Pack versus Standard Suspension
 

Hi,

Does anyone have any real world experience of a Track Pack Car versus standard suspension. How do the two compare with regards to handling and daily driving?

Thanks,

Jeff

I also am very interested in this. I am just not a fan of having to drive stick in Southern California traffic. I do it right now, and can live with it, but I want an automatic (preferably with tapshift or paddles to give me an option when I feel like it, or in corners) when I get my Mustang. I was pissed when I found out that the auto could not get the track pack. I want to be able to corner well regardless of what transmission I have. This problem would be resolved for me if they would just offer the track pack on the auto. I would get it in a heartbeat. As it is, I now need to think about how much I will want aftermarket suspension. Any insight or articles out there where we can hear about the difference between the two would be greatly appreciated.

Get a 2010 GT Automatic, then replace the factory shifter with TCI Ratchet Shifter so you can manually hold any gear you want. Then, the aftermarket has lots of suspension, wheel, and tire options to make your GT handle as well, or better, than the factory TrackPack.

That ratchet shifter is pretty cool. I still want a 5.0, and won't be buying for a few years anyway (funds aren't anywhere near available yet). Hopefully the 2011 has tapshift or paddles like the SHO or Flex has, and has the trackpack available for autos. Until then, I am still very curious to find out how much of a drop-off there is from the track pack to stock suspension.

Isn't the track pack mostly those crazy expensive tires?

It's got some GT500 suspension bits and Bullitt brake pads.

I've been spending the last 6-9 months researching this topic. Yes, I know, it's a little overboard...but research is free. Purchasing a handling solution that doesn't work, and then having to replace it is very, very expensive.

Now, I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. What I've found so far is completely information I've gleaned from various message boards, company websites, and from talking to people who actually do have experience and knowledge about these things.

Like you, I was initially drawn to the Track Pack as being a great solution and I wanted to retrofit it onto my 2008. The good news is that you CAN buy all of the individual parts and retrofit them onto a 2005-2010 Mustang (even if the 2010 has automatic transmission). I figured the whole thing would probably cost between $1200-$1300 before the Pirelli tires.

But here's the deal. Most of the gains you're going to see from the Track Pack come from those Pirelli P-zero summer tires. And those things are **** expensive! Frankly, when it comes time to replace those tires, the amount of money you're going to have to spend on a set of 4 would actually purchase 2/3 of the handling parts necessary to create a car which will perform a lot better than a 2010 with the Track Pack.

In fact, if you look at the press releases from Ford itself, they advertise the FRPP Handling Pack (the one that comes standard on the Shelby GT) as being a better handling solution than the Track Pack. I believe the only difference is that the FRPP Handling Pack gives you a rougher ride, whereas the Track Pack is supposedly a compromise between good handling and an overly stiff ride.

At the same time, the shocks and struts, which have the most effect on handling and ride quality, are absolute garbage no matter what Ford package (Stock, Handling Pack, or Track Pack) you buy. My best friend bought a Bullitt last November. When I drove it for the first time, I was shocked how smooth the ride quality was. 7K-8K miles later, it's crap and he's complaining to me how suddenly bumpy the roads have gotten. I replaced my stock shocks and struts w/ Tokicos at 7K miles. My installer told me that I had actually blown one of the stock front struts.

Sam Strano would advise you, as he advised me, to replace your stock shocks and struts with Koni or Tokico adjustables. After that, there's lots of things: swaybars, adjustable panhard bars, new control arms, springs, etc.

I wanted to lower the car, but I didn't want too big of a drop (because that creates other issues!!). I settled on Steeda Ultralites and as I mentioned above, I already have the Tokico adjustables. I also bought a Steeda G-Trac brace because a local shop was selling them for $40.00 and I figured that was a real bargain (even if it doesn't work). My next step is to buy a Fays2 Watts Link which will eliminate the need for an adjustable panhard bar, and should eliminate the need to ever buy new upper or lower control arms. After that, it's either the FRPP swaybar package or the Steeda swaybars, but I'm leaning towards the Steedas because they're adjustable and for roughly the same price.

