In my humble optionion, third place in class at the TT Nats is really awesome, more impressive than 1st or 2nd even.
Photography by Chris Tropea unless otherwise credited
Suspension, wheels, tires: Our Club Spec Mustang had everything it needed to hit the track–except for fresh brakes.
[How we built our Club Spec Mustang in less than 6 hours]
While the SCCA rules mandate that most of the braking components remain stock, we were allowed to upgrade the pads and fluid. (Per Club Spec Mustang rules, an optional big-brake kit is also allowed. Check back later as it’s an upgrade we’ve been eyeing.)
Before heading out from our Florida base all the way to Pittsburgh International Race Complex, a trek of around 1000 miles one way, we fitted a fresh set of stock rotors with Hawk HPS 5.0 pads. We also flushed the brake fluid with Hawk HP660.
We’ve found the HPS 5.0 pads to work well for street use–quiet, not too dusty, good brake torque–while the HP660 fluid offers a minimum dry boiling point of 608° Fahrenheit at a good value of $29.99 a bottle.
As we found with our BMW 435i project, there’s no such thing as a do-it-all brake pad, so we’ll swap our Hawk street pads for a set of Hawk DTC-60 pads once we arrive at the track.
Photograph by Tom Suddard.
Upon arriving at Pitt Race, first up was SCCA Track Night in America. Associate Editor Chris Tropea comfortably drove the Mustang more than 20 laps with little issue.
The next day, the big test: the Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials Nationals. Publisher Tom Suddard walked away with a third-in-class finish.
[Woot, GRM lands two podium finishes at SCCA Time Trials Nationals!]
Over the entire weekend, however, we did have one problem: We had to replace the alternator.
This would be the second alternator we’ve recently replaced in the Mustang–we killed the first one at the FIRM not too long ago. While the alternator looks difficult to reach, removing the unit is easy once the cold-air intake is disconnected. We can now replace an alternator in about half an hour.
The track surface at Pitt Race proved to be particularly punishing on tires, for both the Mustang and our BMW 435i. Before the Mustang’s next big road trip, we’ll have to fit some fresh rubber. The wear is even across the face, but there just isn’t much tread left.
As the Mustang racked up a few thousand miles during just this one road trip–the car also ran in support of our Classic Motorsports Empire State Tour–we didn’t notice any clanking, rubbing or roughness. All of our new suspension parts performed admirably.
The upgraded radio we installed also proved worthwhile, helping keep us sane during the longer stretches.
Coming up next for our Mustang? Taking it to the FIRM to gather lap times now that the brakes are better sorted.
In my humble optionion, third place in class at the TT Nats is really awesome, more impressive than 1st or 2nd even.
Any idea why so many alternators?
Car looks great! Congrats on the podium!
Colin, you left out that there were only three cars in the class... so this isn't as impressive as it sounds.
But I was still pretty pleased with the car's performance. The two other Mustangs were prepped to the limit of the rules, rather than the minimum like our car, and they both had the big brake kit our car desperately needs (I could only do 2-3 laps before cooking the brakes). Our car was about two seconds slower than the competition, running 2:05s, so I'm hopeful that with a limited-slip, suspension bushings and some other goodies we'll be right in the mix.
Loving this project car. I think SCCA really nailed it with this class.
In reply to CyberEric :
We think it's heat related for the part store alternators. I put one in on a Wednesday, and Tom got a call from Chris on Thursday that it wasn't charging. I was worried that I had done something wrong, but we tested it after install and it was charging correctly.
I also went through a few alternators. Replace one, it would work for a bit and then stop working. We would chalk it up to junk aftermarket parts. After a few events of this we dug a little deeper. Long story short we ended up replacing a section of harness that was ultimately causing the issue.
Congratulations on the build and the event coverate.
Looking forward for More to come in 2026.
Congratulations on the build and the event coverate.
Looking forward for More to come in 2026.
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