Stillen Ford GT 2005
Le Mans Winner
24-sep-2006 20:40
#1
|
Stillen Ford GT 2005 By Drew Phillips Photos by the author September 11, 2006 When most people think of Stillen, usually hopped-up Nissans come to mind. And it’s not surprise - the Southern California-based company has built its reputation on building some of the quickest Nissans on the street. They even had a limited edition SMZ 300ZX that sold directly through Nissan dealers. What most people don’t know is that you can buy parts for just about any make and model out there, from a carbon fiber hood for a Kia Rio to an air filter for a Ferrari F40. Many people also do not make the connection between Stillen and its owner, Steve Millen. The retired New Zealand-born driver has top notch racing credentials – wins at Sebring, Daytona, and Le Mans with a record 20 IMSA GTS wins and 23 pole positions, also a record. He’s raced anything from mini trucks to rally cars to race-prepped 300ZX’s. Millen’s racing career started way back in 1969 when he ran in hillclimbs and road rallies. Millen officially retired from professional racing in 1996, but he has recently returned to his racing roots with his participation in the New Zealand Targa Rally. The race is based on the Targa Florio that ran on the streets of Italy until 1973, with a diverse selection of cars running on closed public roads, although stages are implemented instead of having a continuous race. The race has been running since 1995, and Millen has competed in the race since 2001. He has faired well in previous efforts, although each race has left him wanting something more. In the first four years, Millen drove a SVT-prepped Ford Falcon, an Australia/New Zealand-only Ford sedan, placing as high as sixth with a turbocharged model. Last year the Millen team decided to go with a Ford Focus with a modified turbocharged Falcon motor. The car was fast, but was underdeveloped due to time constraints and couldn’t complete the race due to mechanical issues. Millen left the rally frustrated and began search for a vehicle that would be balanced, fast, and reliable. The search for Millen’s next racecar came to an end when he helped Road and Track for the 0-1 mile shootout featured in their September, 2005 issue. After driving some of the world’s fastest cars, Millen left particularly impressed with the Ford GT. He put in an order to Ford and received a brand new GT soon after. Bringing it back to the shop, the Stillen team stripped the car and rebuilt it with the rally in mind. Weight was a priority, so the complete air conditioning system was removed, also helping to keep the car cooler. Another weight saver was the Stillen stainless steel exhaust system that is lighter and allows for better breathing than the stock arrangement. Already a powerful car, the GT’s engine didn’t need many modifications, although a smaller pulley adds a pound of boost and draws some extra horsepower out of the supercharger. The stock brakes have been replaced by a 6-piston set from AP Racing, for whom Stillen is the exclusive supplier for street cars. The BBS wheels and Goodyear tires remain on the car from the factory. Stillen had to pay particular attention to the handling of the GT because of the varying conditions that the car will see during the race. While the rally is strictly on tarmac, the car will see anything from long smooth straights to tight and windy corners, and will rarely see anything like the groomed tarmac of a racetrack. The race will also be during New Zealand’s rainy season, so it will be important to allow for more slippery surfaces. A stiff setup won’t allow for the dips, bumps, and various climates on public roads, and a softer suspension won’t utilize time on smooth, straight roads. “You’ve got to compromise and find a happy balance,” said Millen about the setup of the car. The Ford GT comes stock with an adjustable suspension, but Millen opted for a Penske setup that was specifically developed for the car. Both Penske and Stillen spent several weeks creating and adapting a new suspension for the GT. Changes to the setup can be made quickly and easily to adapt to different stages of the rally as well as various weather conditions. Also helping the handling with additional downforce is the small rear spoiler and the more aggressive carbon fiber front spoiler. The interior of the car was also adapted specifically for the rally. Safety was a huge priority, so Stillen built their own Chromoly roll cage and put a fire extinguisher under the passenger seat. A lighter Momo steering wheel and carbon fiber