Upgrading Mustang

[B-stanging]

Hey all,

I have been a Ford and Mustang fanatic since I was a kid. My first car was a 1998 GT 4.6L Convertible with a rebuilt transmission. Not that I wanted a rebuilt tranny but hey it was a gift.

Last August, I financed a 2016 V6 Ruby Red Metallic. Didn't think I'd want the hp of a V8 knowing 300hp on a V6 is pretty impressive. The V6s have come a long way. Within the first couple weeks, I installed an axle-back from flowmaster just to give my car a roaring presence on the road. Now, I'm at a point where I'm thinking about trading in the V6 for a 2017 V8. Since Ford no longer makes V6s my car would only continue to depreciate in value the longer I have it. I also do not see the point in cutting deeper into the pipes, along with adding other hp upgrades to a V6. You know what they say, "It ain't a stang if it ain't a V8". Thoughts on what you would do if you were me? I have also started some online browsing for a V8. I have one in mind but will share about that later.

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

My advice leave the slowmasters on the v-6 car when you trade it. Start fresh with a new cat-back or axle back on the v-8 car. The flowmaster sound like crap to me on modular v8 and coyote engines, not to mention they actually hurt performance. The factory straight thru style mufflers flow more and restrict less and there for lose less hp.

 

[Davedacarpainter]

Welcome to Stangnet.

If I were you, I would wait for the 2018 models. The coyote will have direct injection next year. It'll be a whole new world of performance with that.

BTW, look around our S550 subforums. You'll get a good idea of the modifications that are out there and perform the best.

Good to have you with us.

 

[B-stanging]

My advice leave the slowmasters on the v-6 car when you trade it. Start fresh with a new cat-back or axle back on the v-8 car. The flowmaster sound like crap to me on modular v8 and coyote engines, not to mention they actually hurt performance. The factory straight thru style mufflers flow more and restrict less and there for lose less hp.

Through which company do you think are better for an axle-back, catback on a V8? Borla, Magnaflow?

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

It all depends on your preference. Check out American Muscle, they have sound clips for just about every muffler out there for an S550 mustang. Just know the sound clips only give an approximation, they sound a lot better in person.

 

[B-stanging]

I did that after I bought my V6. But once I get a V8, I'll definitely re-visit the sound clips. With a V8, you definitely have a lot more options for sound than a V6. The sound on my V6 is modest.

Now once I decide to opt in for a 2017 or 2018 (Reason why I'm leaning 2017 is because this time of year I can get a sweet deal on the 17), I'm a bit torn as to what type of package I would want. GT Premium or GT? What are the main differences performance wise? Or is that somewhat preference based?

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

The premium adds comfort and convenience features. If you want better performance than a standard GT get the performance pack, it adds the 15" six piston brembo front brakes, a larger radiator, 3.73 gears with a torson limited slip differential, two additional gauges above the radio, staggered wheels and summer only tires and the ford racing handling pack. Quite a bit for $2995, the brakes alone could cost you 4K if you went aftermarket. You can buy the Ford brakes for ~1400, and the rear center section with 3.73 gears and torson diff for 2K. Your better off with the whole package, it's cheaper and it helps the resale value in the future. (a 65-66 mustang with the K code 289 is worth a hell of a lot more than a similar 65-66 with a 2 bbl 289)

 

[B-stanging]

Which equipment group number with everything you described fall under? I am browsing online at window stickers with premium packages, but for example a premium package I see here has 3.15 gears limited slip differential.

 

[B-stanging]

Or is the performance pack already included in all GT premium models?

 

[B-stanging]

Ahhh nevermind. I was able to answer my own questions after doing a lot more research. Thanks for the help!

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

Glad you figured it out.

Mine has the premium, (standard on a GT convertible) the 401A group which gives you the shaker pro audio system, memory seats, and ambient lighting, and the performance pack.