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Comments
I agree, your MPG is very low. Have a GT, built in Jan., and I average 18+ in town and while on the highway I average 26+, and I DON'T baby this car. I drive from AZ to CA almost once a month and for a 300+ mile trip, (one-way), I average almost 76 MPH and thats stopping once for fuel. I'd be taking the advice to put 87 octane in for awhile and if the mileage doesn't improve, I'd be taking it to the dealer. AS an added note, I just put a "Jet Performance" plug in chip in my GT and WOW does it ever work. Can't wait for my next open road trip to CA to get some highway performance and see how much MPG improvement I realize
I am starting to get into the idea of personalizing the car. As I am new to this type of thing I was somewhat oblivious to what people do to "tune" their cars. Can you explain this "Jet Performance" plug in chip? Is this something you put in yourself? Is it designed for just better MPG
Jet Performance, (www.jetchip.com), says the plug-in chip can add up to 30 HP.
It just plugs into the computer on the pass side of the engine compartment. VERY simple, Disconnect the battery, unplug the lower harness out of the computer, plug chip into computer, plug harness into chip, connect battery. Takes about 5 min.
I used a Jet plug-in chip on my 2000, Dodge, Dakota, 4.7L, pick-up, (4X4), and picked up noticeable "seat-of-the-pants" performance and 3-3.5 MPG. The truck had 81,000 miles on it when I traded it in on the Mustang GT, still ran perfect.
I'm putting Premium (which, I noticed today, is actually 93, not 91) into the car out of habit. All of my other cars (current and recent past) have required it.
I am planning to do some chips mods, but I haven't yet.
So, for now, I'll switch back to 87 octane and see how it affects the MPG.
To respond to another post ... I'm not complaining about the MPG because of the cost. Yes, the rising cost of gas is definitely getting out of hand. However, I'm more annoyed that I have to fill the car up twice a week instead of just once, as well as being concerned that there might be something wrong with the car.
I was just thinking of getting one of the CAI and Tuner with Tunes combo. JLT has a great looking, highly-regarded one.
The filter won't void the warranty unless the oil fouls up the MAF sensor which usually only occurs after you wash and re-oil it and use too much oil. The SCT kit actually stores your factory PCM code which can be reloaded before taking it in for service. I'd recommend that type of kit over a plug-in chip.
But it's only an issue if the failure was caused by the chip or the retune. A fuel pump, brake problem, etc. would not be affected either way.
The first dealer to get back to me only had access to a black on in the "San Diego Edition" -- aside from a rear spoiler, she wasn't sure what was specific to the one made for the San Diego market.
Anyone have any idea on the specifics of the San Diego edition?
Her first price quote was $23,000 and she says the MSRP is $23,650. It seems the V6s are in good stock, in the L.A. area, anyway, so any thoughts on that price. I'd like to get it close to invoice, though we'll have to see what the other dealers say, as well.
Do that and I think you will see great gains in your mileage. I'm getting around 18-19 in the city. Twenty if I'm really conservative. Seventeen if I'm having just a wee bit of fun. If I'm really enjoying it, then my mileage is like yours. My freeway best is 27MPG so far.
With the plug-in chip you dont have to re-flash the computer. The chip just resets the factory settings, (spark, fuel, timing, etc), as the computer tells the engine what to do...and it does the retuning OUTSIDE the computer so there shouldn't be any way to detect it....You don't need a professional to unplug a wire harness and plug it back in, as long as you disconnect the battery...... The chip is 50 state legal, but I plan to unplug it if the car has to go back to the dealer for anything, only takes 5 min.... I've used "Jet plug in chips twice before, once in a 95 Chev p/u, 454, upped my mileage from 14 hwy to almost 18 hwy with a BIG gain in performance, (nearly a full second from 0 to 60), second in a 2000 Dodge Dakota, 4.7 Ltr, 4x4, p/u, with a noticeable gain in go-power, and upped the mileage from 14+ to almost 18, AND I never unpluged it when I took the truck back to the dealer for warranty work, and that was OFTEN ...... A good frend of mine has one in his Chev, small block, p/u and I don't think you could get it away from him without a gun...... All these vehicles suffered NO problems, the Dakota was traded in on the 05 GT, and had 81,000 miles on the clock, with ABSOLUTLY no problems...
