GT vs Bullitt Comparison
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Pacific NW USA
100% improvement is vastly brighter light
Only twice as bright?
I don't know, I think a 100% improvement is quite enough to qualify as vastly brighter light. Double the light is a vast improvement on a pitch-black country highway. Like I said, I see vastly more illumination from these HID headlights over my 2005 non-HID headlights.
As to the so-called factory "Fog lights", I know their purpose, and the Mustangs are mounted too high. The point is to see the road, not the reflection of your lights off the fog. My 2005 F-450 with low mounted "fog lights" fill in noticeably with my low beams. In my 2008 GT500 with the HID lights, the low mounted "fog lights" don't make any difference at all (The only way I can be sure they are actually on while driving is by looking at them in a reflection on the back of a car or in a window) with the HID low beams due to the HID's being vastly brighter than the non HID headlights.
I don't know, I think a 100% improvement is quite enough to qualify as vastly brighter light. Double the light is a vast improvement on a pitch-black country highway. Like I said, I see vastly more illumination from these HID headlights over my 2005 non-HID headlights.
As to the so-called factory "Fog lights", I know their purpose, and the Mustangs are mounted too high. The point is to see the road, not the reflection of your lights off the fog. My 2005 F-450 with low mounted "fog lights" fill in noticeably with my low beams. In my 2008 GT500 with the HID lights, the low mounted "fog lights" don't make any difference at all (The only way I can be sure they are actually on while driving is by looking at them in a reflection on the back of a car or in a window) with the HID low beams due to the HID's being vastly brighter than the non HID headlights.
They are not a vastly brighter light. They generally aren't even twice as bright as halogens in the low beam due to FMVSS 108 restrictions. The FDA is not the same as NHTSA. If the headlamps fail FMVSS 108, they can't be put on a production on-road vehicle. You'd be amazed at how much testing is done and how much money is spent to make sure they comply. The Cadillac Escalade HIDs are maybe 1.5 times brighter than a good set of halogens in the low beam mode. The high beam is another story because there aren't many restrictions on the peak output - but no one typically drives with the high beams on the whole time. The HID capsule itself is capable of 2-3 times more output than a halogen capsule, but the testing mandates the evaluation of an entire reflector/projector and capsule assembly, and halogen/HID/LED fall under the same restrictions in FMVSS 108. The white light is easier to pick up by the human eye since it is interpreted as glare. I drive with HIDs on the Crown Vic and can tell you that they're really not a big improvement over halogens. While the signs are reflected farther away and the color looks white, I don't see any true benefit over halogens other than reduced power consumption and longer life span. It didn't feel any safer on the highway than using halogens.
The foglamps are NOT intended for distance lighting. They are quite useless past 100', but they are intended for lighting the near-field road and to prevent back dazzle during foggy or misty conditions.
The foglamps are NOT intended for distance lighting. They are quite useless past 100', but they are intended for lighting the near-field road and to prevent back dazzle during foggy or misty conditions.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
Only twice as bright?
I don't know, I think a 100% improvement is quite enough to qualify as vastly brighter light. Double the light is a vast improvement on a pitch-black country highway. Like I said, I see vastly more illumination from these HID headlights over my 2005 non-HID headlights.
As to the so-called factory "Fog lights", I know their purpose, and the Mustangs are mounted too high. The point is to see the road, not the reflection of your lights off the fog. My 2005 F-450 with low mounted "fog lights" fill in noticeably with my low beams. In my 2008 GT500 with the HID lights, the low mounted "fog lights" don't make any difference at all (The only way I can be sure they are actually on while driving is by looking at them in a reflection on the back of a car or in a window) with the HID low beams due to the HID's being vastly brighter than the non HID headlights.
I don't know, I think a 100% improvement is quite enough to qualify as vastly brighter light. Double the light is a vast improvement on a pitch-black country highway. Like I said, I see vastly more illumination from these HID headlights over my 2005 non-HID headlights.
As to the so-called factory "Fog lights", I know their purpose, and the Mustangs are mounted too high. The point is to see the road, not the reflection of your lights off the fog. My 2005 F-450 with low mounted "fog lights" fill in noticeably with my low beams. In my 2008 GT500 with the HID lights, the low mounted "fog lights" don't make any difference at all (The only way I can be sure they are actually on while driving is by looking at them in a reflection on the back of a car or in a window) with the HID low beams due to the HID's being vastly brighter than the non HID headlights.
