Deposit May 2014 and today I took delivery, oh my, what a...
Discussion
..... But I think on my guard green it'll look OK
Hi there
Was not happy with the allignment on my bonnet, looked too pinched in centre and was sitting lower than front bumper, very hard to see, but well I knew it was there. Yet another failing on Ford's QC checks, the car might be great value but build quality on exterior panel allignment is an issue on these cars, though I've seen some far worse where it is so easily noticable. Luckily it is easily fixed by adjusting the bonnet catch and the bonnet stops.
[size=5]BEFORE![/size]
[size=5]AFTER![/size]
It is now flush with the front-end, an equal gap all across, we even measured everything to ensure absolutely spot on. Easy to do so kind of sucks Ford did not sort it to be frank when they built the car.
Also the chrome horse, is gone, for me it was making the front-end not aggressive enough, so now it has being replaced with a new horse, a black pony and I am very happy with result, front of car looks a lot more meaner and aggressive whilst still remaining completely factory specification.
Also a shot of the rear lights illuminated.
Weather has vastly improved to wet and warm, tyres clearly switched on, no more grease in them and starting to get more of a feel for the car, she handles above expectations to be frank and the LSD works very well and the front end really turns in very well and is very confident inspiring and I am finding feedback really not bad at all, to the point I can feel the road surface in the wheel, which I was not expecting as Dave reported his Shelby is completely lifeless on the steering and its not that I don't know what to look for I own a solid bushed M3 with hydraulic steering and have gone from a 911 (997.1) with hydraulic steering. The Mustang of course is not as good as either of those for steering feel, but it has feel and the weighting is spot on. I've managed to fully get on it second gear a couple of times now and wow does it shift it feels an incredibly strong 415BHP, I'd not be surprised if it has more horsepower than stated.
Was not happy with the allignment on my bonnet, looked too pinched in centre and was sitting lower than front bumper, very hard to see, but well I knew it was there. Yet another failing on Ford's QC checks, the car might be great value but build quality on exterior panel allignment is an issue on these cars, though I've seen some far worse where it is so easily noticable. Luckily it is easily fixed by adjusting the bonnet catch and the bonnet stops.
[size=5]BEFORE![/size]
[size=5]AFTER![/size]
It is now flush with the front-end, an equal gap all across, we even measured everything to ensure absolutely spot on. Easy to do so kind of sucks Ford did not sort it to be frank when they built the car.
Also the chrome horse, is gone, for me it was making the front-end not aggressive enough, so now it has being replaced with a new horse, a black pony and I am very happy with result, front of car looks a lot more meaner and aggressive whilst still remaining completely factory specification.
Also a shot of the rear lights illuminated.
Weather has vastly improved to wet and warm, tyres clearly switched on, no more grease in them and starting to get more of a feel for the car, she handles above expectations to be frank and the LSD works very well and the front end really turns in very well and is very confident inspiring and I am finding feedback really not bad at all, to the point I can feel the road surface in the wheel, which I was not expecting as Dave reported his Shelby is completely lifeless on the steering and its not that I don't know what to look for I own a solid bushed M3 with hydraulic steering and have gone from a 911 (997.1) with hydraulic steering. The Mustang of course is not as good as either of those for steering feel, but it has feel and the weighting is spot on. I've managed to fully get on it second gear a couple of times now and wow does it shift it feels an incredibly strong 415BHP, I'd not be surprised if it has more horsepower than stated.
What Diff ratio do the UK cars get.?
Running a US Performance Pack GT, I get the 3.73:1. The issue with that ratio is running out of puff in second when you get On It. Limit is about 58mph, so getting 0-60 requires a change into 3rd.. Although the 60's go past very quickly if you keep your foot in.
Running a US Performance Pack GT, I get the 3.73:1. The issue with that ratio is running out of puff in second when you get On It. Limit is about 58mph, so getting 0-60 requires a change into 3rd.. Although the 60's go past very quickly if you keep your foot in.
Gibbo205 said:
No guys we get the 3.55 here in the UK/EU which I am glad off as 3.73 are simply way to short in this car.
I wouldn't say too short, as dropping down a gear at whatever speed gives you the instant sweet spot for accelerating.It also makes 3rd gear pull from a low speed with the Torque then carry on pulling right through the rev range with the BHP at the top end.
When it is singing its pulling. For general hooning I also think the 3.73 gearing compliments the weight of the car well.
