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New member and new owner of a 4.6L '08 Shelby convertible. 104K miles from Vegas. No rust, relatively clean for mileage (Seller is 76 and owned since 2008). But, it's been a bit of a time bandit. Not sure what I was thinking but I've always loved the Mustang (owned '79 and '90 in the past).
Hoping membership will help me navigate the landmines. Thank you!!
My ugh list:
- Has original spark plugs so debating DIY or Ford dealer replacement?
- Has older Kenne Bell supercharger
- Needs (original?) rally stripes replaced (beneath riveted Shelby hood scoop)
- Side scoops, rear spoiler and bumper need repainted (loss of clear coat)
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,648
Likes: 2,519
From: Carnegie, PA
Originally Posted by dryhero
New member and new owner of a 4.6L '08 Shelby convertible. 104K miles from Vegas. No rust, relatively clean for mileage (Seller is 76 and owned since 2008). But, it's been a bit of a time bandit. Not sure what I was thinking but I've always loved the Mustang (owned '79 and '90 in the past).
Hoping membership will help me navigate the landmines. Thank you!!
My ugh list:
- Has original spark plugs so debating DIY or Ford dealer replacement?
- Has older Kenne Bell supercharger
- Needs (original?) rally stripes replaced (beneath riveted Shelby hood scoop)
- Side scoops, rear spoiler and bumper need repainted (loss of clear coat)
Bright points:
- No rust
- Top's in good shape
Welcome aboard! I also went ahead and sent you a reply over on the 4.6L spark plug thread regarding your questions and concerns... In the meantime, thank you for providing pictures of your Vista Blue, 2008 Shelby GT w/Kenne Bell supercharger... You have no idea just how jealous and envious I am over how lucky you are to own such a rare supercharged S197 Shelby GT...
Nice! Welcome aboard. Your (new)car is the envy of many a Mustang owner and your "ugh list" is not unexpected for a car its age. As a matter of fact, any pre-owned car of that age should have a list twice as long. No rust - gotta love those West Coast cars.
My recommendation for your ugh list:
- Spark plugs: If you're a little bit handy with wrenches, I'd recommend changing the plugs yourself. Buy a Lisle broken spark plug removal tool (Lisle P/N 65600) before you attempt removal. My reasoning is that with 104k miles and sixteen years exposure to Vegas heat the probability of removing all eight plugs without breaking at least one is not in your favor. There are a bunch of Youtube vids on how to minimize breaking. A dealership cannot do anything special to prevent this; only difference is that they'll charge you a pretty penny for every broken plug that needs extraction.
- Supercharger: Kenne Bell S/Cs are very reliable and you've got two good things going for you. 1. The previous owner is 76 years old and was 60 years old when he bought the car. The probability that he beat on the car or was constantly in and out of boost is low. 2. With that said, your Kenne Bell is just in its break-in. Change the supercharger oil and enjoy! Remember - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
- Rally stripes: If you're just replacing the hood stripe it should cost less that $100 from any reputable installer.
- Clear coat: If the underlying paint is still good maybe your shop can just color sand the scoop, spoiler and bumper and re-clear them. It's worth a try.
Anyway, welcome to the forum and add me to the envy list.
