45 replies to this topic

[NMAv]

I've done all sorts of mods to my car but have never gotten it out to the track, well come the Shelby Bash 2013 I have two days of track time scheduled.  I've got the SVT 20 - 19 combo setup that I normally run.  Everything I have read says that 20 wheels for road racing is not a good thing.  So my question is, what is recommended of this application?

Edited by NMAv, 17 December 2012 - 05:39 PM.

[clark17357]

You will get various responses.  If you run street tires, it will be challenging under any circumstances.  I have never run anything other than 18" wheels on the track.  That provides a fair amount of side wall.  I have raced a Boss 302 and he had street tires and 19" wheels and he did pretty well.  Mostly, be careful until you are familiar with how your car handles at speed.  Your car is wicked fast for the straight away but physics still apply in the corners.  Add street tires to all your power and things in the corners can get real interesting real fast.  Have a great time at the Bash.

Jim

[TrakRat]

The SVTPP is a competent package as it is for someone that hasn't been the track before.  You have a boat load of power so you may end up BBQing your brakes if it is hot out.

[Secondo]

Your stock wheels/tires should be good enough for your first time. You will be surprised how far you can push it. Also, for yours and everyone's safety, including the cars, don't forget the brakes. Please change your brake fluid to a high-performance fluid that won't boil and fail during track braking.

Edited by Secondo, 19 December 2012 - 07:29 AM.

[ilmor]

I agree - brakes are more critical.

On my SGT I ran on my stock 18's and all weather original BFG tires...sliding was fun....

[mark.barton]

 Secondo, on 19 December 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

Your stock wheels/tires should be good enough for your first time. You will be surprised how far you can push it. Also, for yours and everyone's safety, including the cars, don't forget the brakes. Please change your brake fluid to a high-performance fluid that won't boil and fail during track braking.

+1 on all of this. Street tires and brake fluid.The other thing you will need is a good air pressure gauge regardless of the tires you are running. When you get to the track talk to other drivers and see what they are running for pressures. I will not only help save your tires a bit, but it will help the car handle more predictably.

Oh, and welcome to the track addict world. If you are not one now, you will be.............

Mark

[Albino500]

 NMAv, on 17 December 2012 - 03:49 PM, said:

I've done all sorts of mods to my car but have never gotten it out to the track, well come the Shelby Bash 2013 I have two days of track time scheduled.  I've got the SVT 20 - 19 combo setup that I normally run.  Everything I have read says that 20 wheels for road racing is not a good thing.  So my question is, what is recommended of this application?

After reading your description of mods on your 2011 GT500 and noting your level of experience I would suggest going with a set of 19x9.5 RTR wheels and putting on a set of Kumho Ecsta XS 285/35-19 tires on all four corners . JMO P.S. - these tires are "legal " for ST class cars running in SCCA.

[NMAv]

What brand brake fluid would you recommend?

And thank you!

Edited by NMAv, 19 December 2012 - 06:34 PM.

[Albino500]

You can go with either the Ford High Performance brake fluid , Castrol Dot 4 ( formally known as LMA ) , or Motul RBF600 . As far as brake pads go -if you want something for street performance/limited track use go with Hawk HPS pads front and rear (better than stock and NO SQUEAL). True track pads will squeal . If you're considering performance rotors - go with slotted only ( crossdrilled are for looks and when the edge of a counter/radius hole wears it becomes a heat sink point and creates/ forms cracks on the rotor surface) 2 piece (floater) fronts because of the fixed front calipers . (I.E. = DBA5000)  JMO P.S. - If you are going to put on SS braided hoses make sure that they are DOT approved .

Edited by Albino500, 19 December 2012 - 07:01 PM.

[andrewnagle1964]

 Albino500, on 19 December 2012 - 06:59 PM, said:

You can go with either the Ford High Performance brake fluid , Castrol Dot 4 ( formally known as LMA ) , or Motul RBF600 . As far as brake pads go -if you want something for street performance/limited track use go with Hawk HPS pads front and rear (better than stock and NO SQUEAL). True track pads will squeal . If you're considering performance rotors - go with slotted only ( crossdrilled are for looks and when the edge of a counter/radius hole wears it becomes a heat sink point and creates/ forms cracks on the rotor surface) 2 piece (floater) fronts because of the fixed front calipers . (I.E. = DBA5000)  JMO P.S. - If you are going to put on SS braided hoses make sure that they are DOT approved .

This ^^^^^

Have fun !

[jmn444]

I run the Kuhmo ecsta xs tires on my '68 and really like them, they are a damn good value IMO.

