Hunting for a mustang.
Discussion
Morning!
So after many years of driving various small cars, I've come to my senses and decided to get a modern mustang with the wonderful thing that is a V8 under the hood, I have been addicted to the sound of V8's for years and now it's time to own one.
I've been eyeing up the market for a few weeks and have a few questions, now that a purchase is impending.
I'm looking at a 2008 V8 GT premium, Manual, with a few aesthetic extra's. Approx 20k on the clock, generally well looked after.
is there anything in particular I should be looking for/worried about on such a car?
More importantly....
The specific plan is to alter the car in a couple of ways and I'm no mechanic so will probably out of fear of doing damage,
pay someone else to do all the following work.
Changing the exhaust to be side exit towards the rear wheel. What should I expect to be paying for this kind of mod? including body parts etc.
Also
Superchargers, from reading here, mocgb, s197 and a few other places. my options seem to be vortech, paxton, whipple and roush.
Roush seem to be a very good option as they offer a 36000 mile/3 year warranty on the charger, transmission and engine.
I'm Oxfordshire based, any recommended places to do such work? that will maintain provide the warranty on the charger etc.
money is an issue
so these mods will be somewhat staggered, exhausts first just so I can hear the V8 making it's wonderful music!,
then the charger for the power(and that ominous whine;)!
On the roush side, My current thinking is go for max power phase 3 etc - is this sane/wise/likely to destroy the gearbox?
Sorry if these questions seem basic, I'm really starting from fresh here!
Cheers,
R.
So after many years of driving various small cars, I've come to my senses and decided to get a modern mustang with the wonderful thing that is a V8 under the hood, I have been addicted to the sound of V8's for years and now it's time to own one.
I've been eyeing up the market for a few weeks and have a few questions, now that a purchase is impending.
I'm looking at a 2008 V8 GT premium, Manual, with a few aesthetic extra's. Approx 20k on the clock, generally well looked after.
is there anything in particular I should be looking for/worried about on such a car?
More importantly....
The specific plan is to alter the car in a couple of ways and I'm no mechanic so will probably out of fear of doing damage,
pay someone else to do all the following work.
Changing the exhaust to be side exit towards the rear wheel. What should I expect to be paying for this kind of mod? including body parts etc.
Also
Superchargers, from reading here, mocgb, s197 and a few other places. my options seem to be vortech, paxton, whipple and roush.
Roush seem to be a very good option as they offer a 36000 mile/3 year warranty on the charger, transmission and engine.
I'm Oxfordshire based, any recommended places to do such work? that will maintain provide the warranty on the charger etc.
money is an issue
so these mods will be somewhat staggered, exhausts first just so I can hear the V8 making it's wonderful music!,then the charger for the power(and that ominous whine;)!
On the roush side, My current thinking is go for max power phase 3 etc - is this sane/wise/likely to destroy the gearbox?
Sorry if these questions seem basic, I'm really starting from fresh here!
Cheers,
R.
The main thing to check is BASICS - firstly that the SVA conversion has been done properly with LEDs so you don't fry the junction box electronics. That is Job Number 1 as that can set you back £1000 if it goes wrong. Check the cruise control is working.
There is an issue with iron contamination on the leading lip of the bonnet so check for bubbling.
Make sure the door handles return although that is an easy fix and check the Shaker has no errors.
OK, you're ready to begin.
Side exit exhausts are possible but may limit the car on speed humps. many have gone for the electronic cut-outs which give you loud or standard. Alternatively just junk the rear silencers and put in straight pipes. the stock exhaust is very efficient.
The manual is probably the best choice for a supercharger as the auto can have issues over time. I have a 460-odd hp Vortech and have had no issues with the standard clutch but do have a Stage 2 clutch and flywheel in the attic in case.
I also use standard brakes which leave something to be desired but aftermarket pads help a lot.
The amin difficulty here is insurance. The past few years there have been many accidents and the premiums are now either very high or not available, A-Plan for example won't insure cars under 7 years old. Flux will insist on an alarm or tracker with the attendant electrics issues (no thanks) and a supercharger conversion now will often require a brake upgrade as part of the acceptance (again not really necessary)and limited mileage to keep the premium down. From that point of view, you MIGHT be better off with an older car. They were available from 2004.
By all means go full fat but check the Roush as any upgrade from standard invalidates the warranty and I'm not sure if the warranty is valid in the UK still. The Ford warranty isn't.
