Suspension squeeks and '08 Shelby GT impressions
3/25/08, 04:13 AM
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Suspension squeeks and '08 Shelby GT impressions
I drove a new '08 Shelby GT convertible yesterday and noticed a *lot* of noise from the suspension. It reminded me of my old '87 LX 5.0 after I had installed urethane bushings - lots of squeeks and rubbing sounds from the suspension. I hope this all eventually settles in and goes away over time.
I took a close look at this $50K car and wasn't impressed. I don't think it was any nicer than my stock '07 - the exhaust didn't seem that much louder than my stock '07, I didn't notice any of the additional 20 hp this car is supposed to have, and the hood scoop and decals on this brand new car were a mess. I do have to say that I loved the shifter though, it was short, tight, rattle-free and direct.
I took a close look at this $50K car and wasn't impressed. I don't think it was any nicer than my stock '07 - the exhaust didn't seem that much louder than my stock '07, I didn't notice any of the additional 20 hp this car is supposed to have, and the hood scoop and decals on this brand new car were a mess. I do have to say that I loved the shifter though, it was short, tight, rattle-free and direct.
3/25/08, 08:43 AM
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We have an 08 Shelby GT Convertible on our showroom floor with an MSRP of just over $48K. I ordered it without navigation to keep it under $50K. We have an 08 GT500 Convertible, as well, and it's MSRP is over $52K. For the extra few thousand dollars, I'd rather have the supercharged car.
3/25/08, 09:40 AM
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When I was buying my '06, the sales manager said "here ya go, this one over here is a slick ride". It was a black Shelby GT coupe that had a very ill-fitting hood scoop and a few other problems with the hood that I noticed right away. I said, "no thanks, too much money, I'll stick with the regular GT."
Last edited by frdtch05gt; 3/25/08 at 09:41 AM.
3/27/08, 06:45 PM
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Nope, as the others said, it was a regular Shelby GT vert, Vista Blue with silver stripes for $50K! The build quality was terrible. These outside-the-factory Shelby "conversions" remind me of the Saleen retro-fits from the late '80s. They hand great cars off the assembly line over to "tuners" that hire very young and probably poorly paid people to take the cars apart and "upgrade" them. I'll stick with a factory product over these any day of the week...
3/27/08, 07:50 PM
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That's basically what I did, but I had to add the Cali Special and Shelby GT parts!! I really liked the Shebly GT, but at the time they did not make a convertible and they never made one in Torch Red. I built my own minus the badges, scoops, and stripes. I also changed some of the mods to better choices -- Bamachips, Steeda Ultralites, Tokico D-Spec, and MGW shifter plus I have options that were never available such as the Premier interior and Comfort group. IMO, I ended up with a better Mustang for less money. That said, I am a bit hung up on the Shelby name and would love to have that dash plaque with a CSM number on it......
3/29/08, 10:33 AM
#10
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As far as the quality/squeeks... I don't have any issues yet. I only have 700 miles on mine (got in in Dec 07 and haven't driven it since early Feb)
3/30/08, 01:44 PM
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$48,040 = MSRP (per Ford/Shelby).
$46,950 = Our current sale price.
$44,604 = Invoice Total (per Ford/Shelby).
There are no rebates currently offered, so to get this car in the $30's (even $39,999), means we'd have to eat a loss of $5K or more!
3/31/08, 03:58 AM
#12
Dethroned Nascar Guru
Didn't realize the Vert was so much more expensive than the coupe. Figured if you could get a coupe for $33K now you would be able to get a vert for under $40K by summer.
3/31/08, 06:46 AM
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Nope, as the others said, it was a regular Shelby GT vert, Vista Blue with silver stripes for $50K! The build quality was terrible. These outside-the-factory Shelby "conversions" remind me of the Saleen retro-fits from the late '80s. They hand great cars off the assembly line over to "tuners" that hire very young and probably poorly paid people to take the cars apart and "upgrade" them. I'll stick with a factory product over these any day of the week...
