Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperSound
Different suspension pick up points and lighter components throughout (like was done with the Camaro) sounds like chassis specific changes. Maybe it is more suspension related, but it still proves the point that the GT and GT350 are worlds apart in design and components. Hence why the GT350 performs so much better.
Also when you cut weight on a chassis, it will definitely make it seem much better (i.e. Z/28 and the comments made earlier about R to non-R). A GT PP2 is not a GT350TP without the 5.2L. Because I don't recall Ford making a claim that they changed 90% of the suspension components on the PP2 like they did with the GT350.
I don't look at it so much as the S550 is so inferior to the Alpha, but Ford can't make the S550 do what the Alpha can do at the same price point.
Where is it mentioned that the 1LE had chassis improvements?
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The only difference I can find between the 350 and GT is the carbon fiber grill opening reinforcement. The PP has always had the aluminum tower brace.
"The new platform is the strongest in the history of the Mustang brand, with torsional stiffness increased 28 percent over the previous model. That stiff structure ensures the suspension geometry remains consistent even under the loading caused by hard driving. Shelby GT350 takes that philosophy further – with added bracing to increase overall stiffness. A new lightweight aluminum tower brace connects the shock towers and firewall, and improves front end stiffness. When a lower hood was called for to improve aerodynamic performance, Ford Performance re-engineered the grille opening reinforcement with a carbon fiber composite structure that is 24 percent lighter than the base Mustang while maintaining the stiffness of steel. It is finished so well a beauty cover is not needed – eliminating another 1.9 pounds."
https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...-handling.html
The article I read about the 1LE and SS chassis differences was for the 5th gen….I was totally wrong in that regard.
So I’ll concede, the 1LE chassis sounds to be closer…but only by what amounts to a grill opening reinforcement.
I honestly don’t care which chassis is actually better…as they both have their merits. I just find it humorous at the perceived superiority of the 1LE chassis when most of the difference between these two cars handling is likely attributed to suspension and tires. Hell, is there even any data confirming the weight delta between the mustang and camaro is in the chassis and not the engine, suspension, interior etc.?
As for the PP2 changes…there are quite a bit.
“Working our way up, relative to the already stiffened Perf Pack springs, the Level 2 coils are 20 percent stiffer in front and 13 percent stiffer in the rear. Similarly, the anti-roll bars resist twist by an additional 12 percent in front and 67 percent in the rear. Oh, and between the lower-profile tires and suspension tweaks, the car hunkers down a half-inch closer to the road. Some of the midnight oil burning involved further tweaking of the Magneride shocks, electric steering assist, ABS, and stability control tuning. The aero work started off with a modified Boss 302 Laguna Seca front splitter that extends about 3 inches out from the front corners, developing 24 pounds of honest-ta-goodness front downforce at fast-sweeper speeds (80 mph).”
http://www.motortrend.com/news/2018-...t-look-review/