Is the S550 the best Mustang to buy? Even better than the S197 and current S650? Resoundingly yes, according to Terry Fair of Vorshlag Motorsports.
The S550 (years 2015-’23), with its V8, offers more power, much better handling and just a few more pounds than the S197 (2005-’14), all f…
Really enjoy my S197, but if I'd been able to stretch for an S550, I would have. All Coyote engines, IRS, and a massively better interior.
The pricing on early (15-18) S550 GTs is in the low 20s these days...
In reply to flyin_viata :
A buddy of mine just bought a '15 or '16 GT (unknown if PP) for $17,500. It would be surprising if you couldn't find decent base GTPPs for under 20 in many major markets. The MT82 transmissions in those, however, benefit from a good fluid change (Royal Purple works well) and a proper short-throw shifter. If it hasn't been done already, removing the clutch pedal helper spring helps clutch feedback but that's not saying much: That clutch is pretty numb and most of them engage fairly high in the stroke.
Ford advertised the "double ball joint" front suspension in the S550 (rumored to be a copy of BMW's), and as above I've often heard they handle better. But I've not seen a description as to what is better about the DBJ setup? Is it camber curve or roll/bump steer or ???
In reply to fearlesfil :
Ford had been doing double ball joint suspension long before the Mustang.
The thing is that the steering axis becomes a virtual axis rather than a fixed one defined by a single ball joint. A single ball joint and wide wheels makes getting a small scrub radius difficult to package, along with the brakes. Having a virtual steering axis can allow you to get zero-point steering without having to get bizarre with the brakes and struts.
I've been telling people for years who want a Mk4 Supra, but aren't quite there on the prices of those Supras, to consider an S550. You get a VERY similar driving experience, for far less money.
Downside, if it really bothers you to drive a common car, is that you're driving a Mustang. I could care less, they're great fun. Actual, real downside, outward visibility is among the worse cars I've driven, but that seems to just be a modern car thing.
I think the worst thing about the s550 is the base GT packages that are super common have a lot of underspec'd components- suspension, brakes etc. I guess that's good in some ways since the aftermarket is better still, but means its even more of a DIY package. I have to wonder if its really worth the extra cash over the much cheaper s197 cars and just running CSM. It would be interesting to see a s550 built out similarly competitively to at least a SM level of prep cost wise.
My 19GT, PP1, A10 came with the Torsen rear from Ford. All 18-23(?) PP1 GT's, manual or auto, came with the Torsen rear.
As someone who has lusted after a Mustang since high school, this article is not helping my marriage.
My 21GT PP is meh. I bought it new. It's fun but nothing spectacular. It's still a very simple and basic ponycar that you can work on 99% of it in your driveway. The interior is still overly plasticy and the fabric seats are miserable for sitting in for long stretches although I've done 3 drag n drives in them plus multiple 10hr one way trips.
Overall it's an 8/10.
I hadn't looked at these in awhile. Always have liked them though, and tempting at price point. I'd think a manual V8 Performance Pack car with the Recaro option checked would be a blast out of the box even if otherwise left alone, but the combo of those things still seems pretty slim pickings under $30K.
I have a '21 mustang gt base 6speed M/T. It's a fun car but has some short comings. The gearing in the MT82-D4 is extremely long. It makes the car feel slower then it is. I have a 3.55 lsd and have been considering bumping up to around 4.11 gears.
i was never a huge fan of mustang fan. But, when looking for a rwd, v8, manual transmission, backseat big enough for two car seats, it seemed like the best value for the money.
it is fun and plenty fast for a daily. It is heavy and it shows. But, the coyote motor has a lot of character in my opinion and is a lot of fun. I was never a fan of the Camaro and LS/LT motors. I enjoy revving a motor out vs a ton of low end torque
In reply to Mattk :
I have 3.73's and they suck. I'm going 4.56 if I change gears so 4th gear can be used on the dragstrip. I currently shift at 6500 and cross at 7500 in 3rd. If I could ran a shorter tire, I would but without spending 2k for some billet spindles to run a 15x12... I am out on that and stay on the 17's and 28" tall tires.
Where does the Bullitt fit in all this?
yupididit said:Where does the Bullitt fit in all this?
Well, the Bullitt is essentially a PP2 GT with a small horsepower bump and some badges. That said, I love the subtle look, and would gladly welcome one into my garage. Too bad they have the MT82 and not the Tremec, though.
I bought a low mileage Race Red 2018 Mustang GT Premium with the glorious PP1 option last May in Myrtle Beach, SC for $23,000! Best Buy I've ever made. I had been racing a vintage Caldwell D9 Formula Ford for over 40 years, it was time to hang up my helmet and find a way to still be on track occasionally. This modified S550 is now a legit track ready car that can be driven to and from events and lap with cars costing three or four times more. I used advice and parts from both Voselag and Steeda, as both know these cars and have raced and won with them. So I'll test at NCCAR in a few days and hope to be on track at all the tracks in the Mid Atlantic this summer.
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