I would budget for a suspension change before a supercharger change - the stock set-up is too soft for a fast car and lower springs and better dampers are very desirable to stop you joining the hedge reunion.
There is an issue with iron contamination on the leading lip of the bonnet so check for bubbling.
Make sure the door handles return although that is an easy fix and check the Shaker has no errors.
OK, you're ready to begin.
Side exit exhausts are possible but may limit the car on speed humps. many have gone for the electronic cut-outs which give you loud or standard. Alternatively just junk the rear silencers and put in straight pipes. the stock exhaust is very efficient.
The manual is probably the best choice for a supercharger as the auto can have issues over time. I have a 460-odd hp Vortech and have had no issues with the standard clutch but do have a Stage 2 clutch and flywheel in the attic in case.
I also use standard brakes which leave something to be desired but aftermarket pads help a lot.
The amin difficulty here is insurance. The past few years there have been many accidents and the premiums are now either very high or not available, A-Plan for example won't insure cars under 7 years old. Flux will insist on an alarm or tracker with the attendant electrics issues (no thanks) and a supercharger conversion now will often require a brake upgrade as part of the acceptance (again not really necessary)and limited mileage to keep the premium down. From that point of view, you MIGHT be better off with an older car. They were available from 2004.
By all means go full fat but check the Roush as any upgrade from standard invalidates the warranty and I'm not sure if the warranty is valid in the UK still. The Ford warranty isn't.
I would budget for a suspension change before a supercharger change - the stock set-up is too soft for a fast car and lower springs and better dampers are very desirable to stop you joining the hedge reunion.
Many thanks LuS1fer,
Very helpful indeed!
"I would budget for a suspension change before a supercharger change - the stock set-up is too soft for a fast car and lower springs and better dampers are very desirable to stop you joining the hedge reunion."
This was on the list in my mind - forgot to put it in the original post, I don't think even I could survive the ribbing I'd get from various individuals I think this should probably be the first thing I sort out to help avoid any car-car or car-hedge "interactions".
Might be pricey - but it's worth it to save the car from any damage.
The electric cut-outs sound like a very good idea and they would provide more of a sleeper appearance(which I like). There are allot of speed bumps in Oxford and the surrounding area and I didn't realise side pipes cause a loss of clearance. Worth consideration.
Again - cheers for the advice!
Very helpful indeed!
"I would budget for a suspension change before a supercharger change - the stock set-up is too soft for a fast car and lower springs and better dampers are very desirable to stop you joining the hedge reunion."
This was on the list in my mind - forgot to put it in the original post, I don't think even I could survive the ribbing I'd get from various individuals
I think this should probably be the first thing I sort out to help avoid any car-car or car-hedge "interactions".Might be pricey - but it's worth it to save the car from any damage.
The electric cut-outs sound like a very good idea and they would provide more of a sleeper appearance(which I like). There are allot of speed bumps in Oxford and the surrounding area and I didn't realise side pipes cause a loss of clearance. Worth consideration.
Again - cheers for the advice!
Lus1fer, with your comments about insurance on my Camaro thread, i was a little worried but Elephant did give me what i thought was a very good quote and didn't have any issues. Might mean that Mustangs and Camaros aren't lumped in the same group if Mustangs are the ones that keep ending up in hedges.
Edited by Regiment on Wednesday 4th May 12:32
Reminded me of a good point. Insurance!
So far I've had a quote from Adrian Flux(american/import car department). They were very helpful indeed.
Insuring an 05-08 was no problem, mods seemed to be no issue either although they would of course add to the total.
Any experience of insurers? I'm going to check with MCE next.
So far I've had a quote from Adrian Flux(american/import car department). They were very helpful indeed.
Insuring an 05-08 was no problem, mods seemed to be no issue either although they would of course add to the total.
Any experience of insurers? I'm going to check with MCE next.
Your best bet for parts is to import them from the USA and use someone like STS Imports (Ron Fenton on S197) to keep the shipping costs down. Most comapnies in the US don't want to know the UK market but you can get stuff delivered to Ron's US depot and take advantage of free shipping offers. He has regular containers coming over.
The best dampers are probably what I have, namely Tokico D-Spec adjustable dampers which I have over Roush springs which gives a reasonable ride.
Alternatively, you can buy Roush parts in the UK through Mountune but there have been issues over the rear dampers leaking. I use the stock sway bars but you can get uprated items. the shell of the S197 is pretty stiff to start with (allegedly equivalent to an SN95 with a roll cage fitted).
