What do i need to know about S197's

[Shaolin Crane]

Alright i have decided my next ride will be a S197 but im looking for more info as to what to look out for on these cars, Like what power levels do i need to dive into the short block when i push big power levels, stuff along those lines, i appreciate all your help

 

[SpartaPerformance]

Ford racing sells a supercharger that bumps the HP to 550, I know a few people with that kit with 15k and over 20k miles on stock block

 

[lightblade]

search funtion
s197forum.com

 

[wusthof]

:search:

 

[Redfire281]

First off, I think the general consensus is that you won't need to "dive" into a shortblock if your goal is a street/strip car under 450 rwhp. Above that and things can get iffy. Unlike your '87 GT, the S197 chassis is pretty stiff so you won't need sub-frame stiffeners or even stut tower braces. You will need to beef up the suspension because the stock stamped parts are useless. I recommend UCA, LCA and panhard bar replacements. In front, maybe a k-member brace. After that, a tuner/cai combo is a must (if you're an auto tranny, you'll be able to tune the shifts for better performance). If you're like many of us, appearance mods will start to flatten your wallet so power mods may be pushed out to a distant future. lol Anyway, by that time you should have a clearer idea of your goals for the car and be able to make good decisions about your expectations for the powertrain.

Just my .02.

 

[ViperNuge]

First off, I think the general consensus is that you won't need to "dive" into a shortblock if your goal is a street/strip car under 450 rwhp. Above that and things can get iffy. Unlike your '87 GT, the S197 chassis is pretty stiff so you won't need sub-frame stiffeners or even stut tower braces. You will need to beef up the suspension because the stock stamped parts are useless. I recommend UCA, LCA and panhard bar replacements. In front, maybe a k-member brace. After that, a tuner/cai combo is a must (if you're an auto tranny, you'll be able to tune the shifts for better performance). If you're like many of us, appearance mods will start to flatten your wallet so power mods may be pushed out to a distant future. lol Anyway, by that time you should have a clearer idea of your goals for the car and be able to make good decisions about your expectations for the powertrain.

Just my .02.

Well stated!

patrick

 

[Shaolin Crane]

First off, I think the general consensus is that you won't need to "dive" into a shortblock if your goal is a street/strip car under 450 rwhp. Above that and things can get iffy. Unlike your '87 GT, the S197 chassis is pretty stiff so you won't need sub-frame stiffeners or even stut tower braces. You will need to beef up the suspension because the stock stamped parts are useless. I recommend UCA, LCA and panhard bar replacements. In front, maybe a k-member brace. After that, a tuner/cai combo is a must (if you're an auto tranny, you'll be able to tune the shifts for better performance). If you're like many of us, appearance mods will start to flatten your wallet so power mods may be pushed out to a distant future. lol Anyway, by that time you should have a clearer idea of your goals for the car and be able to make good decisions about your expectations for the powertrain.

Just my .02.

other than a CDC chin spoiler the exterior appearance stuff will remain the same until i get the performance out of it i want, i was looking mainly towards what the general limits of the tranny, stock block/internals are capable of, everything as far as suspension goes im good on

 

[Mach1Run]

Make sure the shaker 500 cd player works lol. Mine crapped out after a week, and will be replaced once I get some funds. At least the radio part still works though.

 

[RydeOn]

rear end is 31 spline and ive heard the auto and manual trans is way more durable then the T5s.

block is supposed to be good. the only thing that need to really be changed is pistons and rods. sure sounds like a sturdy platform IMO

 

[Notchbck93]

Check for a musty smell on the passenger side floor and watch out for the aluminum corroding hoods.

08's were supposed to have the revised heads with less spark plug issues.

 

[walter]

The newer the better.

05 the party starts

07 the chassis is reinforced and the cooling system is changed and the ECU is tuned differently + GT500s are introduced

08 (latter half of production year) heads are revised and the normal single piece spark plugs are used. the Bullitt is introduced.

10 body and interior is updated, car is basically based on the Bullitt in power levels and suspension tuning and the GT500 is updated for better handling and driveability with power levels and tuning similar to the older KRs.

11 wait and see should be an awesome car if you can handle the looks.

 

[GOLDENPONY]

If you can see your way clear, get a later model '08 or so to avoid the biggest Ford screw up ever - the 2 piece sparkplug horror.