I spent a few minutes reading about the new 5.0 V-8. I feel that we were short changed on our 4.6 3V engine. If they were only going to keep it for 5 years, why not keep it the old 2 or 4v engine for a few more years? I have a few questions for those of you who want to weigh in.

1. Will this limited run, hurt us in the aftermarket/support aspect?

2. Do you feel like we got the 390 CID, that had a very short run in Mustangs (2 years) or the 289 that only lasted 4 years. Maybe the 289 was a better example since the mod of it became the much vaunted 302. Personally I always like the 351 C but that is just me.

3. Was the 4.6 3V just an experiment to get ready for the 302 using vct tech?

Don't get me wrong, the tech seems to be there, they designed headers, cool valve covers, strut bar and got the cosmetics on this engine right. Someone was thinking out of the box for sure! I wish they had spent just a bit more on our cosmetics. Wonder what the mod crew will come up with to improve on this one?

 

Ford squeezed as much life out of the modular family of engines as it reasonably could. It's just natural evolution.

At 300 hp this engine makes over 1 hp per cubic inch and still has some left in it when mods are concerned. Keep in mind that 1 hp per cubic inch used to be the holly grail of engine tuning. If you could achieve that, you knew what you were doing!

Given the obvious design compromises of the modular family, the fact that Ford got this much out of it is a testament to it's engineering.

I wouldn't say we got short changed at all. I would say that technology always progresses and Ford is keeping pace with it.

Besides, for less money than actually buying a 2011, you can add modifications to your car and still be as quick, or likely quicker.

 

Why should anyone feel shortchanged? Products should improve as time goes on. Otherwise, why would anybody buy a new Mustang?

There's tons of aftermarket performance parts for the S197s. It's probably got one of the biggest aftermarkets in the auto industry.

Besides, because the 3V is part of the modular family, just like the 390 is part of the FE family and the 289 is part of the Windsor small block family, so pretty much all the short block parts interchange between 4.6's (rods, crank, pistons, blocks)with some exceptions. Of course, heads,intake manifolds and exhaust manifolds/ headers, are a different story.

Here's a link with some interesting facts about modular engine part interchange.

 

Well first off the 4.6 engine has been around since 1996 in a Mustang and 1991 in a Lincoln. It was introduced in both a 2 valve and 4 valve version in the Cobra in 1996. It has only been around in the 3 valve version since 2005. So it is a natural progression. I personally believe you can thank General Motors and Chrysler the development of the 5.0 Coyote. With the Camaro and Challenger having motor options over 400 HP I don't think Ford had much choice if they wanted to keep market share. I love Ford products but they are not giving the 2011 Mustang this more costly engine out of the goodness of the hearts. That I'm sure of.

 

I got the HP I wanted. (If I wanted more I would have waited for the GT500).
I got the exact options I wanted.(The previous year and latter year I could not get exactly the same)
That's not to say I'm not looking at other cars too, but I'm keeping this one forever.
I could never say that I feel cheated in any way.

 

that link had neat interchange/history info- they did miss one thing- 08/10 3V heads are different, in they fixed the plug issue(hopefully)- imagine the castings had to be revised to do so...

Also on the last version, the water seems to circulate different for some reason- the plumbing on the 09 looks different than the 06- havent looked close enough to see whats different, but maybe they feed the block on one/the heads first on the other?

as to feeling shortchanged? nah...more is usually better, but these cars are so well balanced, cant imagine much better...I do wish they had a lot more bottom end torque more than just more horsepower, but I doubt the 5.0 is that much different down low (its got a 7k redline right?)

 

The aftermarket is having a hard time producing a plug for the new style head due to how long the now 1 pc plug is. Just a note, there is also a popular cooling mod for the heads like so:

http://s197forum.com/forum/attachmen...9&d=1262836151

I don't think anyone got short changed. I personally feel for what my plans are I got the better deal, because even though you get all these shiny new parts on a new motor I've taken a new platform apart before the aftermarket caught up on this car, never EVER again. Wasted a lot of money that way, I'll enjoy my cheap used/new parts why people keep chasing new platforms

 

Short changed? LOL...

