Article Comments - 2010 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z

22 messages, Last post on Sep 19, 2009 at 6:00 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z, Coupe

2010 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z - Go ahead; pick a car, any car. Both of them will reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip). (more)

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#16 of 22 Improving 2010 Mustang GT's handling. by jmaroun Aug 20, 2009 (9:41 pm)
Ok, It's been two days..I love this car (GT)..and I'm ready for mods Thank you 2006vr6 for your wise advice. But right now, I'm ready for you, taylord and/or anyone else to point me in a correct direction. I want to improve this car's handling but want to keep it under warranty. I've already paid for Ford's 6yr premium bumper to bumper warranty, 6yr 100k maintenance as well as, gap coverage so I don't want these voided. (I got a really good price) I'm willing to drop $2k-3k maybe even $5k for mods that will significantly transform this car's handling. Is there also a way to increase steering weight/feel? I don't expect BMW level carving ability..just real and signficant improvements. I know, the track pack would have done alot of this for me..but I really do not want leather and all that extra plastic gadgetry that comes with Premium. For me, the car just feels cleaner stock. After driving the car for two days, I believe that it has so much potential. If only it could be made more precise, or if it had a significantly tighter suspenssion. Initial throttle response needs refinement as well. I already got the 3.73 ratio package as you know. I don't want to alter her essense or weigh her down. I love her as she is..it's just I want tasteful upgrades to her suspension in the goals of getting sharper and tighter handling. What can I expect in terms of improvements. How much will it cost? Where do I go to learn more and get this stuff? Can I keep it all under waranty? Is there a way for me to test drive a car with these mods before committing.. so I can see how it will be like. I realize this may be the wrong forum room..Please point me to the right one if so. Sorry for crashing your party. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks ya'll..I think I got Stang fever Joseph San Diego Replies to this message: 2006vr6 (Aug 21, 2009 4:43 am) tayl0rd (Aug 25, 2009 9:28 am) jmaroun (Sep 17, 2009 9:36 am) tayl0rd (Sep 18, 2009 8:17 am) 2006vr6 (Sep 19, 2009 4:44 am)
#17 of 22 Re: Improving 2010 Mustang GT's handling. [jmaroun] by 2006vr6 Aug 21, 2009 (4:43 am)
Replying to: jmaroun (Aug 20, 2009 9:41 pm) Start with looking at www.fordracingparts.com. They have two suspension/handling kits for $1335.00. One has 1.5" drop a la Shelby GT while the other is for a 1" drop. Real good place to start. Also there are more aftermarket pro tuners out there for the Stang than any other vehicle in the market place! Shelby, Rousch, Saleen (back in), Brown, etc. Have fun with your new ride.
#18 of 22 Re: Improving 2010 Mustang GT's handling. [jmaroun] by tayl0rd Aug 25, 2009 (9:28 am)
Replying to: jmaroun (Aug 20, 2009 9:41 pm) You'll want to trim some weight in addition to some good chassis and suspension bits. Here's a list of some stuff I had and was planning to get when I had mine: Aluminum flywheel Dual friction clutch Electric water pump Tubular subframe connectors A-arm connector Rear tunnel brace 1.5" lowering springs Was gonna get: Aluminum or carbon fiber driveshaft Transmission support bar Light Metal Clutch Boxed subframe connectors Larger anti-roll bars As you can see, some of that is for weight reduction and some is directly related to handling. I went for the weight reduction stuff to get more peppy off-the-line response. The electric water pump really made a noticeable difference. There's a TON of stuff you can do. (No pun intended.) Replies to this message: jmaroun (Sep 17, 2009 9:36 am) tayl0rd (Sep 18, 2009 8:17 am) 2006vr6 (Sep 19, 2009 4:44 am)
#19 of 22 2010 Mustang GT with M-2005-FR3 Handling Package by jmaroun Sep 17, 2009 (9:36 am)
