RideTech likes to launch new products in style. It’s far too easy to throw parts in boxes and call it a day; instead, RideTech believes in keeping the spotlight on cars, not boxes or part numbers. RideTech President Bret Voelkel lives and breathes that mojo. Perhaps it’s because he’s a smart businessman. …or maybe he is simply car-obsessed. Imagine, then, that Bret was at Barrett-Jackson last January executing the challenging 48-Hour C10 Build project when a certain 1969 Mustang Mach 1 caught his eye. This would turn out to be the perfect car to help RideTech celebrate its new Mustang StreetGRIP products.
Bret has sold a car or two at Barrett-Jackson, but never made a purchase there. He noticed the car — with its perfect black paint job and exceptional detail — at the beginning of the 8-day marathon event. It kept calling his name all week long. Fast-forward to the last day of the auction, and that very same Mustang is selling two cars behind the C10. Bret is up there on the auction block trying to devote 100% of his focus to the C10 sale, but that Mustang is distracting him. It all worked out for the best and the 48-Hour C10 sold for a great price. While the Velocity TV people were insisting that Bret walk outside for a “photo op,” he instead pulled a 180 and walked back up on the block to bid on the Mustang. Obviously, Bret was the winning bidder.
It’s a really nice car. With all new metal and deep black paint, it will stand out at any car show. The previous owner/builder deserves much credit for his efforts. The roller cam-equipped 351W has excellent throttle response and the 5-speed trans shifts nicely. There are, however, two areas of the car that can be improved upon: the brakes, and (of course) the suspension.
Baer Brakes offers a wide range of products to suit any custom application. So while RideTech’s 48-Hour Camaro and Corvette race cars run forged, six-piston Baer 6R brakes, our StreetGRIP Mustang is getting a set of four-piston SS4 brakes. The StreetGRIP Mustang will inevitably find its way onto an autocross track, but its primary purpose will be carving up winding roads at street legal speeds.
Packaging is an additional consideration. If you want exceptional braking force but wish to maintain smaller diameter wheels, the SS4 is ideal. Another benefit: SS4 calipers are engineered to jump out of the box and install themselves (almost). Lastly, the SS4 setup is affordable. You can upgrade your front brakes for $1,595 street price and your entire braking system for right around $3,000.
Follow along as Baer Brakes gurus Dutch Miller and Nick Cowherd tackle the upgrade. To learn more about Baer Brake System including the SS4 system installed below, click HERE.
For more information about Baer Brakes, click HERE.
To read more about RideTech’s StreetGRIP systems, click HERE.