I didn't have any problems with mine. Hood scoop fit just fine and the car is great. To each his own though, if you have the time and inclination get a GT or a GT/CS and mod yourself. It is your car, enjoy it the way you want. I know I am still loving mine, just went over 12K miles and I have only been driving it since Dec.
3/31/08, 06:48 AM
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Yes you can take a Mustang GT and put stripes on it and have a real sharp car, but it is still a Mustang GT. My uncle did the same thing to my 65' fastback in 1965 because he thought the $1,500.00 Shelby package was way to much for what you got. So he made his own Shelby for $ 500.00. My 65' is faster and better than the 65 Shelby, only it is worth about $225,000.00 less. Did I change your mind.. Also, I will take the Vegas Shelby over the Michigan Shelby any day.
3/31/08, 12:11 PM
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Great Point !
I just wanted to add a few thoughts. For those that remember the 1960's Shelby cars, they had the same "issues" but no one seemed to be concerned about it because they wanted the Shelby modified car. If you look at any original (not over-restored) '60s Shelby, you will find ill-fitting fiberglass panels - non functional scoops etc. Back then, those were considered expensive Mustangs and everyone was crazy about them - even with all there cosmetic flaws. I have had the pleasure of own a few of those old cars and still have a couple of them and I can assure you that they have the same kind of issues. I keep hearing people complain about the '07 hood pins. Sometime check out an original 1967 Shelby - they are exactly the same and I can't ever remember anyone complaining about them - ITS A SHELBY... My first new car ever was a 2007 GT/CS (great car) but not a Shelby modified car. In stock form, they are like driving two completely different cars. My SGT is, hands down, the best running / driving car I have ever driven. Yes, you can do the mods for less on a GT or GT/CS, but compare if you will, the current difference in value between a 1968 GT/CS and I 1968 GT-350. The point is that the Shelby name and serial numbers have a huge advantage - especally as time goes by. Why did I not choose the GT-500? Again, a GREAT performance car, but it doesn't have the direct Shelby involvement or serial number that will make it as desirable down the road. Also, as I was evaluating my decision, I just couldn't understand why the SVT car had the tiny stock GT pipes, no side scoops, no "roll bar", not lowered and the fact many more are being built. Now don't get me wrong, this is a GREAT performance car in it's own right, but if you want an authentic "hands on" Shelby modified car with it's special I.D. then you want an SGT (with its little "issues"- although mine doesn't seem to have any). Again if you want a "perfect" production type car, the SVT - GT/CS - or GT is the car for you (great cars - all of them) If you need 500+ HP and a 6-speed, the SVT is your car (and a great choice) Just some thoughts from an old guy that remembers how things were done at Shelby back then.
Yes you can take a Mustang GT and put stripes on it and have a real sharp car, but it is still a Mustang GT. My uncle did the same thing to my 65' fastback in 1965 because he thought the $1,500.00 Shelby package was way to much for what you got. So he made his own Shelby for $ 500.00. My 65' is faster and better than the 65 Shelby, only it is worth about $225,000.00 less. Did I change your mind.. Also, I will take the Vegas Shelby over the Michigan Shelby any day.
4/4/08, 10:54 PM
#16
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07 Shelby GT coupe #4484
I just got a great deal on an untitled 07 Shelby GT #4484! It is a premium with gray leather, shaker 500, IUP, satellite radio, heated seats, active anti-theft, 3.55 axle ratio, and GT upfitters package. Only 1265 miles on it! I will pick it up on April 14th. Now we'll have two ponies in the stable. Here's a pic:
4/5/08, 08:34 AM
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I just got a great deal on an untitled 07 Shelby GT #4484! It is a premium with gray leather, shaker 500, IUP, satellite radio, heated seats, active anti-theft, 3.55 axle ratio, and GT upfitters package. Only 1265 miles on it! I will pick it up on April 14th. Now we'll have two ponies in the stable. Here's a pic:
5/6/08, 07:37 PM
#20
It sounded like it has urethane bushings because it has....(drumroll).....urethane bushings!
Seriously though, lube the bushings when you rotate your tires (or every 6 months) and they'll be quiet.
Seriously though, lube the bushings when you rotate your tires (or every 6 months) and they'll be quiet.