Does your am/fm work? I did that to mine and I didn't get any reception.

 

I've experienced no changes at all in reception. AM and FM both appear to have the exact same signal strength.

 

Pics of a recently installed matching shifter boot:

 

Edit

 

WHEELS/TIRES:
After a lengthy process I decided to purchase 20" American Racing Shelby Razor Wheels and wrap them with Nitto NT-555 Tires Extreme- 255/35/20 front and 285/30/20 rear. I also had the TPMS installed and ordered the Ford calibration tool. I elected to go with the 24mm offset/5.94" backspacing on all four corners. I purchased the set from RT Tire- awesome service and fast delivery (2 days).
I wanted the Silver Razors, however, they are no longer being produced. Also, several sources reported that Shelby will not renew their contract with American Racing, so once the current inventory of chrome and gunmetal wheels are gone, then that’s it... American Racing will still manufacture the "Razors", however, they will not have the SHELBY stamp/engraving on the spoke(s).

PANHARD BAR:
I noticed that my OEM set-up was not perfectly centered in the rear... approximately 1/4" strong on the driver’s side, which wasn’t a big deal, however, it became more noticeable with the new wheels. Upon researching several brands of panhard bars, I decided to go with the BMR Adjustable Panhard Bar. It is a quality piece and installation, as well as centering the wheels, was an easy task.

 

Pulley swap... VMP's 2.65 for VMP's 2.59... Pics:

 

I picked up a heat shield for my car. The fit is too loose for my liking. How did you secure yours?

 

Thats looking very nice!! One hell of a GT500 you have there!!

 

Here's a link to a thread that I started: http://www.fordgt500.com/forums/show...ht=heat+shield I fabricated an aluminum bracket... I also wrapped the round opening of the heat shield with 1/4" rubber tubing. The MAF housing tightly rest against the rubber tubing and the bracket securely holds everything in place. It's actually more solid than OEM...

 

Thanks Ford20!

 

Thanks for the scoop. I saw that after viewing the photo a little closer. I'm still tweaking the JLT under the strut brace, then I will tackle this.

 

When done, post some pics...

 

Roush Extreme Performance Off-Road Exhaust Kit #403936
The Disclaimer States, " ...be aware that this off-road exhaust kit may exceed the sound level ordinances in many communities..."

Well, it’s loud... and it’s deep... and it’s mean, but I’m not too concerned about violating any local ordinances. I can say with certainly that this is the best overall sounding exhaust system (axle or cat-back) available for the S197 model. I’ve contemplated purchasing this kit since January. I could have saved a lot of time, money, and aggravation if I had acted sooner.

I’ve personally own, installed, and experienced the following exhausts on the S197:

2007 Mustang GT-
Magnaflow #48019
Flowmasters #17410 (X2)
SLP Loundmouth #M31014
FRPP/Borla Stingers #M-5230-5GT

2008 GT500-

FRPP/Borla #M-5230-SGT
Flowmaster #817410
Mac Boom Tubes #BT2005

All of the aforementioned exhausts sounded good, but in comparisons the Roush set-up wins hands down in acoustics and quality.
Based on my experience, and due to the design of the exhaust system on the S197 (mufflers located past the axle), the louder the exhaust- the greater the drone/resonation. It’s a sacrifice that I wasn’t willing to compromise.

The Roush system is unique in that the resonators (pseudo mufflers) are located before the axle, thus providing volume while minimizing resonation. This set-up is significantly louder than OEM, yet the drone level is equivalent...

I’ve heard the Corsas (Extreme) and the KRs. I agree with the masses, the Corsas definitely do not drone, however, many say that the KRs don’t either, but I digress. While the KRs have negligible drone, I’d say it compares to the level of the Roush set-up, however, the Roush exhaust has twice the volume.

Installation: Unless you have access to "lift", installation will be a PIA. Removing the OEM mid-pipes was easy. While on floor ramps I lifted the body to create more space to maneuver between the body and the axle. Conversely, installing the Roush mid-pipes was difficult. The Roush system seems to be made of thicker grade steel and the mandrel-bends play havoc in getting them positioned over the axles. I actually had to temporarily removal the springs on the passenger side (remove the sway bar, shocks, and drop the axle) to facilitate installation. There may be other techniques, but this method worked best in my application.

Conclusion: The Roush system is not a loud obnoxious exhaust. It generates a "tuned" high volume aggressive tone with minimal drone. While no axle/cat-back system yields measurable performance gains, this system feels like the car gained a few hp/tq. It definitely sounds faster! My pursuit to find the perfect sounding exhaust has ended.

 

Nighty-nite...

 

Okay, I will admit it and stand around to be throttled to death.. but I never saw the big deal of the GT500 for the S197s. HOWEVER! Before you all kill me.. I will admit I do love the beauty and power of them, just not a "ready to jump off a bridge cause it is a Shelby" guy. With that said.. I do think your car is supremely beautiful and really is an inspiration for other GT500 owners.

Now I need to ask.. where did you get your boot?

 

I think you answered you own question. While most of us have tremendous respect for Mr. Shelby and all of his cars, we didnt buy the car just because it was a Shelby. WE bought it because it is a beautiful, powerful car. It was the most powerful Mustang ever offered from the factory. Additionally, they have tremendous ability to breathe and respond well to mods.

I am not going to beat you down for your opinion. You are entitled to have one. It is, however, asking for a fight when you go on a forum for a certain car and make a half-hearted attempt at disrespecting it.

Anyhow, have a good day.

 

Actually there wasn't even a half hearted attempt at any disrespect nor am I wanting a fight. As you said everyone is entitled to an opinion. And regardless of the category on TMS, the car is still a Mustang and since we're all owners and enthusiasts, we all give each other feedback.

I may not love the Shelby name for my own reasons I will not deny the fact that the GT500 is a BEAST and should be respected. Especially when someone so lovingly puts such attention to detail to make their Mustang their own and headturning.

SteelTown has done some mods that gain that attention and make people look twice. The shift boot, seatlbelt pads, the fender stripes, the Shelby Razors.. and my favorite is the strut tower bar painted to match with the white stripes. That touch is awesome and so subtle you have to look twice to catch it.

Since I've threadjacked I want apologize to SteelTown, cause your car is amazing like I said before.

 

Here's the link: http://www.redlinegoods.com/

Well said...

No offense taken... appreciate the compliments. Thanks!

 

It's all good. I'm not one to e-fight either. I was just commenting on the "I never saw what the big deal was with the GT500s" remark. IT sounded like you were us GT500 owners.

 

Very welcome SteelTown! Keep up the awesoem work!

And that remark was wrong. I never found the big deal of the current Shelby name. The GT500, as you said "WE bought it because it is a beautiful, powerful car. It was the most powerful Mustang ever offered from the factory. Additionally, they have tremendous ability to breathe and respond well to mods." That was spot on why that car is so bada$$.