Taking my lowered Maverick around the track

[DTF-Garage]

I decided to take my 2.0L Lariat to the track this weekend. I usually drive a 2002 Focus SVT at my local Time Attack events at PPIR, but the timing belt needs to be changed and I didn't want to risk it, so I figured I may as well have some fun in the Maverick!

Completely stock engine/tune, but I do have Steeda Lowering Springs (Escape AWD), Steeda Strut Tower Brace, Steeda rear sway bar, and Steeda BOV adaptor (not that it adds any performance, but definitely puts a big smile on my face!)

The Maverick handled really well! Much better than I was expecting, especially for running on street tires. I definitely had to change my driving style because going from an N/A 6 speed manual, to a turbo automatic is a completely different animal. If Ford came out with a 5 or 6 speed manual ST Maverick, these things would be an absolute blast on the track!

Here's a few photos and videos on the track from yesterday.

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[volksnuts]

Nice!

 

[DTF-Garage]

Nice!

Thank you! It was a blast!

 

[Maverickman74]

Any time comparisons to other cars?

 

[DTF-Garage]

Any time comparisons to other cars?

There were only 2 other cars in my class (well 1 car, 2 different drivers). It was an 02 Audi TT coupe. They were getting 51.~ seconds around the track. My Maverick's best time was 54.7 seconds, which I thought was pretty respectable considering it's not a sports car.

 

[Maverickman74]

There were only 2 other cars in my class (well 1 car, 2 different drivers). It was an 02 Audi TT coupe. They were getting 51.~ seconds around the track. My Maverick's best time was 54.7 seconds, which I thought was pretty respectable considering it's not a sports car.

I know tires can make a huge difference. Are you on the continentals or pirellis? My brother used to run khumo ecstas on his compact circle track car and it was a major difference over the cars that werent. I imagine with a good tune and good tires that ole pickup truck would be right on the heels of that German sport coupe'!

 

[jewc75]

This is what i plan to do as well. Nice runs.

 

[DTF-Garage]

I know tires can make a huge difference. Are you on the continentals or pirellis? My brother used to run khumo ecstas on his compact circle track car and it was a major difference over the cars that werent. I imagine with a good tune and good tires that ole pickup truck would be right on the heels of that German sport coupe'!

I think it would keep up as well!

I have the Michelin Primacy tires on here. They definitely make a huge difference. I took my 2 Mk1 Focuses to The track 2 weeks ago for a 2 day event. On Saturday I blew the heater hose on my 02 SVT which I've always ran with Falken Azenis RT615K's, so on Sunday I brought the 03 with just street tires. Didn't swap the wheels because I figured it'd be fine, but it was crazy how much it was sliding around everywhere. I knew tires made a difference, but I didn't realize just HOW big that difference was until I did it back to back with essentially the same vehicle.

 

[Eja20]

How was the ride and handling with the lowering springs?

 

[Alva N Knicely]

I decided to take my 2.0L Lariat to the track this weekend. I usually drive a 2002 Focus SVT at my local Time Attack events at PPIR, but the timing belt needs to be changed and I didn't want to risk it, so I figured I may as well have some fun in the Maverick!

Completely stock engine/tune, but I do have Steeda Lowering Springs (Escape AWD), Steeda Strut Tower Brace, Steeda rear sway bar, and Steeda BOV adaptor (not that it adds any performance, but definitely puts a big smile on my face!)

The Maverick handled really well! Much better than I was expecting, especially for running on street tires. I definitely had to change my driving style because going from an N/A 6 speed manual, to a turbo automatic is a completely different animal. If Ford came out with a 5 or 6 speed manual ST Maverick, these things would be an absolute blast on the track!

Here's a few photos and videos on the track from yesterday.

Love the lowering kit!

 

[DTF-Garage]

How was the ride and handling with the lowering springs?

She actually rides and handles amazingly! She's not so stiff to where it's rattling your brains out, but definitely more stiff than the stock suspension.

 

[Guv]

Very Cool!!

 

[Deleted member 6544]

Awesome Brad. I've tracked my Carrera at Lime Rock Park here in Ct & Watkins Glen in NY. There is no adrenaline rush like driving on a race track. Waiting on my coilovers to get the Mav lowered. I've installed the Steeda rear sway bar already.
Great job!

 

[Maveriac]

Awesome !

Thank you for sharing your fun experience at the track.

I am jealous of how cool ( 60's term meaning neat ) your Maverick looks because of the lowering and a couple other modifications. That is the look I am after for mine.

Did you do the spring installation yourself ? If so, did you encounter any issues with fitment or application ? Was the installation of the springs doable without using special tools ?

Your feedback would be much appreciated !

 

[pgstick02]

This is awesome, I am very curious to see what people do with their Mavericks in the performance scene. It is really neat to see you tracked your Maverick!

Keep having fun out there

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