VierSpeed's Mustang GT

[VierSpeed]

So they say once you go black, you never go back. Given what I ended up replacing the RSTi with, I can vouch for that being more than somewhat true.



Amid the screams and cries of 'WTF! Why did you sell the Impreza? YOU'RE DEAD TO ME' (you know who you are ) I was hunting around for a suitable replacement. The requirements were more along the lines of 'this is what I no longer want to have in my daily driver' based on the experience of owning a 400bhp Japanese milk crate on wheels. Priorities change, life takes new directions, and we adjust accordingly. The requirements:

i) Proper suspension setup for cruising at highways speeds for 1hr+ without a hiccup
ii) Proper gear setup for above (3500+ RPM for extended periods gets really old, really fast)
iii) Good condition body and paint; no cancer or inability to wash/wax/polish at will
iv) Good reliabilty, fuel economy, power, torque (not requiring 94 octane, big +)
v) Fun. To. Drive.

Without boring you with the other potentials, I'll get to the point.



1999 Mustang GT (35th Anniversary)

- Rust free (never winter driven)
- OEM paint, 8-9/10 condition (no imperfections visible at 5ft)
- Black leather interior; power seats, windows, mirrors, locks
- BBK cold air intake
- OEM mid-length headers
- Bassani stainless X-pipe w/ high-flow cats
- Bassani stainless catback
- Ford Racing aluminum driveshaft
- Rear upper and lower AFR control arms
- BBK frame connectors
- Custom dyno tune (ecu program [87-91 octane])
- Taylor battery relocate kit (trunk)
- Pro 5.0 short shifter
- Stage 3 clutch
- BBK underdrive pulley
- 3.73 differential gears
- Lowering springs, Bilstein shocks.
- Drilled/slotted rotors, Hawk HP+ brake pads, red calipers (adds 5hp)
- 245w front and 295w rear Kumho tires
- 18x8.5 front & 18x10 rear chrome deep dish wheels (Dale Earnhart Jr. somethingsomethingredneckrice... not bad, but could be changed when budget allows)
- 2003/04 SVT Cobra hood
- Aftermarket front bumper (some 'Stalker' kit piece worth its weight in gold apparently... will be sold and replaced with matching 03/04 Cobra bumper)
- 2003/04 SVT Cobra black housing headlights
- OEM Mach460 sound system with JVC head unit, MTX Terminator amp, and Rockford 10" sub in trunk box
- White ball retro shift knob (to be installed)
- Tinted windows (also adds 5hp)

I don't have much time to get into detail about it, so I'll hope these pics will tell the story well enough. When I'm back from the weekend I'll be happy to answer any questions anybody has; I know I had to hurdle a bit of 'personal American vehicle anxiety,' but I'm quite happy that I got over my stereotyping and purchased something I believe I can truly enjoy 7 days a week.

[oh noes! cars!]

Audio clips plz?

[VierSpeed]

Audio clips plz?

I tried recording a clip really quick but this sucker is so loud I couldn't get far enough away to keep it from distorting. I'll work on it.

[dubsix]

handbrake fully aroused.

[Traldan]

Not feeling the wheels, but otherwise looks good.

[Numbersix]

Did not see that coming.

Interesting move. Looks like it's been well cared for and modded.

[nix6speed]

More front shots to see the Stalker front bumper? It's definitely a clean 2V, I see your plans for the car and must say I would change the wheels first. Enjoy it!

[Hurt]

Not to be a dick, but why make it look like a Cobra? It's like that stupid SRT-4 body kitted SXT neon. "You can polish a turd, but it's still a turd". Personally, I'm waiting until Ford resolves the transmission issues it has to buy a BOSS 302.

[VierSpeed]

Not to be a dick, but why make it look like a Cobra? It's like that stupid SRT-4 body kitted SXT neon. "You can polish a turd, but it's still a turd". Personally, I'm waiting until Ford resolves the transmission issues it has to buy a BOSS 302.

Because I'd rather go the Cobra bumper route as replacing the current one with an OEM '99 piece would be a step backwards, in my opinion. I like the looks and make no claims that it's a Cobra, so why fret?

I'm definitely in agreement about the wheels, so don't you all worry. When there's some play money they'll be the first to go, but for now they have decent tires so stay they shall.

