Shelby GT500 Goes to the track! (not the 1320') ;o)

[ac427cobra]

*****EDIT FOR VIDEO CONSOLIDATION ***** 10-30-06

Ok Guys:

I have compiled ALL of the videos in this thread right here in this summary so they don't have to be hunted down through the entire thread!

Video #1. This is the link to the teaser video that was posted up first:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/f...5e00116b45.htm


Video #2. Here is what was actually supposed to be the first video of track preparation and track indoctrination of the GT500.
This video starts out with a video camera set-up check and a short clip of some brake pad bedding on the street. Then goes to a short intro in the paddock at Road America to my first laps at speed on the track Saturday morning.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/d...6400ac3e70.htm


Video #3. This video is the Shelby Outing Part II. AKA Damian's ride. Damian is one of my Track Dawgz and he rides shotgun for the first time in the car. He was actually my first passenger! He adds color commentary as we go.

We encounter another one of our Track Dawgz, Andrew and his out of control Mazda RX7 on this video.

As you will see, Damian is pretty fired up riding in the car for the car's first event. We have a great time together on track. Especially when we chase each other around. He also has a highly modded Gen III Mazda RX7.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/0...650024d103.htm


This is video #3a Shelby Outing part IIa AKA The end of Damian's ride. More entertaining fun with my Track Dawg riding shotgun.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...73018b3d9f.htm


This is video #4. Part III in the series.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...6c01693540.htm


Video #5. Here is the Shelby track outing vid IV in the series.
I give my neighbor's son a ride in the car. We chase down Andrew in his out of control Mazda RX7. Then Damian blows our doors off with his more out of control RX7! We just can't compete with these track maniacs!

Then the crazy fast NSX (fastest car at the event) sucks my driver's door off he goes by so fast. I think I have more footage of him and I will have to capture it?

Then the video jumps to the last session of the day and I chase down Dennis in his Cobra with the "R" wing on it and Mike in his stock '03 Cobra. Yet to come is the play session with Marv and Clay. Which is pretty good!
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...69001d6109.htm


Short clip bonus video:

Here's Mike's vid of me passing him before the Kink. This exact session and pass from my camera was in the last video posted. Now this is the shot from his camera:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...6901780d09.htm


Another one of Mike's Bonus clips from his camera. Thanks for sharing Mike!

Some great footage here!
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1...6a0167b229.htm


Video #6. This is video V in a series of Shelby track videos. On this particular video it was the last session of the day and the A & B groups were combined. So Marv, Clay and me were finally able to run together on the track.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...6900b396b5.htm


Video #7. This is video VI in a series. This is my fast lap of the weekend. 2:39 was the lap time with a lucky, perfectly timed pass of an SHO after turn six. But I didn't get so lucky when I got stuck behind a GTO from turn 12 to turn 14.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/7...770011e230.htm

Video #8. This is video VII in a series. Andy's split screen of our Sunday morning session. It's a long video about 25 minutes. Grid to paddock return.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...8200f1d1cf.htm

***** END EDIT *****





Ok Gang:

I know a few of you are chomping at the bit to hear the story about the trip to the track with the car last weekend! It was a good outing. Once I got used to driving the car!

The Midwest F-Body Association hosted the event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. It's truly one of the only World class tracks in North America. I'm lucky enough to live about an hour away. (Ok, an hour and ten minutes pulling the hauler!)

Saturday was a tad on the cool side and the track never warmed up very much. It was quite cloudy, windy and cool. I don't think ANYONE had overheating issues?!!?

Shelby GT500 Driving Impressions:

The GT500 was very different to drive than what I'm used to driving my R. It took almost all day to figure out how it needs to be driven! I came up quite short of my lap time goal on Saturday. I asked my friend Damian what kind of lap times he was turning and he told me he was running 2:35's. (approximately five seconds off his normal blistering pace of 2:30) So, I felt much better about my 2:41 and change at that point. Now I'm thinking if I can crack 2:40 I'll be happy.

Sunday came and it was sunny. The track seemed to have more grip. Temps were up slightly and the wind was dying down. I finally broke 2:40 on Sunday morning.