Replying to: tayl0rd (Aug 25, 2009 9:28 am) I went with 2006vr6's advice. M-2005-FR3 from fordracingparts. This is my first mod for my GT: http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=8976 Together with the 3.73 rear axle ratio package which I got from the factory; this suspension setup is similar but a bit tighter and a touch lower than the track package available only with the Premium GT. The FR3 package is costing me $2100 out the door (incl. tax/parts/labor) & that includes rental car for the day. I'm much happier doing it this way with stock GT, instead of GT Premium, as I save at about $3k, also get a less complicated/lighter car (I'm guessing maybe 100-200 lbs). The track pack does come with 19" and really good tires though but they probably weigh more than 18's, and have different front/back sizes..meaning you can't rotate which will cost alot to more frequently replace. I think I'll stick with 18's and get better tires when these are done. Taylord, I thought over your suggested modification list. I may incrementally do some of that stuff down the line. I really like the electric water pump idea and also stuff like the aluminum flywheel. Right now, I'm thinking about how to upgrade the radio/speaker system which is the basic stock one (not Shaker 500). Shaker500 didn't sound too impressive at the dealership so I'd appreciate any other options you'd recommend that wont void too much of my warranty Stock clutch and shifter are good, but I wish the shifter was designed for faster shifts. FR3 is getting installed as I type and I'll pick the car up in a few hours I requested the most aggressive setting as I feel the car seriously needs tightening up and the advisor said the ride will still be good for the street. I considered an adjustable panhardbar/&UCA/LCA..but since I wont be seriously racing..I don't think I'll get significant improvement in street or occassional track performance. I'll post my impression in a couple days as there are only precious few available on the net. I wonder how well my car would fare with this settup, in the comparison test Vs 370Z. I'm sure that once I get high performance tires (which can be rotated), I'll be in good shape. Joseph San Diego 2010 Mustang GT - 3.73 axle package (with updated brakes and stability software upgrade) - M-2005-FR3 Handling Package Replies to this message: tayl0rd (Sep 18, 2009 8:17 am) 2006vr6 (Sep 19, 2009 4:44 am)
#20 of 22 Re: 2010 Mustang GT with M-2005-FR3 Handling Package [jmaroun] by tayl0rd Sep 18, 2009 (8:17 am)
Replying to: jmaroun (Sep 17, 2009 9:36 am) So the FR3 package is actually separate from the Track Pack? I was wondering about that. Wasn't sure if it was included in the Track Pack or not. If you want a good stereo w/o voiding the warranty, go w/ the factory Shaker1000. I had that in my '05 GT. It was really good. I listened to the Shaker500 before and it stinks. The Shaker1000 seems like a totally different system even though the only difference is the addition of the two subs in the trunk. Definitely look into the electric water pump and the aluminum flywheel (and the LMC clutch from Centerforce). It really added some pep to my GT. The throttle response was better, along with rev speed and acceleration. I'm sure it's more a seat-of-the-pants increase than a noticeable time difference, but it's still nice. And spring for the aluminum driveshaft, too. That's at least 20 lbs. dropped off the drivetrain right there.
#21 of 22 Re: 2010 Mustang GT with M-2005-FR3 Handling Package [jmaroun] by 2006vr6 Sep 19, 2009 (4:44 am)
Replying to: jmaroun (Sep 17, 2009 9:36 am) Wow - Joseph you certainly didn't waste any time! Can't wait to hear your impressions on your new setup! The 373 gear set does quicken your shifts. No doubt about that. There are improved shift kits on the market. I've always liked a "T" shifter vs the ball. My elbow rests right on the center console and my hand simply rides so much better on the "T" vs a ball. I shift better with it as well. This is of course isn't recommended for real racing as you need both hands on the wheel - but most of us drive on local roads and when the "Need for Speed" hits I guess I can shift better and I'm more comfortable with the "T". The "T" can also be rotated to make it a straight handle which some folks like as well. Real low cost with a different feel.
