Dark Horse v. GT350R

[Junkyard Dog]

"In reverse, our $67K 2024 Darkhorse would be $51.5K in early 2016. So yes, it really is a bargain and yet as quick or quicker than any stock GT350/R we've ever driven or seen at MSR Cresson on the 1.7 CCW course."


https://www.vorshlag.com/forums/for...elopment-2018-gt-2024-darkhorse-trigger/page6

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[robvas]

31 LL3 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020) 2:44.6
36 LL5 Ford GT (2017) 2:45.5
75 LL2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse (2024) 2:51.2
76 LL2 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (2021) 2:51.4
79 LL2 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R (2016) 2:51.8
90 LL2 Ford Mustang GT Performance Package Level 2 (2018) 2:53.8
151 LL3 Ford Shelby GT500 (2013) 3:00.6
153 LL4 Ford GT (2006) 3:00.7
172 LL2 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca (2012) 3:02.8
198 LL2 Ford Mustang Ecoboost HiPo (2020) 3:04.4
212 LL2 Ford Mustang GT (2015) 3:05.2
223 LL2 Ford Shelby GT500 (2007) 3:05.9
250 LL2 Ford Mustang GT (2011) 3:08.6
286 LL1 Ford Mustang V-6 (2011) 3:12.5
289 LL1 Ford Mustang GT (2010) 3:13.3

 

[Aggie1999]

I like those guys at Vorshlag, it's been nearly 30 years, but I went to college with them for a couple of years. Terry really knows his stuff.

 

[Q6543]

Mach 1 is showing itself to be a bargain on that list

 

[Upacurb]

Ive driven a few Dark Horse handling packs now and awesome cars.....definitely very good.....but they are also much more refined then the 350/350R .....I could daily drive a Dark Horse for sure....but would never daily a 350R because its very "edgy" it doesnt ever feel relaxed.....its constantly shouting feedback at you .....it feels more race car (even though lap times are similar stock)

Its fascinating as even though they are on the same chassis - they REALLY dont feel like the same cars.....I would actually say the Dark Horse feels more like the GT500 then the GT350.......its amazing how different the driving experience is......

So I say choose the experience that best fits your needs or that you prefer.....

I do think the unique experience is what has kept low mileage gen 2 350Rs close to/above 6 figures in the second hand market.......not the lap times (Its kind of like RWD Huracans go for more money then AWD Huracans even though the AWD set faster lap times- just different experiences) well that and the sounds the 350s make......

A little video for your consideration.....

ZR1 hunting in a GT350R Pure beautiful noise!

 

[Upacurb]

PS- if I really only cared about lap times....I would probably start off with a base GT and mod the every living crap out of it.........not sure I would start off with a Dark Horse or a GT350.....I think if anything the Mach 1 would be the best starting point as mentioned just because of how cheap you can pick them up on the second hand market ....plus who needs a warranty when Ford likes to deny warranties for anything thats ever been on a track anyways lol

 

[robvas]

PS- if I really only cared about lap times....I would probably start off with a base GT and mod the every living crap out of it.........not sure I would start off with a Dark Horse or a GT350

From the linked page:

The track time comparison seals it. In stock form on the same MSR 1.7 CCW track the 2018 GT barely managed a 1:31.4 before the brakes caught fire. The best it ever ran on 200TW tires after 2 years of hard work and testing was a 1:20.3 - after power mods to make 474 whp, MCS remote doubles, a giant BBK, and all manner of other weight and suspension upgrades totaling $35K in parts and labor. I ran it on Hoosier R7s to the tune of 1:19.2 on the same day, the best it ever ran at MSR Cresson, after 18 months of hard work and upgrades.

The 2024 Darkhorse has already run a 1:18.4 lap there with stock everything + added front camber (see Track Test #3, below), after just 2 months of testing. Maybe it pays to avoid the Poverty Spec?

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