racing seats replace the stock units. A navigation system that can record mileage and time between checkpoints was an invaluable addition. Lastly, a communication system for the driver and navigator was implemented. With the functional aspects of the car completed, Millen turned to the all-important appearance of the car. With the exception of the aerodynamic enhancements, Millen kept it simple with an eye-catching paint job and powdercoated rims. The orange paint is called Tangello, and pays homeage to the racing colors of Millen’s fellow New Zealand racer Bruce McLaren. The racing stripes are titanium, and are actually a standard Ford color. While the Ford GT is certainly an upgrade from pervious years, Millen still has realistic expectations. Many of the participants have competed with the same car over the last several years and have the proper setup for the rally. Millen knows that this year will be experimental and that there will be a steep learning curve. Next year he hopes to bring the GT again with even more power and shorter gear ratios suited for the rally. The best news is that many of the products developed for the car will be available for purchase from Stillen including the exhaust system and adjustable Penske suspension. After the rally, the performance parts will also be road and race tested. Stillen also has plans to develop even more products for the GT. "As we drive the car more we will find areas that can be improved," says Stillen. Stay tuned... Vehicle Information Base Vehicle: 2005 Ford GT Performance Modifications: - Stillen shorter diameter pulley - Stillen stainless steel exhaust system - Air conditioning delete Drivetrain Modifications: - Stillen racing clutch Suspension Modifications: - Penske adjustable shocks - Eibach springs Brakes: - AP Racing 6-piston brakes Exterior Modifications: - Carbon fiber front spoiler - Adjustable rear spoiler - Tangello paint with Titanium stripes - Powdercoated wheels Interior Modifications: - Momo steering wheel - Momo carbon fiber racing seats - Chromoly roll cage - Driver communication system Contact: - www.Stillen.com - www.APRacing.com - www.PenskeShocks.com |
Le Mans Winner
24-sep-2006 20:42
#4
Video del Stillen Ford GT http://www.fast-autos.net/videos/stillen_ford_gt.wmv  Tema de Feature Car: 2005 Stillen Ford GT |
Editado: 24-sep-2006 20:54 -
Forocoches:Miembro erecto
24-sep-2006 20:43
#5
como siempre IMPRESIONANTE aunke no hayas acabado este en ingles y no me haya molestao en intentar traducir cosas ke no entendere 
|
Forocoches:Miembro erecto
24-sep-2006 20:49
#6
| acabo de ver las fotos y solo puedo decir ke me estoy tocando |
Le Mans Winner
24-sep-2006 20:57
#8
|
Cita de ktz69
como siempre IMPRESIONANTE aunke no hayas acabado este en ingles y no me haya molestao en intentar traducir cosas ke no entendere
|
Forocoches:Miembro erecto
24-sep-2006 21:09
#9
| lo raro es ke saleen no tokete ese for.. aunke teniendo el S7...... |
Buscando una Luna...
25-sep-2006 08:48
#10
|
genial como siempre.. El aleroncito ese blanco agarrado con tornillos lo estropea un poco, pero aun asi, acojonante |
IN DA HOUSE
25-sep-2006 13:29
#11
| esa chapa sujetada con tornillos en la parte trasera es un aleron???? no jodas....no me gusta komo keda |
ForoCoches: Miembro
25-sep-2006 13:37
#12
|
Cita de VANDERLIEV
esa chapa sujetada con tornillos en la parte trasera es un aleron???? no jodas....no me gusta komo keda
|
Le Mans Winner
25-sep-2006 15:29
#14
|
Cita de roveriano
herencia directa del nascar.
|
que máquina, por favor... que máquina!
Brigada AntiCerdofachas
25-sep-2006 23:53
#20
Con este creo que llego a tiempo para recoger el pan en la panaderia.  Excelente como siempre Racer. 
|
Le Mans Winner
26-sep-2006 00:09
#21
|
Cita de Nautiliux
Con este creo que llego a tiempo para recoger el pan en la panaderia.
Excelente como siempre Racer. Venga gracias
|
Oh Yeah
26-sep-2006 00:40
#24
|
que preciosidad!!!!!!!!!!!vaya paja me voi ahcer hoy gracias racer,como siempre un 10 |
y mas Racing 
-nº 4- 
Nº un69 
205GTi,R5 GTT,Williams,VTS,Clio Sport,206RC,Focus RS --- Escort MKII,M3 E30,190 2.5 16v EVOII,Sierra Rs Cosworth --- Impreza gt,WRX,STI,EVO VI,TME,IX,Escort Cosworth,Delta Martini
Algun Dia Tendré un SUBARU IMPREZA GT,WRX,STI
ForoCoches: Miembro
28-sep-2006 01:53
#25
|
Gracias racer Han dejado muy bien al GT, una gran máquina. |
Miembro de CHT
28-sep-2006 03:35
#26
que pasada de coche, esas llantas y el coche en general se ve espectacular 
|
There is no substitute...
28-sep-2006 08:24
#27
Que ganas de "conducir" uno de estos... buen post, como siempre 
|
******* 
