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Originally Posted by whiteboyblues2001
Great video!!! The car sounds awesome! I would love to hear that in person (I haven't yet). So what are your initial reactions to the car as a whole? How do you like the engine? How do you like the rest of the performance like handling, traction, brakes, transitions, etc... How does it compare to some of your other cars and other experiences?
But yes, I agree, it sucks for the base and Tech pack guys, but the issue now, is how well does Ford handle this. There are going to be some risks with being a first adaptor of a brand new design, but it's how the company stands behind it's customers that is most important in that situation.
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Yeah it sounds great! My Z06 is clearly faster/quicker but this GT350 sounds absolutely insane and exotic-like... and honestly it's a bit more fun to drive since it's more raw. It puts the power down well and the turn-in is really good. It feels lighter than it is... I'm amazed but on that note it's still not GT3/GT4 like in terms of balance or even C7-like.. it's close though. I haven't driven the new SS or 1LE yet but I did own a Z51 Stingray and currently the Z06 so I'll compare it to that. I also owned a 5th gen Camaro SS (45th anniv L99) since new but it's unfair to even bring that into the picture. That's like Curry vs. a normal Joe on the court...
First big difference is it's still a tall heavy car but as a whole I give the GT350 an A- grade performance-wise which I'll explain later... and then a B+ grade for the rest that's not power-related due to the lack of features/amenities when compared to what GM gives you because in terms of technology, the C7 and 6th gen Camaros are almost similar now. The best feature is the PDR hands down especially once you analyze your track metrics via Cosworth Toolbox and then also the PTM modes and better DIC/Infotainment features. The Shelby lacks that but what's a cool and useful feature is the configurable head-up display shift lights. Love it... better than GM's shift lights in the HUD.
And the new Recaros are great... I wish I could put them in my C7. One thing I really like in the GT350 is I can toggle-on the MagRide setting to Normal while in other high-performance driving modes (such as Sport, Track, or Drag) but in the C7 you cannot do that. If you want to be in Normal damping, you have to be in the non-Sport or non-Track modes in the C7. In the GT350's MagRide configurable options, you can change nearly any of the modes à la carte. It may be minor to some but IMO that's better versatility when you're not on the track. I can be in Sport driving mode but Normal damping... no can do on the C7.
The only drawback powerwise on the GT350 albeit minor is you have to keep it in the sweet rpm spot (basically 4k or higher) for you to see powerful pull. The LT1/LT4 torque has the advantage here but the Voodoo revs to the moon so the top end is very strong. Two different engine characters anyway. That's why for me I graded it as an A- because I have been so used to the LT4 torque. The bigger limiting factor at least for my skill level is I need stickier tires! The stock MPSS grips well but I can't push it faster or harder into and out of corners like I can with my Z06 which has Cup 2's. Tires with more grip will transform the balance to R-like and delete the slight understeer the GT350 has. That's my next step... very light wheels with either R-comps or scrubs.
As for braking, absolutely zero complaints. The best non-CCB brakes period. Yes, even just as good or better than the Z06's. It's very strong when needed and it's consistent and also has a direct linear modulation... so it's accurate and spot on all the time. No fade, no nothing... no mush, no gray area.
E-diff on the C7 is better in terms of taking over to keep you "on the race line" but the Torsen in the Shelby is still pretty good. You just have to hone your skills on turn-ins and exits and both diffs puts power down well anyway. That's probably why I enjoy it more because it is more raw and requires more skill to step up in increments. Basically it's easier to go from 7/10ths to 8/10ths in the C7 than it is in the Shelby. For example at Sebring as well as other tracks, I have to drive the GT350 more different than how I drive the C7 lap per lap. I actually am getting to like it because it's forcing me to develop raw hpde skills more. The e-diff and PTM is akin to Cliff Notes if I can use that analogy.
Basically the C7 can make any driver look fast since the transparent tech greatly helps, but the GT350 requires you to really harness and put into play your skills on the track... I guess this is also why so many Porsche GT3 guys like it as well. Every track venue I have been to... every experienced Porsche track rat wants one or has one on order already. Go to Rennlist and you'll see...
Anyway I hope this helps... they did a good job with this GT350. I'm sure the new 1LE as well as future ZL1 or Z/28 that may/will come out is going to even the playing field or step it up so to speak but so far I'm happy with the GT350 Track Pack. I'd love to have an R but the ADM's are crazy... I'll keep trying though. And I do wish I can track a 1LE for kicks and feedback... it's a closer apples-to-apples comparison instead of comparing with my Z06. I lap the Z06 at least 3 secs faster at PBIR but that's a given considering 2 totally different cars.