[Art Vandelay]

Doesn't look like a Cobra to me... Just looks cool.

[patrikman]

pretty cool.

[SVTDanny]

Because I'd rather go the Cobra bumper route as replacing the current one with an OEM '99 piece would be a step backwards, in my opinion. I like the looks and make no claims that it's a Cobra, so why fret?

I'm definitely in agreement about the wheels, so don't you all worry. When there's some play money they'll be the first to go, but for now they have decent tires so stay they shall.

No Cobra badges/rear bumper and you're good to go.

Wheel suggestion..... AFS 18" 03/04 replicas.

[VierSpeed]

I went out to get gas tonight before the morning rush, then I burned some of it for you folks. The things I do...

[leakslikasieve]

Bassani sounds awesome. If i ever own a mustang it will have bassani exhaust.

[motoo344]

Good purchase. I owned a 2000 and I liked it a lot but it just did not do it for me in the performance department. The car was reliable and sporty for sure but the 2v was just not enough.

[kyokoris]

first pic is awesome

[flat6guy]

I went out to get gas tonight before the morning rush, then I burned some of it for you folks. The things I do...

Dude, you just drove away and completely left your camera there!!

[mellbergVWfan]

That's a good looking Mustang. Not crazy about the wheels but I think getting them powdercoated in dark grey would make a world of difference.

And the Bassani Exhaust makes it sound amazing. Pretty much perfect. It's nice not to hear a Mustang with the typical tinny-rattling, idle sound that so many have.

[MRVW00]

You haz mullet?

[svantevid]

YOU'RE DEAD TO ME

this..... i loved your impreza....



but yeah, i understand why you did it and i must say that that is the best looking mustang of all of generations (screw the new retro design fappers )

[SVT2888]

I suggest some Roush wheels and the 01 Cobra front bumper.

BTW wouldn't be interested in a set of billet cams would you?

[FujiTekniques]

That sounds simply amazing. I could definitely live with that every day.

[JayDBPR]

Nice Stang for sure. I sold my CW '98 GT a few months back and miss her badly....but of course thats becasue I now drive an Avalon. Anyway, don't know where you heard about that bumper being worth anything. Down on this side of the border it really only attracts the VEESUX drivers or the "older guys" that think it's what they have to put on to allow them to fit in at car shows. Anyways, def scrap it. IMHO, the 01 Cobra bumper is nicer than the 03-04, plus you can bolt on the Mach 1 chin spoiler to the 01( not a perfect fit but nothing a heat gun can't help to remedy.) Don't be afraid of the gear, the car needs it to really get up and going. On a 99-04 2V that's staying NA, 4.10 should be the lowest (numerically) that you should run if you're trying to have some fun. Yes, you might be "taching" 2800-3000 rpm at 80mph, but you are able to use your crusing gear at 35 mph and will never have to drop a gear on the freeway to pass. I still returned an average of 25 mpg with 4.10 gears. 4.30 gears are even more fun.
the only other suggestions I can make (if you dont't mind of course) are, get rid of those upper and lower control arms (UCA's and LCA's), if you are looking for handling or ride quality, you can actually make improvements by going back to the OEM pieces. I'm sure you caould trade plus make some cash back on those. Then check out http://maximummotorsports.com for all your suspension needs. I can see that you are somewhat lowered from the OEM 4X4 ride height, so one of your next mods should be Caster Camber plates (CC plates)...you can find the best set on the market at MM's website, then a proper alignment. Then, take that wing off and either get plugs for the holes or have them filled in, a New Edge Mustang looks so much better without a wing. I will also be sending you a PM about a few other sites to check out for info.

[200HP4dr]

Nice ride. I too would ditch that front for an 03/04. The Cobra bumpers and hood look like they're supposed to be on every mustang. They look mean without being over the top.

That will be a nice driver. I came out of a Supercharged foxbody into my 2000 GT, and honestly, though I missed the speed, the potential was there and this car is just a much better driver than the older cars. Might I suggest a tubular K-member with coils to make room for all of the turbo piping to come later.

Looks awesome. Enjoy it.

Chris

[duke774]

sounds badass

How are these things to drive? is the steering wheel even remotely connected to front wheels?