I should be taken out in back and shot with monkey shit! I made several bad decisions. First was the wheel/tire combo I ran on the car. 275/35-18 on all four corners so I could rotate tires to all positions on the car. This car needs a bigger tire, period! Second bad decision was 9.500" wide wheels. This car needs a 10.5". Third bad decision, (having never had a car with traction control before) which wasn't really a decision at all, was forgetting to turn off the traction control the entire event!!!!! Ha ha, yeah, give me the dumbass award for that one!

After I figured out how to drive a soft factory suspended vehicle, I was able to be a little more comfortable behind the wheel. All in all it went pretty well.

For tracking, the GT500 would benefit from stiffer springs, stiffer front sway bar and it needs to be lowered a total of about five inches. Two in front and three in back! I'm not sure how far I really want to go with this car?. I LOVE it on the street and it's very comfortable totally stock! IMHO it makes a very capable back-up car just like it is!

Here is an on track action shot coming out of turn 14.



I uploaded a "teaser" video of a little chase with a couple of C5-Z06's and a Porsche GT-3.

I'm waiting for a completion email from streetfire once they render the video. Stay tuned. I will get the link up as soon as they send it to me!

Lots more videos and updates to come. I can also put more pics up if you guys are interested?!?!

Not to give anything away, but the GT500 kicks ass on track!! Now you know what your Moderator does on the weekends.



PS Oh, forgot the mods: Wheels, Tires, Front Pads, a Tune and Corsa Axle-backs. Front brake cooling also!

[ON D BIT]

more pics please!!!!!!????????!!!!!!???!!!!!

[ac427cobra]

Originally Posted by ON D BIT

more pics please!!!!!!????????!!!!!!???!!!!!

I'm tired and have to hit the sack! Tomorrow night I'll get some more photos up!

[ON D BIT]

Originally Posted by ac427cobra

I'm tired and have to hit the sack! Tomorrow night I'll get some more photos up!

I can also put more pics up if you guys are interested?!?!

internet post tease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[07 Shelby]

Looks like she's holding pretty well out of that turn.

[dgussin1]

Awesome Bruce! Looks like a lot of fun. I am going to try and hit the Autobahn before winter! And just so you know, my suspension setup rides just as well as stock. You can do a 450 front spring and a 250 rear spring and be fine for daily use. That will make the car FLAT in the turns.

[BlackBolt9]

Do you leave the headlight tape on for the street? I actually think it looks good that way and the black wheels are very nice as well. Does Gwen know that Scarlett stole her number for the weekend?

[dgussin1]

what is your best time in the R there? and what kind of car/mods does damian have?

[MD03SVT]

I know the Monkey shit feeling,the 1st time I went to the strip with my Shelby there was so much interest in the car from tech to the staging lanes that I forgot the T/C & left the AC on for the first couple of runs.Have fun with the car & keep us informed on mods as together we will all benefit in the long run.

[Caddy92]

GREAT PIC!!!!

Glad to see your really pushing her to the limit. I apologize in advance if i missed the thread but when did you mod it? I recall you saying it was going to remain stock?

I saw your vid on YouTube and it faucking rocked! Good to see you finally caught that Zo6. Post some more pics of your "race-prepped" GT500 to if you got'em.

[ac427cobra]

Ok Guys!!!! Exciting news!!! Video is READY!!

Remember this is just a teaser until I can get all my stuff together after my trip to Texas this weekend!

I will answer a bunch of the posted questions in an hour or two. So, without further delay, enjoy the chase!! I sure did!!!

Streetfire linky:

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/f...5e00116b45.htm

[broeli]

Looks good. What kind of tires were you running? What kind of run group was it..HPDE4? It looks like it was a mixed group...or an open track event.
Road America is a good track for the GT500. I was going to go to Road America this weekend for the NASA event but something else came up.
Are you going to run it more next year or stick to running the R?

[BlackBolt9]

Very nice Bruce. I can't wait to watch the rest of them. That must not have been black death since I know he gives the "R" a run for its money. Great driving and hopefully one of these days I can make it over to your home track!

[WILDTHANG]

Nice Video! It looks like you were having too much fun

I was just curious, did you disable your ABS and your Air Bags?