I evaluated HIDs that produced 5 times more light than the legal limit and compared them with stock halogens. Like I said, they didn't really illuminate the road better or make it feel safer at speed than the halogens. The reflections off road signs are easier to spot but then again incandescents (not even halogens) are capable of making reflective signs "glow" from 600' away. With the 4100K HIDs, regular steam looked "blue" almost like burnt engine oil, and the white light was certainly easier to spot compared to the 3100K-3200K halogen. There comes a point where there is so much white light from the HIDs I evaluated that things can look "over exposed" especially in unlit areas like a forest trail or mountain roads.
However, the street-legal/FMVSS compliant HIDs that you typically find on Cadillacs and the 08 Mustang, offer at the MOST about 1.5 times more light in the low beam mode compared to a halogen, and that is a PEAK value at an arbitrary point (not across the entire pattern) due to the limits imposed by FMVSS 108.
I have found subjective reports (e.g. dude the HIDs rox0rs) to be quite inconclusive, but mainly people tend to pick up on the white light due to how the brain perceives the color versus "yellow". They "believe" that there is much more light when there isn't, or there is just about the same amount of light.
The benefits of HIDs are real:
1). reduced power consumption (35W vs 55W)
2). longer lifespan (2500-5000 hours versus 1000-1500 hours)
3). vibration resistant (gas and salt discharge versus filament)
For that alone I'd select the HID option on a new Mustang, but I do not believe for a minute that the HIDs produce a significant amount (more than 2-3 times) of extra light across the pattern in the low beam mode based on the quantifiable test results I have seen for projector Xenon HIDs (these are superior to the reflector based HIDs used by the factory for the Mustang and Town Car).
The high beams, OTOH, are a totally different story since FMVSS allows more leeway due to less restrictive limits, but a smart driver doesn't drive around with the high beams all the time.
Last edited by metroplex; Mar 20, 2008 at 03:12 PM.
Cobra Member
Joined: October 27, 2007
Posts: 1,380
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I don't mind the Bullitt. I just hate the fact that you can't get a green convertible with, say, a parchment cloth top. [Yeah, I know...Ford doesn't offer the cloth top in parchment either.] I'd bet that, in a couple of years, Ford will offer dark green as a color choice for a "non-Bullitt" Mustang. Money talks.
Cobra Member
Joined: October 27, 2007
Posts: 1,380
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The Bullitt does have a strut tower brace. Also lower front control arm braces as are on the GT500
Cobra Member
Joined: October 27, 2007
Posts: 1,380
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There are optional fog lamps for the SGT that mount in the outer corners of the lower grille. Something similar could be fit to the Bullitt I'm sure.
According to the HVBOM front Fogs are "enabled". The light switch would have to be changed out, fuses and relay put in place (all connectors are present in the PD box) and the wiring pig tail to the fogs added. Probably the one from the GT500 would be best.
a GT500 facia would not be in the spirit of the Bullitt IMO
According to the HVBOM front Fogs are "enabled". The light switch would have to be changed out, fuses and relay put in place (all connectors are present in the PD box) and the wiring pig tail to the fogs added. Probably the one from the GT500 would be best.
a GT500 facia would not be in the spirit of the Bullitt IMO
Thread Starter
Bullitt Member
Joined: November 22, 2004
Posts: 382
Likes: 1
Sound deadening/subframe connectors
I'm told by a buddy who works for Ford that they did install a subframe connector and extra sound deadening. Neither is specifically listed on the window sticker and I don't recall seeing either listed on the hero card.
Given that I've not yet been under the car I cannot speak to the subframe connector. In terms of sound deadening this car is significantly quieter than my 05 was. In my mind that could mean additional sound deadening but unless I want to rip the car apart its not likely that I'm gonna find out.
Given that I've not yet been under the car I cannot speak to the subframe connector. In terms of sound deadening this car is significantly quieter than my 05 was. In my mind that could mean additional sound deadening but unless I want to rip the car apart its not likely that I'm gonna find out.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2008
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Pacific NW USA
I found a picture of a SGT with lights that would work, I think the picture was on the Shelby Site, but I don't recall where I got it.