Each to their own.. As long as we are happy, it's not like running a 4+ ratio that some Drag queens run.
Edited by bridgdav on Saturday 23 January 11:26
Gibbo205 said:
Hi there
Fitted my rear decklid last night, very easy to do, just undo 4x 7mm bolts in the boot and I then pulled it off with my hands, swap cameras over and reversal. Does not take long and is easy to do.
Those who know their Mustangs will realise this is the EB rear decklid from the USA, but there is no mistaking my car for a V8 from the noise the 5.0l badges all over the car. I went with this because I feel it simply looks the best and cleanest of them all and it really sets the rear-end of.
My average mpg is now hovering in the 16-17mpg range and the car is now over 100 miles, struggling to clock them up due to all the horrible weather.
Still loving the car, still hating the clutch pedal and the car is getting so much attention on the road and when parked up, even in this horrible dull weather.
Where did you get the rear decklid from?Fitted my rear decklid last night, very easy to do, just undo 4x 7mm bolts in the boot and I then pulled it off with my hands, swap cameras over and reversal. Does not take long and is easy to do.
Those who know their Mustangs will realise this is the EB rear decklid from the USA, but there is no mistaking my car for a V8 from the noise the 5.0l badges all over the car. I went with this because I feel it simply looks the best and cleanest of them all and it really sets the rear-end of.
My average mpg is now hovering in the 16-17mpg range and the car is now over 100 miles, struggling to clock them up due to all the horrible weather.
Still loving the car, still hating the clutch pedal and the car is getting so much attention on the road and when parked up, even in this horrible dull weather.
Centurion07 said:
Don't tell 'im, Pike!
Now now! I know that there is a link on here somewhere I just can't find it. I have found this place that looks cheap but I don't think it's Ford OEM.http://www.mrbodykit.com/index.php?main_page=produ...
foliedouce said:
Where did you get the rear decklid from?
I got mine from herehttp://www.newtakeoff.com/
HI there
Some more parts fitted to the car today, hood lifts and some colour added to engine bay:
[size=5]BEFORE![/size]
[size=5]AFTER![/size]
No more hood prop in the way and I even removed it. Blue coil covers which match the colour of the Whipple super charger, guess you can tell I am leaning towards a Whipple.
The hood lift kit also means closing the bonnet is easier as just lower the bonnet and let it fall using its own wait against the gas struts and it closes perfectly every time.
I then gave the car a real good clean, snow foam, followed by wash and then I allowed the car to dry by itself and no sunlight. Once dry my intention was to get a good sealant on the car and something I could use without putting any swirl marks into the paint. So I used Autobrite Project 32 sealant which is what the 911 was done in. What makes it so good is you literally spray it on the paint like a quick detailer on a body panel at a time, wipe it over and then turn the cloth and buff it off. Not only very easy to apply but also easy to remove and results in no rubbing or polishing kind of action on the paint. I managed to get two layers on today and already on a brand new car I can see the difference in depth and mirror/glass like look. It is great stuff.
Some photos:
Now I have washed and waxed the car I have being able to fully inspect the paint, no marks or blemishes, but unfortunately a small chip on drivers side rear quarter clearly from a stone, will ask Ford if they can touch it up, though it is not noticable I now know it is there.
The good news is the paint is completely swirl and marr free, no need for a detail or paint correction, just need to try and keep it that way and only using Project 32 along with two bucket method should certainly help, todays washing and waxing session did not introduce any marks into the paint.
Though it is hard to show here is a real close up of the paint:
Very happy with the car, yes it sits way too high and yes I really want to fit my FRPP handling suspension kit and fit my wheel spacers to get rid of those voids in the arches. However as hard as it is for me to resist I am enjoying the car on standard suspension for a few more weeks to fully understand how it handles from factory and to then start changing suspension parts one at a time.
Some more parts fitted to the car today, hood lifts and some colour added to engine bay:
[size=5]BEFORE![/size]
[size=5]AFTER![/size]
No more hood prop in the way and I even removed it. Blue coil covers which match the colour of the Whipple super charger, guess you can tell I am leaning towards a Whipple.
The hood lift kit also means closing the bonnet is easier as just lower the bonnet and let it fall using its own wait against the gas struts and it closes perfectly every time.
