I’ve owned the “wrong” Mustang for over three years now

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
10/11/2019 at 20:58 • Filed to: Boostang

42,000 miles later and I don’t regret not getting a GT, but I’m sure as Hell thankful I didn’t opt for the V6 when I ordered this one. AMA, if ya want.

DISCUSSION (70)

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:01

wow, has it really been that long? damn... I hope you’ ve enjoyed it a ll

MrDakka > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:03

Why's it the wrong color?

LJ909 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:04

Nice Grabber Blue color too. Its good you didn’ t get the V6. The 3.7 was good, but features wise it was rental spec.

dogisbadob > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:05

cool color

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:16

Would you upgrade for the HPP 2.3 Mustang if you could?

CRider > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:26

OK but you're getting the V8 next time, right?

Steve in Manhattan > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:27

Emmanuel Transmission?

i86hotdogs > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 21:38

I agree with the choice, bigger aftermarket scene for the 4 vs. the 6. Like the color too. I like it all. Nice car!

djphoenix18 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 22:20

Just wait until the GT500 comes out and pick yourself up a "gently" used Voodoo. Boom. Done.

Faizir > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 23:04

In 2011 I had an overnight test drive with a V6 Mustang with the P erformance P ackage. Back then it was only available with a manual transmission, it drove great I really liked it but the interior wa s so cheap I didn’t get it. The V6 with a manual is an excellent combination. Much more tractable and easier to drive than the very torquey turbo 2.3. It was triple Blaze yellow, or something like that... a great color. I kind of regret not getting it but Interiors matter to me

Nick Has an Exocet > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 23:18

How has the Crowd Targeting System held up? I feel like I remember reading that the GT had laser but they g ave the Ecoboost a down-spec’d optical system that didn’t hit as many people.

S197 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/11/2019 at 23:38

GT or nothing, period.

SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
10/12/2019 at 00:32

There is a lot to love about the HPP2.3 and if considering a 2.3L Mustang for the first time, it is worth a serious consideration. However, if you already have a 2.3L Mustang, I wouldn’t bother making the switch.

The HPP offers a lot but leaves the TORSEN of previous year PP cars off the table, unless you tick the extra box for the ‘Handling Package’. That has a lot of goodies as well, including the GT350R Mag suspension, and some extra lovely wheels, the challenge is it also ups the price for all the goodness it offers. A 2019 2.3 PP car may be had for 28k, a 2020 2.3HPP car starts at 33k, but the only way into the TORSEN is the 2 k added handling package, which requires the 101A options package as well, landing you at 37k. The TORSEN isn’t required, especially since all modern Mustangs have an LSD, non-PP models have clutch-type for instance. I generally prefer the feel of clutch-type LSD’s, but far and away favor the durability of TORSEN units.

The performance bargain title s tarts to be lost. If money isn’t a major concern and you want the more handling biased 2.3 compared to the beefier 5.0, the HPP is a win on all fronts.

The standard 310b hp 2.3L is safe to 375wtq, starts to get stressed after that. It may suffer a bit more but I’d wager for a reduced lifespan. The RS/HPP 330/350bhp motor has a stronger block, which should handle 425wtq just as well.

There have been motors of both origin making more power, but longevity is still being tested, and many have failed, usually with a catastrophic cylinder failure. The Mazda MZR of which the EB2.3 is based suffered similar failures and it was attributed to rod fatigue due to excessive low-RPM/load torque. I believe safe tuning, aware owners, and eventually beefier rods are the recipe to reliable 400wtq+ power. A bore plate should also be seriously considered if doing rods and aiming for those sorts of power levels.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Nick Has an Exocet
10/12/2019 at 00:34

It’s definitely not worked. Unless it isn’t suppose to hit people, in which case it’s very effective.

SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 00:35

Great looking car. Any power/handling mods? If not, are you considering any in the future?

I love both motors. The 2015 Mustang introduced a solution that met market requirements and allowed two very different types of enthusiasts to enjoy the Mu stang, in addition to those fuel conscious individuals that now have a solid sports car option. Every one wins.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > CRider
10/12/2019 at 00:35

I’ve no idea what’s next.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
10/12/2019 at 00:37

Nope. Because while I’m sure the HPP is a great car for the money, it’s the SVO 2: Electric Boogaloo when it comes to pricing. It’s right there at base GT. But for me, knowing what the aftermarket can do with a base EB starting in the mid 20s, you can get much more for your money that way.

