Ready to order - need advice

[sweenstang]

Gang – I just joined the club tonight. Been reading for several months as I plan the big purchase. My first car as a teen was a ’68 Mustang. Many years later, I’m finally in a position where I can justify spending the $ on a Shelby. So, I am psyched!!

 

I’m torn about the SVTPP because I will drive the car frequently in a busy suburb area, and my sense is that the non-SVT PP would give me a more compliant ride. I’m also hesitant about the 3.73 rear because I recently test drove a GT with a 3.73 rear, and it seemed like I was shifting more in stop/go traffic, and then was through the gears so very quickly. My sense is that the stock 3:55 rear would be friendlier to my kind of environment, where as the 3:73 may be a little annoying. Once on the highway, the 3:55 would give me better gas mileage for long trips, right? BTW, I will not be drag racing or going to any tracks, so I’m not hot on shaving time off the ¼ mile.

 

Do my impressions make any sense? If so, I think I have two options: 1) skip the PP and beef up the suspension later as I see fit, or, 2) get the PP and then put a 3:55 rear in it. Option 2 seems a little crazy to me, but I’m a newbie to Shelby’s, which is why I humbly come to all of you veterans to see what you suggest I do.

 

Thanks in advance for your replies…

[Burning Blue Star IV]

Sounds to me that you'd be happier with the non-SVTpackage version - based on what your driving intentions are.

 

Are you going to take it out on the back roads and have fun with it, despite mainly seeing city miles in stop and go traffic?

 

Personally, if money wasn't a concern, I'd get the SVT Package - I drive mostly to and from work and then take it out in the evenings for fun. I wouldn't let gas mileage come into the equation. Don't forget that you get different wheels/tires with the SVT Package. Some people don't like the SVT package wheels, don't know what your feelings are on them?

[jdaallen]

I got the SVT Package and really like it. The car is my daily driver and it rides and handles great. I have had the car about a month now and have 4K miles on it. Had one flat tire and have 2 windshield chips allready. I've done a lot of high mountain driving around Colorado much of which was over 12 thousand feet or higher mountain passes. Winding roads are a blast. My milage has been 24 mpg in cruise control on the open valleys and 18 in town and winding roads. I can't say enough about the car!!! :happy feet: :happy feet:

[Burning Blue Star IV]

Winding roads are a blast. My mileage has been 24 mpg in cruise control on the open valleys and 18 in town and winding roads.

 

 

I can't resist taking the car out almost every evening on the country back roads...It just feels so good out there with that car! Love it.

[SVT NAJA]

Gang – I just joined the club tonight. Been reading for several months as I plan the big purchase. My first car as a teen was a '68 Mustang. Many years later, I'm finally in a position where I can justify spending the $ on a Shelby. So, I am psyched!!

 

I'm torn about the SVTPP because I will drive the car frequently in a busy suburb area, and my sense is that the non-SVT PP would give me a more compliant ride. I'm also hesitant about the 3.73 rear because I recently test drove a GT with a 3.73 rear, and it seemed like I was shifting more in stop/go traffic, and then was through the gears so very quickly. My sense is that the stock 3:55 rear would be friendlier to my kind of environment, where as the 3:73 may be a little annoying. Once on the highway, the 3:55 would give me better gas mileage for long trips, right? BTW, I will not be drag racing or going to any tracks, so I'm not hot on shaving time off the ¼ mile.

 

Do my impressions make any sense? If so, I think I have two options: 1) skip the PP and beef up the suspension later as I see fit, or, 2) get the PP and then put a 3:55 rear in it. Option 2 seems a little crazy to me, but I'm a newbie to Shelby's, which is why I humbly come to all of you veterans to see what you suggest I do.

 

Thanks in advance for your replies…

 

 

sweenstang,

 

First... welcome to Team Shelby! You found the right place. There is a great bunch of enthusiasts here who will generously help you with your questions.

 

With the brief "expected" driving conditions you've posted above, I would suggest that you find a 2010 unit and make an invoice (or less) offer, even if you have to have it shipped to you. A stock 2010 will not disappoint you by any means. The 2011's will cost $5k to $10k or more than you can likely get a 2010 for now. With that kind of savings (not including additional taxes) you'd be able to make many performance upgrades should your tastes change.

 

Good luck and post pictures when you find your baby!

[frydguy79]

you need to get your order in asap, the 2011's are almost built out.

[10random]

Gang – I just joined the club tonight. Been reading for several months as I plan the big purchase. My first car as a teen was a ’68 Mustang. Many years later, I’m finally in a position where I can justify spending the $ on a Shelby. So, I am psyched!!

