"Bullitt417" (Bullitt417)
12/11/2013 at 09:30 • Filed to: Ford Mustang | 16 | 50 |
* Note: I apologize for the length of this post. I didn't realize how much I had to say when I first started this.*
In 2004 Ford introduced the S197 platform Mustangs. It's retro styling set the stage for a renaissance of horsepower, cool cars and affordable fun. Ford updated the platform in 2010, resulting in a much more sculpted and muscular look. With competition from the newly introduced Chevrolet Camaro, the 5.0L Coyote V8 was added in 2011 transforming the car into a true performance bargain. I purchased my 2012 Lava Red Mustang GT in June of 2011. Now the question remains: After two and a half years and 42,000 miles later, has the novelty of this performance bargain worn off?
( Full Disclosure: Ford wanted me to drive a Mustang so badly that they made me fall in love with them at the age of 12. When I graduated college at the age of 23, they gladly accepted a payment of $39,000 after fees and allowed me to order a fully loaded Lava Red Mustang GT Premium. The car came with the Brembo Brake Package, 3.73 gears, 6-speed Manual, Navigation and the Upgraded Interior. I named her Scarlett.)
Like many Mustang enthusiasts, my Mustang is no longer stock, benefiting from numerous upgrades throughout. With the help of my girlfriend, who not only puts up with my obsession but also helps install these parts, Scarlett now has custom designed dual stripes, Roush lowering springs, GT500 Sway bars and exhaust with resonator deletes, Boss 302 intake manifold, front bumper, oil cooler and brake ducts, an Airaid CAI, a tune, painted rockers, and side scoops, rear spoiler and lower rear bumper from 3D Carbon. Because of this, some of the categories I review may have two ratings. These represent the before modification and after modification scores. Please note that I have added a "Reliability" category, as this is a long term review. The "Interior" and "Toys" sections are now combined.
Exterior: 8/10 -> 9/10
It is no secret that I am smitten with the way my car looks. I think the best way to describe the car is "aggressively subtle." Especially over the 2004-2009 versions, the 2010+ Mustangs were blessed with more aggressive front fenders and a cowled hood that gave an athleticism that the earlier version didn't have. As with anything, there was always a little room for improvement. I wanted to get rid of the forward rake of the car, so Roush lowering springs went on (1 inch drop in the front, 1.25 in the rear). I thought the ass jutted out too far so I had the 3D Carbon GT500 spoiler put on. I added the side scoops… well mainly because I liked them. I had the rockers painted and changed the rear bumper to the 3D Carbon to get rid of the grey factory color. The Boss 302 front bumper was added to house the brake ducts for the Brembos. All and all, I made subtle changes that fit the style I was looking for. I think the result is something that looks like it could've come from the factory but with a hint more aggression. It is the bastard love child of a GT500 and Boss 302. The Lava Red color, though hard to photograph, is fantastic and gets nothing but compliments (1 of 510 Mustang GT coupes).
Interior/Toys: 7/10
It's a pony car, not an S-Class. The soft touch one piece dash is nice, and the seats are comfortable and reasonably supportive. I would love to get my hands on a set of the Recaro's but they are out of my budget. Adding the interior appearance package gave stripes on the seats, different door trim, heated seats (fantastic by the way) and contrasting stitching to dress it all up. The large 8ich Navigation screen adds a bit of a "Wow" factor as does the billet aluminum shifter (came with the Brembo package). I think it's a nice place to be, especially for the price and type of car. Even better, everything has really held up well over the last two years with no fading or loss of finish. Compared with the interiors of the 2012 Camaro and Challenger, it, in my opinion, is a much nicer place to be.
Toys are a bit on the slim side as the track apps and reverse sensors were added in 2013. The Navigation system is easy to use and intuitive, if slightly slow to the touch. It uses the last version of Sync 2.0 before MyFordTouch was introduced so I don't have any usability issues. I can watch DVD's while parked, rip songs to a hard drive and can look up weather and movie times if you keep the Sirius Travel link service (I didn't—just kept the satellite). It works well with Android, and Windows Phone 7 and 8 with the latter giving me voice to text abilities. A rear view camera was optional though not optioned on my car as I knew I was going to change the spoiler. Beyond a few arguments with Sync and some software overlooks (seriously, If you allow me to rip a disc to the car, and I have to manually type in the information [old disc], you should let me apply the artist to all songs instead of making me type it 18 times) everything has worked as it should.