There have been a few Gt500s poping up on local tracks here in Nor Cal.




Also SportsCar Magazine just did a shootout between the Red GT500 (in the 1st pic) and a Roush Stage 3. I wasn't at the track, but I heard from the owner that the the Shelby ran away from the Roush on the road course. Plus, there was a drag race using the front straight and the Shelby won that also. BTW the Roush was being driven by a pro driver and the GT500 by an experienced club driver.

It is hard to believe they are as front heavy as they are, they sure handle nice. I bet you would like another crack at that track with some 3.73s ???

[ac427cobra]

Originally Posted by dgussin1

And just so you know, my suspension setup rides just as well as stock. You can do a 450 front spring and a 250 rear spring and be fine for daily use. That will make the car FLAT in the turns.

Dave:

That is very interesting because I'd like to do some suspension work but I'd really rather not sacrifice that nice ride! I'll have to think about that!?

Originally Posted by BlackBolt9

Do you leave the headlight tape on for the street? I actually think it looks good that way and the black wheels are very nice as well. Does Gwen know that Scarlett stole her number for the weekend?

Tom:

The headlight (and front end) tape was just for the track. The brake ductwork is held in place soley by tape!

"Gwen" and "Scarlett" get along nicely. They are stable mates. "Brenda" is soon to join them. I figured seeing the number was white instead of black it would be ok?

Originally Posted by dgussin1

what is your best time in the R there? and what kind of car/mods does damian have?

I ran a 2:30 in my "R" this Summer at Road America. Damian has a TOTALLY out of control Gen III Mazda RX7 (modded to the hilt!) AND he can drive the damn wheels off that thing!

Originally Posted by Caddy92

GREAT PIC!!!!

Glad to see your really pushing her to the limit. I apologize in advance if i missed the thread but when did you mod it? I recall you saying it was going to remain stock?

I saw your vid on YouTube and it faucking rocked! Good to see you finally caught that Zo6. Post some more pics of your "race-prepped" GT500 to if you got'em.

Yeah, in my book it's pathetically stock. And it drives that way too!

More pics will go up tonight!

Originally Posted by broeli

Looks good. What kind of tires were you running? What kind of run group was it..HPDE4? It looks like it was a mixed group...or an open track event.
Road America is a good track for the GT500. I was going to go to Road America this weekend for the NASA event but something else came up.
Are you going to run it more next year or stick to running the R?

I'm running 275/35-18 (way too small for this car) Nitto NT-01's. It was an open track event Advanced Group. They have a faster group "Assertive" which I always run in with my R but didn't want to start out in that group until I got comfortable with the car.

I will probably run the car again but just don't know when? This was kind of a last minute decision. MY R is a lot more effortless to drive.

Originally Posted by BlackBolt9

Very nice Bruce. I can't wait to watch the rest of them. That must not have been black death since I know he gives the "R" a run for its money. Great driving and hopefully one of these days I can make it over to your home track!

Tom:

My Buddy Tom that drives "Black Death" was in the assertive group and he would surely tear me up bad in this car? Him and I are neck and neck when I'm in my "R". His C5-Z06 has headers, intake, cam, head work and a bunch of other stuff (I'm sure?) that he's hiding from me!

Originally Posted by WILDTHANG

Nice Video! It looks like you were having too much fun

I was just curious, did you disable your ABS and your Air Bags?

It is hard to believe they are as front heavy as they are, they sure handle nice. I bet you would like another crack at that track with some 3.73s ???

Wildthang:

I actually like the ABS on track. It gives me good feedback. I would not want to disable the air bags either. It's a safety thing.

This car does not show it's front end weight on the street. But once you get to the track, you can feel it.

I'm sure a lower gear ratio would be nice? I wouldn't want to be shifting into 6th gear though! That would be major painage!


More to come. Hang tight!

[dgussin1]

Perfect mods for a track hungry car (BRUCE): GC 450/250 coil overs, FRPP 3.73 gears, BMR Panhard bar, strange diff cover, bmr upper and lower rear control arms, steeda x5 ball joints, 2.6 upper pulley and idler, long tube headers (the heat dissipation is worth it) and catted x and catback. This setup will have you pulling 2.29's.

