Here's a thread where all the random questions can go. I've got a few of my own, and figured this might be a help to everybody who has a question or two that they consider to be too trivial to start an entirely new thread for -- I personally waited until I had a few questions.

1. I know that Ford Racing and Classic Design Concepts produced a dealer-installed Shaker hood system that fit the 4.6L 3V engine that the 2010 Mustang had. I wouldn't think that it would fit the 5.0L on the 2011, but I've been wrong before. Anybody have thoughts/an answer on this?

2. I'm a big fan of the stock GT500 wheels (not the SVT Performance wheels), from having seen them on TMS member's GT500's, particularly bpmurr and eci's Mustangs. I'm thinking I'd like to go with those, but I'd rather have them in black, like the knock-offs on American Muscle -- but I want the genuine 19 x 9.5 set made by Ford. Is powder-coating an option here? And if so, what would the quality be?

3. I've noticed that 'Illuminated Doorsill Plates' is now an option you have to pay for on the 'Build Your Own Mustang' section of the Ford Vehicles website. Is that correct? I was under the impression it was free on the 2010 Mustangs. I mean, it's a bit trendy, but I think I'd like it enough to pay for it anyway.

4. I want to upgrade my front fascia from the normal GT look to the GT500 look. (Before anybody jumps on me, I have absolutely no intentions to put Cobra/Shelby badging anywhere on my car. I do have respect for the people who own the real deal, so don't start bashing me. Thanks.) I think Jeff mentioned that with slight modifications, the normal V6/GT hood could be used with that fascia -- and would look mean as hell. (I know the normal hood can't work with the GT500 fascia without being modified by possibly grinding the middle, to have it fit with the grille surround.) Anybody have pictures I could see?

5. I plan on removing my 5.0 emblems and replacing them with the tri-bar running pony emblems, but I'd like them to have the black chrome finish of the grille pony from the GT fascia. Is it possible to paint them, or something similar?

6. I'd like an opinion on these performance modifications, because they're the major ones I plan on having done. Ford Racing 3.73 gears, Roush exhaust, Brembo brakes (I can't get the package, because I'm getting an automatic transmission), and possibly the FR3 Handling Package, which consists of the springs, sway bars, etc. I'm thinking that the engine's output will be more than enough for me, so I'll concentrate on those afore-mentioned modifications. What do you guys think?

7. Brembo brakes installed after the fact for an automatic transmission -- is there any reason I wouldn't be able to use the same brakes that come with a manual transmission, Brembo-equipped Mustang?

8. How many of those modifications would any of you recommend getting done by the dealer before I take possession of the car? I plan on ordering sometime in September hopefully, and picking the car up in late October or early November, if possible. My intention was to get all the paperwork and stuff done at Jeff's dealership over faxes and such, then fly up there and drive it back to Texas in what would be an awesome road trip. But, I figure it might be useful to let his dealership do some of the modifications, so they'd be under warranty... I think.

9. I'm planning on my 5.0 being a garage queen. It'll likely be the only car I ever buy new, from mile one. Say I got it in early November, and wanted to drive from Pennsylvania to Texas -- what's the weather usually like around that time of season? If I run into a storm or two, will that affect the car in any way? This is more a question for the guys who live in that area, that keep their Mustangs garaged. (I plan on getting an older F-150 as a daily driver.)

10. Let's say I don't get the 19 x 9.5 GT500 wheels right away, and instead end up with the 19 inch Premium Painted wheels. How wide is this wheel, and what's the best tire for this it, in your personal opinion? Alternately, if I get the GT500 wheels right away -- what's the best tire for it? Note, I'm not asking about size -- I'm asking about brand quality.

I'm aware maybe somebody's asked these questions before, but please don't be rude to me if so. I tried looking through old threads for answers, and gave up after about an hour and a half. And like I said, if anybody else has random questions... post 'em up! Somebody will be kind enough to answer!

 

1. You'll definitely have to wait for a 5.0 specific kit for the shaker, the two motors arent related

2. no direct experience with powder coating, but ive always heard them to bee tougher and more reslient than a coat of paint

3. can't help ya there lol, no idea

4. no pics in my collection, sorry

5. you might be able to get some tinted clearcoat to spray on em to give it a similar look, just a thought...\

6. i think that sounds like a pretty sweet ride

7. nope, shouldnt be any issues there

8. how handy are you? I'd let professionals handle the gears but other than that, seems like DIY stuff to me

9. i got no expereince there but im sure theres plenty of folks who can fill in the blanks i left lol

 

I can't believe that you would buy a new first year production of the new 5.0 and then take the classic 5.0 badges off...<><><><> <>

 

