Para82

The GT350R commands a serious premium in price but it also is in higher demand and with such limited numbers it will likely almost never fall much below MSRP used (similar to the Porsche GT Market). I've only driven the GT350 Track Pack but i've heard the carbon fiber wheels and the tuned suspension make a serious difference on the track.

chio4

trust me I'm flopping between the two esp since i will likely be putting the back seat in the R with a young son who likes to go for rides with dad. IE the reason i don't have a GT3.

Bossing

^The non-R is likely fine for your intention... preferably a 2017-2018 model though as it's replete with all the coolers (like the previous '15-'16 Track Pkg versions, and all R's).

Side note: Besides the CF wheels, Aero components, and some aesthetic trim... the other key difference between the R and non-R are the R's Cup 2 tires, stiffer front R springs, and although both have MagneRide suspension, the R has a more aggressive suspension damping. The R is also 130 lbs less but these cars are all hefty anyway...

Para82

As someone who has driven both extensively, Bossing i'd be interested to hear your comparisons after some more track time with your 350R

Bossing

Right off the bat, the immediate feel/experience is a firmer ride, more accurate steering, easier to toss/turn, and obviously the more aggressive sound.... I forgot to mention that the R has a resonator delete as standard from the factory. A big plus also goes to the Cup2 tires... on lighter wheels obviously. All this you can feel on the street under spirited driving IMO.

85Gold

A large portion of the steering feel and toss and turn can be attributed to the SC2 tires lower profile and wider stiffer tread than the regular GT350 with its floppy sidewall 300 treadwear narrower PSS. A set of SC2 tires on a regular GT350 will get you 75% of the way to the GT350R performance but it won't have the coolness factor of the R

Peter

tasman

Isn't the coolness factor the only thing that matters

85Gold

Yep We need to hook up at RA somtime

Peter

TRAKCAR

Leaving next Saturday!

tasman

Let me know when you are headed up this way

Tal

SCCAForums

This is spot on, I'm assuming most purchasing one for a 'track toy'... would be putting on wheels/tires (Hoosiers or Cup 2's) and for '17 the suspensions are identical according to Ford.

Obviously the R will weigh less with no backseats... but if you ordered back seats (now an option to add in) your talking minor aero differences are the only real differences.

Again, to me... just easier to spend $60K... spend $5K w/tires... and the car is all that an R (without the AWESOME factor, I still think any GT350 is COOL ) You have a car that does 99% what the $80K model does... and when you sell it... you'll get $55K and sell the wheels/tires to someone else.

Still love the cars, just with the changes they (finally) made for '17, an R is a tougher 'grab' IMO.

Best Regards,
Dave

jeff33702

Suspension is not identical. Part numbers for dampers are R specific...according to Ford.

SCCAForums

Yeah, not exactly sure based on this article, but could be right.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/ford-ch...nal-equipment/

Best Regards,
Dave

Igooz

+1. I recall seeing the differences clearly listed in the manual. Maybe someone can verify by looking at the reference manual supplied with the car?

Geza

Front springs and rear bar configuration are R specific, yet easily swapped. I've never seen info that the dampers are different (not that is isn't possible), only that it is probable the MagneRide tuning for the R is different. Consensus is the major performance difference is in the lighter wheels & stickier tires, both of which are also easily addressed. If the R has the optional Elec. Pack, as most do, a lot of the weight advantage disappears. Of course, driver skill is also a major part of the equation...