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When the S550's were first introduced, there were also negative criticism when compared to the outgoing S197 cars, including here on TMS... However, the negative criticism eventually faded away as the S550's became more and more popular and accepted... In the beginning, I also didn't accept the S550's when compared to the outgoing S197 Mustang, but eventually, they began to grow more and more upon me... I can honestly now say that I appreciate the S550 Mustangs in their own right, just as much as I have with the S197 cars... Therefore, I'm quite certain that in the end, the S650 Mustang will also be just as appreciated and accepted as the 2015-2023 S550 cars have been.
I loved the S197’s the moment I saw them in the concept press releases. I never liked the S550 because I couldn’t stand the look of the rear end.
I admit in 2014 when the S550 was introduced I didn't like the front end, the back didn't bother me....it's probably because it was so different but I thought the front end favored the Fusion styling. That faded and in 2020 I bought one...it was a business purchase to show off new products and to do some R&D but I love the car, the platform and chassis rigidity is the best to date....it's a great drivers car. I also find the powerband of the Ecoboost is much better than the 5.0 in that it's more fun and enjoyable to drive daily and in traffic. The 5.0 will put you back in the seat but the mid range for daily driving is lacking compared to the ecoboost IMO. The Eco just feels better in all areas of the power band in daily use. I've spent a lot of time in both....now I'm about to add the Turbo that we used my car to help R&D and see how that changes things...going for 450 RWHP as a first step. This is the smaller turbo, the big turbo made 609 wheel HP on a built shortblock in initial testing and is still going strong 3 years later on that car. Then take the 5.0 and add some turbos....we have a local guy running low 9's in a street car. The platform really lends itself well for modifications. The S650 will take some getting used to for most but I think it will come around too.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,512
From: Carnegie, PA
Originally Posted by Robbieg
I loved the S197’s the moment I saw them in the concept press releases. I never liked the S550 because I couldn’t stand the look of the rear end.
I was just the opposite, I actually liked the rear end, it was the front end that I didn't care for at first... My reason, IMO the S550 took the front end of the Fusion and Ford modified it, but still had that corporate appearance that seemed every other Ford model had... But eventually, I ended up warming up to the front end as well by accepting it as a modern design for the Mustang.
Originally Posted by svopaul
I admit in 2014 when the S550 was introduced I didn't like the front end, the back didn't bother me....it's probably because it was so different but I thought the front end favored the Fusion styling. That faded and in 2020 I bought one...it was a business purchase to show off new products and to do some R&D but I love the car, the platform and chassis rigidity is the best to date....it's a great drivers car. I also find the powerband of the Ecoboost is much better than the 5.0 in that it's more fun and enjoyable to drive daily and in traffic. The 5.0 will put you back in the seat but the mid range for daily driving is lacking compared to the ecoboost IMO. The Eco just feels better in all areas of the power band in daily use. I've spent a lot of time in both....now I'm about to add the Turbo that we used my car to help R&D and see how that changes things...going for 450 RWHP as a first step. This is the smaller turbo, the big turbo made 609 wheel HP on a built shortblock in initial testing and is still going strong 3 years later on that car. Then take the 5.0 and add some turbos....we have a local guy running low 9's in a street car. The platform really lends itself well for modifications. The S650 will take some getting used to for most but I think it will come around too.
I also felt the same way at first about the front end favoring the Fusion's styling, but eventually that faded away as the S550 began to grow more and more on me as time passed... Since then, I look at the S550 Mustang as being lite years ahead in technology over previous generations, but whenever you look upon the S550's overall modern styling, it is still instantly recognizable as a Mustang, nevertheless IMHO.
Last edited by m05fastbackGT; Feb 3, 2024 at 06:51 PM.
Reason: Typo Correction
I test-drove a 2015 GT when they were introduced and liked the steering feel and brakes on the car. I wasn't able to try out the IRS (that came later with my '15 GT). When I ordered my GT I also ordered the performance package. I wasn't impressed with the overall feel of the car with the performance package but the IRS really made a difference when it came to getting the car to rotate. Had a kid in Civic not valiantly sacrificed his car before I had a chance to run into a crowd I would have probably swapped out the suspension on the GT with Ford's FRPP package (I was impressed with that kit when I installed it on my 07) and of course a switch to better tires over the factory Pirellis. My only other complaint was the Coyote seemed rougher than the 5.4 mill in the GT500 even with the MGW shifter I had installed on that car. I took the GT in to have it checked out since it just didn't seem to run as smoothly and they even let me test drive a few other cars since I was convinced something was wrong. That all went out the window with the GT350s since vibration is a feature and not a defect on those cars. I bet going forward I'll be like, "Man, this Coyote is as smooth as glass.".