 

I’m torn about the SVTPP because I will drive the car frequently in a busy suburb area, and my sense is that the non-SVT PP would give me a more compliant ride. I’m also hesitant about the 3.73 rear because I recently test drove a GT with a 3.73 rear, and it seemed like I was shifting more in stop/go traffic, and then was through the gears so very quickly. My sense is that the stock 3:55 rear would be friendlier to my kind of environment, where as the 3:73 may be a little annoying. Once on the highway, the 3:55 would give me better gas mileage for long trips, right? BTW, I will not be drag racing or going to any tracks, so I’m not hot on shaving time off the ¼ mile.

 

Do my impressions make any sense? If so, I think I have two options: 1) skip the PP and beef up the suspension later as I see fit, or, 2) get the PP and then put a 3:55 rear in it. Option 2 seems a little crazy to me, but I’m a newbie to Shelby’s, which is why I humbly come to all of you veterans to see what you suggest I do.

 

Thanks in advance for your replies…

 

 

FYI, the 3.73 gearing is to adjust for the 1" taller wheel. The overall difference between the 3.55 non-SVTPP and 3.73 SVTPP is miniscule. If you run it through a calculator the difference at most is 1mph for any given RPM. This pretty much nullifies option 2 Honestly, if I was buying the 2011 I would get it with the SVTPP.

 

Kona blue with red stripes all the way!

[Torched10]

FYI, the 3.73 gearing is to adjust for the 1" taller wheel. The overall difference between the 3.55 non-SVTPP and 3.73 SVTPP is miniscule. If you run it through a calculator the difference at most is 1mph for any given RPM. This pretty much nullifies option 2 Honestly, if I was buying the 2011 I would get it with the SVTPP.

 

Kona blue with red stripes all the way!

 

Changing gears afterwards is not a good option for alot of reasons,including fitment. I like the SVTPP cars looks, but i have to agree saving 5-10K for basically the same car makes alot of sense--you can save that money or put it into mods. If you plan on keeping the car a while, when both cars will be about the same value anyway, you get to use that money over the same period of time,invest etc.My 2010 vert is very easy to drive in traffic,and the vert ha a bit softer suspension,so its easy on the body.

Finally,as to supply, i wouldnt be worried about that at all.We had the same rumors laat year about now, and they took orders thru November.Fords in it to make cars/profit, and they will make cars to meet the market demand.I do think though that the 10s will see an incentive from Ford soon, and will move quickly afterwards--so id watch that issue--good luck

[GOTVENOMGT500]

you need to get your order in asap, the 2011's are almost built out.

 

 

You think so? A few articles refered to a number like 5,500 or so and right now according to Blue's number they are at 3,083 or so. Given they have now gone down to one line I think it will take them a while to reach 5,500 if they even reach it. I could be wrong guess it's always better to air on the cautious side to make sure yours gets a build date.

[Torched10]

You think so? A few articles refered to a number like 5,500 or so and right now according to Blue's number they are at 3,083 or so. Given they have now gone down to one line I think it will take them a while to reach 5,500 if they even reach it. I could be wrong guess it's always better to air on the cautious side to make sure yours gets a build date.

 

YUP--100% certain ---theres no articifcal limit like its a rare car or anything like that.Its made on the same line as Mustangs are--so as i said if the orders come in as more than they expected,then its just a matter of ordering parts and building engines for the new demand number.If they are bumping up against a limit, theyll tell the dealers,like they did last year, that as of "X" date they wont take any more orders--in 2010 that notice went out in Nov,ie last date orders accepted.What we dont know is actually how many cars are sold as opposed to being made.If the are building for dealer inventory,and demand is down from last year,then thats a whole new equation.But having been in manufacturing for a long time,if theres real demand,and its above forecast, they'll make the product--their bonuses depend on beating forecasts, not making them---bob

PS FYI, the flow thru to profitability is very high on union made,high overhead products like a Shelby.Once they hit plan numbers,say 5500 like you said,all they need to recover is variable costs. In their envirnoment variable costs, material and direct labor might be 25% of price, which would give them a 75% flow thru to profit for each car.Im sure most of the execs at Ford are on at least a 200% bonus plan,where they can make 200% more than their base pay if they blow by their numbers--sorry for the details,but thought youd like to know the drivers in wanting to make/sell more cars

[WillSD]

Tentative Job Last for the 2011 Mustang is 01-14-2011; there is no mention of the Shelby GT500 however. We get one for 2011 and it has not been allocated to date (still shows Material Hold due to the lack of allocation).

