I thinks lots of folks (most not on these forums) will fall for badges, stickers and bolt-on parts. It worked for the Mach 1 back in 1969. Performance wise it was no different from the 69 GT, but it was a huge sucess and drove the Mustang GT into hibernation until 1979.

Unforntunately, I don't think that we here are the primary target audience for SEs. Rather the general population which isn't on forums and don't join their local mustang clubs. Most mustang owners like the way the car looks and performs in stock form, but probably don't care much more beyond that. When they see some new cosmetics on a new "SE" they will jump all over it because it's different/looks cool.

 

There will be some cases where that applies but for the majority the car has to mean something special for the buyer to justify spending the extra money.

 

I guess it depends on: what you mean by "means something special", and on how much money extra one has to spend to get something special.

I would think that most GT/CS buyers probably had no clue that there was an original GT/CS back in 1968 and thus no appreciation of it's historic mustang heritage. I would venture that most probably bought the 2007 GT/CS because it looked unique. So to them it was special based on it's uniqueness alone.
The bullitt has more name recognition than the GT/CS and will probably command more interest from the general public.

George, I don't really know where I'm going with this. Just Saturday afternoon ramblings.

 

I used to frequent the Mach 1 Registry. Those guys were passionate and really into their cars because of the cues to the original Mach 1s and were glad to pay the difference of the upgrades. I imagine it is the same case for those buying the Shelby GT. I don't think there are many who are paying MSRP for one without there being a relation to thinking the difference in price is really worth it to them.

What you post ... I would venture that most probably bought the 2007 GT/CS because it looked unique..." is very possibly correct although the minimal price difference over a GT might also be a factor, one that does not apply to other SEs where the price difference is much greater. In that scenario, those SEs with historical significance will appeal mainly to those who cherish their history and value.

 

I'm still sticking to my original thought..make the car DHG dark TT2 rims give it 390 N/A HP at the REAR wheels and call it the GT390. Leave the **** bullitt name off the car. Make is a simple affordable streat runner like S McQ's car was..no BS no badging just a strripped down car that runs like a ****

 

The 2001 Bullitt was a "fair" SE at the time, but Ford was still weak on the HP numbers. It was a great handling car, but should've had more power under the hood, like the 32 valve DOHC in your Mach I. I always felt that Ford could've done a better job with the car, but fell short ( I should know, I still own one, but won't fall for the weak 2008 proposed model). You've misunderstood what I meant about bolt-ons. If people want to do that, that's fine, but this is a factory-built SE that should come with some really special stuff, not just parts from a catalog. And this includes a unique powerplant apart from regular GT's. A 400HP 5.0 3-valve would make me very happy too! You see, something unique............And no, I do not believe GT/CS owners are true Bullitt enthusiasts. After all, this thread is about the Bullitt, of which by the way, would not be scheduled for production if not for the "true enthusiast". Ford wouldn't begin to consider one if not for them. The true enthusiast is what drives the SE models, not the general Mustang buyers and I would hardly call a GT/CS an SE. Nothing more than an appearance package. Ford may call it an SE, but I certainly don't, as I am not a "true GT/CS enthusiast". A fine looking car though, of which I have no interest in. And I doubt if the GT/CS owners are interested in a Bullitt either.
There are lots of options out there with respectable power numbers. Ford doesn't have the only show in town. Perhaps they just think they do.
But I will wait to see what Ford offers as a final product before I make a move. Maybe we'll both be pleasantly surprised..............

 

You said it all!.......................

 

It was in-between the 260 and 320 hp range (GT -> Cobra) at the time.

The engine in this car is farily strong in stock form, so I would agree with that statement.

Are you speaking exclusively about power?

In other words, a special engine that has development work and for a limited run.

The "SE" terminology is obviously open to interpretation of what "special" means.

I'd be curious to see is that was the case

Are you referring to the GM and Chrysler V8s or vehicles?

It would be nice.

PS - Have you read the article in the July 2007 5.0 Mustang Magazine about how Saleen produced the 5.0L 3-valve engine? Perhaps the Ford folks are keenly aware of that development effort and are busy working on something like it.

 

I understand what you are saying but I don't think that the "true enthusiasts" actively influenced Ford to make the 01 Bullitt or the 03-04 Mach 1 concepts which led to the production models. I could be wrong.

In some Ford literature the GT/CS is referred to as an SE. In others it's referred to as a limited edition.

 

The Bullitt and the Mach 1 were more influenced, from what I understand, by Mustang engineers and stylists - Art Hyde, Scott Hoag, Sean Tant, etc.

By the way, I have heard some Ford people refer to the 35th Anniversary, Bullitt, Mach 1, Ford Centennial and 40th anniversary as "feature cars".

 

IMO, the Bullitt, Mach 1, Shelby GT, and to some extent the CS/GT were squarely aimed at the Mustang enthusiasts who "know" what the names mean or their association with "Mustang". Feel the more "casual" Mustang buyer not as well-versed in the car's lore may not care as much regarding what's under the hood or in the chassis and would be satisfied with the GT or would otherwise buy an SE just to have something that looks different.

 

I stand corrected then. Those guys are definitely true enthusiasts.

 

In that case Ford will have to assume there is a need for distinction from the V6.

 

the saleen 5.0 three valve is not a great engine and is maxed out on power. from my understanding this engine would not pass ford reliability durability standards.

the big problem with the current 4.6 is with the heads(lack of flow). a couple months ago i heard that ford was developing 2 new(prototypes) 3 valve heads. it is unfortunate that one of these new heads did not make the 08 bullitt mustang!

 

For a non-forced induction engine, that power level is sufficient. If one were to want more, then I agree you might be getting into a problem. There were parts replaced in the engine, as I think you now, to increase longevity - pistons, connecting rods. Ford would most likely need to do something similarly.

I believe the stock 3-valve heads were set up more for low- and mid-range torque rather than higher horsepower level. The Saleen engine uses the stock heads with some porting work, along with new cams and a reprogramming of the variable valve timing system, to produce the increased power.

From an engineering standpoint, working with the stock set-up, getting 400hp that passes emissions standards with a slight stroking of the displacement, the Saleen seems to be a solid solution, although it might not be optimized the same as if the total engine package were developed by Ford.

 

D'oh! Guess it's hard to fathom anyone being a "casual" Mustang owner, but, meant to say for those buyers wanting a V8 in their car for whatever reason. I see a lot of them - no mods of any kind, not much knowledge of the car's history, don't seek out other 'Stangers, and then probably move on to something else afterward.

 

they were built for emissions nothing more.

his response to why the saleen pj motor is considered junk.

 

You are assuming the post is meant to either down grade the V6 and their owners or to elevate those with higher performance Mustangs. Neither one is correct. I don't play the class game with my fellow Stangers.

My comments are based on model distinction. The V6 happens to have its unique bumper/fascia and the absence of foglamps much like the supposed BULLITT concept pic which circulated briefly and a similar version is posted on the Pony Site.

 

Tony remember what 5.0 said it is same type motor has 03/04 Mach1, so Saleen's 302 is ready newer up date Mach1 or next the Mach1 in 09

 

Um, no. Never read a "class game" vibe into the post at all. Ha-ha, better stop while I'm behind here...