[ShelbyGuy]

z06 are crunchy and tasty with ketchup!

bruce you are smooooooooooooooooooth. love that tight line through the carousel.

is your shelby's production number 177 too, or do you just have lots of pre-cut 177 sheets?

[Purvis]

That is an F'n awesome video.

Looks like the GT500 did quite well at the track!
Interestingly, it looks like you were realling that C5Z in, during the turns, instead of the straights!

You got some balls to be taking your brand new car to the track..

[JETSOLVER]

More!!

Please.

[ac427cobra]

Originally Posted by dgussin1

Perfect mods for a track hungry car (BRUCE): GC 450/250 coil overs, FRPP 3.73 gears, BMR Panhard bar, strange diff cover, bmr upper and lower rear control arms, steeda x5 ball joints, 2.6 upper pulley and idler, long tube headers (the heat dissipation is worth it) and catted x and catback. This setup will have you pulling 2.29's.

Dave:

With those mods, Boris Said or Ron Fellows may be able to turn a 2:29 but not me? Scarlett would need an Adkins diet for me to do it! But I like your list!

Originally Posted by ShelbyGuy

z06 are crunchy and tasty with ketchup!

bruce you are smooooooooooooooooooth. love that tight line through the carousel.

is your shelby's production number 177 too, or do you just have lots of pre-cut 177 sheets?

All my girls have a taste for Z06's. It's got something to do with their upbringing?!

I'm not sure what my production number is? The 177 was just because I'm used to having that number?

Originally Posted by Purvis

That is an F'n awesome video.

Looks like the GT500 did quite well at the track!
Interestingly, it looks like you were realling that C5Z in, during the turns, instead of the straights!

You got some balls to be taking your brand new car to the track..

Chris:

Thanks. The brakes on the GT500 are simply amazing! I caught EVERYBOBY going into the turns. Next year my "R" is going to have the 14" Brembo kit on the front! Then look out!

Cars are meant to be driven. Not sitting is some garage with a cover over them!!

Originally Posted by JETSOLVER

More!!

Please.

Patience my friend! Patience! More is on the way!!

[2-slow]

Awesome video Bruce! More pics!

[NyteByte]

Great video.

I'm really glad to see the GT500 performing so well at the track. I was worried there for a while with all the talk of its heavy weight.

How did the brakes hold up?

And the most important question: Are the pedals on the GT500 aligned properly so you can finally heel-and-toe without being double jointed? This is one thing that drives me nuts on my 03 Cobra.

[Blk98Slobra]

Awesome video, thanks

[ON D BIT]

Originally Posted by ac427cobra

"Gwen" and "Scarlett" get along nicely. They are stable mates. "Brenda" is soon to join them. I figured seeing the number was white instead of black it would be ok?

2 questions:

who is brenda?

does your wife know?

[ac427cobra]

Originally Posted by NyteByte

Great video.

I'm really glad to see the GT500 performing so well at the track. I was worried there for a while with all the talk of its heavy weight.

How did the brakes hold up?

And the most important question: Are the pedals on the GT500 aligned properly so you can finally heel-and-toe without being double jointed? This is one thing that drives me nuts on my 03 Cobra.

The brakes were simply amazing. On Sunday, after my balls to the wall run to break 2:40 my pads got down to the point where I felt they would not finish out the remaining (3) sessions. So I put new front pads in. The rear (stock OEM pads) are worn about 1/4-1/3.

Pedals in the GT500 are MUCH better placed for heel/toe work.

Originally Posted by ON D BIT

2 questions:

who is brenda?

does your wife know?

All of my 'special' cars have names. Brenda is my 1966 Mustang Coupe full restoration, Hi-Po 289 (NOS) shortblock, Windsor 351 heads, big block st. st. valves, ported, polished, 3 angle valve job, 7/16" screw in studs, roller rockers, port matched hi-rise intake, w/600 Holley double pumper, Accel distributor, Mallory coil, Shelby Tri-Y headers, top-loader four speed, Hurst shifter, 3:70 Detroit locker 9" rear. Never been to the strip. Closest it came to a race track was three touring laps on the Milwaukee Mile Oval.