I’m considering a 2006 GT Mustang and could use some advice. I managed to get the price down to $16,000 from $17,500. The car is a two-owner, garage-kept automatic with a 4.6 engine and a 2010 Roush supercharger kit. It’s got 92,000 miles, and the interior is in fantastic shape. This would be my first Mustang, and while I’m thrilled about its looks and power, I’m a bit on edge because a friend who’s a Ford mechanic warned me about the 3-valve 4.6 engines. I really wanted a manual, but I’m finding myself torn between that preference and the potential issues I’ve heard about these motors. I’d love to hear any opinions, positive or negative, from those who have experience with this model. Thanks in advance for your help fellas.
6 Likes
Definitely go for the manual. I’m in the same boat, my son had a 2001 convertible that was automatic. He ended up putting a lot of money into it but sold it because driving it just wasn’t as enjoyable as a manual would be.
6 Likes
It’s automatic? Don’t waste your time with it.
5 Likes
A. Convertibles are heavier and tend to flex more, but if you really want a convertible, go for it.
B. There’s no way that car hits 500 rwhp with just 9 lbs of boost and a 1.9L Roush supercharger. It might be around 450 rwhp, unless it has significant head work and a higher compression ratio. My car, with the same engine, makes 480 rwhp on 12 lbs of boost.
That said, 450 rwhp is a blast, and the 3V engines handle that level of power just fine. Anything over 500 rwhp could be risky for a stock bottom end. Plus, the TR3650 transmission that came with these manuals is only reliable up to 380 rwtq unless you upgrade the input shaft. It really depends on what you plan to do with the car. I’m aiming for 650 rwhp, which will need a full bottom end build, head work, a T56 swap, and more. Since I’d have to make those upgrades whether it’s a 5.0 or a 3V, I’m sticking with the 3V until it gives out.
4 Likes
The stock transmission isn’t too bad. I put a new clutch in mine, and it’s been handling power quite well. Of course, I’m not into drag racing or constantly dumping the clutch, but for a weekend cruiser, it works perfectly fine.
4 Likes
I agree with that. With an upgraded input shaft, it performs much better. Fortunately, I’m only making a peak of 440 tq and rarely launch it or drive on sticky surfaces. Nevertheless, I plan to overbuild it, aiming for a bottom end that can handle 1,000 hp and a transmission capable of 800 hp. I’ve already installed a McLeod RST since I burned out the stock clutch shortly after adding the supercharger.
4 Likes
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the 3V engines, and honestly, that’s a pretty decent price. The only downside is the automatic transmission.
3 Likes
Why not look for a Coyote engine in that price range? It offers more potential for building. I don’t have anything against the 4.6, but after having the 5.0, I wouldn’t go back to it.
2 Likes
I really like the look of the 05-09 models but appreciate the reliability of the Coyote engine. This might sound like a silly question, but is there a significant performance difference between the 4.6 and the 5.0 engines?
2 Likes
There’s a big performance gap, 300 hp for the 4.6 compared to 450 hp for the 5.0. Personally, I think the S550 platform offers a better driving experience.
2 Likes
I’d recommend looking for a 2011-2014 5.0. They come with 420 hp from the factory and require minimal modifications to reach the performance numbers you’re seeing here. Plus, they still look fantastic. The S550 is decent too, with its IRS, but it doesn’t have the same appeal in terms of looks.
1 Like
Absolutely, I agree. I really like the look of the 2011 to 2014 models, they’re impressive. The S550 is easier to drive, which is nice, but the 11-14 definitely had more fun factor, in my opinion!