MustangDan

I was sure I was going to order the v6 but now I'm considering the V8, one thing I liked about the V6 was the 16" x 7" rims which would have been a good snow tire setup. How small of rims can go on the V8?

Why I’m considering the V8; first of all the 5.2 sec. 0 to 60 verses 6.9 is joke for the extra $5000, (IMHO) to me, it just has to be faster than my 98 Windstar. (NOTE: the 98 Windstar is faster than the 98 Mustang V6) It was the February Car & Drivers 2005 V6 article that is making me reconsider. The 70mph to 0mph brake test showed the V8 stopping 19 feet shorter than the V6, 19 FEET! You can fit a lot of bicycles in 19 feet. They did say most of that was the tires, but when you look at the cost of 17” x 8” rims and tires and compare it to steel wheels for snow tires you really knock down the $5000 gap.

The other thing that would help is knowing if I could get a made in USA V8, I under stand that some are Canadian and some are made in USA, and the German V6 fondly reminds me of my 79 2.8 V6, but now more that ever I like to buy USA. Can I specify the USA V8?

Are there other factors that I should consider choosing between the 6 and 8?

ucdavisboy

Well..alot to consider. I saw the same C&D article and I was not impressed. I need to see more on the V-6, but it seems as if Ford has watered down the 6 relative to its predecessor (which I own a 2004 version of) in order to keep it from cannibalizing 8 sales. :angry: Your tire setup could look something like this: just put your snow tires on the stock 16 inch rims you get with the 6. Then go out and get some 17 inchers (get something V-8ish, maybe stock bullits or the new ones from the 05 8) and throw those on in the snow-less seasons. That should solve some of the braking, and other, issues the 6 has on stock rubber and it does not cost alot-maybe 500-700 on ebay (I would guess that most 2205 6 buyers who are enthusiasts will change out their wheels and tires due to this lousy stock setup). I would NOT buy a V-8 for several reasons. First, the obvious: insurance and gas (unless and extra $150+ a month is not an issue for you). Second, I have never been a proponent of large horsepower in snowy regions. I feel that the rear wheel drive, solid axle setup of the Stang, coupled with alot of power is a recipe for disaster. Put 16 inch snows under all that horsepower and that would just make it worse. I grew up in Lake Tahoe and anyone who lived there for some time either drove front wheel drive or all wheel drive and they did not drive vehicles with alot of horsepower-it simply caused too many spinouts.

Well thats my ten cents (hmm, maybe 25) . No doubt future posts will make fun of me and urge you to buy the V-8, but it is a forum so thats what its all about. Be sure to keep us posted.

MustangDan

ucdavisboy,

I will have to check on the insurance cost, gas mileage seems close. That was a good idea abut e-bay.

Thanks
Dan

Any pro V8 perspectives?

Tony Alonso

How much snow does your area get? With a good snow tire/wheel package in 17" stock size, you most likely would be in good shape. Dealing with the extra power of the V8 mainly involves gentle applications of the throttle and brake, along with letting the traction control do its work. As has been noted in interviews the engineers, they did testing Sweeden to improve the drivability of the car in snow using the stock Pirellis.

I drive my '03 Mach 1 around on stock size 245/45-17 ultra-high performance Dunlop SP5000 all season tires in less than 5 inches of snow. I can get away with this tire compromise because my area only receives a few decent snows during winter. However, if we got that amount more often, I would probably be mounting 235/45-17 Bridgestone Blizzak tires on 17" x 8" wheels and driving with those.

I believe the most difficult snow situation to deal with is one where the snows are over 6" because of the ride height. Too much and it's easier to get stuck.

I am sure those more familiar with brake sizes could tell you if a 16" wheel would even fit on a GT. Since it has larger brakes than a V6, clearance might be a problem. The tread width is a bigger consideration than the height in snow.

Thus, I am "pro-V8"! Good luck in your decision.

railray

Looking at the GT's I've seen (since mine isn't here yet), it doesn't look like there's much room to go to smaller rims than the 17's. I'm rather amazed that the 17's don't already hit the calipers as tight as it looks...

The traction control should take care of some of those concerns.

Maybe someone that has their GT can give you a more informed idea...

adrenalin

15's won't fit. I just put winter tires on my stock rims and will be buying different rims and tires for the summer. If you are going to get metal rims get 16's to save yourself some cash.

dtoups

it's not the diameter of the wheels that hurts the V-6's braking distance; it's the tire width and compound. you could easily stay with 16s and go to a 235, which offers nearly an inch wider contact patch than the standard 215; a shorter sidewall (55 or 60) would be less flexy, and a softer compound (say, 400 rather than 600) would be a lot grippier.

Preacher

I wanted to put 16" snow rims on my '05 GT and was told it wouldn't fit - Not enough space with those big calipers.

My Blue Heaven

I've got stock size Dunlop M3 snow tires on the upgraded rims and have had NO issues with driving on either ice or snow so far this year. I've driven in up to 4 inches of snow and during an ice storm. Did I go over 20 mph? nope. Did I get home? Yep. I've done the start in second gear thing a few times and I've also let the traction control take over. Both work well.

I traded in a 2002 Mazda B-4000 4x4 truck for the GT and I don't regret it!

Dan

That's what I'm riding on now in Toronto, Ontario......driving through the winter so far with little problem. No weight in the back either. Traction control does a good job as well.

I don't think you should avoid the V8 based on having to drive it in the winter. I can modulate the throttle so that is moves no quicker or puts down no more torque than a geo metro.

If you really feel like you need smaller tires, buy a set of cheap 17" steel rims and put skinny winters on it.

Tony Alonso

My Blue Heaven and Dan,

Thanks for validating the snow tire scenario. If you guys are managing in those locations, that is good evidence of working with the traction capabilities to stay out of trouble.

I am more afraid of the other people who are less or overly confident in the snow.

ucdavisboy

You guys make great points with regards to the issue of driving an 8 in snow. I guess the choice ultimatley comes down to if a person knows, or can learn, how to drive that amount of power in the snow, something Dan will have to consider.

Dan-really look at the insurance. I went from a 2002 Focus to the 6 and insurance went up 12 bucks to $69 a month vs $182 a month when I quoted an 8. As to the gas: consider your current or future commutes if any. I average 80 miles a day commuting. I get 24 MPG with my barely broken in 6 but a guy who works above me drives his 2003 8 60 miles a day with similar conditions and gets 17 mpg (this is mainly freeway driving).

In the end, if you can drive in snow, you do not mind the insurance increase (which can vary regionally as well), and you do not commute long distances, I would go for the 8-though remember you will wait longer for a GT right now vs. a 6.

And if you do get a 6 (can't believe I am saying this), get rid of those crappy 16 inchers and get some 17s with good rubber. I test drove a 6 yesterday and the stock on this new 6 is garbage vs. my 2004.

See my site and its title for my take on aftermarket changes to Mustangs

My Webpage

Best in your continued decision making.