I also don’t care for keeping up with the Jones’. That’s a financial path I could never take with cars unless I was born with a trust fund to last me two lifetimes, or worked a job that netted me mid-high 6 figures a year. As such, the HPP wouldn’t make sense for me, and it certainly wouldn’t be an upgrade either.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
10/12/2019 at 00:38

Right? And unlike my old Focus ST, I haven’t grown tired of this car yet! There have been some roadblocks (new cylinder head an d clutch master cylinder) but it’s sullied my opinion of Ford more than the car.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Steve in Manhattan
10/12/2019 at 00:38

I’d be damned if it wasn’t.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja
10/12/2019 at 00:44

Other than lowering springs, I’ve been Livernois-tuned since 2016. Larger intercooler, lower temp T-stat, and a Gibson catback to personalize it to my liking. I’m not making gobs of power by today’s standards. but 380hp/400tq is more than I’ve ever had to this point. And netting 23-24MPG around town on average, there really isn’t much I can think of that can match that.

I’m content enough to leave the car alone as it is because it has and does everything I could want for the money and value.

SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 01:06

You’re at a really good point with the car and if you are happy, I’d say leave it right there. There is room left but assuming the tune is solid, you should be able to treat it like a stock car and drive it hard without worry.

I don’t know much about Livernois’ 2.3 tunes, but their 5.0 stuff is sound with plenty of experience dealing with supercharger tunes, which should translate well to the 2.3 (Both use the same tuning logic and will see the same sort of stresses).

I’d be willing to bet you are faster than stock or bolt-on 5.0's, at least to 60mph. Stock there is little difference in the 0-60 times due to the low-end torque of the 2.3 versus the more high-strung nature of the 5.0. Aside from fuel economy, the early torque makes the 2.3 a fantastic street motor.

CRider > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 01:16

You’ll want to keep it forced induction, right? B ut you also want a V8 so there’s really only one option.

Kinja'd!!!

Best of both worlds.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > CRider
10/12/2019 at 01:26

I do know It’ll depend on the kinda car. If it’s another pony car, then naturally aspirated V8. If it’s a lighter and smaller car, I could go NA or FI and be happy. But all these things cost money and would require a much higher paying job than the one I’ve got now.

If I had to pick any V8 in the market I’d like to own right this minute, it’d have to be an LT1.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja
10/12/2019 at 01:35

I drive and treat the car as if it were exactly stock. I do have a tune that requires at least 110 octane but I’m not one to push things that far.

The Livernois tune actually remedies some of the gripes I had with the car stock and for being an off the shelf tune that can be modified to work with additional modifications, I don’t think you can go wrong unless you’re power hungry.

If I had the right tires I’d absolutely agree. I hated the stock Pirelli tires it came with and went for cheaper Firestone’s and while the street capability seems to be identical, the limit is definitely more quickly attained with the latter compared to the former. One day I’d love to drive them back to back

CRider > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 01:40

Would you buy another Ecostang if you were in the market right now? Or would you go for a LT1 Camaro / Miata/BRZ/Other?

Of any V8 on the market (within reason), I’d go wi rth the 5.2 Voodoo in the GT350. In 20 years, the LT1 will be just another SBC; the Voodoo will still stand out.

Tex > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 01:52

Forget either tire option: go with the Nitto 555 tires. I've been running them on my Lightning now since 2004,and have never looked back. I can get 36k miles on them if I'm careful with the rotations, and they stick like glue. Definitely the best tire for that car.

John > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 07:38

I’m happy I bought the RIGHT Mustang for me. 2013 Boss 302, school bus yellow! I love it’s crudeness, lack of insulation, tinny radio, it’s a true throwback to the original. Yes there are Stangs with more power, refined IRS suspensions and more electronic gadgets. But this car is a modern time machine, a twist of the key wakes up that glorious engine, barking and popping from the open side exhaust outlets, si nk into those Recaros and it feels as though Mom is holding you in her arms. Only mod is an MGW shifter, aside from that the car is perfect! I will own and drive this car till I no longer can! I am blessed to have it!

arl > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 07:57

Sha-weet! What lowering springs do you have? Are those stock wheels? They look awesome.

There are days when I wish I had bought a manual. Most of the time (in traffic) the 10 speed is great - buuuut....on the weekends I really wish I had the manual. Ah well.

Codytheco > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 08:08

So is it a v6 or v8

BEER4Bonnieville > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 08:45

Where do you obtain 110 octane?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > CRider
10/12/2019 at 09:34

Camaro SS, albeit 2016-18 only. The facelift is an adjecti ve beyond hideous.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > BEER4Bonnieville
10/12/2019 at 09:35

Some gas stations sell race gas at the pump. One is about 15 minutes from my house.

earlingy > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 09:51

I’m not saying you are wrong about this being a great car or that you didn't enjoy it. But if you'd got a GT, you would've enjoyed it more.

