@@NikRomanoRacing Hi Nik. I always wanted a Mustang convertible so I found this video very informative. 😁 Oh yea I still haven't learned how to drive a stick lol
On points lol. I track a 5.0 regularly and there are soooo many things needed to be solved on these car for it to go fast around a circuit. For the money I would totally add a bit on top and get a c5/c6 for less headaches.🤣🤣🤣
What kind of things? So far, I think the car handles great. I actually like solid axles. The biggest issue for corners speed for me right now is confidence in the brakes.
@@NikRomanoRacing Biggest thing for me is just like what you mentioned in the vid, outdated suspension is what hindered it the most. Plus improvements to be made here and there, like enlarging the strut opening if you want to go pass -3 camber; mine gets overheated easily before having a oil cooler and bigger radiator; need racing seats to stay in place; steering feels mushy partially because the hydro FLCA bushing, sometimes intrusive TC on later models etc. I solved the braking problem on mine with cooling ducts and 2015+ mustang’s 6 piston takeoffs and it’s been working well for me.
@@NikRomanoRacing With that said, I still enjoy tracking a “weird” car. I’m still learning and slowly building mine into a sub 2 machine around cw13 and TH East as well haha.
@@junyanli3386 depends on the shocks and hardware. I got -4 without cutting. In regards of TC, turn all nannies off, they are not needed. Open grille helps big times with the temps. I’m still on stock rad and with a mangled AC condensator. No heat issues.
@@Badger_S197 What’s your setup? I’m on Ground Control for now because Vorschlag’s MCS kit will take longer than I have (at the time) to deliver. And yeah that’s what I did turning off all TC, did you switch to the 302S abs module?
That second bar that you didn’t know what it is...it’s usually called a panhard bar support brace. It basically goes above it. Hard to explain but you’ll see more clearly when you take the oem panhard rod out. For used parts, I’ve had good luck with the markets on SVTP, StangNet, and occasionally Craigslist. LMR is a good resource for restoration parts and mods.
You sound way more knowledgeable than me when it comes to tuning, but Ive been tinkering with my S197 at the autocross. The car is shockingly nimble (for a Mustang lol) when equipped with coilovers (I've had mine corner-balanced, with a little more than 2 degrees negative camber in the front). I'll be heading out again with some sticky tires, and I think that will make a huge difference. I've been running 245s all seasons in the front, and now I'll have 275s all the way around. Really hoping to be in the top half of the field. Also concerning your ticking noise, that could either be the injectors, or a loose spark plug. I know that's a weird diagnosis but it happened to me. I replaced all the plugs and the noise was resolved.
It's only the second S197 I've driven on track (first was a later Coyote model, stock), and I was amazed at how good it is after just a little bit of suspension work. Good idea on the noise, I'll check the plugs. It's definitely not the loud injector issue, it's just one of eight that is making the noise. Actually, I haven't even looked at the plugs yet...I'm a terrible car owner.
I think of the S197 as a double-size AE86 for America. It has the same suspension concept, makes great noises without much acceleration, it's cheap, there's a V6 out there for the Itsukis of the world, and people laugh at it until they lose because you modded the nuts off of it. My buddy has a 2010 (the one year of post-facelift but pre-Coyote) and I have an NC2 Miata. It's stupid how similar they are in pace on a touge road. There's a rivalry there and I'm here for it.
I’m admittedly pretty much still a noob when it comes to track/seat time but a set of Koni orange shocks/struts made a huge difference on my 2014 GT and 1988 GT.
Also...whiteline fixed lower control arms got rid of the wheel hop on my 2014. Though if you are going to use it for the track, adjustable LCAs might be a better way to go. I also upgraded the panhard rod. I came across a really interesting thread on one of the S197 forums comparing a watts link versus a standard PHR upgrade. Sorry for all the comments but I’m commenting as I’m watching. 🌝
I'm trying to do as little as I possibly can. I'll do some crash bolts up front and I might do a Roush 3rd link, but that's probably it for suspension mods. I may even go back to the stock rear sway bar, since I'll likely get a lot more front grip from the crash bolts.