1.) Def not usable.
2.) Hear nothing but great things on powder coating. I've seen many Jeep SRT's get this- looks good.
3.) I believe that only relates to non premium mustangs that don't have the ambient lighting, but who'll wish to still have the door sills done...
4.) ... idk...
5.) Try this site and in the down arrow tab they have a choice "just black" or you can try this guy and click on the custom feature and describe what you'd like. If you google around i'm sure you'll find something.
6.) Exhaust wise, it's a whole new game for the companies out there... I'd wait and see what Borla, Magnaflow, and Flowmaster put out as well. 3.73 may be optimal in the 4.6, but there's a lot of side talk saying the 3.55's may fair better in the 5.0? Handling pack can't hurt, and if you need more performance, i'm sure the first thing to be out will be SCT tunes. So...
7.) should be fine.
8.) Ford dealer = Ford dealer... Technically. If need be you can have the Ford parts put on near you? Tho the availability of the start may be limited to begin, so either way you may end up waiting a bit. But after they start hitting the lots you:ll see the after market and Ford accessories start to fill.
9.) Umm, it may rain... which shouldn't be a big deal. Tho there is an off chance of snow in late Nov.
10.) They're 8.5" width. Tire wise, as always with higher quality usually comes higher payment. I know the Continental ContiSportContact 2 or 3's are pretty solid at 300 per. And Pirelli PZero Rosso at 275 are a nice tire as well.

 

Wow. Just wow.

 

There's no need to make subtly snide little comments. I've never had to drive in the snow, ever.

 

Your vehicle will melt and be rendered useless

 

 

1. Nothing between the 4.6 and 5.0 is compatible. Different intake, heads, etc. Leave it alone for now.

2. Powdercoat- but they'll need to strip off the paint.

3. You can order the plates with your own name or some other custom phrases. On Premiums, it comes in the standard MUSTANG letters

4. You cannot use the V6/GT hood with the GT500 fascia. No amount of grinding or cutting will work. Its not the same shape of bread ( i.e. if you take a "slice" though a V6/GT hood and a GT500 hood, the "shape" of the slice is different because the grilles are shaped so differently. ) If you're going to gp through the trouble of getting the fascia get the hood and have it look right instead of wasting time and $ making it look half-baked.

5. You can do whatever you want to them. But it will be a pain in the butt since the pony is molded with the frames around the red white and blue stripes.

6. I'm gonna get flamed for this, but based on your questions, 412 HP will be plenty- focus on getting the handling right- the FR3 package works nicely, and the brakes will help. I'd leave the gearing alone- just not worth tearing everything apart if you're going to garage queen the car. If you were going to track it, yes, but as an automatic garage queen it will handle quite nicely with the 5.0 engine and the FR3 pack.

7. No. The transmission has no effect on what brakes you can get. But remember, if you install Brembo brakes, you WILL need GT500 or Brembo wheels, since standard Mustang 17/18/19" wheels do NOT have enough clearance for the larger Brembo calipers.

8. Anything you have installed from the Ford Racing catalog before delivery ( such as the FR3 pack ) is covered under the warranty. Not sure if the Brembos are available. Oh and get the FRPP exhaust kit too- sounds mean as hell.

9. PA is a big state. If you're going through the mountains ( Allegheny or Poconos ) you can have nasty snow at higher elevations while its dry in the valley. I-80 and I-76 can be a mess on Thanksgiving travel. And if you DO get GT500 wheels installed at delivery- do NOT expect to use the tires in slushy conditions- they are "Supercar" tires intended for max performance in dry conditions ONLY. Especially with the automatic and being unable to control engine braking on a slushy curvy mountain road with no snow driving experience, ooooohhh it just makes me shudder.

10. Whatever wheels you get- leave the rubber alone. Don't waste your money- the dynamics engineers test the **** out of these cars and the stock rubber will do fine until you do enough burnouts or hopefully find enough nice days to drive it.

Hope this helps.Welcome to club.

 

Rarely do we get any serious snow(or any at all for that matter) around here in November. Your window is pretty much good all through November.

 

I grew up in Indiana and USED TO know how to drive in the snow. Been in Texas for 30 years now... and snow scares the hell outta me. Not only have I lost confidence in my own abilities to drive in it, I know most of the fools around here never had any ability to begin with! Still freaks me out when they shut San Antonio down AHEAD of a snowstorm... but it's absolutely the smart thing to do.

 

In PA? You never know. Just this winter it snowed in October. It was raining trees, because they still had their leaves and couldn't handle the weight of the snow. Though I would agree, it is uncommon before December.

 

5. I plan on removing my 5.0 emblems and replacing them with the tri-bar running pony emblems, but I'd like them to have the black chrome finish of the grille pony from the GT fascia. Is it possible to paint them, or something similar?



**** !!! I'll guarantee you that you will have no problem getting rid of those 5.0 emblems after you remove them. Hell, that's one of the main reasons I want the car.

 

Drive it in the rain/snow. That'll give you an excuse to powder coat everything!!

Really, these cars are good in the snow. Had 0 issues with mine this year. Just use your head.