The other issue is wheels and tyres. The American tyres are hard and not very good so look for a car that has had them changed. The next issue is what size. In 2005 they came with 17s but the 18" option came along alittle later and then i believe became standard. However, many go to 20s but you're looking at about £1000 for a set of wheels so you have to take all these factors into account. Buying a pre-modified car may be cheaper as the dollar excahnge rate is not that good any more - it was $2 to the £ in 2005 so mods were cheaper - plus you have to pay 3.5% import duty and 20% VAT on top of the cost and shipping costs so bear all that in mind.
Brake upgrades - probably the cheapest kit is the GT500 kit as it has bigger brakes and the Shelby weighs a lot more. However, you have to make sure the brakes fit in the wheels - they don't fit in my 20" wheels because of the offset, for example.
The manual has a fairly good shifter but many swop it for a short-throw shifter and there are plenty of dress-up options.
Good luck with the search.
The best dampers are probably what I have, namely Tokico D-Spec adjustable dampers which I have over Roush springs which gives a reasonable ride.
Alternatively, you can buy Roush parts in the UK through Mountune but there have been issues over the rear dampers leaking. I use the stock sway bars but you can get uprated items. the shell of the S197 is pretty stiff to start with (allegedly equivalent to an SN95 with a roll cage fitted).
The other issue is wheels and tyres. The American tyres are hard and not very good so look for a car that has had them changed. The next issue is what size. In 2005 they came with 17s but the 18" option came along alittle later and then i believe became standard. However, many go to 20s but you're looking at about £1000 for a set of wheels so you have to take all these factors into account. Buying a pre-modified car may be cheaper as the dollar excahnge rate is not that good any more - it was $2 to the £ in 2005 so mods were cheaper - plus you have to pay 3.5% import duty and 20% VAT on top of the cost and shipping costs so bear all that in mind.
Brake upgrades - probably the cheapest kit is the GT500 kit as it has bigger brakes and the Shelby weighs a lot more. However, you have to make sure the brakes fit in the wheels - they don't fit in my 20" wheels because of the offset, for example.
The manual has a fairly good shifter but many swop it for a short-throw shifter and there are plenty of dress-up options.
Good luck with the search.
Hi Russ,
Whereabouts in Oxfordshire are you (there are a few local Mustangs mine included).
Secondly, what sort of budget are you thinking of, both for initial purchase then future mods. Quite a few cars will already have been modded (some more than others ) and obviously it's far more economical to buy the right car with the right bits than to ship things over.
Whereabouts in Oxfordshire are you (there are a few local Mustangs mine included).
Secondly, what sort of budget are you thinking of, both for initial purchase then future mods. Quite a few cars will already have been modded (some more than others
) and obviously it's far more economical to buy the right car with the right bits than to ship things over.Regiment said:
Lus1fer, with your comments about insurance on my Camaro thread, i was a little worried but Elephant did give me what i thought was a very good quote and didn't have any issues. Might mean that Mustangs and Camaros aren't lumped in the same group if Mustangs are the ones that keep ending up in hedges.
That may well be the case but my friend's Corvette C5 Z06 renewal just went up £200 to £675 for no real reason so he's shopping round. I'm rather surprised Elephant know what a Camaro is or that is even on their list. I take it you triple checked it wasn't a Lacetti.... Edited by Regiment on Wednesday 4th May 12:32
You may well be right about the Mustang - the market was truly flooded with them in 2005-8 due to the $2 to the £ exchange rate and so I suspect thay have been bitten harder than most due to their popularity enabling the insurance underwriters to risk assess more accurately. Having said that, it must still depend on the area. Plenty of Mustang owners have had good renewals but were already insured so to speak.
The Camaro may be affected less as the exchange rate is worse so they are likely to be less common.
LuS1fer said:
That may well be the case but my friend's Corvette C5 Z06 renewal just went up £200 to £675 for no real reason so he's shopping round. I'm rather surprised Elephant know what a Camaro is or that is even on their list. I take it you triple checked it wasn't a Lacetti....
You may well be right about the Mustang - the market was truly flooded with them in 2005-8 due to the $2 to the £ exchange rate and so I suspect thay have been bitten harder than most due to their popularity enabling the insurance underwriters to risk assess more accurately. Having said that, it must still depend on the area. Plenty of Mustang owners have had good renewals but were already insured so to speak.
The Camaro may be affected less as the exchange rate is worse so they are likely to be less common.
