My View On The 3.8

Knight66

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Apr 13, 2016
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For many years, I've been into V8s. I've had a 68 Camaro with a 327, 70 Chevelle with a 350, 65 Barracuda Formula S, 86 Ford F-250 with an unoriginal 302, and many more. When I was looking for a Mustang, I decided to go for a V6 for two reasons...they were a bit cheaper, and I figured they wouldn't be as ragged out as a GT would be...most V6 cars don't see near as many hard days as a V8 car.
When I test drove the Mustang, I noticed it had a very mild rumble. Then I noticed it didn't seem real weak...in fact, I checked to make sure someone hasn't put a V8 in the car. Its a V6.
I've never had a V6 that could get out of its own way. I'm not saying the car is fast, its decent. Its just that I expected the Mustang to be much weaker than it is. As far as I know, the engine is stock, no obvious bolt ons. internally? Who knows...but my money says its stock. I'm just very surprised that I'm loving this car as much as I do. I had thoughts of maybe sticking a V8 in it, but that thought went away. I like the six. I may do some exhaust later, but right now I'm focusing on looks. Its a beautiful car already, just minor things will make it awesome.

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I am loving it. The best thing I've done so far is replacing the factory stereo. Put in a Kenwood with Pioneer speakers, sounds much better.
 
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I do love my 3.8. Initially I wanted a 4.6 for those 300 ish ft/lbs of torque for that 99-04 body style but I ended up with a 01 V6 auto for a good price.

I need to fix a vacuum and exhaust leak and I have several cosmetic things and body work to do on it but soon I plan on getting an h pipe put on and a CAI put on with a tune and I plan to pull that auto and put a 5 spd manual in eventually.

It definitely can still get out of its own way though and is a great car for cruising and commuting. Mine has reasonably good mpg surprisingly.

They're great for project cars too! Besides people are wanting too much for their V8s these days.
 
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Mine is a 2001 also. I spent an hour today cleaning and shining places that can't be seen by most people, under the trunk, mainly. I'm obsessive about stuff like that. I'm going to do the exhaust also. I even entertained the thought of getting one flowmaster put on for now. Later I'd like to go with duals.
 
The classic laser red...haha
 

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