@@NikRomanoRacing I’m not super familiar with crash bolts but I ended up having to go with caster camber plates with my lowering springs. Pretty happy with the suspension over all though. Good luck with the setup. Will be watching your progress.
@@TacoPotatoMustang Crash bolts are just eccentrics that replace one or both of the OE bolts in the strut to spindle. Easiest and cheapest way to add camber.
It's light, true, but so is a Miata, or ZZW30, and those are way "better" in every measurable way. Did you watch my newer Mustang videos? Turns out, it's pretty easy to make this car good.
I always liked these models when I was a kid, but grew less fond of them later due to the 'mustang' name if you know what I mean. Modern(00's and up) American cars are looking more and more appealing than they did new. I bet this thing will have a lot less maintenance items than something in the pricepoint like an E46. Sub 2 on 13cw is actually a goal for my ZX, I got a 2;08 last time. However the parts cost will certainly will be a multiple of what you spend on the mustang.
ok sweet i just installed an adjustable panhard bar on my gx470 which i paid $6300 for and it has 263hp/330tqs... i might enter but will need a diet plan for the vehicle,... joking... .. im down to find a possible entry , ive always been a budgeted driver and sounds really fun
I learned a lot from this video. 👍👍
Good to hear from you Wendy, glad you liked it!
@@NikRomanoRacing Hi Nik. I always wanted a Mustang convertible so I found this video very informative. 😁
Oh yea I still haven't learned how to drive a stick lol
On points lol. I track a 5.0 regularly and there are soooo many things needed to be solved on these car for it to go fast around a circuit. For the money I would totally add a bit on top and get a c5/c6 for less headaches.🤣🤣🤣
What kind of things? So far, I think the car handles great. I actually like solid axles. The biggest issue for corners speed for me right now is confidence in the brakes.
@@NikRomanoRacing Biggest thing for me is just like what you mentioned in the vid, outdated suspension is what hindered it the most. Plus improvements to be made here and there, like enlarging the strut opening if you want to go pass -3 camber; mine gets overheated easily before having a oil cooler and bigger radiator; need racing seats to stay in place; steering feels mushy partially because the hydro FLCA bushing, sometimes intrusive TC on later models etc. I solved the braking problem on mine with cooling ducts and 2015+ mustang’s 6 piston takeoffs and it’s been working well for me.
@@NikRomanoRacing With that said, I still enjoy tracking a “weird” car. I’m still learning and slowly building mine into a sub 2 machine around cw13 and TH East as well haha.
@@junyanli3386 depends on the shocks and hardware. I got -4 without cutting. In regards of TC, turn all nannies off, they are not needed. Open grille helps big times with the temps. I’m still on stock rad and with a mangled AC condensator. No heat issues.
@@Badger_S197 What’s your setup? I’m on Ground Control for now because Vorschlag’s MCS kit will take longer than I have (at the time) to deliver. And yeah that’s what I did turning off all TC, did you switch to the 302S abs module?
Great video Nik! Also, the newest 911 GT3 is finally going to double a-arm setup (no more Macpherson!).
Thanks Charlie! Yeah, Porsche has finally realized their mistake. And are charging an extra 20k for it.
@@NikRomanoRacing 🤑
That second bar that you didn’t know what it is...it’s usually called a panhard bar support brace. It basically goes above it. Hard to explain but you’ll see more clearly when you take the oem panhard rod out. For used parts, I’ve had good luck with the markets on SVTP, StangNet, and occasionally Craigslist. LMR is a good resource for restoration parts and mods.
You sound way more knowledgeable than me when it comes to tuning, but Ive been tinkering with my S197 at the autocross. The car is shockingly nimble (for a Mustang lol) when equipped with coilovers (I've had mine corner-balanced, with a little more than 2 degrees negative camber in the front). I'll be heading out again with some sticky tires, and I think that will make a huge difference. I've been running 245s all seasons in the front, and now I'll have 275s all the way around. Really hoping to be in the top half of the field. Also concerning your ticking noise, that could either be the injectors, or a loose spark plug. I know that's a weird diagnosis but it happened to me. I replaced all the plugs and the noise was resolved.
It's only the second S197 I've driven on track (first was a later Coyote model, stock), and I was amazed at how good it is after just a little bit of suspension work.
