Shelby GT350R-C Debut

[Tob]

From Ford Performance...

 

[GT Premi]

I think there was a lot of deliberate driver input there to make the thing dance. He probably had little to no seat time in it and was trying to get a feel for its mannerism and heat up the tires a bit.

Egg Zachary!

 

[GT Premi]

Tob, I'm surprised you didn't comment on what looks to be composite rotor hubs/hats on the front brake rotors. Or is that just a spacer?

 

[Willie2]

what is the reasoning behind the stitch welds?

 

[F8L SN8K]

^^^
Increases structural rigidity.

 

[Tob]

Tob, I'm surprised you didn't comment on what looks to be composite rotor hubs/hats on the front brake rotors. Or is that just a spacer?

It's a spacer.

what is the reasoning behind the stitch welds?

Really tightens up the overall structure.

Note the stat shown on the 2013 Boss 302R hero card. The stock numbers are out there if you look.

It was an option on the S.

 

[SID297]

I'm really considering picking up a 302S at some point. They are such a bargain.

 

[Willie2]

seam welding, I've seen that in the hero cards. you said stitch welds.

 

[NametoShowOther]

seam welding, I've seen that in the hero cards. you said stitch welds.

Welding of the seams by using stitch welds

 

[AustinSN]

Welding of the seams by using stitch welds

Isn't a seam weld stronger than a stitch weld?

 

[GT Premi]

Isn't a seam weld stronger than a stitch weld?

Think "weight savings." As you can see from your example, there's a lot more added material in a seam weld versus a stitch weld. That weight adds up and literally outweighs the benefits over a stitch weld in a race car application.

 

[F8L SN8K]

The panels are already spot welded from the factory. I stitch weld certain seams while fully welding some of the seams to add structural rigidity to the race cars while still trying to minimize weight. It's always a game of compromise. Based upon what the car needs to do an what forces are placed on the chassis will dictate what areas and how they get reinforced. Road racing cars usually require a slightly different approach then drag cars. Some things are the same while others are vastly different.

And Travis I highly recommend picking up a Boss302S. They are awesome well engineered race cars. If you're serious about turning corners that car is one of the best factory turn key models. Of course Regan Racing and Watson engineering can set you up with fabulous race cars also. I may just have to build another one for myself now that we are talking about it. Perhaps the S550 when the BIW becomes available??? I'll have to check out those options I suppose.

 

[Willie2]

Thanks for the education guys. What always impresses me when I see it is how these cars can grip a wet track. I guess I've been in one too many wipeouts around a wet corner in friends cars.