Handling at the limit?

[treynor]

Greetings fellow GT enthusiasts,
A '06 Heritage GT has been on my bucket list for .. well, a long time. I've recently taken the leap and gotten a '20 Heritage MK II, which I love, and it has me once again looking at the '06. One question gives me pause - I had heard from a racing acquaintance that the handling on the '05-'06 cars was unpredictable at the limit -- grip, grip, grip, GONE. I'm curious if folks here have experiences either confirming or refuting this assessment, and also if it may be tire- or setup-dependent?

Thanks very much in advance,
Ben

 

[Specracer]

It will all depend on what tires. GY, yup, Bridgestone, less so. Hoosiers, no, they are balanced and linear with a predictable slide. Note, a reminder, that the car does not have traction control, so many issues can be caused by by too early or aggressive throttle application. As with any car, but magnified by an "analog" car, smoothness is rewarded. The only mods I have done, for the track, are Scotts Ohlins shocks, Padgid yellow pads, Girodisc rotors on front, and brake fluid (nothing past a normal track prep). Last time on track was at Miller at the rally, I think I burned 4 tanks of fuel, giving rides. Car is strong and a lot of fun on track. The only issue might be (depending on the weather conditions) could be cooling. But the car will protect it self. It will get to ~240, a red light comes on the temp gauge, after that, the car will intervene further, and go into a "limp" mode. Ive done both (limp only once). Zero harm done.

It is a fantastic car, even after 15 years. If you get one, you will wonder, "what took me so long"??!!

 

[mmlcobra]

I agree with Specracer.
It's still an analog car,
No computer shit to save you.
It's the "old days", push the limit and find the results.
Wish you the best.
Stay safe!
My Best,
Mark

 

[Gary]

I can speak to that. To much throttle on cold Bridgestone tires on cold pavement.

 

[Apollo]

ouch!

 

[texas mongrel]

Your friend’s description is accurate: you are a hero right up until you spin off track with almost zero warning. It’s a great car to drive at 9/10s, but watch out at 10/10s! BTW, this is on Bridgestone’s, not run Hoosiers so might be better.

 

[steved57]

As Specracer said it's pretty dang predictable on the Hoosiers - I was at Road Atlanta in July and mine went into limp mode once after I think six laps

 

[ByeEnzo]

I agree with Spec, I tracked my 2005 very aggressively early on (I'm the original owner). Definitely very linear and predictable with Hoosiers.

 

[Ghost]

Ben I very much like this thread and look forward to you getting one. It’s one of the last analog super Cars!

 

[roketman]

Agree with specracer too
But I will say it’s no MK2!
I tracked mine very aggressively on Hoosiers and it is wonderful handling car. As long as you understand that you are steering with your right foot, you’ll be fine
I have in car videos on my you tube page

 

[Anthony]

Agree with specracer too
But I will say it’s no MK2!
I tracked mine very aggressively on Hoosiers and it is wonderful handling car. As long as you understand that you are steering with your right foot, you’ll be fine
I have in car videos on my you tube page

Also curious about this topic. I’ve yet to get to a track but plan to once things open up. Could you send a link to your YouTube videos?

 

[treynor]

Ben I very much like this thread and look forward to you getting one. It’s one of the last analog super Cars!

Well... in that case I won't keep you in suspense for long Bucket list car... checked.

 

[fjpikul]

The tail likes to swing around. The oversteer is built in. We have all done it at one time or another whether on the track or showing off on the street. You need a ride with Mark McGowan.

 

[Simon]

The tail likes to swing around. The oversteer is built in. We have all done it at one time or another whether on the track or showing off on the street. You need a ride with Mark McGowan.

Mark took me out on track on old Goodyear’s with lots of throttle steer. It was a blast.
Congratulations

 

[68Rcodeman]

Congratulations! I had my 06 at Miller for the rally with new hoosiers on. I let Ron AKA Rocket man take me out in it first and was amazed how it was glued to the track and after that lap I knew I couldnt push it hard enough to slide off the track. My temp was in the higher part of normal and it didn't go into limp mode. With 780HP to the rear wheels I could receach some good speeds on the straights but found myself braking way before the turn and the NFGT would blow by running to the turn. Great time at the rally and find myself enjoying it the most then.

 

[spartan]

Congrats Ben. I would be great if you could someday compare the Mustang GT4, MKII and the 06 GT on the track. I have seen many of your GT4 videos and you drive it well! Blown away too by the MKII at The Thermal Club.

Are they open yet?

 

[nautoncall]

Pics of your MKII and “old” heritage side by side please!!

 

[treynor]

Congrats Ben. I would be great if you could someday compare the Mustang GT4, MKII and the 06 GT on the track. I have seen many of your GT4 videos and you drive it well! Blown away too by the MKII at The Thermal Club.
Are they open yet?

Thermal is open again. It's very hot in Palm Springs this time of year but I understand folks will go out at 6am and drive until noon, then call it a day.

Pics of your MKII and “old” heritage side by side please!!

I'll certainly do that once conditions permit.

 

[Ghost]

Well done sir!

 

[Biginch Blake]

Beautiful combination, congratulations. Not to beat a horse to much but as with any car tires are your connection to the track. Hoosier R7’s make it a great track car. I added a rear wing and the change was spectacular, added around 200# to the rear at corner speeds. Not a lot of shifting required with the gearing and great engine torque. Drive them and enjoy.