[Burning Blue Star IV]

You think so? A few articles referred to a number like 5,500 or so and right now according to Blue's number they are at 3,083 or so. Given they have now gone down to one line I think it will take them a while to reach 5,500 if they even reach it. I could be wrong guess it's always better to air on the cautious side to make sure yours gets a build date.

 

 

They've still been going along at a fairly consistent rate per day. I haven't seen any huge drop off. Typical day is 40-60 cars.

[GOTVENOMGT500]

YUP--100% certain ---theres no articifcal limti like its a rare car or anything like that.Its made on the same line as Mustangs are--so as i said if the orders come in as more than they expected,then its just a matter of ordering parts and building engines for the new demand number.If they are bumping up against a limit, theyll tell the dealers,like they did last year, that as of "X" date they wont take any more orders--in 2010 that notice went out in Nov,ir last date orders accepted.What we dont know id actually how many cars are sold as opposed to being made.If the are building for dealer inventory,and demand is down from last year,then thats a wholoe new euation.But having been in manufacturing for a long time,if theres real demand,and its above forecast, they'll make the product--their bonuses depend on beating forecasts, not making them---bob

 

 

 

Thanks for the info Bob, very cool stuff. Make sense Ford is just like anyone else if you have someone willing to put a dollar in your pocket you build them what they want and get paid, especially with how the economy is these days, take it when you can get it.

[GOTVENOMGT500]

They've still been going along at a fairly consistent rate per day. I haven't seen any huge drop off. Typical day is 40-60 cars.

 

 

 

Wow that's amazing even if it's the "low" of 40 cars in a day that blows my mind. Looking at the monthly production numbers on your thread blue I can see why you are thinking they will "reach" the self imposed 5,500 "limit" and certainly are on pace to go beyond it. I say it's good for Ford to have a hot selling GT500 and I'd think the 5.0's and with 305 hp I think the V6's must be selling well. Hell I'm even thinking about in a few yes picking up a used 2011 V6 for a daily driver, it has ask much power as my 97 did stock!! Of course I have more TQ.......I hope haha

[Burning Blue Star IV]

I'd think the 5.0's and with 305 hp I think the V6's must be selling well. Hell I'm even thinking about in a few yes picking up a used 2011 V6 for a daily driver, it has ask much power as my 97 did stock!! Of course I have more TQ.......I hope haha

 

 

The V6 and 5.0's are amazing...and honestly, there's not a ton different in terms of looks from the GT500 aside from the front end. I've been seeing a lot of 2010 & 2011 suddenly. They all make me turn my head and look. It had been for the longest time that I had the only one around for miles and miles. I know what you mean about the V6 too - think about it, it has the same power as the Cobra's of 96-98! WOW! Just incredible what Ford has done....and it looks like that it's going to get better and better.

[Torched10]

The V6 and 5.0's are amazing...and honestly, there's not a ton different in terms of looks from the GT500 aside from the front end. I've been seeing a lot of 2010 & 2011 suddenly. They all make me turn my head and look. It had been for the longest time that I had the only one around for miles and miles. I know what you mean about the V6 too - think about it, it has the same power as the Cobra's of 96-98! WOW! Just incredible what Ford has done....and it looks like that it's going to get better and better.

 

Blue - agree the 5.0,GT et al are really nice cars.Im wondering if the plan will be to throw a couple turbos into a GT or 5.0 and curtail the Shelby--after all, Shelby doesnt make these acrs anymore,and Im wondering how long Ford would be able to ride that horse,esp afetr he passes on---bob

[GOTVENOMGT500]

The return of the 5.0 and the use of TiVCT in both the V8 & V6 are what is helping the power. Thse motors aren't even direct injection from what I've been reading, perhaps that's the next step if so power would increase along with emissons because of the added control the ECM has over fuel. I wonder how long the Shelby name will be around also and curious if they do keep the 5.4 liter will they make use of TiVCT and direct injection? All I know is Ford is really bring great productions to the showroom not only in the Mustang but in the Taurus SHO, I even keep reading about how the little Fiesta will put a dent in the market.

[QUIKSVT]

I have a non PP car and am quite happy with the ride. It's not a dd, I would suggest it to anyone who is looking for one as a dd.

[theseeker]

If you want no A/M Mod's go for the SVTPP. This car is beyond words, trust me, I have had some experience. You will not be dissapointed.

 

Just my 2 cents.