Field Report: Is It Worth The 'Hype'? Electronic Wastegate Control.
About this episode
Exploring the transformation of a 1965 Ford Mustang into a competitive time attack vehicle, Mike from DoSold Designs shares insights on modernizing the car's suspension and chassis. The discussion covers the challenges of upgrading the Mustang's outdated geometry, the benefits of using off-the-shelf parts, and the innovative use of electronic wastegate control for improved performance. With a focus on tuning and the unique engine setup, this episode highlights the blend of classic design with cutting-edge technology, making it a fascinating listen for those interested in automotive engineering.
LS vs 351, Panhard vs watts link, electronic wastegate control magic and the surprising advantage a 1965 Ford Mustang has over many modern chassis are all discussed in this interview with Mike Dusold of Dusold Designs.
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Most of us love the look of a classic car on the surface, but we've come a LONG way when it comes to the suspension geometry and engines hidden underneath. This particular setup uses a solid rear end with a watts link along with a 351 Ford Windsor-based V8 using twin Garret G-Series G35-900 turbochargers to produce 820hp at 8 psi, which is far from the ceiling but more than enough to start dialling in the car.
What is there to dial in when you can simulate so much in software like Performance Trends and Fusion 360 before even touching a welder these days? Mike explains that while on paper, or in this case screen, you can get an ideal setup, driver preference and real-world conditions still play a vital role. For that reason, critical adjustments like the roll centre height are never fixed based on untested educated assumptions alone. Also touched on is how the software is only as powerful as the data you can feed it, and gathering that data correctly is a skill set in itself.
The MoTeC-controlled 430 cubic inch 351 Windsor-based small block Ford V8 benefits from Trick Flow heads narrowing down the margins between it and the ever-popular LS V8 engine which Mike runs a variant of in his own Camaro. Having experience with both, a quick comparison is drawn between the two but as stated once you start getting over 1000hp you generally start running into similar problems on any engine, there is no perfect solution in every respect.
Lastly, we discuss some of the surprises electronic wastegate control via Turbosmart eGates can deliver along with some of the wiring considerations that are not necessarily as bad as some might think once set up correctly.
Ford Mustang
"On face value, a 1965 Ford Mustang might not be the most obvious choice for time att..."
Chevrolet Camaro
"...then, as we were building it, I was developing my Camaro and he got hooked and I let him drive it a couple..."
Chevrolet C5
"...t I had was performance trends. Kind of offered a C5 Corvette as a this is what that has and you kind ..."
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