I LOVE THESE CHIPS....
i work for a ford dealer in texas. we are about 5 months deep on ordered mustang gts. we got a call last week from a dealer in kansas. they wanted a focus we had in stock for one of their customers. the practice of trading vehicles is not uncommon. we asked them if they could send an explorer in return. they did not have one. we asked for an expedition. they did not have one of them either. we asked what they wanted to send us. the manager of that dealership asked us to take the mustang they had. a black gt premium 5 speed. they had it for several months and is "typically not the kind of vehicle they sell". we thought about it for 2 seconds and traded a focus 4 dr for a mustang gt! a friend of mine that works for a different ford dealer told me he got a mustang gt under similar circumstances from a dealer in alabama. if i was a customer looking for one, i'd be contacting small dealerships in truck country.
I've stated my experience with "Jet Performance" plug-in chips. If you don't want to believe me, that's your decision, but don't tell me it didn't happen. If you have evidence to the contrary, lets hear it. It happened TWICE already, on two different vehicles, and I'm taking a 365 mile round trip to Las Vegas on Saturday, and I'll let everyone know how the chip works in the GT. I should have stated, that at the same time I installed the chip, I also installed a K&N air filter on the 95 Chev p/u, and a K&N cold air intake on the 2000 Dakota p/u, and I've installed a K&N filter, (NOT a cold air intake) on the GT. If you still don't believe what I say after my trip to Vegas, why don't you contact "Jet Performance" for yourself..................
He's been admiring mine since I got it. His was the fourth offer I've had on mine for more than I paid (x-plan last winter).
While I keep telling myself I don't want to sell, the thought of driving my Mustang for nearly a year for essentially free is becoming appealing. The only problem there would be then I'd have to stand in line and wait to get another one. Plus, there's a certain appeal to having one that's the first MY of the current iteration.
The only problem with my car is I can't keep peoples' paws off it and their fingerprints off the windows and body panels.
from the FAQ:
How will JET Performance Power Tuning affect my gas mileage?
JET Performance Power Tuning does not alter your vehicles calibrations in any way that would hurt fuel economy. Fuel economy will remain virtually the same or may even improve (depending upon specific driving patterns) unless the vehicle is driven in a spirited manner (lead foot).
The cold air intake and K&N will help mileage a little but nothing will get you from 14 to 18 unless you changed your driving habits drastically or you fixed some other problem that was lowering your mileage or the tests were done under totally different conditions.
OH, By the way,,,, my daily driver is a 66 Mustang coupe, with a 347 stroker motor, (dyno'd at 409 hp & 411 pound feet of torque), 5 speed, detroit locker, 4 wheel pwr disc, pwr rack & pinion, sub-frame connectors, Shelby under-ride traction bars, stock air conditioning, and it lives on 91 octane pump gas, and stays cool in the AZ heat,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,AND I've done it ALL, with the exception of paint and chrome........
I was giving my HONEST findings on this brand of chip, after using it in a 95 Chev p/u for 2+ years, and a 00 Dakota p/u for almost 3 years, and I will post my findings on my 05 GT, after I take my first highway trip with the chip installed.....
I can only give my opinion as to what the results were without changing my driving habits, or having any other work done..... The Chev p/u NEVER went back to the dealer, for warranty work, and the Dakota, while in the dealer numerous times, didn't go back for any engine work after installing the chip..... My friend LOVES his Jet chip also, and his gas milage improved.... I am no longer going to argue this point as I no longer care..... This is a forum and I thought I would SHARE....