There's still a lot for me to learn, but I think I can tell you this: Get the automatic. That right there is much, much more important than getting the Track Pack. I live in SoCal and I drive a manual so I feel your pain. At the same time, you will be able to create a handling package for your own Mustang which will be a lot better than the Track Pack and won't be so dependent on the Pirelli Tires which will someday need to be replaced for about $250.00 per tire. Do the math.

By the way, if you need to know a good performance shop in SoCal, I use a place called GTR Performance in Rancho Cucamonga. They did a phenomenal job on a 3:73 gear install for me last year, and they also fixed a bad muffler install someone else did.

Sweet! I live in Rancho thats good to know.

By the way, did you ever get a chance to read the "Groot" threads? He was a systems dynamics engineer who worked on the track pack. He posted here for about a week before he asked all of his posts to be removed. It was very enlightening

I have been extremly happy so far with the track pack. I do have to say the ride is rougher then the stock suspension. You noticed every little bump that you hit on the road but I have to say it has not bothered me yet. When driving the car sticks to the road like crazy. I agree i believe the majority of what you are paying for is the tires and so far they have been worth every penny. That is the first month review.

I don't have the track pack and all I can say is that the stock suspension is great! I have yet to push the car beyond its limits with spirited driving. The track pack or aftermarket parts would help if you autocross, but just daily driving, the 2010 handles a lot better than my 2006 did.
I guess that it depends on what you want the car to do. If I were looking at buying one now or soon, I would test drive each and see what fits my needs and budget.

Yeah, I did read the Groot threads. They were pretty useful until they got pulled. What really opened my eyes, though, was his statement that Ford (even with the Track Pack) would still be pushing the FRPP Handling Pack as an upgrade for 2010's. Obviously he didn't come right out and say it, but the logical implication is that even Ford believes that the Track Pack, while better than the stock parts, is still not as good as an aftermarket solution (the FRPP handling pack).

Can you please give us the highlights of the Groot Threads as I missed it.

Thanks in advance,

Roger

I would if I could. Unfortunately, I didn't actually save any of the posts, I don't remember exactly what Groot said (he made many posts), and most likely the recent "hack" of the site took out any threads where people had copied his posts. Maybe someone out there still has the Groot threads saved...

Same here, sorry I can't help you mach....

Very interesting.

Obviously this is secondhand (although stangfoeva may be able to lend some additional credence to that inference), but that is interesting that they would imply that the Handling Pack would still be a notable upgrade over the "Track Pack".

I guess because the "Track Pack" includes gears, tires, brake pads, etc, it's not exactly apples-to-apples, though.

Basically, what they're saying is that at least SOME of the parts included in the handling pack are superior to what you get with the Track Pack, whether it be the sway bars, springs, dampers, etc.

My understanding from what Groot posted is that the frpp guys are seperate from the track pack guys. They are also seprate from the guys working on the shelby. Sure they probably share info/ people, but it is just a seperate group of people doing the tuning

Without slinging mud on the frpp guys, groot did say he felt the track pack couldn't be beat at its price point...

It's hard to beat a factory upgrade like that for the price.

If you go out and buy the FRPP stuff, you're buying the parts outright.

If you buy the track pack, you're getting 3.73's IN PLACE OF the standard gears, great tires IN PLACE OF the standard tires, new dampers IN PLACE OF the standard dampers... etc.

Sure, you could SELL the stock stuff maybe, but it's hard to beat the Track Pack because you're essentially just paying for the cost difference between the standard and upgraded parts. If you do it AFTER, you pay for BOTH the standard and upgraded parts AND labor.

So yeah, the Track Pack is the way to go if it offers similar parts to what you would have purchased later anyway.

Here's something else I found. This is the press release from Ford regarding both the 2010 Track Pack and the FRPP Handling Pack. I have highlighted some key phrases.