Acceleration: 8/10->9/10
Holy Shit this thing is fun. Two years later, I can still plant it and put a smile on my face. The first time I put my sister in the passenger seat, all she could do was giggle when I floored it. The power… the sound... it is just fun. The 3.73 gears were a fantastic option that truly livens up the car and gives plenty of responsiveness and power across the rev range. And while I have tinkered with the engine in the form of a cold air intake, Boss 302 intake manifold and tune, the car never actually needed more. The Boss Manifold is fantastic—you can actually feel the difference above 4000rpm in how the car accelerates. Stock the car ran 12.8@106 mph at the drag strip. With the upgrades, I am consistently crossing the traps at 109-111mph, though admittedly with slower times (novice skill set, all season tires).
Here is the best way I can summarize Scarlett's power: I recently drove my cousins 662hp Shelby GT500- I am still impressed with the acceleration of my GT.
Braking: 8/10
Hands down, the 14" Brembo's were the best $1000 dollars I have spent on the car. Living in the NYC area, I have been cut off, have had deer dart out and have come up upon inattentive drivers. The Brembos have never failed me. At the track, they slow the car confidently and quickly; on the street they can easily trigger the ABS. I added the Boss 302 Laguna Seca brake ducts about a year after I got the car. While I haven't seen any improvement in stopping power, I am sure having the extra cool air on the brakes will help, especially during longer autocross days. If they do have a downside, it is that new brakes and rotors cost me 600 dollars with a shop discount on parts. The pads and rotors lasted 38000 miles which includes city driving, and some track time. I had the Brembo front rotors resurfaced so they are sitting in my garage for the next time.
Ride: 7/10
It is an S197 Mustang: This means MacPherson Struts up front with a Live Rear axle putting the power down. The ride is firm but smooth. It doesn't beat me up badly on the roads of Staten Island (trails is probably a better description) and was comfortable during a 12 hour stint to Myrtle Beach. After the sway bars and lowering springs, the ride became slightly stiffer, though not enough to deduct a point. This is due to the fact that the Roush springs are progressive, offering stock stiffness in normal driving and stiffening as the suspension compresses…at least until I hit the bump stops. That part sucks, but comes with the territory of driving a slightly lowered car on stock struts. Drive alert and you will be fine.
Handling : 7/10
This past summer I participated in my first autocross (NNJR for anyone who cares). This led to my participation in two more over the course of the summer. It is a lot of fun and I am learning a lot. Scarlett is great. I think the lowering springs and slightly thicker sway bars (2012 GT500 front sway bar has a larger wall thickness- the rear sway bar is the same as the GT) eliminate a lot of the lean in the turns but she is obviously far from an autocross master. That being said, she stays pretty planted throughout the bumpy parking lot of Metlife Stadium and is very controllable during the transition to oversteer. She has understeered more than once in the course, though she admittedly, is limited by my use of Cooper RS3-A all-season tires and slightly ham-fisted driving. They are fantastic all-around tires (nearly as grippy as the Pirelli Pzero in the dry, but better in the rain and cold) but do limit the capabilities on the track.
On the street the car is pretty composed in all but the worst turnpike expansion joints (NJ Turnpike North Exit 13 entrance, I am looking at you) with little to no axle-hop unless I am doing something stupid. Steering feel is great in my opinion, but it's worth noting that I have the option to increase or decrease the steering weight (There is noticeable difference in each level). The traction control is pretty unobtrusive as long as I keep the car straight while the stability control will ease the power to the wheels if I fishtail around a turn (See aforementioned "doing something stupid"). Even better, all systems can be turned off for drag strip runs at Englishtown or autocross events.
Gearbox: 6/10
My car has a Chinese built Getrag MT82 6-speed manual transmission: you may remember this as the version that likes to grenade itself at around 5000 miles. Well, luckily mine hasn't done that, though it isn't without faults. 2 nd gear is a massive pain in the ass to engage, requiring a fully floored clutch and a nice shove into the gear. Further, when combined with the 3.73 gears it is too short to be useable for many things. Every once in a while 5 th gear will engage weird, though this is corrected by redoing the shift. I have been told by Ford that there is nothing wrong with the transmission; fine, that's what the extended warranty is for. Anyway, clutch release is forgiving with the engagement point at the very bottom of the travel. It is worth noting that high rpm shifts, near redline (drag strip) may cause the pedal not to return all the way (common issue due to assist spring on the pedal assembly). The one compliment I have for the transmission is the short throw shifter Ford installed with the Brembo's. I love the way the shifter clicks into the gates. It feels fantastic when it all works which is why it was rated a 6 instead of a 5.