Good idea on the noise, I'll check the plugs. It's definitely not the loud injector issue, it's just one of eight that is making the noise. Actually, I haven't even looked at the plugs yet...I'm a terrible car owner.
I think of the S197 as a double-size AE86 for America. It has the same suspension concept, makes great noises without much acceleration, it's cheap, there's a V6 out there for the Itsukis of the world, and people laugh at it until they lose because you modded the nuts off of it. My buddy has a 2010 (the one year of post-facelift but pre-Coyote) and I have an NC2 Miata. It's stupid how similar they are in pace on a touge road. There's a rivalry there and I'm here for it.
Skip to 13:05 for DOGGO
I recommend this to everyone watching.
Love the idea of this challenge! I’m subscribed 👍🤙
Awesome! Thank you!
love the new intro!
Thanks! Took a lot of digging through the archives to see what would work well in it.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾💯💯💪🏾
The bit with the paper notes...I know that feel man, lol.
I’m admittedly pretty much still a noob when it comes to track/seat time but a set of Koni orange shocks/struts made a huge difference on my 2014 GT and 1988 GT.
Also...whiteline fixed lower control arms got rid of the wheel hop on my 2014. Though if you are going to use it for the track, adjustable LCAs might be a better way to go. I also upgraded the panhard rod. I came across a really interesting thread on one of the S197 forums comparing a watts link versus a standard PHR upgrade.
Sorry for all the comments but I’m commenting as I’m watching. 🌝
I'm trying to do as little as I possibly can. I'll do some crash bolts up front and I might do a Roush 3rd link, but that's probably it for suspension mods. I may even go back to the stock rear sway bar, since I'll likely get a lot more front grip from the crash bolts.
@@NikRomanoRacing I’m not super familiar with crash bolts but I ended up having to go with caster camber plates with my lowering springs. Pretty happy with the suspension over all though. Good luck with the setup. Will be watching your progress.
@@TacoPotatoMustang Crash bolts are just eccentrics that replace one or both of the OE bolts in the strut to spindle. Easiest and cheapest way to add camber.
Bro you know how much a Hatchi weights? That's the key
It's light, true, but so is a Miata, or ZZW30, and those are way "better" in every measurable way.
Did you watch my newer Mustang videos? Turns out, it's pretty easy to make this car good.
@@NikRomanoRacing I will check them out one by one to see how can a mustang become a worthy track car seems like a tough challenge
@@TheSchnitzelable I'll tell you this...it was way easier than I expected.
Doggo!!!
This is now a doggo channel.
Pls let Vash be a regular on this show
+1 Nik Romano Racing is now about dogs.
I always liked these models when I was a kid, but grew less fond of them later due to the 'mustang' name if you know what I mean.
Modern(00's and up) American cars are looking more and more appealing than they did new. I bet this thing will have a lot less maintenance items than something in the pricepoint like an E46.
Sub 2 on 13cw is actually a goal for my ZX, I got a 2;08 last time. However the parts cost will certainly will be a multiple of what you spend on the mustang.
Same! Loved them when they came out, then forgot about them for a while...Now that they're cheap, love them again :D
Imma borrow a Viper
And still not go sub 2? 🤭
my exact thoughts
That's a really good challenge. I got my salvaged s550 for $8k, but market value and reproducibility probably put me in Barry Bonds * territory.
Hahaha, Barry Bonds territory. Perfect. I'm thinking I'll track it both ways, price by the rules, and ACTUAL price.
@@NikRomanoRacing... So you're telling me there's a chance? Yeeeeeah
ok sweet i just installed an adjustable panhard bar on my gx470 which i paid $6300 for and it has 263hp/330tqs... i might enter but will need a diet plan for the vehicle,... joking... .. im down to find a possible entry , ive always been a budgeted driver and sounds really fun
If you could make that sub2, you'd win this challenge plus the entire internet.
Nik did you not feed Vash before filming? Looks like he is moving from kibble to humans. Or parts packaging.
Video is much informative.
What can I say, I'm delicious apparently.
Second, also great video!
Thanks!
How do I get neck muscles like yours?
Sit at a desk all day most days, then drive cars the other days. YMMV.