#22 of 22 2010 Mustang GT with M-2005-FR3 Handling Package: Impressions Vs Stock by jmaroun Sep 19, 2009 (6:00 pm)
M-2005-FR3 Handling Package http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=8976 The car should come stock with FR3 IMO. I hope this helps alot of folks out there thinking of upgrading their Stang's suspension. And I can tell you, stock suspension not only sucks..I'd say it's a bit dangerous. A stock 2010 Mustang GT rides high, ridiculously high which I guess relieves any concerns about rubbing bumpers on high curbs but such a setup also seriously compromises handling. Also, if anyone out there is worried about an excessively harsh ride with the FR3 package (which seems to be a rumor on some forums), let me tell you from experience.. I got mine installed with the most aggressive settings..and I honestly think the ride is just as comfortable as stock..Infact, a bit more comfortable since now, going over speed bumps or over abrupt drive way dividers has less recoil/bounce drama. Ride height is lowered significantly but is no lower than any other sporty car and I think it has plenty of clearance. It looks a heck of alot better now too. As for the twisties, aggressive throttle and braking manuevors, the car now stays planted and stabilizes rapidly with critical damping (meaning no under or over shoot). Major improvement which will be noticed immediately after stepping hard on the gas or brakes or while turning. Plainly, no more wobble from side to side and front to back when driven hard or going over bumps. I was a bit concerned about wheel alignment and body centering issues since she was lowered about 1.5". After inspection, I honestly see no shift and the alignment is dead on. This suspenssion system works well. In short, the FR3 handling package is an affordable and sure-bet worth getting. I'd like to recommend Dan at Irvine's Turtle- Click Ford dealership for anyone interested in the area. He knows his stuff and will take care of you. They had all the parts and installation went flawless..plus, I got a free car wash and rental included in the price ($2100 out the door). I'm glad I drove up all the way from San Diego to get it done there. As a side note, I'd like to compare this 2010 Mustang GT with FR3 handling package with my previous 08 335i with sports package: Although, the stang's handling greatly improved, there basically is no real contest. To my surprise, the FR3 package is actually softer than a 335i's suspension with Sports package which comes as a standard option from BMW's factory. Yes, the 335 is actually harsh compared to the FR3. While both 335i and stang feel planted and stable, the 335i is on its toes ready and capable to change direction on the spot and to execute flawlessly with urgency. This gives a driver massive confidence and power on the road or track. The stang is significantly more hesitant to change direction or even to accelerate in a straight line. In a stang, relatively speaking, you have to think longer before a quick manuevor compared to a 335. This has to do not only with the stang's sluggish steering and softer suspenssion, but also a lazy throttle response. The 335's independent rear suspenssion enables it to bend into a turn in a way the Stang will never be able to do with its live rear. The result is that you need to let the tail out more with the stang. The stang does this well and easily, but it's an inefficient and slower way to get around a turn. Mainly, the 335i is just more responsive all round making the stang look sluggish in comparison. While a 335i screams like a bobcat, the stang roars like a bear. The stang is louder, and perhaps a touch more powerful, but its slower and less agile. I'd say that's an accurate albiet corny analogy. They are worlds appart, and the obvious is true, no amount of modifications will ever be enough to bridge the gap. Unfortunately. But, at nearly half the price, that's OK though. I'm still having a bunch of fun with this GT. Thanks largely due to its engine grunt and roar, this Mustang offers a cool and fun driving experience. I'll hold mine for a couple years before I'll have to sell it as this economy picks up. As for my next mod, I'll probably put my stock tires in the garage, and get Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric max performance summer tires in a couple weeks. Throttle response upgrades would be nice but the one from fordracingparts (M-FR1-MGTA) doesn't seem impressive (only 10hp improvement). I wonder how the response is improved though. M-FR1-MGTA: http://fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=11181 Is this package worth it? If anyone has this mod, please give me feedback. I can't risk going to other manufacturers since i don't want to void the warranty. For about $30k which is what I paid out the door including FR3 parts and installation, and with extended 6yr 100k, warranty/maintaince/gap.. I'm satisfied. At least until I find out what the next 3/M3 is gonna look like in a couple years. 2006vr6, I've never seen a T shifter..sounds strange for a stick shift. I'll check in to it.. By the way, I picked up a Roush white billiard ball shift knob which I thought would be fun in my black stang It twisted right on with no tools. It feels and looks good. Joseph San Diego