Road Test: My 98 GT 100K Miles Thread!

[mrvax]

I have to have some big ticket items done.
Today - brakes and oil change over to synthetic.
The brakes need all new parts - front and rear.

Total cost will be $907 out the door. Ouch.

Next up, I need the Bullit kit and install. I still have OEM struts!
Probable cost with shipping & install to be about a $1000. I'm guessing, I know the kit sans shipping is $425.

Next, tires need to be done, 4 all new. Cost = who knows?
Then the serpentine belt. I can still do that at my apartment.

So, if you want to hang on to these cars, you can, but it will cost you.
My GT is in good condition for what it's been through. I bet when these parts are replaced, I'll get several more years of enjoyment out of it.

 

[AntiRice98]

my 98 GT is at about 102K miles and i haven't had to replace the OEM struts yet. I also haven't had to replace all the brake parts. Except the pads. Everything works great..

 

[LI98GTStang]

Hell of a lot cheaper than buying new though. I think most of us upgrade as we can afford to spread out the cost of the parts where we don't see the expense as much. I've only had to replace pads at this time, replaced my springs and shocks out of want, not need. When my rotors need replacement, I will go with the Cobra/Bullit kit with matching slotted rotors that I will replace on my own.

There are ways to save money, by doing some or all the work yourself (it's mostly just bolt-off/bolt-on) and searching the classifieds on here or craigslist for good, used quality parts. For example, back when I needed tires, I was able to find a used set of cobra rims and tires with 600 miles on them and for less than I was quoted for new tires for the stock rims. I snagged those and eventually, when I had the money, mounted a new set of DRs (300 for the pair) for track duty on the old set or I could have sold them to offset the newer rims.

You will be amazed when you've had the work done how much better the stang will drive and perform as you not only replace the worn parts, but upgrade at the same time. Load up updated pics when you get the spring/shock setup done! Congrats on keeping her.

 

[mrvax]

Thanks Matt. I will. Maybe in a month. I'll probably order the Bullit kit next week.
It may lower my SUV look by an inch making it even harder for me to get in/out. (I'm weighing in at 230.) My latest pics are only a few months old. It's in no where near the great shape your car is in. I live in an apt. by a lake now. Can't do any work on it myself.

My struts still function. But I can tell they suck. It is clearly time to replace them.

Question for you all:
I'm finally going with 100 % synthetic (Castrol). I only drive 5-6,000 miles a year now. Can I use the same oil & filter for a year? I'm thinking I can.

 

[LI98GTStang]

Thanks Matt. I will. Maybe in a month. I'll probably order the Bullit kit next week.
It may lower my SUV look by an inch making it even harder for me to get in/out. (I'm weighing in at 230.) My latest pics are only a few months old. It's in no where near the great shape your car is in. I live in an apt. by a lake now. Can't do any work on it myself.

My struts still function. But I can tell they suck. It is clearly time to replace them.

Question for you all:
I'm finally going with 100 % synthetic (Castrol). I only drive 5-6,000 miles a year now. Can I use the same oil & filter for a year? I'm thinking I can.

np. If you were still local, I'd offer to give you my old struts and shocks that I took off the car when it had ~17k miles, but you'll be better in the end with the Bullitt or other kit. As far as changing the oil with synthetic. I personally would stick to a twice a year oil change with the low mileage your putting on as comtaminates can get in there over time.

 

[mrvax]

I did it! I finally took the required steps to take my 10 year old Mustang deep into the 21st century.

I ordered the Bullit kit:
http://www.buyfordracing.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=458

Next, I'm getting these tires in a week or 2:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Sumitomo&model=HTR+Z+III

Then I get the tires sent right to the shop.
I called the owner & he deals with TireRack. He also installs suspension kits.

So, I'll have it all done in 1 place/in 1 day and them have him do an alignment.
I'm on my way and will be real glad to get this work done.
I bought the car w/ 48k on it in 2001. So, I think the Mustang will handle better than it ever did!

I'll post up as the project moves along.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

i did all the suspension work in about 5 hours by myself

 

[Winters98GT]

we know you are not getting rid of one of the original stangnet headswap cars.........

Good to see that you are still taking care of it.

Mark

 

[mrvax]

i did all the suspension work in about 5 hours by myself

Can you stop by my apartment?

 

[mrvax]

we know you are not getting rid of one of the original stangnet headswap cars.........

Good to see that you are still taking care of it.

Mark

Mark, it's good to "see" you.
Believe it or not, when I had mine done in Sept 2002 or so, I was certainly not one of the 1st. My old friend Bierbelly had his done long before me and I asked him 100 questions.

Did you have yours done before me also?

I sort of like the car and want to keep it. I generally keep a car for many years.
We also have a newer car, a 2005 Malibu Maxx that we use for trips/groceries etc. that's the one my wife drives.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Can you stop by my apartment?

I had a lift

 

[Winters98GT]

Mark, it's good to "see" you.
Believe it or not, when I had mine done in Sept 2002 or so, I was certainly not one of the 1st. My old friend Bierbelly had his done long before me and I asked him 100 questions.

Did you have yours done before me also?

I sort of like the car and want to keep it. I generally keep a car for many years.
We also have a newer car, a 2005 Malibu Maxx that we use for trips/groceries etc. that's the one my wife drives.

I remember old Bierbelly. Damn, that was a long time ago. Not many sn95 cars are still around, and even fewer of the headswap cars. Neways, I picked up an old 97 after selling mine from the crappy dta, erson reground cams. They werent ground properly, and it trashed my second headswap and motor in my old 98. As far as the dates, I believe my first swap was in late 2001, though Im not sure. Neways, take care, and "see" ya around on stangnet.

 

[d98gt]

Too bad he upgraded to a vette

 

[tomustang]

Next, I'm getting these tires in a week or 2:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Sumitomo&model=HTR+Z+III

Don't buy those tires, they have no traction, not kidding

 

[tomustang]

damnit vax, if you were closer I do all that for you for free

 

[mrvax]

Too bad he upgraded to a vette

Not so sure it's an "upgrade" when a man decides he "needs" one of these things to make up for shortcommings. I think old Bierbelly was pushing 50 so maybe he only has 1-2 more years left of driving.

 

[mrvax]

Don't buy those tires, they have no traction, not kidding

I've read all I can on them. They're new to the market. Have you had them on your car? Alternate suggestion- similar pricing? I rarely road race so I don't need top of the line tires. I never had summer tires before, ever. Only all-seasons so they may seem like GLUE to me!

 

[mrvax]

Tom,
Take a look at this test:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z+III&tirePageLocQty=

I likey da results.

 

[Winters98GT]

edited

 

[Mustang5L5]

Hell of a lot cheaper than buying new though. .

True. I used to say that all the time. The cost and time of maintaining an older car is still cheaper than payments on a new car.


That was back in my teens and early 20's though. Now i just don't have the time for it. I honestly can't even be bothered with oil changes anymore.

I'm at the point where i'm more willing to make payments to garantee the car will start up and be issue free for a few years vs worrying about what is about to break on the car and when i can find the time to fix it.


My 2003 GT is old to me. Yeah i know it sounds silly. It still rides and drives like new and has no issues and is paid off, but by my standards it's old and i'm prepping to sell it once springtime comes.