What are your thoughts on the 2006 GT Mustang? I’m considering getting one and would love to hear some opinions on it.
The engine isn’t too bad, but that 5R55S transmission is pretty terrible. I’d recommend going for a manual if you can! Also, the price seems a bit high for the current market.
On the flip side, I know some folks with Coyote-powered S197s who swapped from the MT-82 to the 6R80 because the MT-82 can be pretty problematic, especially if the car’s modified.
I think there’s a 6R80 swap that fits the 3V. If you’re nearby, you might find a higher-mileage Coyote for a decent price. Just make sure to inspect it carefully; buying used is always a gamble. I’ve seen cars with 10,000 miles looking trashed and others with 200,000 still in great shape. Do your homework and keep shopping around for the best deal
Not exactly an easy swap, though. The wiring can get messy, and using a standalone to run it complicates things even more.
Thanks for the heads-up! That’s exactly what I wanted to do when I had a turbocharged 2009 3V, but the TR-3650 failed twice. I ended up selling it for more than I invested. Now, I’m looking at getting a used Coyote with either a manual or 6R80 and throwing a turbo on it. I’ve always been around drag racing, but I’m also considering getting into autocross. Really want a Boss 302, but the prices have shot up
Definitely get a manual! I’m in the same boat, my son has a 2001 convertible that was automatic. He put a lot of money into it but ended up selling it because it just wasn’t fun to drive like a manual!
Yeah, if it’s automatic, I’d say skip it.
Just a heads-up: convertibles tend to be heavier and flex more, but if you want one, go for it! That car probably won’t make 500 rwhp on just 9 lbs with a 1.9L Roush supercharger more like 450 rwhp unless it has some serious head work and a higher compression ratio. My car pulls 480 rwhp at 12 lbs with the same engine. As for the 3V, it can handle around that HP just fine, but anything over 500 is risky on a stock bottom end. It all depends on what you plan to do with it. I’m aiming for 650 rwhp, which means a full rebuild anyway, so I’m sticking with the 3V until it blows!
The stock transmission isn’t terrible. I put a new clutch in mine, and it handles power just fine for weekend cruising.
Yeah, with an upgraded input shaft, it’s much better. I plan to overbuild mine to handle 1,000 hp, and I’ve already swapped the stock clutch for a McLeod RST after it burned out shortly after the supercharger went on.
Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with the 3V engines, and that seems like a fair price, but the automatic is a downside.
If you’re in that price range, why not look for a Coyote? There’s more potential for upgrades. I don’t hate the 4.6, but I wouldn’t go back to it after having a 5.0.
I love the look of the 05-09 models, but I’m also drawn to the reliability of the Coyote. Quick question: is there a big performance difference between the 4.6 and the 5.0?
Absolutely! The difference is huge, 300 hp vs. 450 hp. The S550 platform also drives much better, in my opinion.
I’d recommend looking for a 2011-2014 5.0. They come with 420 hp straight from the factory and don’t need much tweaking to reach those numbers. Plus, they still look fantastic! The S550 isn’t bad either; it has IRS, but it doesn’t look as good.
Yeah, I like the look of the 2011-2014 models; they’re beasts! I find the S550 easier to drive, but the 11-14 is definitely more fun!
I’ve been enjoying my 2011 5.0 a lot so far