We’ve spent a good deal of attention on Max Effort’s rear suspension, which is, of course, a major factor in effectively getting the power to the ground on the track, but it’s the front suspension that truly determines the cornering capability of a car. And we’ve got something revolutionary in store for this Ford.
Among the trendsetting projects seen elsewhere in this issue is a radically flared ’66 Mustang named Xecution built by CorteX Racing that boasted some pretty heady performance claims. We swear they’re all true, and all the engineering and R&D that went into making that car so potent has led to the development of one of the most radical road race suspension systems ever developed for vintage Fords—and Max Effort will be the mule for the very first production CorteX Racing SLA suspension kit.
Filip Trojanek (right) spent a great deal of time designing the final version of the kit components with CAD software and R&D data, then Ryan Kertz of Kertz Fabrication (left) created the parts and their fixtures. It takes good teamwork and communication as well as skill to create real parts that are true to spec.
It’s a big deal for Mustang and Ford guys; GM muscle has had some fairly serious and effective performance suspension options in the aftermarket for quite some time, as evidenced by the glut of fast Camaros, Novas, and Chevelles at any given track day or autocross course. The options for unibody Fords, however, have been decidedly less diverse. Of course that has a bit to do with the Mustang’s welded-in front subframe and more-difficult-to-alter front suspension that some view as a drawback. Whereas the GM folks can simply bolt in an entirely different chassis with new geometry, doing the same on a Ford requires judicious slicing. But for those willing to make the cut, now the payoff can be huge!
We’re prepared to take the plunge, so Max Effort is mounted on a frame table at Kertz Fabrication, where it’s ready to receive the first off-the-shelf, serious competition-level road race suspension ever available for Mustangs and unibody Fords. PHR’s all about exploring the cutting edge of technology in hot rodding, but rarely are we able to be a part of the birth of something truly epic. This may be a game changer for touring and track cars.
Created by Trojanek at CorteX Racing using information he garnered from racing CorteX’s development car known as Xecution, this SLA-style kit was designed to achieve correct geometry at a range of ride heights, but particularly at the lowest ride height possible with OEM floorpans. It creates consistent, predictable handling that inspires confidence when driven hard. We like that mantra.
“This is some next-level stuff. Are you guys running the American Le Mans in this thing or something?” —Kertz Fab customer
“…GM folks can simply bolt in an entirely different chassis with new geometry, doing the same on a Ford requires judicious slicing.”
Bolt-In Kit!
Does it look like more dissecting than you’re prepared to do with your Mustang or Ford? As we went to print, CorteX informed us that a bolt-in version of the kit with nearly identical geometry to the competition system and the same control arms is currently in development. No cut towers, minimal mods, and it’ll handle nearly as well in most situations as the competition system. You lose a little rigidity versus welding, but it sounds perfect for street machines, Pro Tourers, and weekend warriors. The ’64-66 Mustangs are up first, with other years in the works.
