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I think it would be hard to get any reasonable performance gains via exhaust mods for no other reason Ford did a good job in opening it up right out of the box. I've heard mixed results regarding STC. So, I think that's up to you whether it would be worth it.
Personally, I'd break it in before doing anything and see where you're at after 3K miles regarding performance.
As it stands, after break in....you'll be at less than 5 secs 0-60 and mid-13s in the 1/4 with no mods. That's pretty damn good without doing anything.
The Mutang faithful are a strong and loyal lot.
Yesterday, driving home from spending time with family, I even got a thumbs up from guy in a Z28. That's saying something considering how the GM and Ford guys constantly go at it.
I thought the attention my former RX8 got was pretty incredible. The Mustang is off the charts.
So far, I've had a guy in a late model BMW 7 series drive up next to me with his window rolled down and tell me how "hot" he thinks the new Mustang is.
I've had "thumbs up" from a guy in a C5 vette and even more surprising, a guy in a Z28. Considering how the GM camp and the Ford camp go at it, it's pretty amazing.
That doesn't even address those that are driving Celicas, Acura/Honda coupes in the way they react to it. This car seems to capture the attention of all age groups and all enthusiasts, no matter what they are driving.
Some of the comments heard while driving.....
"kewl....sic (I assume that's a good thing).....bad [non-permissible content removed].....and my favorite...will you be mine". That last one from two young 20 something females yelling out of their car at me, a 40ish male, while driving the Mustang.
Kind of makes me blush.
It seems that people know to look for the driving lights in the grill to signify the GT. I saw one guy blatantly look at the grill then smile as he realized what I had. Even the guards at my work get a smile when they hear me pull in ;-) I guess we should enjoy it now as next summer there will most likely be a lot more on the streets. It is a small club that will only be getting larger.
But, what I've seen recently are people wanting to see the interior. All agree that the standard interior is nice, but they all seem to really like the IUP and all the aluminum.
I'm really liking the seats, too.
Of course, anyone who knows the car also asks for a "My Color" demo of the guages, too.
A guy last night made a comment to me while at Costco that I never thought about. He made a trip from 3 rows over to look at my car. We talked for a bit and he asked me to start it up. Once I did, aside from the great sound of the car, this guy said "I've never heard of a car that catches so quickly when you turn the key".
Never realized it, but it does start immediately when you turn the key.
guess I'll see. It doesnt really matter to me after seeing both colors around, I like both. Got my driveway done and my garage door opener in now I just gat to make some room!
First, Ford dealers haven't had a "hit" of the Mustang's magnitude (and to a lesser extent, the Escape hybrid) in a long, long time. Also understand that dealers, in general, are making more money for cars they can put in their showroom, than ordered cars. I've actually seen customers bidding on a Mustang GT while standing around one in my dealer's showroom. The car ended up selling for $1000 over MSRP after all was said and done.
Here's what you want to do.....
--make certain your dealer had/has allotment for your ordered car. Many have sold out their entire allotment for the '05 model year. They won't get any more until the '06 model. If your dealer has allotment for April, you should be able to get your order in 6-8 weeks. If they don't have allotment for April, but do have some for May, plan on 10-12 weeks from the day you order. Past that, you may as well wait on the '06s which will trickle into dealers in Sept. Many dealers already have their first allotment of '06s sold out.
--also make certain your dealer is ordering with a priority # of 10. That's the highest priority number they can assess to your order to the factory. Priority numbers go all the way up to 99 (which will probably never get built. Some dealers are putting customer priority numbers at 40. That puts you in line behind everything with a higher priority number. Care to guess what priority numbers dealers are giving their Mustang orders for stock Mustnags?
Make certain your dealer gives you the Vehicle Order Confirmation (VOC). That shows all the options you ordered and the price (MSRP and invoice). Plus, it also shows the priority number they assessed to your order. Because it shows MSRP, invoice price and priority number, some dealers don't want you to see it. But, it's your car, you should be allowed to see it.
Ford raised production of the '05 Mustangs by about 35,000-40,000 units, over the original 150,000 estimate of Mustangs to be produced in '05 MY. That should help a bit, but that amounts to only a couple more Mustangs per dealer.
Been through the ordering process and have talked to many others who have been successful and unsuccessful in getting their cars. Kind of know what to look for and what makes for a successful order. Hope this helps.
