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Article Comments - 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT First Drive and Full Test

19 messages,  Last post on May 31, 2008 at 11:52 PM

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Article comments for First Drive: 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT - If there's one thing Ford has learned in recent months, it's the magic that comes with combining the words "Mustang" and "Shelby." (more)

Follow-Up Test: 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible - This is the perfect car for anyone who thinks automotive styling peaked in 1968. With 500 supercharged horsepower aboard, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible is also perfect for anyone who wants to obliterate rear tires instantly. (more)

Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 19 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT First Drive [KarenS] by jae5

Aug 22, 2006 (4:18 pm)

Replying to: Karen@Edmunds (Aug 16, 2006 1:12 pm)
The car incorporates some things I would do if I had a regular GT:
 
Lowered ride height:
Seems OEMs want to go with that "raked" look - so late 70s-early 80's midwest & east-coast where the rear-end was jacked-up in the sky and the front-end in the dirt. The V6s seem especially prone to this. Not knocking the midwest where I'm from or the east coast, I just like it low and/or level, not too low that it scrapes the ground, but kind of hunkered, planted. And definitely not that 4X4 look.
 
Wheels:
Wheel/tires that filled in the wheel wells, not sticking out past the fender lips, but just tucked in enough. Those 18s are nice, fills the wells nicely.
 
Upgraded exhaust:
Nice x-pipe, mandrel bent tubing, nice cat-back/muffler package. Not something with 4-cats (not sure if the Mustang still uses 4-cats as previously).
 
Upgrade in the power department.
I still think it's a shame this engine has been around since 1989/90 and is only 300hp in stock form, needing S/C to make some serious power. One thought would be to bump the bore to make it a 289 (I think it can be done with just a bore increase as the motor is 281c.i., not needing a stroker crank). I'd make it like a k-code car, the old hi-po 289s. Maybe this is another thing FOMOCO could do. It didn't mention if the car had headers on it or not, would investigate that.
 
Exterior:
Would try to mimic the show car in putting the sequential taillight treatment on it a la 67 - 70. I thought they should have done this on the GT500, maybe later I agree with the scoop issue, if they aren't functional why bother - but it does add a differential to the regular cars and they aren't oversized and gaudy. Like the cleaned-up grille. Might have taken the "GT" off the fenders or used a different script (they should at least match with the font on the lower strip or vice versa, make all the same font). Or done something like the original GT500 fender logos but instead of using the cobra use the horse.
 
Price:
Wondering of the ADM. Can these "Power" & "Handling" packages be ordered separately and installed at a Ford Motorsports dealer cheaper than buying the GT? If so, why bother with a jacked-up-price Shelby, which I'm guessing is going to be closer to $40K than the advertised $35K? I would go that route.
 
Name:
Couldn't call it GT350 as, if this is true, that vehicle was as named because the building where Shelby originally was in was 350 feet from the main airport building or hanger. Can someone clarify this?
 
Would I buy one, maybe. But I would price out my customizations against the dealers price for this car. I would do it in stages: go for the Power Package first (or get the some of the parts and perform myself {except for maybe engine re-cal, exhaust} to save on labor), then a set of lowering springs. Wheels and tires would be next to finish it off.
 
Just my take on it.

#11 of 19 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT First Drive [jae5] by john_324

Aug 24, 2006 (7:35 am)

Replying to: jae5 (Aug 22, 2006 4:18 pm)
"Couldn't call it GT350 as, if this is true, that vehicle was as named because the building where Shelby originally was in was 350 feet from the main airport building or hanger. Can someone clarify this?"
 
Yep, 'tis true. But it was totally a random designation (and now great Mustang trivia question), so no reason the new GT "350" couldn't be named so.
 
Kinda like the old Ford GT40, partially named for the height of the roof. I always favored calling the new one the Ford GT44, but Ford decided on just "GT".
 
As for the performance upgrade packages, they can indeed be ordered seperately. Ford Racing parts sells a S197 "power pack" (the induction/exhaust stuff), a "handling pack" (suspension goodies) and a "drag pack" (ahhh...talk about retro!) (a combination of both, plus I think gears and a hurst shifter). So you could more or less do it yourself.