Been a long while for me around here. Still rocking my 06' Roushcarged GT with 72k on the clock. Old picture but looks exactly the same. It's been a garage queen since 2012 and just needs a little love to get back to the glory days.
Glad to be back! I no longer have a Mustang, but I really miss it. It's been almost 7 years. I wasn't too big a fan of S550 and less so of the S650s on the road once I've seen several. Had a 2014 Taurus SHO, and then went to a 2017 Fusion Sport (2.7 EcoBoost V6) which I still have, and also added a Tesla Model 3 Long Range w/ the Accel Boost so it runs 11.7 in the 1/4. Seeing the Tesla parked in my garage, the blue and the rear "hip" sheet metal reminded me of my 07 GT. Spent quite a bit of time with different tuning for EcoBoost. Real jealous that Coyote factory tuning is easily changed to Flex Fuel whereas that isn't the case for EcoBoost. I spent a year trying to enable flex fuel on EcoBoost but got nowhere, but luckily I can switch between 87, 93, and E30-E40 on the same tune.
Ownership is Not a Requirement and Obviously your Experience Was Helpful today in the Forums in Regards to the Trans Fluid Question! Perhaps Hanging Around Will Rekindle That Mustang Bug! Plenty of S-197s Out There Looking To Be Appreciated! A Lightly Massaged Gt-500 Would Give You That Tesla 1/4 Mile Speed! Always a Nice Low Miles One Lurking About Somewhere!
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,512
From: Carnegie, PA
Originally Posted by metroplex
Glad to be back! I no longer have a Mustang, but I really miss it. It's been almost 7 years. I wasn't too big a fan of S550 and less so of the S650s on the road once I've seen several. Had a 2014 Taurus SHO, and then went to a 2017 Fusion Sport (2.7 EcoBoost V6) which I still have, and also added a Tesla Model 3 Long Range w/ the Accel Boost so it runs 11.7 in the 1/4. Seeing the Tesla parked in my garage, the blue and the rear "hip" sheet metal reminded me of my 07 GT. Spent quite a bit of time with different tuning for EcoBoost. Real jealous that Coyote factory tuning is easily changed to Flex Fuel whereas that isn't the case for EcoBoost. I spent a year trying to enable flex fuel on EcoBoost but got nowhere, but luckily I can switch between 87, 93, and E30-E40 on the same tune.
Glad to have you back, Charlie! Just as Kevin brought up in his post, your personal experience and technical expertise are always important... Although you may no longer own a Mustang, you will always be part of the Mustang community here on TMS, so don't be a stranger...LOL
-Rocky
Originally Posted by 05stangkc
Thank For The Update!
Ownership is Not a Requirement and Obviously your Experience Was Helpful today in the Forums in Regards to the Trans Fluid Question! Perhaps Hanging Around Will Rekindle That Mustang Bug! Plenty of S-197s Out There Looking To Be Appreciated! A Lightly Massaged Gt-500 Would Give You That Tesla 1/4 Mile Speed! Always a Nice Low Miles One Lurking About Somewhere!
Been a long while for me around here. Still rocking my 06' Roushcarged GT with 72k on the clock. Old picture but looks exactly the same. It's been a garage queen since 2012 and just needs a little love to get back to the glory days.
Many cars have come & gone over the years but still kept the stang (32k miles). I always say one day when it is old enough to skip emmisions testing, I'll take the coyote out for a factory 5 build & put a big block ford in its place.
Pictures of rides present & past: 02 Ducati monster 620, currently rebuilding clutch... 05 tj that smirk on his face..
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,512
From: Carnegie, PA
Originally Posted by Lemod
Hi all, Luke here.
Many cars have come & gone over the years but still kept the stang (32k miles). I always say one day when it is old enough to skip emmisions testing, I'll take the coyote out for a factory 5 build & put a big block ford in its place.
Pictures of rides present & past: 02 Ducati monster 620, currently rebuilding clutch... 05 tj that smirk on his face..
Welcome back and also glad you've kept the 2013 GT as well..
Originally Posted by 05stangkc
Thanks For Posting Those Wonderful Pics! Awwww! Your Boy is a Little Gearhead!
Is That an Heirloom Adjustable Wrench! Looks Vintage!
Count me in as well...