I want to thank Graphicguy for shaking me back to reality. There really is no reason to add a bunch of performance mods to a car that is going to have more power that I would ever really need. It's not like I'm a street racer or auto-crosser type. I think for now I will just start getting things ready for my new baby, like a new garage door opener. My existing one works only half the time and I don't want to leave her out under the carport.
I know I want to upgrade to 19" wheels and tires when the original tires need to be replaced, and the Saleen suspension and HID headlight kits may be interesting. All three are expensive propositions but maybe worth it as well. Time to start saving.
I'd stay off the cruise control. Vary your speeds on the highway by 10 MPH every 15-30 minutes or so. Don't lay into the brakes.
Personally, most of my driving has been in the city. By definition, I'm varying speeds and RPMs. I've thrown in a couple of highway runs, whether I have to or not.
Probably do some redline runs every once in a while, too.
That's about it. Today's engines are manufactured with such precision, it's hard to really "break" one. Matter of fact, just normal everyday driving should do it for break-in periods.
I WOULD keep an eye on the oil level at every fill-up for the first 500 miles, though.
I like the photo on the brochure, but I think a color like yellow looks a lot better with them and on the Shelby it is a requirement to have the stripes. So for a silver GT, would it look good with white or metallic charcoal grey stripes? I am so undecided.
Also, anyone blackout the panel between the rear taillights? If so, did you use vinyl or the Xenon plastic piece?
I added OEM rocker panel striping (the classic "Mustang" ones) in white to my True Blue '02 GT and I really like 'em. Contrasting colors are the way to go...
http://www.spectrummarcom.com/mustang/stripePainter.html
New Shelby GT500 stripe painter:
http://www.spectrummarcom.com/mustang/cobraPainter.html
My personal favorite is yellow with grey or silver stripes, although I'm not sure I could actually own one.
I bought several vinyl decals for my fiancee's 2001 Mustang (including a hood decal) off of eBay and have found them to be very durable. One has been on over a year, the other about 8 months. They look great, just like her factory side decals, and have stayed like new.
What do you guys think. Does anyone know if there is an option for the alluminum trim on the SVT/Shelby?
Seems like an error to me. This car is such a huge success, i hope demand remains so strong. G-D knows Ford needs it right now. Anyone saw the stock price recently?
TY for any respons to the interrior trim question.
I am one of the people that actually prefer the black interior. I think it's sportier without all the fake aluminum bits. Now I say this but I still ordered the IUP option. The main reason was I thought the My Color feature was way cool and I liked the extra gauges and trip computer. What can I say, I'm a electronics junkie.
And yes, I really like the aluminum dash in mine.
Just a heads up. The aluminum "bits" are NOT fake.
I honestly like the dash with the aluminum. It looks retro with the rest of the car (well except for the lack of a ducktail :confuse: ). I agree with the comment about the leather dash on the Shelby. Then again I don't think majority of Shelby owners will be using them as daily drivers and have them out in the streets (I know I wouldn't).
Can't really give you any feedback on MPG with the V6. I got 18 MPG on my first tankful with the GT....all city. I'm expecting low-mid 20s MPG for highway driving. I'm pleased with that, particularly given it's not broken in yet.
I have to believe the V6 will be better.
Bottom line, don't expect the V6 Mustang to get 30 MPG. You might get close on the highway.....maybe 26-27 MPG?
Also understand that your Honda has a 4 cyl engine whereas the Mustang is a 6 cyl with more power.
If you want the Mustang, get it and don't worry about the mileage.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/MultimediaLanding?mktcat=insideline&kw=HTML&mktid=NL9- 90347&DARTmail
This car has really gotten alot of praise but sometimes the automotive press seems so anti-Detroit that I savor every bit of praise.