I'm sure, the person i spoke to was very nice and said her mate used to have one of the old 2000 models with the sloping nose, she did give the cc of the engine as well as 6154 or something like that, so presumably it's all correct.You may well be right about the Mustang - the market was truly flooded with them in 2005-8 due to the $2 to the £ exchange rate and so I suspect thay have been bitten harder than most due to their popularity enabling the insurance underwriters to risk assess more accurately. Having said that, it must still depend on the area. Plenty of Mustang owners have had good renewals but were already insured so to speak.
The Camaro may be affected less as the exchange rate is worse so they are likely to be less common.
Stig said:
Hi Russ,
Whereabouts in Oxfordshire are you (there are a few local Mustangs mine included).
Secondly, what sort of budget are you thinking of, both for initial purchase then future mods. Quite a few cars will already have been modded (some more than others ) and obviously it's far more economical to buy the right car with the right bits than to ship things over.
Hey Stig,Whereabouts in Oxfordshire are you (there are a few local Mustangs mine included).
Secondly, what sort of budget are you thinking of, both for initial purchase then future mods. Quite a few cars will already have been modded (some more than others
) and obviously it's far more economical to buy the right car with the right bits than to ship things over.I'm mostly in oxford it's self or bicester. Funnily enough the guy who lives oposite me has two mustangs, one is an 04/05 and the other is a 90's.
The Absolute MAX budget is £20k.
I have to admit, after just spending a hour reading about SVA light conversions - I've added to my fears!
Ideally I'd like something that comes supercharged and tuned. But this maybe unrealistic.
R.
Further Edit:
I've just noticed that Teslayn Engineering's Classic AMCAR is very close to my house and I drive past it every day. good to know I've got some help close to hand!
Edited by russtang on Wednesday 4th May 14:39
Edited by russtang on Wednesday 4th May 14:46
Hi, good luck on your search!
All good fun eh. This guy is really helpful, and has is own unique services as well
Based in Oxfordshire.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/member.php?2660-Yellas...
http://www.modurstang.co.uk/
Cheers
All good fun eh. This guy is really helpful, and has is own unique services as well
Based in Oxfordshire.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/member.php?2660-Yellas...
http://www.modurstang.co.uk/
Cheers
puregeordie said:
Hi, good luck on your search!
All good fun eh. This guy is really helpful, and has is own unique services as well
Based in Oxfordshire.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/member.php?2660-Yellas...
http://www.modurstang.co.uk/
Cheers
Second that for Mike Lacey. Good luck with your search and have fun.All good fun eh. This guy is really helpful, and has is own unique services as well
Based in Oxfordshire.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/member.php?2660-Yellas...
http://www.modurstang.co.uk/
Cheers
puregeordie said:
Hi, good luck on your search!
All good fun eh. This guy is really helpful, and has is own unique services as well
Based in Oxfordshire.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/member.php?2660-Yellas...
http://www.modurstang.co.uk/
Cheers
All good fun eh. This guy is really helpful, and has is own unique services as well
Based in Oxfordshire.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/member.php?2660-Yellas...
http://www.modurstang.co.uk/
Cheers
depends on the time of year to get to those guys, isn't chippy often isolated by snow I'm off to view tomorrow, sva conversion has been performed by The Mustang Workshop. LEDS used, all above board by the sounds of it.
Get yourself down to Newbury on Saturday 21t May.......we're having a meet and you can talk Mustangs with us all day long 
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?41870-B...
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?41870-B...
Twin Turbo said:
Get yourself down to Newbury on Saturday 21t May.......we're having a meet and you can talk Mustangs with us all day long
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?41870-B...
Oooohh I may well do that, I'm out and about that day(Burford of all places, fixing a few pc's) - will see if I can fit it in. http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?41870-B...
I have found myself a car, which I'll pick-up on Friday(all being well).
2008 GT premium with California extras, manual, black, low mileage, borla exhaust, eibach springs and those very nice 20" shelby razor wheels(they are sooooo nice).
Then in a few months it will be sent off to Mike at modurstang for a saleen supercharger kit taking it up to 530hp. Also uprated handling as well - mike insisted on this - and quite rightly so.
I must say that Mike was *exceptionally* helpful and honest! his knowledge of mustangs is absolutely god-like!
So yes...I'm now saving for the kit. I think it's probably wise I get used to the car for a while before jumping on the supercharger bandwagon. Remember - up until now I've been driving crapola cars
All in all I and very happy!
Russ.
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