Anything special should I know on a newer GT?

[98V6 K.I.T.T.]

Well, the day has finally come and my first V8 car might be coming around the corner here fairly soon. I'm looking at a 01-04 GT 5spd, new and or used...anything that I should know or expect to see to help my decision? All I know is that going into reverse I'll more than likely need to go into 1st then down to Reverse because of the synchros. So if there any quirks or problems to note, they be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JonJon]

Make sure it has it's spoiler.

 

[Dan_Soprano]

you won't have to worry about the crappy reverse if you get a later 01 model or newer. Ford switched from the T-45 to the T-3650 mid year 01. They are a much better tranny IMO. They shift like crap when cold, but once warm they are ok.

 

[98V6 K.I.T.T.]

Cool.......my brother-in-law works for a Ford Dealership, and is actually getting me the numbers on a 2004 Sonic Blue GT as we speak, I'm believing it's not going to fit my budget, but you never know. And yes it does have a spoiler...hehe.

 

[AlienQuiksilver]

T3650's have some problems .... research the forums on this site to get a better bearing on the issue. I have a few probs that i've learnd to live with, so it's all up to you my friend! I don't regret buying mine.

 

[Brisk281GT]

Well, the day has finally come and my first V8 car might be coming around the corner here fairly soon. I'm looking at a 01-04 GT 5spd, new and or used...anything that I should know or expect to see to help my decision? All I know is that going into reverse I'll more than likely need to go into 1st then down to Reverse because of the synchros. So if there any quirks or problems to note, they be appreciated. Thanks.

1st to R might be a bit of a stretch. If it gets stuck you can put it into any gear and it will unlock R. 5th is a lot easier than 1st. This problem doesn't happen all the time either. I have had 4 different cars in the last 5 years with 5-speeds and they all have the same quirks.
BTW, the problem can also happen when trying to get into 1st. For all the other problems that people have been having with the T3650 I am glad I have the T45 (used until midway through 2001) tranny in my car.

 

[john_324]

The T3650 will also "clunk" into 2nd gear when still warming up (goes away after car reaches operating temp though).

Also, your clutch may squeak/chirp when out (the infamous throwout bearing issue) and your windows may "shriek" when you lower them from the friction against the rubber mouldings...

However these are all pretty minor things...

 

[hognutz]

I have the t-45 in an 01 as well no quirks yet at all.

99-00 windsor motor, 01-04 romeo. romeo's have bolt on cam gears witch is nice if you plan on cams. 99-00 have a different syling package as well. I like the 01 up better but if you plan on adding aftermarket it does not matter.

I can't think of any other major differences. I have read about the maf and injector sizes changing in new years but that does not equal any power.

if you can afford a used mach 1 I would pick that over a gt. I don't know you budget. if you can afford a 04 gt I would think you could afford an 03 mach 1.

 

[decoy562]

Definitely try for a new GT, or a Mach 1 if you can

 

[Redhero]

Make sure it has good seat belts, strap in, and enjoy the ride?

 

[SLOW04GT]

The only thing that my '04 GT has had in 4,000 miles is the dash rattling like crazy over bumpy (and a bit even on smooth surfaces). Of course I haven't taken it in to get fixed yet so that could be the problem

Oh and I changed the oil at 3,000 miles (Ford recommends 5,000 but I did it just because it was new) and it really woke the car up. I only put cheap Castrol oil and a Fram oil filter in it too and it still loved it. So if you buy a new GT you might want to change the oil in the first 3,000 miles or so.

Otherwise the car is great and I am real happy. My last car ('02 Z28) had the rear gears replaced, a sensor to correct pinging, a drivers side window motor, and a randomly failing traction control system that all had happened with this many miles on it. Oh and piston slap that never went away

 

[35thRedGT]

Oh wow, I didnt know that reverse t hing was a identified "problem". I was wondering why sometimes I cant find reverse on my 99 5spd and i have to pull down rather hard to get it in.

 

[PEWTERPONY]

Get an auto....the reverse works

No joking......when i first got my car and had it in reverse...it stalled. Sometimes the window won't roll up but fixes itself overnight. At 30 thou your PCV Valve hose might start leaking....a 20cent clamp fixes this.

Other than that......I got no complaints AND yes its auto and I love every day I drive it

 

[Brisk281GT]

Oh wow, I didnt know that reverse t hing was a identified "problem". I was wondering why sometimes I cant find reverse on my 99 5spd and i have to pull down rather hard to get it in.

I think it is a problem with any car that has a 5-speed. I have had 4 manuals before (4 different cars) and they all had similar quirks.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

yup.. i always put in 1st then go reverse now.. and that damn window