As for placing your order. The IUP option code 18G is limited availability. Ford also added the Interior Sport Appearance Package (18 R) to help
INTERI0R UPGRADE PACKAGE (18G)
Availability:
• Optional on all V6 and GT arrays
Includes:
• Satin aluminum finish instrument panel appliqué– ribbed
pattern
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with satin aluminum
spokes
• Satin aluminum-plated shift lever with automatic
transmission
• Bright polished register rings and leather-wrapped sport
shift knob for manual transmission
• Satin aluminum-plated door handles
• Special new bright polished six-gauge cluster with
MyColor feature and message center
• Satin aluminum door sill scuff plate with bright
MUSTANG lettering insert
• Dark Charcoal Aberdeen pattern front door panel inserts
INTERIOR SPORT APPEARANCE PACKAGE
(18R)
Availability:
• Optional on all V6 and GT arrays
Includes:
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with satin aluminum
spokes
• Satin aluminum-plated shifter lever with automatic
transmission or leather-wrapped sport shift knob with
manual transmission
INTERIOR COLOR ACCENT PACKAGE (68R)
Availability:
• Optional on all V6 and GT arrays
Includes:
• Dark Charcoal interior environment with Dark Charcoal
carpet
• Red sport bucket leather front and rear seating surfaces
with red front door trim inserts and red floor mats
NOTE: Requires 18G Interior Upgrade Pkg. and KR
Interior Trim Code
If you are looking for a Mustang to buy, visit this site
http://www4.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/default.jsp and hit search inventory.
You will still have to call the dealer to verify that the car is actually on the ground at the dealer and not on a truck in Sheboygan.
Mark
There are no silver "painted" pieces; it's all aluminum except the chrome painted vent rings and instrument cluster rings.
Oh, I believe the vent doors are painted plastic, but I'll have to verify. Outside of that, it's all aluminum, baby! :shades:
Haven't really read the article but skimming over it and the rest of the mag the article stated the hood will change slightly, most likely in the extractor area.
Not sure if they'll make it more like the 68 or what, but there were also pics of the 69-70 GT500 and the blue 68 that on the stangnet and the other sites discussing the car. Also a quick blurb of the convertible.
What was kind of funny was a blurb about the next GTO being built off the Zeta platform seeing as though the platform is dead and the car probably is too. :sick: Had a couple of really bad illustrations too, very kid-like. But the title said the car would be a competitor to the Mustang. Though I know the mag are completed and the mag is put together long before it gets to me or hits the newsstands it was still kind of funny reading it. Wonder if in next month's mag they'll have something discussing the end of the platform and retraction of the statement.
Regarding the GTO....my guess is they will have a retractment in the next issue since this issue went to press before GM announced Zeta's demise.
There are even strong rumors running around stating the '05 will be the last year for the GTO.....not even an '06 because of poor sales.
Maybe an *all new* Camaro or Firebird would be received better by the public. After seeing the Charger, I am hoping Mopar leaves the Cuda and Challenger name plates alone. I just have this bad feeling that with the success of the '05 Stang, we may see the other companies scramble and try to cash in. Just look at the Ram Daytona (sigh) :confuse:
Chrysler put a beautiful body on an aging Mercedes platform. Result? Sales disaster.
I'm not so certain about the upcoming Charger. What looks good as a "quasi-waggon" (the Magnum) probably won't be the sales hit they are expecting. I could be wrong, though.
Retro is a fine line for automotive design. The Mustang looks good with some retro styling cues. But, it's a modern interpretation of Mustangs past. PT Cruiser isn't a modern interpretation. There's no place for it to go (although it has sold well for Chrysler). Just looking at the upcoming GT500 Shelby, it's going to be a slam dunk hit for Ford. But, Ford used a good platform to begin with by building it on a loosely modified Lincoln LS platform.
GM is in a whole lot of debacle. They killed the F-bodies (rightfully so). Then foisted the GTO on the public. It is based on a mediocre (and long outdated) platform to begin with (the Catera). They styled it like any of a number of other Pontiacs (big mistake) that the public wasn't fond of to begin with. They priced it too high at $33K while the Mustang GT with similar performance could be had for roughly $5K less (and better looking to boot). The sales numbers don't lie.
I had looked seriously at both the GTO and the Mustang GT. Price differences aside, I still picked the Mustang. I preferred the Mustang even though it is hard to get (I had to order mine) and I had to wait for it. I still would have chosen the Mustang if the price of the GTO was identical to it. Mustang's steering is better, the brakes are better, the shifter/clutch is better...I could go on and on about the look and feel of the Mutang's aluminum interior, bigger trunk, etc....but I think the public has made its choice quite clear.
Now, the General has killed the one car that could compete with the Mustang (the GTO) and there's talk that the '05 model year may be the last for the GTO. That just goes to show, there's more to a car than just horsepower. A Camaro/Firebird is nowhere remotely on the horizon.
I think that's a shame. GM has come across looking like it put a half assed effort with the GTO. Now Ford has the market segment to itself (at least until the verdict is in on the Charger).
