'97 GT owner-to-be!

Hey gang... please pardon my username but I signed up several years ago when I was thinking about buying a 2.3 and building it up.

Long story short, my name's Steve and I've wanted a V8 Mustang since I was 10. I'm 23 now. My dad had 3 5.0 cars and a DSG '04 GT 5-speed and I knew someday it would be my turn...

Tuesday night, if all goes well with the loan and the DMV (that's a huge "if" LOL!) I'll be bringing home my Aztec Gold '97 GT. I know Aztec was a 1 year only color, does anyone know where I could locate the breakdown for how many of each color was produced?

Black cloth interior in good shape, 5-speed, 96K on the clock and the final purchase price is $4700. I think it's fair, as we all know the used Mustang market kinda plays by its own rules

It has Flowmaster 2-chambers, they're going to be taken off- I prefer the Dynomax system and I don't want any more cop attention than absolutely necessary. Car also has a short-throw shifter, strut-tower brace, a crappy K&N cone that's like 2 sizes too small for the engine, someone hacked the Mach 460 and put an Aiwa in its place, and it's got a front-end vibration that I believe to be the tires- they're pretty worn (evenly, though) and the car had been sitting for several months. (Current owner has had it for ~3 years and it sat mroe often than not) Other than that, it ran real nice and smooth (and loud... Arrghh Flowmasters!!) Car also has 17" '95 Cobra R/'98 Cobra wheels. No evidence of a collision, clean Carfax, VIN tags in all the right places. Needs new fogs but that doesn't affect how the car runs... Car also has white-face gauges (I like especially against the black interior) and Cobra emblems everywhere. I'll be removing them for the rightful "GT 4.6" emblems.

I gotta say the clutch surprised me, compared to the 5.0 I learned to drive stick on it reminded me a bit of a Turbo Coupe- very forgiving and catches up high. No slippage between gears. Someone put gears in it at some point, at 60 MPH I saw ~1800 RPM so I'm guessing 3.27's or 3.55's.

So what does it need immediately? New tires and exhaust. And a tune-up. I don't plan to go mod-crazy but I doubt I'm the first to have said that lol- I'm just pumped about getting my first Mustang.

BTW, I know all about the plastic intake issues on the 4.6 cars, how bad are the Mustangs at blowing 'em up?

Looking forward to spending time here!

Nighthawk... Poughkeepsie? I'm buying the Stang in nearby Hopewell Junction!

Pics will come once I get 'er cleaned up...

With the intake it's my understanding that when they fail it's typically under WOT, I know of Crown Vics that have cleared 200K on the plastic crossover... what are the chances I'd have one blow while chillin' out cruising on the freeway?

Well I am learning that waiting for the loan to clear from the bank can be very aggravating! I was pre-approved online yesterday and as I type this (~4:20 PM EST) it should be another hour or two before they call.

I'm going to try to put some money down on the car tonight so it doesn't get sold out from under me- the seller seems honest but I don't want to take any chances.

More as it develops...

I now have a good idea of what "OMG I'm about to buy a Stang!" insanity feels like

OMG this really is a rare color, tim2002GT thanks for the link!

nighthawk lol on locations... that's too funny! How many other Stangers do we have in Orange/Dutchess Counties?

Pending proof of employment, I'll have the loan $$ tomorrow and will register/ pick up Wednesday!

WE GOT PICS!!!!!!!!

Here she is, in all her glory...

One of the previous owners decided Cobra emblems would be a good thing, I beg to differ, in the fullness of time I'll put back on the proper "GT 4.6" badges



(Driver's door was not fully closed here)


Interior needs a good hosin'... However it is in fine condition for a 10 year old car with 96K on the clock.


The engine. Cool: The strut tower brace. Not cool: That puny K&N.


Whaddaya think... Picking it up after I go to the DMV tomorrow!

Nighthawk: I think it's the lighting, engine to me is quite clean for being almost 100K. Usually I clean 'em myself- plastic bags over battery, alternator & coils then Simple Green/equivalent and a gentle stream from the hose. Remove plug wires, blow out the holes with compressed air, call it a day. Spray paint on the brace? I thought it came that way... could be wrong...

Tim2002: Love the idea but I live on a dirt road so lowering might not be in the cards for me- at least not in the immediate future. Car would look awesome though

crzyhrse and shiroelex: Thanks! As for headlights, when the time comes, I'm thinking clear corners and Cobra headlamps- the Cobra "clear" lens design is both nicer and more modern. Car needs new foglamps, drivers' side unit is missing... Also I think the tint is borderline too dark but it looks good!

It's home...

Just now pulled in. All exterior decals, except the CLifford alarm ones, are removed. Steering wheel cover was taken off on the way home.

Now for what I noticed...

- Power drivers' seat is inop... bad fuse? Will have to check but no owners manual

- Shifts like butter, clutch is fine, but lots of noise from trans tunnel area... I think it's the exhaust, hangers on the tailpipes are broken and the system is probably moving around more than it should and I'm pretty sure of an exhaust leak up there. U-joints maybe?

- Feels strong but is in sore need of a tune-up

- At 65 MPH or so persistent vibration/drone from dash/firewall area. I think it's the strut tower brace, will remove to check.

Mel I always thought 3.27's were stock only on the 99 and up... Cool! It's cool being able to tool around in Fifth at 45 MPH and still pulling when you need to.

First on the list of to-do things is wheels/tires, exhaust rehab, and brakes. Maintenance before mods!