MRGTX

So I haven't been completely sold on the S550 so far. Yes, the interior is much nicer, the independent rear suspension is admittedly a huge improvement, etc...but the styling missed the mark a little bit for me and the fact that the weight gain negated the power bump (resulting in a slower car through the 1/4 mile), I was able to motor-on happily with my S197.

Now that the 2018 refresh is coming along, it's time to reconsider.

The new styling is vastly improved, IMO. They kept everything I liked and improved everything that I didn't. The whole front clip is "fixed" now...the whole composition is vastly improved.

The Coyote is getting it's 3rd significant version now too with higher compression, forged rotating assembly, direct/port injection and a higher redline...this one should finally surpass the 2011-2014 acceleration performance.

So...yeah. The new model is once again very tempting.

On the other side of the coin, many of us have long-since paid for our S197s. They continue to be a blast to drive and fairly competitive with current offerings. They styling is definitely looking a generation behind but they're fairly timeless (IMO)...and many of us are pretty fond of these cars.

So instead of trading our perfectly good S197s in for a meager $15k to $20k trade in value, how far could we go by applying some money to modding?

How far could you go with the ~$15k $18k cost of buying a 2018 over your trade-in?

Is it still possible to swap in a fresh forged motor? I've heard that the current Ford Racing offerings require the S550 ECU making it extremely expensive and/or emissions illegal.

Is it possible to swap in an aftermarket or modded S550 IRS?

What are you guys thinking?

awoychosky123

Hell for that cash you can turn your car into a cobra jet lol, or at least drop an 5.8 gt500 motor in there

awoychosky123

Also I think I remember another member on the forums that picked up a S550 IRS for their S197 I'm not sure though

laserred38

Another "what should I do" thread lol

MRGTX

Well..it might be foolish to invest $18k into a car that's worth ~$18k....but I threw that out as a hypothetical.

I'm just tossing around some ideas and wondering what the rest of you S197 folks are thinking.

laserred38

Over-analysis leads to paralysis.

awoychosky123

I think that mainly why I don't like it, it's trying to be something it's not

TheReaper

I usually trade every 3 years and my 2014 just rolled 20k so the 2018 is looking pretty good to me.

laserred38

And I'm keeping my car forever unless someone totals it. It was my first brand new car, factory ordered. I toyed with trading it for a truck last year and I couldn't do it. I'll keep it, pay it off, then buy a truck. I have way too much into it to trade it, and I don't have the energy to part it out. With the way things are looking in the not so distant future with self driving cars, I want nothing to do with that crap.

That said, if we are in the position to make a lot more money than we are now, I've also considered adding a fully loaded 2018+ Convertible GT to the fleet. Have it as a nice luxo cruiser, automatic, Red Crimson with Saddle interior. Heated/AC seats. That would be a nice addition and pair well with my S197.

Stage_3

I'm in the same boat, so I know where you're coming from. I'm ANXIOUSLY awaiting for the new GT500, but it may not be for another year or more. More like two years as I wouldn't buy the first year model. So I'm not really holding my breath. There are 3 cars right now that are on my list that I would order. The new GT500 is #1 on that list followed by two others. Two of them are Ford, one is a Dodge. I think you guys can figure out which cars I am talking about here. (I gotta be honest here, if the Hellcat Challenger didn't have the supercharger issue, I would probably order one to have it for summer. A8, of course! A LOT of the guys on that "other" popular Mustang forum LOVE the Hellcats and are going A8 transmission as well, so I'm not alone on that.)

As for building your current Mustang, why not?!?!?
I've actually gave that some thought too. I've actually emailed a very well known and reputable Mustang tuner/builder to see my options. But as far as you dropping in an new engine,.......figure about 15K just for the complete engine and wiring/PCM. Then, you have to figure install cost and all that fun stuff. Always figure it cost more than you figure it will to be on the safe side. It almost always costs more than you think you have figured out. I'm not really sold on the 2018 model yet. "Yet". I wonder what the Roush Stage 3 cars are going to look like?
But yeah,.....your car would be a blast to mod and drive around in. Plus, it looks great!
Good luck and keep us posted.

Blown CS

Trade it and then mod the 18. They ride better, have more tech gadgets and they can handle more power.

Rog13GTCS

In your shot you were in 7th, how may gears do the new trannys have? 10?

Stage_3

The '18's aren't even out yet??!

Yes,.....the '18 Mustangs will have the A10 transmission.

TheReaper

I can't wait to get my hands on a 10 speed GT.

m05fastbackGT

Although I don't dislike the current S550 Mustang.. I prefer the retro styling of the S197 models because they remind me of the classic 1st generation 65-70 models I grew up admiring as a kid back in the mid 1960-early 1970's..

When I first saw the introduction of the S197 concept version in 2003, I was so blown away how it's retro styling re-captured the spirit of those 1st generation Mustangs in every way and knew from that very moment I was going to own one no matter what.. Needless to say, I'm still a very proud S197 owner 12+ years later

tetstang

I think it depends upon your main use for the car. I agree with you that the new gen Mustang never looked as good as the 5th gen. The new 6th refresh looks better, but it still lacks the iconic good looks of the 5th gen. I never liked the 6th gen interior - too fussy and busy, gimmicky and gadgety...IMHO.


I track my S197 a lot, and S197's still outnumber S550's at the track 5-to-1. S197s are still a hellava track car. I know at least one guy that owned an S550 GT (as a driver/track car), and is back in a modded S197 GT. I also know two other guys, each with Boss 302, who have driven the new GT350 and don't want to change out of their Boss.


Just sayin' ....your car is still very relevant. If you like it, keep it, save some money, do some more mods and GO TO THE TRACK !

David Young

Newer is always better, most of the time. I've been reading about an 'all new' Mustang coming in 2020

TripleBlack14

There are a million S197 vs S550 arguments, and yes, the 2018 appears to be the much more improved Mustang, but it comes down to gut feeling and which car gives you the warm fuzzies. Emotional attachment to a car can't be understated, especially if it's a good one.

I bought my 2014 immediately after I retired and right in the middle of a divorce. I had an amazing buying experience; my dealer went above and beyond in accommodating me, and the day I drove it off the lot it was 75 degrees and sunny. The top was down and within one mile of leaving the dealer I knew I made the right decision. It's doubtful that I can ever duplicate that entire experience.

The 2018 is certainly a Mustang to consider...thought about it myself, but the visceral appeal of the one sitting in my garage is too strong.

venom800tt

I just cant get over this... Reminds me of Dodge Dart everytime I see the front lights

laserred38

Exactly. Ordered mine with Brian whom I met on this site. Flew up to Seattle with my dad, 1,000 mile maiden voyage back home. Can't reproduce that and I can't let that go. The couple of times I had my car appraised for trade, the only thing in the back of my mind was that road trip with my dad. That and everyone I have ever met that sold their first car, regretted it and always wished they kept it.

As far as I'm concerned, they can bury me in it