#12 of 19 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT First Drive [john_324] by jae5

Aug 28, 2006 (11:12 am)

Replying to: john_324 (Aug 24, 2006 7:35 am)
"I always favored calling the new one the Ford GT44, but Ford decided on just "GT". "
 
Yes, plus the person that owned the name "GT-40" wanted to jack Ford around on it. This joker wanted some ungodly terms and conditions in order for Ford to use the name.
 
Agree on the "350" but I think it wouldn't fit the car. Drag pack? That is a blast from the past - is it like it was back in the day, where you couldn't get A/C & other conveinence options with drag pack? Does it come with the 4:10 gears Ford Racing parts sells a S197 "power pack" (the induction/exhaust stuff), a "handling pack" (suspension goodies)... Figured as much - will have to check the FR catalog.
 
I still like my idea of them coming out with a k-code hi-po 289.

#13 of 19 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT First Drive [john_324] by jae5

Aug 28, 2006 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: john_324 (Aug 24, 2006 7:35 am)
Answered the "drag pack" question myself:
 
Shave half a second off your 1/4 mile ETs
  
A new gear with installation kit
4:10 for manual transmission 3:73 for automatic transmission
  
Shorty headers
  
Exclusive Ford Racing calibration
  
90mm mass air meter
  
More "seat of the pants" acceleration while maintaining factory drivability
  
40% reduced throw shifter
(manual transmission)

#14 of 19 Too much for too little by wideglide

Oct 05, 2006 (5:57 am)

You'd think they would have at least put the 6 speed in it! You're paying for the Shelby name amd cache', more than anything. The feculators will have a field day; just look on Ebay what the GT500's (or simply the option to buy one!) are going for.

#15 of 19 Re: Too much for too little [wideglide] by 03allroad

Nov 25, 2006 (7:31 pm)

Replying to: wideglide (Oct 05, 2006 5:57 am)
To much money?? Have you looked at the MSRP for 340 HP Saleens. Add another 10G. Rousch is up there too and again are a heck of a lot more that the Shelby GT. I do like the GT-H hood better however. Anyway - Shelby as well as the Mustang has always been a great bang for the buck vehicle. The Shelby V-6 SC will be out next. Not bad..regular GT will compete some with the Shelby V-6 SC. Then the Shelby GT and GT 500. I think pricing will be coming down on these rides in 2008. I can't see myself paying MSRP - so I'll just sit tight and see what is going on in 18 months. Mopar should be coming to the dance with more models right around this time along with GM.

#17 of 19 Bang for the buck by flashback69

Mar 09, 2007 (12:35 pm)

The 2007 Flashback 69 adds less than $ 8000 for the package. The change in appearance (the 69 look) is strong,Those cars are the head turners at the car show . Their handling package is a different approach,AirLift air suspension. They say it will handle better than springs and ride is very comfortable. They are only building 4000 at a time so I am sure demand will be high as it is an exceptional value.

#18 of 19 Follow-up Test! by Karen@Edmunds HOST

Jan 18, 2008 (10:11 am)

Follow-Up Test: 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

#19 of 19 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT First Drive [jae5] by aquila1

May 31, 2008 (11:52 pm)

Replying to: jae5 (Aug 22, 2006 4:18 pm)
i was reading through your comments and i totally understand a car guys view you understand the in and outs of what the cars look like, prices, the engines...etc as an owner of a white SHELBY mustang SGT#3954. im so proud of her i have owned in my life (im 33yrs old and hard working paramedic who knows driving fast ) a 1994 white mustang v6 a 2007 white gt and took it in for an oil change and drove out with the shelby GT so i have had experence with mustangs my whole driving life the feeling of that power... you knows under the hood i can take turns in my shelby at speeds i didnt think were possible i feel it hug the ground and i feel like im one with the road in the steering wheel i feel every bump or change i didnt have that with my standard gt im not as smart with understand of what it can't do or doesnt have. i'm lucky to know only what it can do i had to swerve to miss wood with nails poking up at 60mph and at no point did that famous shelby suspension that carroll made save my life that day and im not saying your wrong at all you are most likely right but to me my car is perfect (i do agree with the scoop how much effort just to cut a hole in the hood i mean really lol to make it real but on the bright side when i clean the engine its less dusty lol ) i never thought i would have that much power under me that has all the safety as a family car at the age of 33 as a paramedic i drive alot 12hr days i got to the point i hated to drive home but now..........i find reasons. and in closing all cars are special when the right owner and the right car find each other.
 
just MY take on it

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