Just Jeepin' > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 10:30

So for someone who would definitely like to own one someday, this is all quite perplexing. What’s the “right” Mustang? What’s the wrong one?

Saint Nick > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 11:48

Gorgeous specification

Gripevo1 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 13:13

Ive had my 2016 GT PP for just over four years(almost 60k miles now). Done 50+ autox events, 3 hpde events, moved me across country from California to Detroit in the snow (and did half of a Michigan winter ). Been a fantastic car all around. With the exception of an A/C compressor, replaced under warranty, the car has been totally reliable.

Gyp > SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja
10/12/2019 at 13:14

I bought the 2016 California Special Mustang GT convertible. This car was so smooth. Had to sell it unfortunately due to my financial situation. This year I bought a 2018 EcoBoost premium convertible. I am really having issues with the lighter car. It has the performance package, Ricaro seats, all the options, but the ride is bumpy, and the steering unreliable (is it the Perrelli tires?) . One thing though, this car is a beauty to look at. Bummer. Not sure what to do to fix this driving issue.

Rik > Nick Has an Exocet
10/12/2019 at 13:20

Hahaha

Gyp > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 13:26

Kinja'd!!!

2018 EcoBoost convertible. Pretty car, but hard time steering, and lag in performance.

Gyp > Gyp
10/12/2019 at 13:31

Loved my 2016 California Special GT. The performance and sound was incredible!! I miss it.

Kinja'd!!!

Gripevo1 > Gripevo1
10/12/2019 at 13:51

Forgot to add...love your car. The gt350 style wheels with the grabber blue are on point!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Gripevo1
10/12/2019 at 13:55

You’re in the Detroit area as well? Nice! Perhaps I’ll see ya around these parts one day. I’ve done one track day, but I really wanna feel how “heavy” these cars handle on a tighter AutoX course. an HPDE wouldn’t hurt either.

I’ve heard about all the AC compressor issues on M6G, but I’m still running the original one without issue.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > arl
10/12/2019 at 13:56

I’ve got the Steeda progressive sport springs. 1.25" and 1" drop in the front and rear respectively.

I never had the opportunity to drive an automatic but it wouldn’t have swayed my decision in the slightest. I’ve heard mixed things about the 10 speed, on the other hand.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Just Jeepin'
10/12/2019 at 14:03

The “right” Mustang is whichever Mustang fits your lifestyle. It’s that simple.

Whenever this debate comes about, I remember part of the presentation Lee Iacocca gave at the ‘64 World’s Fair:

Kinja'd!!!

It really is this simple.

SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 14:19

T uning helps a lot, it is fantastically fast at shifting, but also gets easily confused as to which gear to use in stock fo rm due to the sheer number of them .

Still, from my perspective, nothing beats rowing your own in a sports car. My interest is more is more about the experience than peak performance.

arl > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 14:20

I’ve heard Steeda makes great stuff.

Just Jeepin' > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 14:36

Yeah, what I really need is a “Mustang for Dummies” book. Reading through this thread I get the impression that the lineup is formidable.

Gripevo1 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 14:52

Yup just moved out here in February to work at Ford. Im in Canton. I did a trackday st gingerman last month. Also planning on doing some autocross events with Detroit region scca(at Os coda or Michigan speedway I think) next season. Im always down to meet a fellow car enthusiast!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Gripevo1
10/12/2019 at 15:52

Well congrats on the job and move, hopefully the weather has been kind enough for ya. I’m about 30 minutes northeast of ya in the Birmingham area. As an engineering student in the area, I wanted to work for Ford for years......But I reckon I’m the last person Ford wants to ever hire so that’s bumming.

I did my first AutoX with my previous Focus ST at MIS a couple years ago.

WavveMane > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 17:45

I go with an RCF.

Tru-boost > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 20:07

I agree to disagree. I am a muatang fan overall so i woul d say there is no “wrong” mus tang. But in 2016 when my wife wanted a mustang convertible there were 3 engine options. I just could not bring myself to pick the ecoboost. I am all for it in a focus or fusion, but it just felt dirty and wrong in a mustang. We went with the 3.7 and have no regrets at all. It has a flowmaster axleback and is tuned. Otherwise all stock. The main reason for not liking the turbo 4 is the sound. I dont care what exhaust mods are done, it just never sounds like a muscle car. The 3.7 on the other hand actually sounds pretty tough with an opened up exhaust.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 21:53

Congrats! I think the V8 vs. everything else is a dead horse at this point for all the reasons you’ve listed in other comments , but what’s your impression of the GTs?