I think these lights and even the brake cooling vents would go well on the Bullitt. I wouldn't want the lower center grill though. They would fit nice right in the solid sides of the Bullitt lower grill.
I think these lights and even the brake cooling vents would go well on the Bullitt. I wouldn't want the lower center grill though. They would fit nice right in the solid sides of the Bullitt lower grill.
There are optional fog lamps for the SGT that mount in the outer corners of the lower grille. Something similar could be fit to the Bullitt I'm sure.
According to the HVBOM front Fogs are "enabled". The light switch would have to be changed out, fuses and relay put in place (all connectors are present in the PD box) and the wiring pig tail to the fogs added. Probably the one from the GT500 would be best.
a GT500 facia would not be in the spirit of the Bullitt IMO
According to the HVBOM front Fogs are "enabled". The light switch would have to be changed out, fuses and relay put in place (all connectors are present in the PD box) and the wiring pig tail to the fogs added. Probably the one from the GT500 would be best.
a GT500 facia would not be in the spirit of the Bullitt IMO
Cobra Member
Joined: March 3, 2007
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 1
From: North carolina
Cobra Member
Joined: October 27, 2007
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Dethroned Nascar Guru
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 10,059
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I love the Bullitt and the Shelby GT. They are both great cars and both mustangs. If I had the money I would have a GT 500, a Bullitt, a Shelby GT, and a Mustang GT (for modding the way I wanted). Oh and a new Dodge Challeger too 
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 1, 2004
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
+1 oh and I'd have some 60's Mustangs, 03 Cobra, 427R, 281 the list goes on and on! They are all Mustangs and to each their own.
Member
Joined: March 24, 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Maryville TN
I like the Bullitt for it's "sleeper" effect...it looks like a V6 with a aftermarket set of wheels on it..those not in the know will pull up beside it thinking it's a V6 and be surprised..kicking thereself in the @$$ for not noticing the dual exhaust first..lol
Needs to be more Astony
Joined: October 4, 2004
Posts: 8,610
Likes: 5
From: Volo, IL
I was suprised how many people thought the car was a V6... they were suprised when they lost.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 2,358
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I suppose the real question here is, would I be willing to pay just under 2k more for a S197 Mustang GT equipped with what amounts to of a 'sport package' (tweaked suspension , improved shifter, better exhaust) and a 'comfort package' (GT500 seats, GT500-style leather wrapped steering wheel)
My answer. Yeah. Honestly if you want a black or green Mustang and are considering the Premium package I cannot imagine why you would pass up the Bullitt option unless you don't like the fog-less grille or money is a major factor. If I were to buy a Bullitt I would likely grab a black one, remove the Bullitt badges, throw a set of 19" wheels under the fenders, and slap a GT500 nose on the front. If I were to make any other, more significant changes an aftermarket brake setup and a six speed manual would likely make the list.
My answer. Yeah. Honestly if you want a black or green Mustang and are considering the Premium package I cannot imagine why you would pass up the Bullitt option unless you don't like the fog-less grille or money is a major factor. If I were to buy a Bullitt I would likely grab a black one, remove the Bullitt badges, throw a set of 19" wheels under the fenders, and slap a GT500 nose on the front. If I were to make any other, more significant changes an aftermarket brake setup and a six speed manual would likely make the list.
Last edited by jsaylor; Apr 2, 2008 at 09:41 PM.
I suppose the real question here is, would I be willing to pay just under 2k more for a S197 Mustang GT equipped with what amounts to of a 'sport package' (tweaked suspension , improved shifter, better exhaust) and a 'comfort package' (GT500 seats, GT500-style leather wrapped steering wheel)
The Bullitt I think is a bit more than the sum of its parts, which, objectively, yield only modest measurable performance gains. But due to a much better job in the subtleties of tuning and polish than, say, a Shelby GT, it seems to have turned out to be a far better car to drive -- basically a rolling testament to the adage, its now about how fast a car goes, but how a car goes fast -- and by many accounts, the Bullitt appears to be the most satisfying S197 so far.
Bullitt Member
Joined: September 18, 2006
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