Reliability: 7/10
This wouldn't be a true long term review if I didn't discuss reliability. Truthfully, it has been a mixed bag as Scarlett has had quite a few trips to the service department. In no particular order, the lower control arms were replaced under a TSB, the fan motor was swapped due to a high pitched whine that was annoying me, the rear sway bar links went bad, the battery developed a crack; the paint bubbled on my hood lip (Ford took care of me very well during this issue), the AC compressor crapped out at 36000miles and most recently the GPS antenna needed to be replaced. And while that is a rather comprehensive list, it is hard for me to ding a car that has never actually left me stranded on the side of the road (aside from the time I had two right side blowouts and had to be towed—even if the car had a spare [OEM spare doesn't clear the Brembos], I would've still needed the tow). Less attentive owners may have lived with the bad bushings in the sway bar or the fan noise—I couldn't. Still it is worth noting that I am familiar with the inside of my service department.
Audio: 7/10-9/10
There are two different audio systems in Scarlett. The first, the Shaker 500 stereo, is nothing to write home about. It has good bass and decent sound but at higher volumes it loses some clarity. There was a point at which I was tempted to swap the speakers or the amp (I couldn't get a straight answer from more than one audio shop as to which was better so I never pulled the trigger) but that boat has most likely sailed. It does feature HD radio, a 10gig hard drive, Bluetooth, USB and line-in so I am never at a loss for ways to listen to music. All and all, it works.
The second audio system is the exhaust… and that is well… addicting. 5.0L's of V8 power going through a JBA 3" to 2.75" H-pipe, Borla resonator deletes and exiting through GT500 Mufflers. It is aggressive and deep at speed, but idles quietly and doesn't drone at any rpm. Even better are the crackle and pops of the overrun at 3000rpm. The exhaust changes are probably the sole reason my fuel economy has gone down as it gave Scarlett the aggression she was missing above 3000 rpm. A friend, who I autocross with, summed it up this way: "You may not be the fastest car out there, but you sound fantastic doing it.
Value: 8/10 (Original) - 6/10 (Realistic) - 10/10 (Sentimental)
Yes, you are reading that correctly— the value has gone down. From the factory, the 412hp Mustang GT is a fantastic bargain. And while you could option a base car with all the go-fast parts for much less, even the $39000 I paid represents a great bargain for the performance. "So why the decrease then?" Here's the problem: I modified the car. I plan on continuing to modify the car. I want to make her faster and handle better. I am almost through "stage 1" of the Mustang build in my head—there are 3 stages! Realistically, the car is a money pit, abet one I enjoy immensely. And every time I add a new part, the performance bargain that is the Mustang decreases. On the flip side, I have made Scarlett mine. There may be similar Mustangs out there, but none of those are mine – And that's worth all the points. There has been cursing, frustration, anger and bruising but there has also been learning, smiling and burnouts. This is my Mustang GT. This is Scarlett.
The Verdict:
Before Modifications – 73/100
After Modifications – 75/100
Sentimental Total – 79/100
Doug DeMuro
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 09:45 | 1 |
Great post! 42k miles in two years - you must love it!! Congrats on owning the car you've loved since you were 12. Here's to 42k more with maybe a little less time in the shop...
Bullitt417
> Doug DeMuro
12/11/2013 at 09:55 | 1 |
Thanks Doug! I appreciate the compliment. Here's to hoping for a stress free 42K!
Goshen, formerly Darkcode
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 10:02 | 2 |
Good review. I quite like your car's colour as it's pretty unusual - not only for Mustangs but also for cars in general. Are you going to review Scarlett again as she jumps into Stage 2 and then 3?
Bullitt417
> Goshen, formerly Darkcode
12/11/2013 at 10:10 | 1 |
Thanks!
To be honest, I hadn't really thought about doing a continuation series. If I get enough people who actually read this, I certainly wouldn't mind doing it. I am always tinkering with the car so there is always something to write. I could probably use a proof-reader through. :-)
oldirtybootz
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 10:14 | 2 |
I'll have to read the full article later, but skimming through it and looking at the pics I gotta say I love what you've done with the car. I also fell in love with Mustangs when I was about 12 and I'm probably going to get a 2016 Ecoboost.