I then gave the car a real good clean, snow foam, followed by wash and then I allowed the car to dry by itself and no sunlight. Once dry my intention was to get a good sealant on the car and something I could use without putting any swirl marks into the paint. So I used Autobrite Project 32 sealant which is what the 911 was done in. What makes it so good is you literally spray it on the paint like a quick detailer on a body panel at a time, wipe it over and then turn the cloth and buff it off. Not only very easy to apply but also easy to remove and results in no rubbing or polishing kind of action on the paint. I managed to get two layers on today and already on a brand new car I can see the difference in depth and mirror/glass like look. It is great stuff.
Some photos:
Now I have washed and waxed the car I have being able to fully inspect the paint, no marks or blemishes, but unfortunately a small chip on drivers side rear quarter clearly from a stone, will ask Ford if they can touch it up, though it is not noticable I now know it is there.
The good news is the paint is completely swirl and marr free, no need for a detail or paint correction, just need to try and keep it that way and only using Project 32 along with two bucket method should certainly help, todays washing and waxing session did not introduce any marks into the paint.
Though it is hard to show here is a real close up of the paint:
Very happy with the car, yes it sits way too high and yes I really want to fit my FRPP handling suspension kit and fit my wheel spacers to get rid of those voids in the arches. However as hard as it is for me to resist I am enjoying the car on standard suspension for a few more weeks to fully understand how it handles from factory and to then start changing suspension parts one at a time.
Why O' Why would you take a RWD Mustang out in one of the biggest Ice / Snow storms on the east coast USA.
Taken from my local news site
The Mustang hit the guardrail and crashed into the semi. Two people inside the car were trapped for about 25 minutes, but they were not seriously hurt, officials said.
There may be a Pony Deck lid going cheap.
Taken from my local news site
The Mustang hit the guardrail and crashed into the semi. Two people inside the car were trapped for about 25 minutes, but they were not seriously hurt, officials said.
There may be a Pony Deck lid going cheap.
Hi there
So today I decided to get back under the car again and get her up on axle stands, made incredibly easy with the Steeda jacking rails I must say, effortless to jack the car very high on the driveway now.
Even though I have no complaints about the transmission, it is a joy to use, I rate it better than my 911's gear change, but 2-3rd at over 6000rpm can on the rare occasion be a little hard to get 3rd if you going for a quick shift. So as I already had the Steeda transmission mount and transmission bushing insert I decided to get them installed.
I started with the transmission mount, thinking this would be harder as people say its hard to get off and to get the new one in you need to undo transmission cross member and drop the transmission an inch or two.
Well I decided to try without undoing the transmission cross member or lowering the trans/gearbox. I got the old one out and the new one in place all OK, yeah it was a little fiddly but it only took me about 45 minutes. I used a 10mm socket with several extensions to make it easy undoing and tightening back up.
I then did the bushing insert, support gearbox with a jack and undid cross member, this bushing is a real tight fit, it took a lot of persuasion, it would probably go in easier with something like WD40 but I wanted to only use the energy suspension grease which is very tracky and no doubt makes it a little harder.
Couple of images of the new parts and old parts:
You can see the stock part is a rather flimsy cheap looking item and you will also see I drilled a hole into the bushing insert to cut down on any potential NVH. So the drive, at first it is really hard to notice anything, maybe the gears a tad less notchy and slot in easier, but if the case then it is real slim. High RPM shifts seem spot on now, though before they were pretty fine, just 2nd-3rd you had to be mindful if doing it fast, so now its a bit easier.
NVH really quite unsure, I think there could be some which will be coming from bushing insert but I am not sure, so that is how minor it is, we shall see on my commute to work tomorrow as today I was simply having to much fun driving the car.
So the jury is out on these parts, I am not witnessing any vast change to how the car changes gear, it was always superb and still is, these parts any improvement is very minor and if they were over £100 I would not recommend them, as such the pair cost me £60, would I do it again, probably not as I found my gear change lovely, it still is but I cannot say this part has transformed the car in any way, it might for others and at £60 it is not breaking the bank. So make your own minds up but unfortunately it is not a part I can turn around and say OMG its made the car epic, or ruined the car, there is an improvement, but it is minor at best.
I was having some fun on a national speed limit road, now the Pzero's have got 250 miles on them and the fact it is 13c outside and wet/damp all of a sudden they are working quite well, full throttle in second gear and she just goes, even 1st gear traction in the damp is actually fantastic, this car can really get up and go from a dig. Loving the car in race mode to be honest, like my 911 the traction systems are dialed way out so they do not interfere, but I've not really pushed the car to hard yet. Then a guy came running out of his unit waving at me, I assumed me flying up and down the road upset him, but he was smiling, pulled into his car park and we got talking. His excitment was because he has a V8 Auto on order and cannot wait to get it, he also has a garage full of parts waiting to go on. Not only that he has a rather impressive garage, Lambo, GTR, Escort RS Cosworth, 911 and he just sold his M4, said he did not like it and the Mustang essentially replacing it. A good guy and someone handy to know as his business is working on cars, vans and trucks.