 

I don't feel shortchanged with my 07 GT. Just a couple of key mods and it runs low 12's at 113+ mph in the 1/4 mile. Gets reasonable gas mileage on the highway. Comfortable and stylish. et cetera.

I'm so very happy that Mustangs keep getting better. I bought a new '89 Mustang 5.0L LX Sport when I was just 23 years old and wondered how Ford would ever improve on that car. Man, they've come a long way in 21 years. I'm glad they didn't just plateau and stop at 225 hp.

 

Not at all.

 

I knew that would sir up some interesting conversation. I think our 3V will be a positive foot note in the developement of the 5.0 and yes it took a shove from the "bow tie" to get us to the 400 hp mark. I remember with the 3V came out, some of us on this forum, lamented no 5.4 option for the GT.
I agree with the mod on a new platform comment. I remember when we got all excited by a shorty antenne and a CAI with Tune. Lol

 

Nope, I am happy.

 

I don't feel short changed but I do fell lesson learned. I bought a 2007 Mustang GT brand new and I can tell you that the next time I want to buy a Mustang I won't buy it brand new........I'm going to let someone else take the loss. I'm buying used from now on.....The bottom line is that new cars WILL become old cars and if I do choose to buy the 2011 Mustang with the all new state of the art 5.0 Mustang producing 400 horse power it won't be untill 2015 when the horse in the new Mustang GT is 500 hp......Anyone else agree?????????

 

'depreciation sucks' is a understatement huh...but, if noone bought new mustangs, there wouldnt be many used ones in a couple years...much as Ive hated a car payment, Ive always felt some obligation to always having a car payment- and NOT a foriegn car payment...
the mustang was the first car Ive had that was more than 'worth it' to me. if it completely blew up today, I'd still say it was worth every penny...find a car you love, keep it, dont worry- the depreciation will eventually reverse. I bet our 69 with no engine is still worth several times what I paid for it in 82...I bought it from the original owner for its original price of 2400

 

The thing you have to watch when buying a used performance car is that it could quite likely have been driven to hell and gone... racing etc.

Not saying you can't find great deals on low-mileage used stangs because you absolutely can, just make sure you do your homework.

I got my GT500 "used" with 37 miles on the clock and the sticker still in the window... and got it for 36k a year ago. Compared to what the original owner bought it for I DEFINITELY got a great deal.

As for feeling shortchanged... absolutely 100 percent NO.

For one thing I still feel the 05-09 Mustangs are more attractive than the current crop, which goes for the 2011 as well. The interior is nicer on the newer cars, but I wouldn't trade my '06 or my '07 for any of them... now if they did something with the rearend... I think they would look MUCH better, but I still prefer the 05-09 bodystyle.

Also, I know Chevy and Dodge are cranking out muscle cars now with over 400hp but lets not forget that when the 05 came out there was NOTHING from the Chevy world or Dodge world that came close to the performance or looks of the '05.

The very reason Chevy owners have the option to buy a Camaro is BECAUSE of the 05 Mustang's success.

So if anything, not only do I not feel shortchanged... I feel like I contributed to part of history. Without the Mustang's success there would be no current muscle car war.

Anyone who's a Chevy owner, feel free to thank me next time you see me

 

Bought 3 used vettes and a viper...all very low mileage and never had issues with any of them. Bought the mustang new, but would not hesitate buying a used high performance car....just have to be careful and patient.

 

Is it not history repeating itself, ala' 1965 mustang on scene, 2 years later, the camero and others?

 

Short changed .. No.

It's great the Detroit is producing cars with 400+ hp again but while the hp is way up, I really doubt that the '11 will hook any better than the '05-'10.

So what good is 100+ hp if you can't use it? Unless you own a tire shop and like burn outs.

Just ask anyone that owned a big block Muscle car from the '60's. Bias ply tires sucked.

 

Yeah... like I said

 

Cheated Never! This car keeps delivering on satisfaction and worth every penny. I never feel "cheated" when the Mustang offers new and improved products. It helps insure that we will have these beauties for many years to come, along with a robust aftermarket. That is what has kept this nameplate as strong as ever. Look how the Stangs have improved since the fabulous '641/2. Yet they are still some of the most coveted early muscle cars, as fresh today as they were 45 years ago. Long live Ford and long live Mustang!