I’ve got a 2017 GT350, so it’s the first generation of the Voodoo engine. I bought it used, but the previous owner barely drove it, so it was practically new when I got it. I’ve put over 5,000 miles on it, and so far, no issues.
I had a 2016 GT with a Coyote engine before this, and honestly, the GT350 is on another level. The engine sound, the smooth shifting, the handling, it’s all a step up from the GT. Even the seats are more comfortable. The GT feels like a tractor compared to the Shelby . Plus, the GT350 is rarer, which means more heads turn when you drive it.
I think your friend has a point, though, the Coyote is more reliable just because the Voodoo is hand-built and meant for high RPMs on the track. I’ve heard of some 2020 models having issues because people weren’t driving them hard enough, keeping the RPMs low in city traffic. The Voodoo engine isn’t built for that kind of driving. If you get one, don’t baby it, drive it like it’s meant to be driven. Just respect the break-in period for the first 1,000 miles.
There’s a bit more risk with the GT350 than the GT because of the Voodoo engine. My engine could break tomorrow, and I wouldn’t be shocked. But for me, the GT350 was the car I’ve always wanted, so I bought it. If you’ve got the money and don’t need to take out a long loan or sell your house for it, I’d say go for it. It’s worth the risk, in my opinion. The car is just awesome.
Oh, and if you’re thinking about maintenance, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Voodoo consumes oil, this is normal. I check mine every 400-500 miles just to be safe.
- Always warm up the engine. It doesn’t like the cold.
- The GT350 is lower than the GT, so watch out for parking ramps and speed bumps.
- Insurance and maintenance are more expensive for the GT350.
- The fuel consumption is higher compared to the GT.
Also, the Voodoo engine draws a lot of attention, especially from the police .