I KNOW what my results were, what my friends results are, and I hope I get the same milage improvement with my GT..... If not then the performance improvements will suffice
I would also like to see before & after DATA. At least four tanks, similar weather, similar driving conditions.
* Starting odometer
* Ending odometer
* Gallons used.
In God we trust; all others bring data.
The question is: what are the tradeoff's? Look at it this way - Ford engineers spend 10's of millions of dollars on engine developement. They are seeking (amoung other things) power, fuel economy, reliability, and clean emissions. If all it takes is some slight re-mapping of timing and fuel metering by an aftermarket tuner to realize more power AND a substantial boost in fuel economy, don't you think the manufacturer would do that? If the Jet chip WAS able to boost power AND substantially boost fuel economy, why wouldn't they sell their 'secret' to Ford for a few million bucks?
Am I saying that the chip DOESN'T boost power and economy? No, I'm not. What I am saying is there MUST be a tradeoff. Emissions? Reliablity? Or are you saying there is simply NO downside? Are you saying that the hundred's of engine development guys at Ford are idiots and that the guys at Jet can out-engineer them on their own motors?
While a simple "chip" won't neccessarily cause the ECU to breakdown, what we don't know is how it affects associated components with increased engine temps, fuel delivery systems, emissions gear, etc.
The Ford engineers spend millions on simulating as many parameters as possible to get the right mix in terms of ECU "maps". To me, a chip company, with a little development, may increase MPG or power with a bit of remapping, but I doubt very seriously they do any testing about how it will affect other parts of the drivetrain.
I don't think that there is going to be any supply problems on the V6s We have 2 06 coupes in stock and we just received our first 06 GT which of course was ordered.
we also have 3 05 V6 convertibles.
Right now it looks like you can get the IUP and the side air bags.
I still want to know if anyone has seen or better, driven, a pony package car.
Mark.
But, it's your money. If you've always wanted a convertible, you'd be hard pressed to find a better one that a Mustang GT.
Bfeng7
As for the Vert vs. Coupe Dilemma, I chose the coupe because it looks better to me, costs less, and I doubted whether I'd actually drop the top all that much. I do wish for a moonroof or a T-top though. All in all, I have no regrets.
I gave up on convertibles in New England because we only have about ten perfect convertible days a year here, mostly in Spring and Fall.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Any idea how the safety is with the verts and is the windshield support the only thing for a roll over?
BUT, I've also got a soft spot for Mustangs (with my '66 GT fastback in the garage and fond memories of my old 5.0LX). And sometimes, I really miss some good old fashioned low-end punch.
Now that you've had a lot of seat time in both the RX-8 and a Mustang GT, can you give a quick rundown of things you miss about your RX-8 and areas where you think the Mustang excels?
The RENESIS makes its own sweet sound as you wind it out to the 9K redline. That's not to detract from the V8 rumble of the Mustang. They are both seductive sounding....just in different ways.
As far as back seat space, there really isn't an advantage of one over the other. There are the "suicide doors" on the RX8 that allows easier access to a claustraphobic back seat. Maybe that's not an issue with a toddler, however. I'd give the nod to the RX8 just for it's ease of entry/exit over the Mustang's back seat.
MPG is better with the Mustang. Not by much, but better nonetheless.....particularly on the interstate. Plus, the RX8 requires premium and the Mustang requires regular.
Shifter, steering, handling goes to the RX8, without question. On the other hand, power goes in the Mustang's favor, by a very significant margin. You aren't going to get that monster torque with the RX8, either. You have to wind it out to get it to go quickly. Which, in turn, affects both oil useage and MPG negatively.
Amenities goes to the RX8 if you get the GT package. It's got every bell and whistle you could possibly ask for. That said, I don't believe the Mustang's feature list has left me wanting for anything.