Couple of photos from tonight of the Stang:
A crowd started to develop, people only had positive things to say, they absolutely love it and it seems common that most people think the rear of the car looks very 60's Mustang and Aston Martin, not a bad thing at all.
So today I decided to get back under the car again and get her up on axle stands, made incredibly easy with the Steeda jacking rails I must say, effortless to jack the car very high on the driveway now.
Even though I have no complaints about the transmission, it is a joy to use, I rate it better than my 911's gear change, but 2-3rd at over 6000rpm can on the rare occasion be a little hard to get 3rd if you going for a quick shift. So as I already had the Steeda transmission mount and transmission bushing insert I decided to get them installed.
I started with the transmission mount, thinking this would be harder as people say its hard to get off and to get the new one in you need to undo transmission cross member and drop the transmission an inch or two.
Well I decided to try without undoing the transmission cross member or lowering the trans/gearbox. I got the old one out and the new one in place all OK, yeah it was a little fiddly but it only took me about 45 minutes. I used a 10mm socket with several extensions to make it easy undoing and tightening back up.
I then did the bushing insert, support gearbox with a jack and undid cross member, this bushing is a real tight fit, it took a lot of persuasion, it would probably go in easier with something like WD40 but I wanted to only use the energy suspension grease which is very tracky and no doubt makes it a little harder.
Couple of images of the new parts and old parts:
You can see the stock part is a rather flimsy cheap looking item and you will also see I drilled a hole into the bushing insert to cut down on any potential NVH. So the drive, at first it is really hard to notice anything, maybe the gears a tad less notchy and slot in easier, but if the case then it is real slim. High RPM shifts seem spot on now, though before they were pretty fine, just 2nd-3rd you had to be mindful if doing it fast, so now its a bit easier.
NVH really quite unsure, I think there could be some which will be coming from bushing insert but I am not sure, so that is how minor it is, we shall see on my commute to work tomorrow as today I was simply having to much fun driving the car.
So the jury is out on these parts, I am not witnessing any vast change to how the car changes gear, it was always superb and still is, these parts any improvement is very minor and if they were over £100 I would not recommend them, as such the pair cost me £60, would I do it again, probably not as I found my gear change lovely, it still is but I cannot say this part has transformed the car in any way, it might for others and at £60 it is not breaking the bank. So make your own minds up but unfortunately it is not a part I can turn around and say OMG its made the car epic, or ruined the car, there is an improvement, but it is minor at best.
I was having some fun on a national speed limit road, now the Pzero's have got 250 miles on them and the fact it is 13c outside and wet/damp all of a sudden they are working quite well, full throttle in second gear and she just goes, even 1st gear traction in the damp is actually fantastic, this car can really get up and go from a dig. Loving the car in race mode to be honest, like my 911 the traction systems are dialed way out so they do not interfere, but I've not really pushed the car to hard yet. Then a guy came running out of his unit waving at me, I assumed me flying up and down the road upset him, but he was smiling, pulled into his car park and we got talking. His excitment was because he has a V8 Auto on order and cannot wait to get it, he also has a garage full of parts waiting to go on. Not only that he has a rather impressive garage, Lambo, GTR, Escort RS Cosworth, 911 and he just sold his M4, said he did not like it and the Mustang essentially replacing it. A good guy and someone handy to know as his business is working on cars, vans and trucks.
Couple of photos from tonight of the Stang:
A crowd started to develop, people only had positive things to say, they absolutely love it and it seems common that most people think the rear of the car looks very 60's Mustang and Aston Martin, not a bad thing at all.
bridgdav said:
Why O' Why would you take a RWD Mustang out in one of the biggest Ice / Snow storms on the east coast USA.
Taken from my local news site
The Mustang hit the guardrail and crashed into the semi. Two people inside the car were trapped for about 25 minutes, but they were not seriously hurt, officials said.
There may be a Pony Deck lid going cheap.
Impressive they survived to be honest.Taken from my local news site
The Mustang hit the guardrail and crashed into the semi. Two people inside the car were trapped for about 25 minutes, but they were not seriously hurt, officials said.