[3ponies]

I average doing 4 track events a year for the last 5 years. I am very happy with Cooper S3s that Jack Roush worked with Cooper on and 18 inch wheels. I use Hawk Pads and Dot 4 Fluid. It is a great hobby. Be safe and have fun  young Jedi! There are some real good track folks on here to coach you.

Edited by 3ponies, 27 December 2012 - 05:08 AM.

[03 DSG Snake]

I wouldn't mind a set of these for track duty http://fordracingpar...tKeyField=13505

[Secondo]

 3ponies, on 27 December 2012 - 05:07 AM, said:

I average doing 4 track events a year for the last 5 years. I am very happy with Cooper S3s that Jack Roush worked with Cooper on and 18 inch wheels. I use Hawk Pads and Dot 4 Fluid. It is a great hobby. Be safe and have fun  young Jedi! There are some real good track folks on here to coach you.

Which tire sizes do you put on your car since they don't have the Ford specified sizes for our GT500? Thanks.

Edited by Secondo, 27 December 2012 - 08:52 AM.

[3ponies]

 Secondo, on 27 December 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

Which tire sizes do you put on your car since they don't have the Ford specified sizes for our GT500? Thanks.

I use my Roush Stage 3 on the Track the Coopers are 275/40R18. The Stage 3 is more like a Sheby Super Charged GT than a GT500. The best price you will get on these tires is via Roush Performance. No Tax, No shipping. I just bought my 3rd set from them. My wheels are 18X10. All wheels and tires are the same size.

[Roush GR40]

Stock tires are a bit pricey for open track duty IMHO.  I prefer to run 18 x 9.5 wheels (less rotating mass = better braking) all the way around so they can be cross rotated to prolong life.  For tires...a Nitto NT-01, Toyo RA-1 Proxy or a Hoosier R6 for more agressive driving.  I have a complete setup for sale on ebay if you are looking...they only have about 100 miles/3 heat cycles on them...basically brand new. http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1558.l2649  Please PM me if interested.

[Roush GR40]

 03 DSG Snake, on 27 December 2012 - 08:38 AM, said:

I wouldn't mind a set of these for track duty http://fordracingpar...tKeyField=13505

This is the ultimate set of open track wheels...I think they are only about 17 or 18 pounds each.  Here they are on my '12 GT500 with Hoosier R6's (275/35x18)

[NMAv]

 Roush GR40, on 27 December 2012 - 09:42 AM, said:

Stock tires are a bit pricey for open track duty IMHO.  I prefer to run 18 x 9.5 wheels (less rotating mass = better braking) all the way around so they can be cross rotated to prolong life.  For tires...a Nitto NT-01, Toyo RA-1 Proxy or a Hoosier R6 for more agressive driving.  I have a complete setup for sale on ebay if you are looking...they only have about 100 miles/3 heat cycles on them...basically brand new. http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1558.l2649  Please PM me if interested.

Thanks. NC is a long way from CO.  I was looking at a set of 18s from American Racing with new Nittos mounted etc delvered for ~ 1800.  Spoke with Jer @ SPP and he said they will be coming out with some sort of track wheel in the near future so I'm gonig to hold off for now.  Not sure if it would be a wheel/tire combo or what but I can afford to wait a month or so as I won't be tracking the car until the bash in March.

[Secondo]

 3ponies, on 27 December 2012 - 09:36 AM, said:

I use my Roush Stage 3 on the Track the Coopers are 275/40R18. The Stage 3 is more like a Sheby Super Charged GT than a GT500. The best price you will get on these tires is via Roush Performance. No Tax, No shipping. I just bought my 3rd set from them. My wheels are 18X10. All wheels and tires are the same size.

Ok, got it. Thanks for the info and advice, 3Ponies!! A friend of mine is a Cooper dealer, I'll ask him to get me a price.

Ever since the Ponies In The Poconos event I attended I've been bitten by the track racing bug! This is all great wheel/tire track advice in here! Thanks all!

Edited by Secondo, 27 December 2012 - 03:19 PM.

[3ponies]

 Secondo, on 27 December 2012 - 03:17 PM, said:

Ok, got it. Thanks for the info and advice, 3Ponies!! A friend of mine is a Cooper dealer, I'll ask him to get me a price.

Ever since the Ponies In The Poconos event I attended I've been bitten by the track racing bug! This is all great wheel/tire track advice in here! Thanks all!

I believe that HOD is planning an event this year at Pocono. A lot of my Roush friends are looking forward to an event there.