ENTHUSIASTS CAN ADD NEW FACTORY TRACK PACK FOR 2010 MUSTANG, INSTALL FORD RACING PARTS

• Factory-installed Track Pack option features upgraded suspension parts, unique tuning and special 19-inch Pirelli summer tires for enthusiasts seeking even more performance
• Track Pack is available this summer on 2010 Mustang GT coupes with manual transmissions
• Car and Driver magazine selects 2010 Mustang fit with Track Pack as best muscle car in comparison test versus Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger
• Parts from Ford Racing's FR3 Handling Pack available for enthusiasts seeking even more – backed by warranty and available for self or dealer installation

DEARBORN, Mich., June 10, 2009 – The 2010 Ford Mustang, now in dealer showrooms, builds on a proud, unbroken 45-year heritage of Fast, Fun and Affordable with an all-new exterior design, available cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements pioneered on Ford's extensive racing and special programs.
One hallmark of Mustang's enduring popularity is the opportunity to customize this American icon. Enthusiasts who have personalized and customized Mustangs range from legends, such as Carroll Shelby, to professional drivers to hobbyists who enjoy a weekend at the track.
For those customers interested in more-aggressive performance, an optional factory-installed Track Pack is available this summer for 2010 Ford Mustang GT coupes with manual transmission. Ford Racing's FR3 Handling Package also is available for those enthusiasts who want even more aggressive suspension tuning and can be installed in their garage or at a Ford dealer. Car and Driver magazine recently declared a 2010 Mustang equipped with a Track Pack the winner in a comparison test against the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, calling the body control of the Mustang with the Track Pack "astounding."
For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing compiling victories and championships on road courses all over the world. In just the last few years Ford Racing's Mustang FR500C captured the European GT4 drivers championship (2007, 2008) and the Grand-AM KONI Challenge championship (2005, 2008).
"At Ford, we always apply what we learn at the track to the street," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Performance/Enthusiast Manager. "The Track Pack and Ford Racing FR3 Handling Pack continue that heritage and give our performance customers great ways to have an even sportier experience in the 2010 Mustang GT coupe."
Packaged aimed at performance enthusiasts
Both the 2010 V-6 and GT models feature improved handling, but Team Mustang wanted to create a distinctive option package aimed at performance enthusiasts. Starting with the 2010 GT manual coupe, the engineering team was able to create a package that hits the sweet spot.
The first ingredient was to add a high-performance summer tire, and the 19-inch Pirelli P Zero P255/40ZR-19 proved to be an inspired choice for improved grip. Ford's engineering team then went to work on the underpinnings of the 2010 Mustang GT coupe, using Ford's proven technology from the Shelby GT500 program.
The front and rear stabilizer bars from the 2009 Shelby GT500 complement the Pirelli tires and help balance the Track Pack 2010 Mustang GT coupe front to rear. The struts and shocks were retuned for the increased capability of the new tire and stabilizer bar changes. The engineering team also spent significant time at the track to ensure the Track Pack was rewarding on the track and offered a balance of spirited driving and track prowess.
The roll gradient (how much the car rolls while steering) was reduced nearly 13 percent compared with the base 2010 Mustang GT. Damping was increased by 23 percent in the front and 8 percent in the rear in the low- to mid-speed compared to the 2010 Mustang GT.
"By reducing the roll gradient, the car stays flatter in turns," said Tom Barnes, Vehicle Engineering Manager, 2010 Mustang. "And when the car is flatter, the driver is more in command and more confident in what the car's doing.
"Great handling comes from great control. A driver's control of the vehicle is facilitated by information. This Track Pack communicates to the driver through the tires and suspension so well that is it easy to drive very quickly. It rewards smooth driving, while offering great capacity to cover driver error."
Looking at all areas for improvement
In addition to the hardware changes and extensive tuning, the Ford team also took a more holistic approach to improving the Track Pack Mustang.
"Handling is not just chassis," Barnes said. "Vehicle dynamics – how the Mustang responds under acceleration and braking – is important as well."
The solution from the powertrain part of the equation was to use a 3.73 limited-slip axle with carbon-fiber clutch plates.
"The 3.73 axle allows for a more-responsive Mustang, especially at mid-range speeds," Barnes said. "The carbon-fiber plates allow a very robust architecture in terms of temperature and repeated hard driving on the track."
Performance® Friction brake pads, which better resist brake fade, are used front and rear. Both the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac were retuned to complement the advanced capabilities of the new tires and brakes. AdvanceTrac is standard on the 2010 GT coupe and can be operated in any of three modes: On, Off or Sport.
"The Track Pack covers all the bases," Barnes said. "The new tires give the Mustang more grip, we have a more-responsive acceleration, better brake linings that are more consistent over time and the car is tied down better because of the changes to the bars and the shock tuning."
"Track Pack has the grip, the handling and it has the 'go.' And it absolutely can be used as a daily driver. Track Pack offers the best of both worlds – great performance on the track or if you're cruising down the road."
Ford Racing's FR3 Handling Pack features components proven out on the racetrack. Included in the pack are dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace.
"The FR3 Handling Pack is derived from our extensive experience with the Ford Mustang FR500C competing in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge and FIA GT4," said Andy Slankard, Engineering Supervisor, Ford Racing.
Enhancements from the FR3 Handling Pack include:

• Ride height lowered by more than 1 inch
• Increased spring rate by about 75 pounds to improve turn in and mid-corner performance
• Front and rear sway bars stiffened to eliminate roll
• Re-tuned dampers, increasing the compression and rebound

The Track Pack retails for $1,495 while the FR3 Handling Pack retails for $1,335.

Here's my take on this. Ford wants to sell you a car. However, it knows that not every American driver is a BMW/Audi/Volkswagen/Porsche junkie that lusts for a stiff Euro-style suspension. In fact, there are still many Americans, including Mustang drivers, who still desire a cushy ride (not that there is anything wrong with that). And Ford doesn't want its buyers to be complaining to their friends and family members that their new Mustang with its hot handling pack suspension rides the freeways like a turn-of-the-century haywagon. Of course, this could have been largely solved by the use of IRS rather than the turn-of-the-century technology of a live rear axle, but that's another story.

So, they offer two handling packs, the "Track Pack" and Ford Racing's "Handling Pack". Both are decent solutions, but the Track Pack is designed to appeal to the daily driver who wants his Mustang to have handling prowess, but not have ride quality which may offend the uninformed. At the same time, the Handling Pack is designed for someone who wants the best, at least in terms of the numbers that car magazines use, and doesn't care about the ride quality (or any of the other quirks that may arise). The Track Pack is, I think, a compromise between the stock GT and the more user unfriendly suspension of the Shelby GT.

But at the same time, the Track Pack plays into Ford's hands. First, the Bullitt springs you get are decent, but little better than the stock springs. The shocks and struts are nothing to write home about...and they will start to suck after a few thousand miles (hence my best friend's experience with his Bullitt), and the rest of the parts (swaybars, lower control arms, strut mounts, etc) are decent but priced separately are not that much money. What you're really paying for are those Pirelli tires which will ultimately wear out and have to be replaced. And who are most people going to go to for replacement? You got it, THE FORD DEALER. Congrats to you! You'll have the opportunity to purchase the lion's share of that Track Pack again! And again...and again...and again, for as long as you own the car. And of course you WILL purchase the tires again, because if you don't, you will definitely feel it the next time you get behind the wheel.

In addition, the FRPP Handling Pack is not the end-all of handling solutions. Some of it, like the swaybars are good, the rest of it is not so good. And there is better stuff out there. I think the problem is not getting hung up on the Ford name. Because Ford doesn't make those parts. Eibach does. What this means is that even if you purchase FRPP, you're still going aftermarket, but you're not taking advantage of the best that the aftermarket may be able to offer.

All I can say, and I'm sorry that this is so long, is that the real solution is to be patient, do as much research as possible, ask a buttload of questions to someone who knows what he or she is talking about, and be open to new ideas. In the last several months, I've changed my mind on at least 3-4 different handling solutions before I could actually spend money on them. But, I am pretty confident in what I have purchased so far.

The only things I've purchased so far are:
1) FRPP Strut Tower Brace (but this should come standard on the 2010)
2) Tokico D-Specs
3) Steeda G-Trac Brace ('cause it was only $40.00)
4) Steeda Ultralite Springs

Well I took a Track Pack car for a spin last night. I don't think I can accurately compare it to base suspension as it was done on different roads. However, I will say that the car had far less body roll, and while the suspension was firm, it was compliant. The car still has the 4x4 effect going on! lol