While never an issue for me, the RX8 does have its quirks. You have to keep a close eye on the oil level. And, you have to be careful not to shut it down when cold for fear of flooding. If flooded, more than likely, you'll have to flat bed it back to the dealership to get it running, again. I've not had any of those issues at all with my Mustang. Although, I've already had the first oil change in the Mustang, it didn't use a drop of oil since the first day I put it on the road (March). Starting it from cold is a non-issue, also. A/C is a bit weak in the RX8 compared to the Mustang, too.
I was equally comfortable in both cars. I'm about 6' and weigh about 190.
From what I've heard, resale value has been disappointing with the RX8 of late. Don't know why that is except that people may be scared of the rotary. That said, you can "cut a deal" on an RX8, right now. Good luck doing that with a Mustang anywhere in the foreseeable future.
Personally, I wish I could park both in my garage to use depending on my mood.
What those Celicas lacked in "oommmph", they more than made up for in bulletproof reliability. The jury is still out on both the Mustang and the RX8 on that count.
Again, tough choice.
A lot of that reinforced my thoughts (though I haven't driven the Mustang and had only about a 15 min. test drive in the RX8). Acceleration was decent in the 8; couldn't really wring it out on a familiar road to test the handling but it felt pretty good. It reminded me of my Celica; no torque but really seemed to wake up at higher rpm (although the RX8's power felt a lot more linear; the GTS is nothing special until 6k when it goes to a much more aggresive cam).
Surprised at your comment on rear seat space. I actually fit okay in the back of the RX8 (6'-0"; 160lbs) which I was surprised at. Didn't try the back of the Mustang; it looks tiny compared to the 8 so I would have thought the 8 had a definite advantage there. If the RX8 DOESN'T really have the advantage there, I'll probably start leaning more towards the Mustang.
I had the girls (3 and 5) with me at a car show where they tried both cars; they prefered the back seat of the 8. But that may have been simply because it was easier to get in and out of (plus it had a black/tan leather interior and the Mustang they tried was all black; looked like the inside of a coal mine in the back seat). Maybe they just liked messing with the console in the back of the 8 rather than the room.
Resale doesn't bug me much; I typically have cars 5-6 years. But I'm sure I can make a much better 'deal' on an 8 right now than the Mustang.
Argh.
The 'practical' side of me says get the RX8 due to the easier rear-seat access and potentially better deal. I'm kinda afraid to test drive the Mustang cause the 'practical' side of me may get booted out the window at 80mph......
I've only seen ads in the newspaper for RX8 GTs. They're selling for around $29K for the '05s. I read somewhere that '04s are still on some lots. I would imagine those could be had for mid 20s. I paid around $30K for mine, but that was 2 years ago.
You can get a Mustang GT (order only around here) all loaded up with IUP, ICAP, side airbags and active anti-theft in the low 28s. But, you'll have to wait 2-3-4 months or longer to get one (unless you can find one that someone ordered and then cancelled).
The RENESIS starts to wake up around 4K RPM. It really starts to get on the boil about 5K RPM. From 7K until redline, it's fast and furious.
The Mustang has monster torque available down low, but really goes to a whole other level around 4K RPM until redline.
If you're leaning towards the RX8, you won't be disappointed. But, do yourself a favor.....don't head over to the Ford store if they've got a Mustang GT. Once you crank the starter and fire it up, it'll be all over, if I know you. And defintely, don't put it into first, let out the clutch and then tip the throttle. You'll be past the point of no return.
In all seriousness....take both on a good test drive. That's really the only way to see which one you can live with to which one stirs your soul. IF I hadn't taken the RX8 out on a good test drive a couple of times, I probably wouldn't have bought it just with a cursory, around the parking lot stroll. That said, I don't regret one second I had the car and would have kept it for a long time.
The Mustang grabs you as soon as you see the interior. Cranking it up just puts icing on the cake. Driving it on the road, adds ice cream to the cake.
I know we're calling sedans coupes now, but I didn't think it was working the other way!