Starters for 10...
Discussion
No pics yet, but first impressions.
Overall, it's very much a cruising car. Yesterday we drove up from Bath to Gloucester, across to Monmouth, down to Tintern and Chepstow, then back to Bath, A-roads the whole way. Obviously with around 300bhp, overtaking is pretty easy but frequently I didn't feel like I needed to go quicker or overtake. Unlike driving the Caterham, which is continually frantic, always pushing on faster, overtaking everything, the Mustang is much happier to sit at 50-60 without feeling like it should be going faster.
The handling is surprisingly good with not too much body roll. However, the steering is very slow and pretty vague especially around straight ahead. The car has quite a small steering wheel, which doesn't help with the weight of the steering, so I may need to investigate whether I can reduce the turns lock-to-lock and make it a bit less vague.
The engine sounds fantastic, especially when in the top half of the rev range, losing the low rev burble and gaining a harder edge. Plenty of power although as I'm still learning the car I rarely give it full beans in the bends. MPG-wise, I think I'm getting about 15mpg so not terrible but not great.
The 5 speed manual is good although more a 4 speed + overdrive style rather than a genuine 5 speeder. Also it's definitely geared for US roads and 55mph limits. The shift is pretty notchy and it occasionally jumps out of 1st gear. The gear lever is a little far away too, so I may need to fit a different lever to bring it a little closer. Currently the reach to 5th is too far away to be a comfortable change.
The car has the front disc brake conversion but the pedal is very firm. They do work well though, as I found out when I had to stop abruptly at a roundabout yesterday! Not a huge amount of feel but it's just a matter of getting used to it.
So things I want to change:
Gear lever to bring it closer.
Seats - want high-back versions as the originals, although in great condition, aren't suitable for me tracking the car.
Seatbelts - harnesses for the front seats, inertia reel in the back. Currently no belts in the back, and only lap belts in the front.
Stereo - current one is good but would like RDS and an iPod connection.
So, in summary, as it is now, the car is great to drive at 60-80% but a little too vague at much more. I intend to use it as both a GT car and eventually take it on track so will do the upgrades as I get the opportunity and decide exactly what I want. Visually I still think it looks great, as did my passenger yesterday and numerous passers-by and other motorists. It attracts about the same amount of attention as the Caterham does, but from a slightly different set of poeple. The Caterham gets little kids excited and pointing, the Mustang gets their parents.
When me, my camera and the car are all in the same place at the same time I'll get some pics taken, sadly it'll be at least another week as I'm off to the Algarve tomorrow. Should have taken some in the Forest of Dean yesterday really - good autumn colours.
Overall, it's very much a cruising car. Yesterday we drove up from Bath to Gloucester, across to Monmouth, down to Tintern and Chepstow, then back to Bath, A-roads the whole way. Obviously with around 300bhp, overtaking is pretty easy but frequently I didn't feel like I needed to go quicker or overtake. Unlike driving the Caterham, which is continually frantic, always pushing on faster, overtaking everything, the Mustang is much happier to sit at 50-60 without feeling like it should be going faster.
The handling is surprisingly good with not too much body roll. However, the steering is very slow and pretty vague especially around straight ahead. The car has quite a small steering wheel, which doesn't help with the weight of the steering, so I may need to investigate whether I can reduce the turns lock-to-lock and make it a bit less vague.
The engine sounds fantastic, especially when in the top half of the rev range, losing the low rev burble and gaining a harder edge. Plenty of power although as I'm still learning the car I rarely give it full beans in the bends. MPG-wise, I think I'm getting about 15mpg so not terrible but not great.
The 5 speed manual is good although more a 4 speed + overdrive style rather than a genuine 5 speeder. Also it's definitely geared for US roads and 55mph limits. The shift is pretty notchy and it occasionally jumps out of 1st gear. The gear lever is a little far away too, so I may need to fit a different lever to bring it a little closer. Currently the reach to 5th is too far away to be a comfortable change.
The car has the front disc brake conversion but the pedal is very firm. They do work well though, as I found out when I had to stop abruptly at a roundabout yesterday! Not a huge amount of feel but it's just a matter of getting used to it.
So things I want to change:
Gear lever to bring it closer.
Seats - want high-back versions as the originals, although in great condition, aren't suitable for me tracking the car.
Seatbelts - harnesses for the front seats, inertia reel in the back. Currently no belts in the back, and only lap belts in the front.
Stereo - current one is good but would like RDS and an iPod connection.
So, in summary, as it is now, the car is great to drive at 60-80% but a little too vague at much more. I intend to use it as both a GT car and eventually take it on track so will do the upgrades as I get the opportunity and decide exactly what I want. Visually I still think it looks great, as did my passenger yesterday and numerous passers-by and other motorists. It attracts about the same amount of attention as the Caterham does, but from a slightly different set of poeple. The Caterham gets little kids excited and pointing, the Mustang gets their parents.
When me, my camera and the car are all in the same place at the same time I'll get some pics taken, sadly it'll be at least another week as I'm off to the Algarve tomorrow. Should have taken some in the Forest of Dean yesterday really - good autumn colours.
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