GT350
01-03-2017, 12:47 AM
#2281
Yup. Other than the difference in tires and mechanical grip, the increase in downforce and high speed stability is significantly greater in the R than the 350. It's also twice the downforce as a 991 GT3 if that means anything.
01-03-2017, 09:05 AM
#2282
Although I haven't driven an R anywhere near as much as a standard GT350 on the track, here are my observations of the differences.
The R benefits from the lighter wheels and different springs under braking and turn in; especially on rougher sections. It feels a bit more composed. It also feels a little bit less of a pickup truck (butt bounce), on the road. The slightly larger and stickier tires also grip noticeably better. They also wear out much quicker. If you're looking for the best lap time, the R is the one to buy.
The tires on the non-R are it's Achilles heel for good lap times. I feel they are the single biggest contributor to the difference in lap times between the two cars. They do however, allow the car to be immensely fun on the track. I do not use this car as an ultimate lap time car but more as a low cost fun machine. With the smaller, less grippy MPSS tires, it is just that. I can slide it to my hearts content and the tires accept it.
Both cars are well balanced and a lot of fun on the track. They do go through brakes very quickly though. I only get 6 to 7 sessions (not days), out of the front pads. I have a '17 non-R and it is my slowest car, but I still very much enjoy my time with it. It is the only car that makes me feel like a 17 year old when I drive it on the street.
The R benefits from the lighter wheels and different springs under braking and turn in; especially on rougher sections. It feels a bit more composed. It also feels a little bit less of a pickup truck (butt bounce), on the road. The slightly larger and stickier tires also grip noticeably better. They also wear out much quicker. If you're looking for the best lap time, the R is the one to buy.
The tires on the non-R are it's Achilles heel for good lap times. I feel they are the single biggest contributor to the difference in lap times between the two cars. They do however, allow the car to be immensely fun on the track. I do not use this car as an ultimate lap time car but more as a low cost fun machine. With the smaller, less grippy MPSS tires, it is just that. I can slide it to my hearts content and the tires accept it.
Both cars are well balanced and a lot of fun on the track. They do go through brakes very quickly though. I only get 6 to 7 sessions (not days), out of the front pads. I have a '17 non-R and it is my slowest car, but I still very much enjoy my time with it. It is the only car that makes me feel like a 17 year old when I drive it on the street.
01-03-2017, 09:07 AM
#2283
I love the GT350R but I don't think it's worth $30,000 over a GT350 Track Pack or 2017. It's basically a very expensive (if talking ADM) wheel and tire package, suspension tweak and larger front splitter.
If you can find an R for MSRP or even slightly over than it's a great bargain go for it otherwise I think a MSRP for a GT350 is a good choice.
If you can find an R for MSRP or even slightly over than it's a great bargain go for it otherwise I think a MSRP for a GT350 is a good choice.
01-03-2017, 09:11 AM
#2284
So if i understand well, not so much difference in feeling, steering etc.
01-03-2017, 12:37 PM
#2285
Instructor
The current Fiesta ST has likely won more global accolades and awards since debuting in 2013 believe it or not.
01-03-2017, 12:43 PM
#2286
Instructor
Yes. I got mine a couple weeks ago and I purchased my 16' Track Pack last July. I actually called Ford Performance in November and they expedited mine, you may want to do the same (they are great to deal with).
01-03-2017, 01:08 PM
#2287
In terms of overall 'feeling', due to the increased downforce in the R, it's more stable and has better body control than the regular 350. It's also more comfortable and 'settled' in high speed corners due to the downforce. Overall, due to the lighter wheels, stickier tires, and more downforce, the R is more light on its feet, planted, and stable.
01-03-2017, 01:34 PM
#2288
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01-03-2017, 08:52 PM
#2289
"unfortunately the Ferrari tool’s annual depth is about 5mm smaller or in other words the inner arch is about 5mm too wide"
I returned the pads with regret as I was really looking forward to getting them on the GT350. I have had extremely good results with them on other applications. If they start making one the right size, I'll be their first customer.
01-03-2017, 09:31 PM
#2290
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I ordered a set of RS29's (from a different supplier), and what I got was disappointing. The front pads I received were actually pads made for a Ferrari application, which has a smaller swept area. The width is 5mm narrower and doesn't make the same footprint on the rotor. The word I got from Pagid was:
"unfortunately the Ferrari tool’s annual depth is about 5mm smaller or in other words the inner arch is about 5mm too wide"
I returned the pads with regret as I was really looking forward to getting them on the GT350. I have had extremely good results with them on other applications. If they start making one the right size, I'll be their first customer.
"unfortunately the Ferrari tool’s annual depth is about 5mm smaller or in other words the inner arch is about 5mm too wide"
I returned the pads with regret as I was really looking forward to getting them on the GT350. I have had extremely good results with them on other applications. If they start making one the right size, I'll be their first customer.
01-04-2017, 11:29 AM
#2291
Rennlist Member
Read through this entire thread over the holidays 
Are people still thinking 2017 is last year of production for the R? If that is the case - when would you expect the last configurable orders to close?
Is it expected there will be a 2018 run for the non-R? Sorry my head is spinning a bit having read all this.
Would love for people to keep posting pricing info they see / hear.
Are people still thinking 2017 is last year of production for the R? If that is the case - when would you expect the last configurable orders to close?
Is it expected there will be a 2018 run for the non-R? Sorry my head is spinning a bit having read all this.
Would love for people to keep posting pricing info they see / hear.
01-04-2017, 11:50 AM
#2292
Drifting
^IIRC, it's a 5 year run.
01-04-2017, 11:51 AM
#2293
The main difference in steering is due to the tires (PSS vs Cup2). They have the same rack, geometry, etc... so the difference you feel is due to the improved on-center precision and higher lateral Gs of the stickier Cup 2s.
In terms of overall 'feeling', due to the increased downforce in the R, it's more stable and has better body control than the regular 350. It's also more comfortable and 'settled' in high speed corners due to the downforce. Overall, due to the lighter wheels, stickier tires, and more downforce, the R is more light on its feet, planted, and stable.
In terms of overall 'feeling', due to the increased downforce in the R, it's more stable and has better body control than the regular 350. It's also more comfortable and 'settled' in high speed corners due to the downforce. Overall, due to the lighter wheels, stickier tires, and more downforce, the R is more light on its feet, planted, and stable.
01-04-2017, 11:56 AM
#2294
It depends on where you're at financially. If you're cross shopping a GT3, or heck, even an M4, I'd go with the R hands down. If DD is what you're going to use it for and you live where it rains a lot, I'd just throw on the PSS tires. Living in FL, I don't mind the Cup2s and if I lived in CA, TX, or Vegas, Cup2s wouldn't be a problem on the street.
If you don't plan on tracking it at all, the case would be stronger for the GT350, but from a resale and value standpoint, I might lean more towards the R with it's more aggressive (and functional) aero.
If you don't plan on tracking it at all, the case would be stronger for the GT350, but from a resale and value standpoint, I might lean more towards the R with it's more aggressive (and functional) aero.
01-04-2017, 06:54 PM
#2295
Just to let people know
GT350 track attack (free one day for those that purchased gt350/R)
Has posted the 2017 schedule. I just registered for May 7/8/ extra 9
it will be interesting to see how it compares to the Porsche School in Alabama
GT350 track attack (free one day for those that purchased gt350/R)
Has posted the 2017 schedule. I just registered for May 7/8/ extra 9
it will be interesting to see how it compares to the Porsche School in Alabama