Few questions about 'stangs

[ben d]

Hello folks,

I sold my Sagaris a while ago and have been soul searching long and hard around what to get as a replacement. I think it is only right that I consider a 'stang given my love for v8s. A couple of questions, if you will indulge me:

1) Servicing
How easy is it to get the servicing completed on a US import? Is it something that a standard Ford dealer can / should do or are we looking at a specialist?

2) Insurance
I've read Mat Moxon's thread around insurance and the premiums do seem to be reasonable. Can I expect to pay a heavy premium for a modded 'stang? I'm thinking a Roush conversion or generally something with a supercharger. I'm also considering some kind of body kit (Eleanor / Cervini). Would this add significantly to the premium?

3) Upgrades
How easy is it to get upgrades for your car? I'm thinking here largely around sports exhausts and the like.

Any other things I need to consider?
Thanks for your help!
Ben

[LuS1fer]

ben d said:

Hello folks,

I sold my Sagaris a while ago and have been soul searching long and hard around what to get as a replacement. I think it is only right that I consider a 'stang given my love for v8s. A couple of questions, if you will indulge me:

1) Servicing
How easy is it to get the servicing completed on a US import? Is it something that a standard Ford dealer can / should do or are we looking at a specialist?

2) Insurance
I've read Mat Moxon's thread around insurance and the premiums do seem to be reasonable. Can I expect to pay a heavy premium for a modded 'stang? I'm thinking a Roush conversion or generally something with a supercharger. I'm also considering some kind of body kit (Eleanor / Cervini). Would this add significantly to the premium?

3) Upgrades
How easy is it to get upgrades for your car? I'm thinking here largely around sports exhausts and the like.

Any other things I need to consider?
Thanks for your help!
Ben

(1) The Ford modular engine requires nothing complicated by way of servicing. the service book is full of oil and filter changes and inspections - it's a simple car that anyone can look after. Chain driven cam, belt-driven ancillaries. No known issues with the engine. Service it yourself.
(2) No though it depends on age and so forth. I pay under £500 for 4000 miles limited mileage with many, many mods. A "standard" bofdy kit like on a Roush or Saleenwill probably be factored in as part and parcel of the car but tat like Eleanor/Cervini kits may put the price up.
(3) Even at 1.4 $ to the £, parts are still relatively cheap. It's the shipping that is the killer on bigger items. For exhausts, most stainless exhaust fabricators will make you up a pair of axle-backs reasonably cheaply. The stock exhaust is very efficient anyway so it's only the sections behind the axle that dictate the noise - a pair of tubes will be loud and mufflers of any size if you want something a little quieter. There are distributors in the UK for Roush suspension kit at reasonable prices.

Always check who did the SVA/IVA conversion as a botch job will fry the junction box. Otherwise they're pretty bulletproof and din't really change at all throughout the production run.

[ben d]

Thanks for the response - the Roush conversions (incl. body kit) are something that I've been looking at, so encouraging to hear that it would likely be considered part of the car.

[ben d]

Bizarre - just noticed it was your car I was looking at LuS1fer....

[john3883]

I can answer #4 with a big yes. With mustangs, there are too many choices. so many mods. Just take your time and get it the way you like. So many different set ups for exhaust. Love the sound of the v8 4v motors.

[LuS1fer]

ben d said:

Bizarre - just noticed it was your car I was looking at LuS1fer....

Clearly a discerning man of great taste...

[AdeTuono]

john3883 said:

Love the sound of the v8 4v motors.

3V

[ben d]

swerni said:

Ben where about in the UK are you?

A fair way from you, I think, Swerni. I'm oop north in Leeds. Just noticed that Atlantic Sports Cars are having an open day in July. May head to that.

[Twin Turbo]

Yep, the Atlantic BBQ is a great day. Give James a call and arrange a test drive

[Dr-Bob]

James has a nice selection at the moment as well....

[Ian350]

I just want to endorse everything that's been said above. These cars are great - my local "general" mechanic services my 2005 GT conv on his drive. My insurance is about £330 pa for 5k miles, I don't have any no claims to use on it, from MCE. Also James at Atlantic Sportscars is really helpful - well worth a visit.

[Missy701]

Get yourself a boyfriend who enjoys servicing/repairing your 'Stang.

MCE insurance are cheap. My insurance is £20 a month and my car is a street legal drag car.

Mine came with headers. Get some!