The Ford Mustang S550 Tracklock Tuning Guide has been an iconic symbol of American muscle cars since its debut in the 1960s. With the introduction of the S550 generation (2015-present), Ford enhanced its performance, adding modern features such as independent rear suspension and turbocharged engines. One essential aspect of performance tuning for the S550 is the differential system, with Tracklock becoming a popular option among Mustang enthusiasts. This guide explores how to optimize the Tracklock system to improve traction, stability, and overall performance, making your S550 Mustang a force to be reckoned with on the road and track.
What Is Tracklock?
Before diving into the tuning process, it’s essential to understand the basics of the Tracklock differential system. The Tracklock, also known as a limited-slip differential (LSD), is designed to distribute power to both rear wheels equally. In standard differentials, power is typically sent to the wheel with the least resistance, which can lead to one wheel spinning without transferring significant power to the road. With Tracklock, power is split more evenly between both wheels, allowing for better traction and control, particularly in high-performance situations like cornering, accelerating out of turns, or driving on wet or uneven surfaces.
Key Benefits of a Tracklock Differential
- Improved Traction: One of the most significant advantages of the Tracklock system is enhanced traction. By sending power to both rear wheels, the vehicle maintains better grip on the road, especially during acceleration. This is particularly important for drivers pushing their S550 Mustang’s limits during track events or spirited driving.
- Better Handling: The S550 Mustang already benefits from Ford’s introduction of an independent rear suspension, which improves handling compared to earlier models. However, adding a Tracklock differential takes this a step further by reducing understeer and allowing for more precise control in corners.
- Enhanced Stability: The equal distribution of power to both wheels also translates into better stability at high speeds. Whether you’re taking tight corners or accelerating down a straightaway, the Tracklock differential ensures that power is delivered where it’s needed, minimizing the chances of losing control.
Tuning the Tracklock Differential for Maximum Performance
Now that you understand the core benefits of the Tracklock differential, let’s explore how to tune your S550 Mustang to get the most out of this system. Proper tuning involves making adjustments across several areas to optimize power, handling, and overall driving experience.
Suspension Upgrades
To fully realize the potential of your Tracklock differential, upgrading your suspension is crucial. The S550 Mustang comes with a modern MacPherson strut setup in the front and independent rear suspension, but for those seeking optimal track performance, aftermarket upgrades can make a significant difference.
- Performance Springs: Lowering springs or coilovers are popular options for improving handling. These help lower the car’s center of gravity, allowing for better weight distribution and reduced body roll. This complements the Tracklock by ensuring both rear tires maintain maximum contact with the road.
- Adjustable Shocks and Struts: Adjustable dampers give you the flexibility to fine-tune your suspension based on road conditions or driving style. Stiffening the suspension can help maximize the benefits of Tracklock in high-performance settings by reducing wheel hop and keeping the rear wheels planted during hard acceleration.
Exhaust and Intake Modifications
Improving the airflow to and from your engine is another critical aspect of optimizing your Tracklock-equipped S550 Mustang. These upgrades will enhance the engine’s performance and allow the differential to work more effectively by delivering consistent power to the rear wheels.
- Cold Air Intake: Installing a high-performance cold air intake can help your engine breathe better, increasing horsepower and torque. More power means the Tracklock will have more force to distribute to the rear wheels, improving acceleration and control.
- High-Flow Exhaust System: Upgrading to a high-flow exhaust system not only improves the sound of your Mustang but also enhances engine performance by reducing backpressure. This allows the engine to expel exhaust gases more efficiently, freeing up additional horsepower that can be put to the pavement through the Tracklock system.
Differential Tuning and Maintenance
Tuning the Tracklock itself is critical for those looking to push their S550 Mustang to its limits. Differential tuning can be achieved through several methods, and regular maintenance is key to ensuring long-term performance.
- Changing Gear Ratios: By adjusting the gear ratios in your differential, you can significantly alter the performance characteristics of your Mustang. Lower gear ratios (numerically higher) will provide better acceleration, making it easier to launch the car out of corners or from a standstill. However, keep in mind that this may come at the cost of top-end speed.
- Limited-Slip Clutch Packs: Some aftermarket Tracklock systems allow for adjustments to the clutch packs within the differential. Tightening or loosening these clutches can fine-tune how aggressively the system locks the rear wheels together, giving you more control over the way it transfers power to the wheels. Tight clutch packs will make the differential more aggressive, locking the rear wheels together earlier and providing better traction in low-grip situations, such as wet surfaces or during hard cornering.
- Regular Maintenance: Differential fluid needs regular changing to maintain performance and longevity. Over time, the fluid can break down or become contaminated with debris, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage to the Tracklock system. Ensuring the differential fluid is changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (or more frequently for track use) is crucial for preserving the performance of your Tracklock.
ECU Tuning and Software Adjustments
One of the most significant performance improvements comes from tuning the engine control unit (ECU) to work harmoniously with the Tracklock system. After upgrading the differential and other performance parts, a custom tune can unlock the full potential of your setup.
Custom ECU Tune: ECU tuning allows you to optimize your Mustang’s engine settings to match your Tracklock’s characteristics. With aftermarket tuning software like SCT or HP Tuners, you can modify parameters such as ignition timing, air/fuel ratios, and throttle response. This not only increases engine output but also improves how the power is delivered to the wheels, maximizing the benefits of your Tracklock differential.
Launch Control Adjustments: Modern ECUs come with features like launch control, which can be fine-tuned for better starts off the line. With a Tracklock differential, properly setting up launch control will help the car evenly distribute power to both rear wheels, reducing wheel spin and improving acceleration during drag races or track events.
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Tires and Alignment
To make the most of the power being distributed by the Tracklock differential, having the right tires and alignment setup is crucial. The differential can only provide optimal performance if the tires are capable of maintaining proper contact with the road.
Performance Tires: High-performance summer tires or drag radials are essential for any S550 Mustang equipped with a Tracklock. These tires offer superior grip and traction compared to all-season or standard tires, helping to harness the power delivered by the differential. If you’re planning to take your car to the track, investing in a quality set of tires is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.
Proper Alignment: Suspension alignment plays a significant role in how the car handles and how well it can distribute power. A proper performance-oriented alignment—usually with more negative camber and less toe-in—will improve cornering ability and stability, complementing the Tracklock system by allowing the tires to maintain consistent contact with the road.
Additional Considerations for Track Use
If you’re planning to take your S550 Mustang to the track, there are additional modifications and tuning steps to consider that can maximize your Tracklock’s performance in a competitive environment.
- Brake Upgrades: High-performance brake pads, rotors, and fluid are essential for track use. Braking performance can directly affect how the differential works, especially during corner entry, where the car’s weight shifts to the front. Upgrading the brakes ensures that you have more precise control over the rear-end power distribution.
- Cooling Systems: The more power you generate and the harder you push your car, the more heat your engine, transmission, and differential will produce. Installing additional cooling components, such as oil coolers or upgraded radiators, will ensure that your Mustang’s performance remains consistent, even during extended track sessions.
Conclusion About S550 Tracklock Tuning Guide
In conclusion, tuning the Tracklock differential in your S550 Mustang enhances performance by improving traction, handling, and stability. By upgrading key areas like suspension, intake, exhaust, and tires, and optimizing the ECU and differential settings, you can significantly boost your Mustang’s capabilities both on the road and track. Regular maintenance and strategic upgrades, such as adjusting gear ratios or clutch packs, ensure that your Mustang delivers maximum power and control, transforming it into a high-performance machine ready for any challenge.