Bullitt417
> oldirtybootz
12/11/2013 at 10:20 | 1 |
Thanks! Good Luck with the Ecoboost. I'm thinking it is going to be a very well balanced car. It should be a blast on the autocross. I love the interior of the new ones as well.
Team6.1
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 11:28 | 4 |
As the owner of a 2011 GT I pretty much agree with every part of this review. Spot on. I would rate the value higher as a used car. Got my premium with 11k miles for 26 thousand in early 2012. A steal, and about 8k off list. In terms of acceleration, I also still get giddy when I punch it :-) EDIT: Drove to work with my windows cracked in 26º because I love my exhaust (Flowmaster outlaws, which do drone a little but omfg they sound like sex). And I would give an overall performance number of 8/10 or 9/10 with a performance value of 10/10. I happily mix it up with M3's and porsches on road courses. Straight line I'll go with anything that rolls up
Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 11:35 | 1 |
Keep doing these as you keep improving your car. As someone who is looking to by a 2012 Boss 302 in the next few years, this seemed to be really helpful and provide insight on whats to come. Thank you and enjoy your awesome ride.
Bullitt417
> Team6.1
12/11/2013 at 11:38 | 1 |
That 5.0 is fun. I'm glad to hear i'm not the only one who think so. My only worry with the used car value is that I always assume when I find new low mileage used cars that someone beat on it and moved on. Still from a price point you are probably right. I'm happy you are enjoying your car as well.
oldirtybootz
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 12:08 | 0 |
Unless I'm making enough to afford a GT, I think the Ecoboost will be perfect for me. I love the idea of a turbo four in the Mustang and like you said it should be very well balanced.
Team6.1
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 12:08 | 1 |
And it sucks knowing that by modifying it I am devaluing the car but A. I'd rather have the uniqueness B. I can turn it into the perfect car for me C. It's so easy and there are so many choices
Bullitt417
> Team6.1
12/11/2013 at 12:55 | 0 |
The way I look at it. I bought the car because it was what I wanted. I am modifying it because it's what I want to do. I didn't buy the car to sell it, so resale isn't really something that should come into play. I'm going to enjoy the car. I recognize I'll never see the money from the upgrades but who cares; i'm enjoying the car for the time being.
Bullitt417
> oldirtybootz
12/11/2013 at 12:56 | 1 |
The 305hp V6 is no slouch as it is. If the Ecoboost makes the same/more power and the car is lighter, it's going to be a lot of fun.
Bullitt417
> Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
12/11/2013 at 12:57 | 0 |
Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful.
savethethirdpedal-angry at anger management
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 15:46 | 1 |
Awesome review!
Agree with everything said here, as they are truly capable cars (but with faults).
Still torn between ordering a '15 or picking up a used '11-'13 after the '15 launch...
Morgan ATX
> savethethirdpedal-angry at anger management
12/11/2013 at 16:33 | 0 |
wait until there are genuine reviews of the '15 available. Up until this point its all pictures and partial option lists....
I have a '14 Track Pack, I'm waiting for '15 (or '16) real reviews and test drives before I decide to trade up.
JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
> Bullitt417
12/11/2013 at 21:04 | 1 |
That color.. it is incredible! I have never seen anything like it before (I will read the full review later)
Rustysteel
> Bullitt417
12/13/2013 at 18:31 | 1 |
I just bought an '88 Mustang LX 5.0L, 5 speed with A/C delete and 3.08 rear end. It was a car I lusted after as a teenager and now I have one. It was a friends car and she said she would never sell it, but after pestering her for 5 years, not really but maybe, she sold it to me. I love it and I've autocrossed it all last season with Kumho 710's on stock 10 hole rims, runs well and is fun. Not the fastest but like someone said in your story "sounds the best" with my flowmaster exhausts. My car has only 105,000km's (65,000 miles) and is completely stock, except for the exhaust. I love it and I hope to start modifying it for next season autocross events. Great article keep the updates coming.
Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon
> Bullitt417
12/13/2013 at 18:33 | 1 |
While I haven't seen any improvement in stopping power, I am sure having the extra cool air on the brakes will help, especially during longer autocross days.
