Although I will be getting a GT, I agree with you Doug, Ford is missing the boat on the V6.

I've been saying this since January, that Ford should have a "Sport" package option for the V6.

It should consist of the following:

1. Full dual exhaust (+10 or more HP)
2. 17" wheels and tires - wheel style unique to the V6 Sport
3. GT suspension
4. GT brakes
5. GT 8.8" Traction Lock rear axle
6. Some unique trim elements


There is a market for such a Mustang, Ford doesn't understand it though.

 

They could even stick with the 7.5" axle if it were to make the been counters happy. This would however add one more different axle assembly to the assembly line (already have 3), so it may be easier and cheaper to put the existing GT axle assembly in instead as you stated.

However, 2005 is the FIRST YEAR (since '94 anyway) that you can get the GT / Sport Bucket Seats in a V6. This is a big step for Ford, just wish the availabilty was not limited to only the RED accent package (which I do like by the way).

 

orange 3.9 you hit the nail on the head: across the board, ford has kept the options list to a mininum strictly for manufacturing costs. the less options, the less money it cost to build. that's why you won't see dvd navigation, heated seats, etc....popular options for sure but ford wouldn't be able to sell the deluxe v6 for under 20k if they had to run all the extra lines. having said all that, i am sorely disappointed that the 4.0 doesn't have a sway bar in the back...the v6 snugged up against the firewall just begs for a tighter rear end for the twisties. jackg 90seville 95k

 

Both my 1994 and 1998 V6's had rear sway bars from the factory, but Ford started eliminating it in '97-98. My '98 had the Sport Appearance Group (w/ base GT 16" wheels and "H" Speed rated "High Performance All Season" tires) and a 5-Speed and figured this was the connection This was a big subject on V6Power in '99-00, and through a survey we found that there was no magic combo. Sport Group may have been part of the key, but it was hit-or-miss ... some but not all 5-Speed cars had them and it was the same with Automatic Sport Group equipped cars.

Needless to say, that rear bar came off the '98 before I sold it and went on my '04 !! Since then, I have become pretty good friends with the new owner, and he is currently trying to find a used one on e-bay.

By the way, '98 was the ONLY YEAR to date that Ford offered an optional "H" rated High Performance (over the base S/T speed rated Touring) tire on a V6 Mustang.

Before my '04 had a 100 miles on it, I did a tire exchange with a local tire shop. There was no way I was putting up with 20-40k miles of those crappy Goodyear Eagle LS's ... the trade cost me $325.50 and I now have "W" speed rated BFG G-Force KDWS (Ultra-High Performance All Season) tires.

Doug

 

one point i failed to note about the rear end of the 05 is the panhard rod which helps to control the sideways motion of the axle...since the mounting points are further inboard than the sway bar it has limited ability to stabilize the axle...possibly, that's why they left the bar off the back on the v6, the panhard rod does a good enough job of controlling the rear end laterally. that, and the cost savings. jackg 90seville 95k

 

I have 1500 miles on my new silver V6 and I would defintly think it would run with a 94/95 gt auto. I use to have one about 3 years ago and although the torque is quite different the 5 speed auto and the way it shifts makes up for it (way better than the aode). I have already installed a flowmaster 50 series and a 10x10 k&n filter. The tone of the flow sounds awesome alomost V8 quality! If you have a new stang the airbox is 10x9.25 but you can look up on K&N by size a 10x10 call your parts store and order it I promise it fits! It's a little hard to latch the box closed but hey thats just means it seals good! Go with what works. Didn't want to wait 6 months on a K&N which is what they (K&N tech support) were saying would be the earliest one would be out!

 

I can't believe some people. "The horsepower is the same" and means it should keep up with a V8 because the horspower is close. The fact is it takes torque to get a car moving. I would sacrifice a few hp for even more torque. Just pointing out not to oversimplify things. That's kinda ricer like IMO. BTW, I too am interested in an '05 V6 but would immediately turbocharge it.

 

Well i raced a 98 Auto GT tonight bone stock and I won. I won from a stop from a 30 punch and from a 80 punch.

 

technology is great, my 5.0 conv. stick, stock ran a best of 14.6 before any mods. I bet the V6 will run near that and that 1 liter down and 2 cylinders down, i am impressed....