Competition is good. It's just a matter of GM making a choice not to be competetive in a market it once dominated.
My Mustang would be a memory. I'd order the Firebird at sticker and put up with delays if there were any. Maybe I'm a minority - but I think such a car would be a SURE THING for GM. Those cars were the greatest looking bodies in muscle car history I think.
But it's fine because I love my Stang! I just think it goes to show what is possible if you bring back a classic and do it RIGHT.
The GTO and Charger don't have me booking out my trade if you know what I mean...
pictures from the California 200
Pontiac will race two GTOs in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series by mid season.
Sales of the new GTO have improved since it went on the market. It has more larger, more poweful brakes along with a new power steering pump, a 400 hp LS2, and some other changes for 2005. Here is the 05 GTO.
Got a chance to finally detail my Mustang for the first time yesterday with nice weather on tap. That always allows for a good inspection for any car. Everything from the quality of the paint job to the thoughtfullness of the ergonomics to the obvious engineering that has been done on this car shows that Ford did their homework well. That doesn't begin to comment on the obvious strong performance of this car (at least in GT form). As good as the exterior looks, the interior is very nice (mine has the Interior Upgrade Package). Body panels all like up with a nice tight fit. Paint is even and very glossy. Interior fits are great and the fit finish is very nice inside.
It's a great time to be a Mustang fan.
Conversely, GM has shot an airball (too much March Madness) with the GTO. That's truly a shame. If they had done one right and was competitive in the marketplace, the muscle coupe car wars would rage on. Don't know about other parts of the country, but the '05 GTOs aren't selling any better than the '04s did around here. Most dealers have stock, in every color, which has been languishing for up to 2 months on the '05 GTO. Some still have new '04s sitting on the lots. For the GTO hopeful, perhaps more rebates are on the horizon.
Having looked closely, and test driven both the Mustang GT and the GTO before ordering my Mustang, a few things stuck me immediately. First, the Mustang handles, brakes, shifts and steers better than the GTO. Performance of the Mustang GT and either the '04 or '05 GTO are so close to dead even in real world driving as to be a non-issue. Styling, hands down goes to the Mustang (and by what the marketplace has responded to). Then there's the price disparity. Even being able to buy the GTO at GM's employee discount and the Mustang with Ford's friends and family discount, the price of the GTO was still about $5K more than the Mustang GT (all loaded up). Add to that, the obvious hit resale value will be given the '04 GTO's heavy rebates (and the '05s inevitible rebates), my purchase decision was quite clear. As an aside, I think my decision of the GTO's longevity was right. GM won't make an '07 GTO and even the '06 MY GTO is at risk of not being built due to it's poor showing in the marketplace.
Again, that's a shame. I wish GM would have done better.
As it stands, Ford is alone for right now in the Muscle car space. I don't know that there will be much "cross shopping" of the upcoming Charger since it's not a coupe and will only available with an automatic.
Actually according to Car and Driver the steering and brakes are BETTER on the GTO then Mustang in their January 2005 Article. C&D showed the GTO beating the Mustang in every performance category, LOL! Car and Driver and Consumer Reports said the GTO had one of GM's best interiors and seats. The only reason the Mustang won the comparison was because it scored more points in the got to have it factor. Which was BS.
The Backseat is larger on the GTO then Mustang, 41 cu ft vs 31 cu ft, according to C&D. Which for me made a big dif, with using a childs car seat, much easier to safely fit.
Sales do not indicate that one car is better the another. Esp. since GM can ONLY bring a max of 18,000 GTO here for the 3yr contract of 2004 to 2006. They can't sell anymore then that. Remember the Holden Monaro is a VERY GOOD selling car in Austrailia. It only came out in late 2001 in coupe form, very good chassis just like the Mustangs is.
I did NOT pay $33k for my GTO, try about $30k even. Which is what a fully loaded Mustang would nearly cost! I got 100 more hp and a corvette drivetrain.
One more thing, INSURANCE in my case is cheaper on the GTO then Mustang by about $100 per year, !
Both car are VERY GOOD, Mustang or GTO... Just preferences I guess!
Second, the mustang chassis IS all new - they started with the LS platform but only kept the floor pan and fuel tank.
Not arguing about which car is better - just trying to set the facts straight.
And saying the GTO has one of GM's best interiors is not saying very much.
Here is the new Mustang's chassis.
great info and pics of 2005 Mustang
GM interiors are improving over what they replace.