Nope. Autocross is too short to heatsoak brakes, and you have gobs of resting time in between runs for them to cool off. I run a stock-braked foxbody running the cheapest pads Autozone sells, and I never have braking issues on an AX course; contrast that with ONE time coming full-speed into turn 10 at Thunderhill, at which point the pedal is mush.
DollaMoneyAve
> Bullitt417
12/13/2013 at 19:37 | 0 |
Good review mang. Nice to see she's in good hands. The problems you described with your tranny are very similar to the issues I've been having with my '12 Wrangler 6mt, same response from Chrysler as you got from Ford. Like you said, warranty FTW.
Slow4o
> Bullitt417
12/13/2013 at 19:39 | 1 |
Good review. My dad owns a '11 GT and he loves it. Has only really had a problem with some differential whine and then a punctured radiator from road debris. I put a custom X-pipe and Roush axle backs on for his birthday a couple years ago, and I always drive with the windows down when I'm in it to hear this:
I'm surprised you haven't done Koni yellows or something similar yet though. I would recommend you do that next because it makes a hell of a difference in how the car feels. Love the look of the car and can't wait to see what you have in store for it!
SirRaoulDuke
> Bullitt417
12/13/2013 at 19:47 | 0 |
Damn fine looking Mustang.
Bighead38
> Bullitt417
12/13/2013 at 19:57 | 0 |
Curious where your from? I'm just another mustang guy from Rockland county. You should join hpmustang. Ton of local members.
Fenderaddict2
> Bullitt417
12/14/2013 at 00:48 | 1 |
Have a 2012 Boss 302 myself but have to agree with what's posted here. I've owned lots of great cars, many technically better than my Mustang but something about a Mustang goes beyond just being a car. I love mine.
Bullitt417
> Fenderaddict2
12/14/2013 at 10:18 | 0 |
The Boss 302 is an awesome car. I'm glad it puts a smile on your face even if you have owned better (by the way, that statement piqued my interest— now I'm curious as to what preceded the boss).
Bullitt417
> Bighead38
12/14/2013 at 10:20 | 0 |
I'm down in Staten Island. It would be a bit of a drive but I'll take a look into HPMustang. Thanks!
Bullitt417
> SirRaoulDuke
12/14/2013 at 10:20 | 0 |
Damn Fine Looking Commentor. Thank you!!
Bullitt417
> Slow4o
12/14/2013 at 10:27 | 0 |
Your dads car sounds fantastic— Looks great too. My windows are down a lot myself. It is a glass roof Mustang or did you just vinyl the roof? If it's glass, how do you like it? Does it get colder in the winter?
I would love to upgrade the suspension further. However with the amount of driving I do, I need to do research on to what works and what doesn't. Especially on Staten Island, where the roads are crappy, I need to find something that will work day to day and not destroy the ride. Additionally, the way I figure it, being on Staten Island means my stock struts will be shot in about 25K miles. At that point, rest assured, I will just replace them with something better.
Bullitt417
> DollaMoneyAve
12/14/2013 at 10:32 | 0 |
I'm sorry to hear about your Wrangler. The transmission is one of those things that I just keep an eye on. I brought it in once and rode along with the guy on the test drive and he couldn't shift into second before 3000rom. He said because, It got easier as the revs got higher, there was nothing wrong. If that is the type of logic I am going to fight, I don't have the time at the moment and I'll let the warranty cover it eventually. Besides, at this point, you learn the abnormalities of you car and work with them. I do hope your transmission woes eventually get worked out as well.
Bullitt417
> Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon
12/14/2013 at 10:35 | 1 |
Fair enough assessment on the Autocross. Either way, the brake ducts are more of a piece of mind (and gave me something to do for a day —yes, on jackstands it takes the full day because they are a pain in the ass) as I have yet to be on a racetrack. Getting out to a road course is on my list of things to do so at least I will be slightly better prepared.