BmacIL > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 23:01

I'll be at the CCM autocross at the Schoolcraft College training complex tomorrow with my GT.

Gripevo1 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/12/2019 at 23:04

Thanks! To be honest, I never thought I would be working for an OEM in design. My last related job was designing electric go karts for kids(along with some other random sorta car related stuff). Its pretty ironic that I bought my first American car a few years ago, my Mu stang, and when I started at Ford I was working in the studio that it was created in. Been really good so far and its been a nice change of pace and much more comfortable lifestyle living here(my GF and I had decent paying jobs in SF, but paying rent and other high costs of living was always a struggle there).

Im looking forward to doing some more track days and autoX events, but it will take some getting used to to not be able to doing any of that stuff for almost half the year. Maybe i have to do a snow rally build..lol.

lar > Just Jeepin'
10/13/2019 at 00:51

IMO, and if you have the budget, go for a 2018+ GT hands down.

My wife had a 16 GT California Special convertible with a 6 speed auto. It was a great cruising car, but wasn’t as fast or as loud as I’d expected a Mustang GT to be.

She traded in that 16 for a 19 GT convertible with the 10 speed, and it’s night and day.

The active exhaust and digital dash is a must buy (again, if you have the budget). It’s SOOOO much faster; like otherworldly compared to the 16. The active exhaust makes it sound like a V8 Mustang should. I’ve hit 4.5 0-60 on the street with the stock all seasons (265 all around).

It’s an incredible car!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Gripevo1
10/13/2019 at 00:51

Whoa, welcome to Michigan my fellow OPPO and Canton resident! Work is going to resume probably next month on my 82 Mercury Capri RS 5.0 RallyX build. I'll let you know when the wrenching begins!

Just Jeepin' > lar
10/13/2019 at 01:15

Definitely not in the budget now. Maybe someday.

Kdm > Just Jeepin'
10/13/2019 at 13:24

I have a 95gt convertible completely restored xcept for paint...124.000 milestoo many upgrades to list all performance parts 5.0 motor stock and fast 5speed I love it. But disabled and sadly must sell...book is 4400..come spring it will be antique but a antique that will run at least 145 mph guantteed

Just Jeepin' > Kdm
10/13/2019 at 13:28

Sounds like a special car. Sorry to hear you have to get rid of it, hope you find the right buyer.

Gripevo1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/13/2019 at 15:26

Let me know. I am handy with a wrench and would love to meet some other car people around here. My email is staylor214 at gmail(with s paces removed and with the @symbol).

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/13/2019 at 16:04

FINALLY. I’ve been waiting months.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/13/2019 at 16:11

It’s incredibly cliche and valueless at this point for sure. The GT is great, make no mistake. If I have anything to complain about, the weight difference up front between the EB and GT was very apparent. Other than that, I would’ve been content with either car, but the EB better suited my lifestyle.

Jester > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/13/2019 at 16:56

Have had the 2019 EB in Magnetic Metallic with the Black Accent Package for 7 months now and OMG, what a car! Love the feel and the power of the twin turbo in all 5 modes , without the noise of the GT (was a hard decision but I’m on my phone a ton in my car in traffic so fuel efficiency, sound and the 10 speed automatic were my deciding factors), and the way this thing handles is rediculous! Not to mention it’s a total head turner. Barely a day goes by where I don’t get a “sweet ride” comment, and rarely a kilometer goes by where I don’t just see heads turning.

As a former biker (sport mainly) I missed the bikers wave when passed by, but now it seems to be back with the Mustang Fr aternity! So glad to have turned my last F150 into this fun rocket.

M.T. Blake > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/13/2019 at 23:49

Almost at 100k views?!

sony1492 > M.T. Blake
10/14/2019 at 08:50

I think google pins some oppositelock content to recommendations on mobile.

M.T. Blake > sony1492
10/14/2019 at 10:24

I think you’re right

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/14/2019 at 10:44

Such a classic design. These always catch my eye, regardless of spec.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
10/14/2019 at 11:43

I pay 5.50/gal for 100LL avgas at the airport. How much is 110?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Gripevo1
10/14/2019 at 12:28

will do! It has some electrical gremlins and has sat for a few years now. I’m awful at electrical so hopefully you’re good there lol

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
10/14/2019 at 16:22

Last time I bought it (for giggles), it was a couple years ago and close to $8/gal.