There may be a Pony Deck lid going cheap.
My drive to work is normally a 20-30 minute affair, this morning I took a detour and took a good hour, dry roads, finally time to unleash the car a bit more. The bushing insert I fitted yesterday I do feel causes NVH, not much but enough to the point I shall probably remove the bushing insert and just keep the uprated mount.
The car, the engine is totally awesome, huge torque between 1000-3000rpm and after 3000rpm it pulls like a train to 7000rpm limiter. The gearbox well I think you all know I like it.
Handling, its got grip, surprisingly more than I though you really can get on the power pretty early, certainly earlier than the M3 surprising considering the extra power and torque this has. The dampers are fine under 50mph, but over 50mph the car just seems to get floaty, hit a bump or change lanes over a crest and it literally bounces in slow motion like a boat going over waves, its not scary or losing grip but the car in my view needs more high speed rebound as the dampers are not controlling things in the back of the car very well. Car turns in well, very well, fast direction changes and well its no M3 or 911, you can feel its size and bulk, you can certainly get it through a section of corners fast, but you need a very smooth approach to control the mass. In short the grip is excellent, the handling is OK, its no M car, I'd say it is more on parr with a 3/5 series with M suspension/wheels for handling and direction change. Where it wins over an M car is for traction, it has got grip and the LSD works very well I am finding. But the suspension as a whole just needs tightening up, it needs to roll a little less and it needs a slightly firmer ride with dampers with better control. Hopefully my suspension modifications will resolve these short falls and most of the shall falls are stemming from the rear suspension of the car, the front-end in my view just needs tightening a little, bigger roll bar, braces should sort that. The rear however feels rubberised, floaty and wonderous, I am sure it can be improved.
Still even with these downfalls, even if I had to live with them, I would still be sticking with the Mustang, because it has got real character and soul, something really missing from most modern cars these days and this car has it.
Oh now I've driven it in the dry and unleashed full throttle in 2nd gear upwards, its quick, I'd say its 911 quick, probably no faster though and probably a touch slower than M3, so yes it does need more power, to most people would feel over-whelmed but the whole idea of this car was to turn it into a 700+ horsepower monster after a years ownership, and now I can just imagine flooring it in 3rd with such power will be a true occasion, but I do absolutely love how this engine revs, for a V8 with so much torque it is very impressive that it revs so well.
Anyway work time!
The car, the engine is totally awesome, huge torque between 1000-3000rpm and after 3000rpm it pulls like a train to 7000rpm limiter. The gearbox well I think you all know I like it.
Handling, its got grip, surprisingly more than I though you really can get on the power pretty early, certainly earlier than the M3 surprising considering the extra power and torque this has. The dampers are fine under 50mph, but over 50mph the car just seems to get floaty, hit a bump or change lanes over a crest and it literally bounces in slow motion like a boat going over waves, its not scary or losing grip but the car in my view needs more high speed rebound as the dampers are not controlling things in the back of the car very well. Car turns in well, very well, fast direction changes and well its no M3 or 911, you can feel its size and bulk, you can certainly get it through a section of corners fast, but you need a very smooth approach to control the mass. In short the grip is excellent, the handling is OK, its no M car, I'd say it is more on parr with a 3/5 series with M suspension/wheels for handling and direction change. Where it wins over an M car is for traction, it has got grip and the LSD works very well I am finding. But the suspension as a whole just needs tightening up, it needs to roll a little less and it needs a slightly firmer ride with dampers with better control. Hopefully my suspension modifications will resolve these short falls and most of the shall falls are stemming from the rear suspension of the car, the front-end in my view just needs tightening a little, bigger roll bar, braces should sort that. The rear however feels rubberised, floaty and wonderous, I am sure it can be improved.
Still even with these downfalls, even if I had to live with them, I would still be sticking with the Mustang, because it has got real character and soul, something really missing from most modern cars these days and this car has it.
Oh now I've driven it in the dry and unleashed full throttle in 2nd gear upwards, its quick, I'd say its 911 quick, probably no faster though and probably a touch slower than M3, so yes it does need more power, to most people would feel over-whelmed but the whole idea of this car was to turn it into a 700+ horsepower monster after a years ownership, and now I can just imagine flooring it in 3rd with such power will be a true occasion, but I do absolutely love how this engine revs, for a V8 with so much torque it is very impressive that it revs so well.
Anyway work time!
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