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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

2003 Mustang Gt Slow In 3rd Gear

  • Thread starter Thread starter austin96
  • Start date Start date Dec 6, 2017
A

austin96

New Member
Sep 27, 2017
4
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Dec 6, 2017
#1
  • Dec 6, 2017
  • #1
2003 Mustang GT 5-Speed. The car pulls really hard in 1st and 2nd but it as soon as I shift to 3rd gear it just falls on its face. Is this a common thing with these motors? Would a tune remedy this?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
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polk county florida
Dec 7, 2017
#2
  • Dec 7, 2017
  • #2
What modifications have been done?
 
A

austin96

New Member
Sep 27, 2017
4
0
1
Dec 7, 2017
#3
  • Dec 7, 2017
  • #3
Nothing too crazy. Bbk off-road x pipe, MSD coil packs, cold air intake, 3.73 gears, flowmaster 40s
 
9

98Mustang2017

Active Member
May 3, 2017
162
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38
ct
Dec 7, 2017
#4
  • Dec 7, 2017
  • #4
austin96 said:
.. as I shift to 3rd gear it just falls on its face. Is this a common thing with these motors? Would a tune remedy this?
Click to expand...
I'm wondering this too. I'm thinking the speedo/ECU recalibration/"tune" will fix the issue. Unless the horsepower just isnt there to go with the torque.
 
A

austin96

New Member
Sep 27, 2017
4
0
1
Dec 7, 2017
#5
  • Dec 7, 2017
  • #5
I'm hoping so. The previous owner installed the 3.73 gears but didn't get a tuner to correct the speedo. I should have enough saved up for a tuner soon so hopefully that fixes it. I think I have a slight exhaust leak at the passenger manifold to midpipe flange, could that be part of it?
 

mogs01gt

Founding Member
Jul 22, 2002
3,113
30
119
Ohio
Dec 28, 2017
#6
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • #6
Could you provide details regarding "falls on its face". Are the RPMs climbing slower, hesitating etc etc.? Stock 4.6's do not make a lot of power but should pull 3rd gear to over 100mph.
 
L

Luke00777

New Member
Sep 12, 2018
1
0
1
california
Sep 12, 2018
#7
  • Sep 12, 2018
  • #7
im having the same problem. it didn't used to be like this so i know its not normal
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
27,929
10,573
203
polk county florida
Sep 12, 2018
#8
  • Sep 12, 2018
  • #8
Luke00777 said:
im having the same problem. it didn't used to be like this so i know its not normal
Click to expand...
Start a thread, list year, engine and any modifications, also describe the problem in detail.
 
9

98Mustang2017

Active Member
May 3, 2017
162
16
38
ct
Sep 12, 2018
#9
  • Sep 12, 2018
  • #9
While we are back to life i might as well say what my issue was:
4.56 gears ! lol
Stock tires + 4.56 gear = spin 1st , second, and sometimes the beginning of third if i dont shift into gear fast enough when in clutch. I topped out at 68mph until i removed my Speed Sensor then i was able to hit 98mph (only in a manual trans car can do this) .

(added to post):
The reason it SEEMED slow in third gear was because i shifted into third so quickly. When it finally gained traction i was really suppose to be in 2nd gear.

So when i finally gain traction in third i should shift back down to second. Shifting with wheel torque is an art for sure.
 
Last edited: Sep 14, 2018
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