Bullitt417
> Rustysteel
12/14/2013 at 10:39 | 0 |
Thanks for the compliments. I am a huge Fox body fan and A 65000 mile example is a fantastic find. I'm glad you are enjoying the autocross— i was pleasantly surprised how fun it is. Just a heads up on modifications for autocross. Watch how you modify the car because you can quickly outclass yourself if you do the wrong upgrade. I'm Running in TESP which is a tough class to compete because I changed the springs on the car. Now I'm racing cars on full coil-overs. :-/
Chally72
> Bullitt417
12/14/2013 at 10:39 | 1 |
I've had a Kona Blue 2012 since new as well. I've had the water pump replaced, and had the transmission in twice because of awful shifts until I swapped for an aftermarket shifter. What I believe the problem is? The cast aluminum lug that the shifter plate rests against has casting flash, and holds the stock shifter away from where it should be. For some reason, 2nd gear is first to feel this mismatch. A little filing or swapping to an aftermarket shifter should cure these symptoms on any car.
What did the bad sway bar links present for symptoms? I have a horrible knock like a bad shock over bumps, but the shop can't figure out what it is and I've been under the car more times than I can count shaking and disassembling/tightening things to no avail.
Bullitt417
> Chally72
12/14/2013 at 10:51 | 0 |
The sway bar links present a hollow knocking sound when going over bumps. It just sounded like something was bouncing weird. Based on how you described your noise, it sounds similar. Anyway, If you can get under the car or put it up on a drive on lift where you keep the weight on the wheels, grab the sway bar and yank up and down. If the links are bad you should be able to hear/feel it move. It's definitely easier on a drive on lift to do. It's like the bushings that attach to the sway bar dried out and shrunk so there is some play in the sway bar. Honestly, this was an easy experience with Ford. I went in and said "my rear suspension is making a hollow knocking sound over bumps. I'm not sure what its supposed to sound like, but I know this isnt right" They tested it and fixed it.
DollaMoneyAve
> Bullitt417
12/14/2013 at 10:58 | 1 |
"you learn the abnormalities of you car and work with them." Great point, That's the conclusion I came to as well. Drive safe brotha it's real icy out there
Bullitt417
> DollaMoneyAve
12/14/2013 at 11:02 | 0 |
Thanks buddy. Will do. A few more hours of snow and it will be two high to go out. 2-3inches is the most i will limp my car home in. Stay safe
Chally72
> Chally72
12/14/2013 at 11:06 | 1 |
That is exactly it. The car's away for winter now, but I went out and hammered my palm against the sway bar right next to a link and managed to produce a very weak thunk. It started in colder weather last year and expanded to all temperatures this summer.
Thanks for your help! And that color has to be the most difficult to photograph color I've ever seen, but it truly is stunning in person.
doctorq
> Chally72
12/14/2013 at 12:53 | 0 |
Looks like you've figured it out! Just for confirmation, as the owner of a '13MY which had the rear sway bar mounts replaced at 32k miles, and with multiple friends with similar experience, I can almost 100% guarantee the sound/feel you're getting from the rear end is the sway bar links. My friend with a mechanically identical car turned me onto the cure; I said, "No way, that's not what it is!" Yet indeed it was.
Fenderaddict2
> Bullitt417
12/14/2013 at 19:35 | 0 |
Better is more of a value/finish vs price statement and encompasses a 1969 Cougar that I still believe was ahead of its time, several Miata's a 300 Zx, a Mazda 6, a T-bird, 5 Bimmers and such. But not a single GM product I owned, sadly.
Slow4o
> Bullitt417
12/14/2013 at 19:47 | 0 |
My dad has the glass roof. He loves it, but he lives in Louisiana so winter isn't really a thing and he parks it in a garage haha. And yea I'm not sure how much you can take with a rough DD, but I DD'ed my Mustang for about a year and a half on the yellows on Louisiana streets, which suck a lot too. It's not my daily anymore, but I haven't heard many people online talk about their Koni's getting blown out because of street conditions. That might be a question for Sam Strano.
Rustysteel
> Rustysteel
12/14/2013 at 21:11 | 0 |
It's tough to stay in Stock or Street class. I'm in F stock but next year's rule changes will only allow street tires (200 tread wear) to remain in this class. I had fun competing with a 2010 Mustang GT at one event. We went back in forth as he was using his stock tires and I was on my R-comps. I've been autocrossing for years (15+) and I love throwing this car around the cones. Here's a pic of my Mustang from the summer. Keep up the good work.
TheBearJew
> Bullitt417
12/15/2013 at 12:24 | 1 |
When I read your first paragraph I scratched my head when you said "lava red," but I googled it and wow. I love the way it seems to change in the light. Does it look more red, or maroon in person? It looks like one of those colors that is hard to capture in a picture. I've got a "blue ray metallic" cough...(probably in the wrong place :) Camaro, and the color changes from blue to black, to almost purple in direct sunlight.
