Am I Buying Over My Head?

[Madlock]

I’m deciding between GT and GT500. I’ve stared this decision in the face for so long that I’ve lost perspective. I’m truly lucky. I can afford either model and there’s no “bad” choice here. I’m even luckier because my decision can be entirely “want” based, but that hasn’t made choosing any easier for me and I’m even beyond losing sleep over it. I’d really appreciate a little dispassionate objectivity.

 

What scares me about GT500 pertains to the SVT Performance Package. Knowing the SVT Pack is what really makes the GT500 worth owning (versus GT) and so much benefit comes from the tires, it’s not just deselecting from the order sheet an option I don’t want. It fundamentally changes the car – and what makes GT500 worth spending $20K more to drive.

 

I live where there’s winter snow and the adjacent months tend to be crappy too. I never envisioned driving either during winter months, but a “warm weather” car and one that becomes dangerous when temperature drops or even a dusting of snow falls is an entirely different proposition.

 

I don’t want to forego the SVT Package. It’s really what makes the other $18K worth spending. And unless I’ve entirely misunderstood the facts and what others have written, the GT500 with SVT Package and the Goodyear F1 tires made for it are inseparable.

 

From what I’ve come to understand, because the Goodyear’s are the only tires that will fit the GT500’s 20”/19” wheel configuration, even if it were possible to stock a set of all-season or winter tires (i.e. pretty-much saving the F1’s for track and show), I’d have to be willing to buy a second set of SVT wheels to mount them to – and spend another $5,000 or so for the privilege.

 

I also have the impression that the SVT Package’s suspension set-up, ESC reprogramming and other adjustments virtually prohibits keeping a set of four regular 19” GT500 wheels and tires for “everyday” use. Although it certainly wouldn’t cheap, the wider variety of tire choices alone would lower the extra expense considerably.

 

I suppose I need to start by knowing whether or not what I believe is correct, and most dealers know very little. I’d appreciate anyone who can please confirm whether a GT500 with SVT Pack can accommodate a set of standard 19” GT500 wheels and all-season tires without needing to reconfigure the vehicle’s suspension, ESC and other systems.

 

I know that owning a GT500 (particularly with the SVT Pack that’s made to perform at the extreme boundaries of the performance envelope) requires the willingness to make a significant additional commitment well beyond the willingness to pay the higher purchase price. I also know that much of what makes the GT500/SVT so terrific comes with natural compromises in other areas (compared to a GT’s ability to be a daily driver that’s capable of going fast, for example).

 

What I don’t know, because this would be my very first “dedicated” performance car, is whether or not I’m underestimating (or overestimating) everything additional that’s required which might, despite the GT500 being an indisputably better machine, make the GT a better personal choice for me.

 

I’d really appreciate any helpful guidance both with respect to my specific question about the SVT Package and tires and the experiences of those who faced the same decision.

 

Thanks in advance.

[JWG223]

The SVT package lopped 3 seconds off the VIR lap-time.

That is roughly 400% larger than the margin between the Z06 and the Grand Sport.

 

Save for a few months longer, and buy the SVT PP with confidence.

 

*Just the .02 from a non-owner, take it FWIW

[Hpfisterer]

For me at least, it was worth every penny.

[Stidog]

Let me start off by saying my car is an 08 GT500. So i'm not sure about the suspension and all of those questions as they pertain to the 10/11 models. I can address the tires in cold weather though. The warning sticker that says the tires do not grip below 40 degrees is true. The car gets a little slippery in cold weather even on dry pavement. Once I realized this it made anticipating and adjusting my driving style a must, but it took out the surprise factor. As far as buying a GT500. I cant imagine ever going back to a GT, though the 5.0 is tempting. The handling, the power, the comfort of the GT500 are beyond comprehension. I drive my car daily, just because it is such a fantastic machine, and I never tire of driving it, though this winter I think i'm going to find an old fox body for those COLD COLD days Hope this helps.

[texaggie]

I think you are OVER-thinking it a bit. The SVTPP is by far the best (and in my humble opinion, only) real reason to get a new '11 GT500. I have my '08 and would not trade it for the world, and I would suggest that you could actually get a slightly used '08 or '09 and get the Ford racing suspension and some worthy tires and be very happy on the performance side. If you really want the total experience of track ready car, then go for the same '08- '09 car and spend the money you just saved on a Griggs set up and watch people drool about your handling capabilities. Otherwise the '11 with the aluminium block and the SVTPP is the way to go. As for snow driving, I really don't see any of the mustangs being ideal for that type of driving. A better bet would be the SVT Raptor truck if you are woried about year round driving capabilities and some performance fun at the same time.