[Calcvictim]

Nice Mustang, I wanted a 99/01 Cobra for a while but changed my mind last minute.


Good luck keeping that thing clean, I had one black car and vowed to never again.

[JayDBPR]

duke774
"sounds badass

How are these things to drive? is the steering wheel even remotely connected to front wheels? "

lol yes and you can feel every pebble and imperfection in the road. It's a matter of installing a few choice modifications to get rid of the "floatiness" that the engineers dial in to induce more understeer/safety on the nose heavy car.

[DeathKing]

Nice pick up, you lucked out on getting the complete package (paint, interior, go-fast goodies and audio).

I approve of all your purcahses

[H Mike]

sounds beautiful!

[Rabbitguy21]

Nice Mustang! You can get some nice replica wheels for less then 500 bucks on this site
http://www.oewheelsllc.com/

[PsyberVW]

Nice car.

I don't think the wheels are that bad actually - a simple 5 spoke star with a little detail (might be PITA to clean).

I'd spend money elsewhere first (if needed?)

I predict you'll enjoy this car for some time.

[aethelwulf]

Looks good!

I can definitely understand why you would choose this over the subie. My STi would drive me crazy if I didn't have a <10 minute commute.

[VMPhil]

Looks good! (minus the wheels of course)

[VierSpeed]

Good purchase. I owned a 2000 and I liked it a lot but it just did not do it for me in the performance department. The car was reliable and sporty for sure but the 2v was just not enough.

Having gone from all show and no go to all go and no show, this is a good compromise for the tasks I've set before it. I'll eventually start thinking I want more from it, but for now I'm happy with the compromise.

Dude, you just drove away and completely left your camera there!!

Guess I'd better go get it.

That's a good looking Mustang. Not crazy about the wheels but I think getting them powdercoated in dark grey would make a world of difference.

There's a thought. I think they'd be worth more if I sold them as-is, though - then I can move into whatever style I choose. The issue becomes trying to juggle selling one set before getting the 2nd

I will also be sending you a PM about a few other sites to check out for info.

Thanks

Nice ride. I too would ditch that front for an 03/04. The Cobra bumpers and hood look like they're supposed to be on every mustang. They look mean without being over the top.

That will be a nice driver. I came out of a Supercharged foxbody into my 2000 GT, and honestly, though I missed the speed, the potential was there and this car is just a much better driver than the older cars. Might I suggest a tubular K-member with coils to make room for all of the turbo piping to come later.

Looks awesome. Enjoy it.

Chris

One of the main factors in even considering a Fox-4 was the ability to put on the Cobra hood and bumper. Call me shallow if you will, but it's one of my favourite designs. Regarding FI - get out of my head! You obviously clued in to my appreciation of this platform's potential

Good luck keeping that thing clean, I had one black car and vowed to never again.

This is my 3rd black car, 4th dark coloured one overall. Although it can be tedious, I love the chore of cleaning and detailing regularly. I used to do it full-time and I've loved it ever since.

Nice pick up, you lucked out on getting the complete package (paint, interior, go-fast goodies and audio).

I approve of all your purcahses

Awesome. You can be in my fan club.

I'd spend money elsewhere first (if needed?)

I predict you'll enjoy this car for some time.

I need to source a bad ground from the battery reloaction (it's messing with the headlights) or perhaps put it back under-hood where it belongs. Otherwise there's a few options in mind to put funding into before anything cosmetic happens.

I'm thinking you're correct about the longevity - the ability to go from spirited driving to cruising is definitely the best asset thus far, which isn't something I can say about any of my previous vehicles. Don't want the thing yelling and screaming? Throw it into 5th, enjoy the comfort of the ride, and relax.


Thanks to all you others for your kind words.


So far the only thing I've done is to adjust the throttle pedal position via a spacer for the throttle cable that also raises the pedal off the floor resulting in a much more comfortable driving position and a much greater range of throttle manipulation. The car feels snappy and responsive now when before it was a little slow on the uptake and hard to get off the line cleanly.

Next is hunting down the problem with the headlights. As stated above I suspect a bad ground from the battery relocation, but we'll see what crops up.

[TooFitToQuit]

I've had five 99-04 GTs. You're in good shape.

What the hell is a shift linkage?

The shifter mounts atop the tranny TO the tranny.