Bighead38
> Bullitt417
12/15/2013 at 14:15 | 0 |
There's a few members from Staten Island. There's members from all over the country but a majority are from the tri-state area.
Bullitt417
> TheBearJew
12/16/2013 at 09:37 | 0 |
Have no fear, I know quite a few people who made the wrong decision and bought a Camaro ;-) j/k. In person, under most light it looks almost black. Depending on the sunlight it can shift from almost brown/black to purple (exterior section photo) all the way to maroon. See attached. I love it. Most people are shocked when they actually figure it out so I like their responses.
Your Camaro color sounds cool I am going to have to look it up now. My friends have an imperial blue ? and a red jewel tintcoat respectively.
pdubizon
> Bullitt417
12/17/2013 at 23:12 | 1 |
I've got a 2012 Kona Blue GT and thought the review was right on the money. Mine is a base model without a single option, but I was able to get it for right at $27k brand new. At that price, it was untouchable in terms of bang for your buck. After adding a Boss 302 alcantara steering wheel to replace the god-awful plastic base model wheel, a set of the Brembo 19" wheels, and a set of GT500 mufflers, and having the rear spoiler removed, it is just about perfect.
It has been dead-nuts reliable for the 37,000 miles that I've had it(unless you count the hit and run that bent the rear axle requiring full replacement) The A/C sometimes smells a little musty in the height of the hot, humid Houston summer. I had the squeaky LCA bushings when I first got it, but they quieted down after about 10k miles. The MT82 is probably my least favorite part of the car, but now that the warranty is up I will be less apprehensive to do any mods to improve shifting quality(not that a shifter should pose any warranty issues, but after some of the service/warranty nightmares I've read about on some of the forums, I didn't want to take any chances.
I still would like to reflash the PCM, upgrade to the Brembo brakes, and my god how I want a set of the OEM Recaros, but they want crazy money for those things. That 5.0 sure is a peach of an engine.
My issues have all been what I consider small insignificant things, and for the price of admission I have been utterly satisfied. I love this car.
autothing
> Bullitt417
12/18/2013 at 18:21 | 1 |
I love your summary: you love the Mustang because it's YOUR Mustang. I have a 99' and a 2005 Saleen S281E. I still love the 99' more because I added: (1) Pike's Peak Pearl White paint coat (2) Roush 360R front bumper (3) GT rear bumper (4) SVT Cobra hood, mirrors and side scoops (5) Dual exhaust (6) adjustable springs and more.
This car is all my own design, people STILL compliment it and I just never see identical Mustangs out there versus all the other muscle cars. There's just something about building up your own Pony.
Bullitt417
> autothing
12/19/2013 at 00:21 | 0 |
Thank you for the compliments. Your Mustang sounds beautiful. I am a big fan of white pearl and would love to see it on the Mustang. I agree though, part of what makes the car special is that you get to decide the finishing touches. Thanks again and happy driving.
autothing
> autothing
12/19/2013 at 11:34 | 1 |
It's the best photo of my two Mustangs together. You can kind-of-sort-of see the white's pearlescence as opposed to being a flat white, which I am *no* fan of.
Bullitt417
> autothing
01/22/2014 at 16:00 | 0 |
Nice Choice on the FR500 Wheels. They compliment it very nicely
Alex
> Bullitt417
04/21/2014 at 10:31 | 0 |
Basically the your car is a piece of crap just like my 2012 GT is. You've been to the shop too many times my friend. Mine started from my front suspension, then my gears, now my check engine light is on. This is what happens when "AN AMERICAN MUSCLE CAR" has a Chinese transmission in it, or 33% was assembled in Mexico and what other short cuts were taken to increase profits. My whole purpose of purchasing a new car was so I wouldn't have mechanical issues, I was worried because my 2002 Honda Accord had a 150,000 miles on it, I thought to myself, let me sell it and buy a brand new car. Boy was a wrong, what a mistake. For the record, my car has been at the dealership for more than 55 days. No one has bothered to call me, especially ford corporate. This is a clear indication of how professional this brand is.
VAiN
> Bullitt417
10/06/2014 at 20:26 | 1 |
Excellent review! I feel the same way about my Brembo 2012.. the fun factor doesn't go away!