[sprint200]

The first question I have for you is this; "Can you afford to flush $20k down the toilet?" 4 years ago, my answer was "Yes". After that, it becomes a MUCH easier decision

 

Next, there is nothing so special about the SVT PP car that would keep it from being a daily driver. You can still get a VERY cheap set of '07-'09 SVT 18x9.5 wheels to have a set of all season tires mounted for winter driving; ABSOLUTELY no reason. As long as the overall tire diameter is very close, you wouldn't even need to adjust the computer for proper speedometer readings. I got a set of four wheels for less than $500 shipped!

 

The new Mustang GT with the 5.0L engine is an awesome car, though. So make sure the extra dough doesn't mean more to you in the long run.

 

If you aren't comfortable with your decision, then you made the wrong decision.

[Madlock]

The SVT package lopped 3 seconds off the VIR lap-time.

That is roughly 400% larger than the margin between the Z06 and the Grand Sport.

 

Save for a few months longer, and buy the SVT PP with confidence.

 

"Saving" isn't an issue. I'm fortunate that I affordability is not a practical concern. Whether or not I'm willing to spend an additional several thousand dollars above-and-beyond the vehicle price SOLELY for the purpose of making it safely drivable in certain weather and temperature conditions (and whether or not that's even possible) is another matter. As I may have written, a "good weather" car is one thing - one that becomes unsafe (and can't be made safe) without optimal conditions is quite another.

 

I appreciate your sentiment - though "track times", apart from establishing the 2011 GT500 as a vehicle with superb performance and driving dynamics are fairly lost on me; but thank you for your thoughts.

 

The warning sticker that says the tires do not grip below 40 degrees is true. The car gets a little slippery in cold weather even on dry pavement. Once I realized this it made anticipating and adjusting my driving style a must, but it took out the surprise factor. As far as buying a GT500. I cant imagine ever going back to a GT, though the 5.0 is tempting. The handling, the power, the comfort of the GT500 are beyond comprehension. I drive my car daily, just because it is such a fantastic machine, and I never tire of driving it, though this winter I think i'm going to find an old fox body for those COLD COLD days Hope this helps.

 

The 5.0 being so good is part of my dilemma. Sure the GT500 has phenomenal supercharged power, but put a 5.0 with 3.73 and FR Handling Pack next to a base 2011 GT500 with its 3.55, and one really has to wonder all the other ways $16K could have been spent more meaningfully - while also enjoying a bit more comfort. And I know I'm far from the only person wrestling with the same choice.

 

It's the need to be willing to have the SVT Pack - including any additional costs and accommodations it may require above and beyond the price of the GT500 w/SVT - to really make the GT500 worth owning that's the dilemma for me. And buying a GT500 without the SVT Pack really isn't an option, both because it would then make far more sense to upfit a GT with a handling pack and the GT500's future value and saleability (although I intend to keep it) will be affected far more than the price of the SVT Pack as a factory option.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

The first question I have for you is this; "Can you afford to flush $20k down the toilet?" 4 years ago, my answer was "Yes". After that, it becomes a MUCH easier decision

 

Next, there is nothing so special about the SVT PP car that would keep it from being a daily driver. You can still get a VERY cheap set of '07-'09 SVT 18x9.5 wheels to have a set of all season tires mounted for winter driving; ABSOLUTELY no reason. As long as the overall tire diameter is very close, you wouldn't even need to adjust the computer for proper speedometer readings. I got a set of four wheels for less than $500 shipped!

 

BINGO! This is what I was really hoping to know. Just knowing I could keep a set of all-season (or "non summer") tires on a set of 19" wheels - even those from a 2011 GT500 without the SVT Pack - would make a key factor. I know I wouldn't need to recalibrate the speedo or odometer if the diameter difference is negligible - but what I don't know is whether or not the SVT Pack's special tuning and other modifications absolutely require the Goodyear F1 tires (and 20" rear tires) to drive safely and decently. The fact that the SVT Pack is so attuned to the tires made especially for it has left me unable to find-out whether or not the car could still run well if I chose to use a set of standard GT500 19's for "suboptimal" conditions or say - long drives when I can't trailer the car. If that's the case - it would be another point in favor of just buying a 5.0 - keeping in mind the 5.0 is a perfectly wonderful car in its own right.

 

And such is part of the dilemma of whether to choose a GT driven to its full potential or spending so much more for a GT500 that wouldn't be. It all depends on making the SVT Pack work for me.

 

The new Mustang GT with the 5.0L engine is an awesome car, though. So make sure the extra dough doesn't mean more to you in the long run.

 

If you aren't comfortable with your decision, then you made the wrong decision.

 

The dough isn't the issue - although I certainly don't believe in spending "more" just because I may be fortunate enough that I can.

 

You've hit the nail on the head about being "comfortable". I'm trying to get there, which depends upon the questions I haven't been able to answer - though if a second set of wheels based on the standard 19" GT500's would be okay for occasional use with the SVT Pack, that would go a long way to helping me to be able to answer that question.

 

Thanks again!

[JWG223]

"Saving" isn't an issue. I'm fortunate that I affordability is not a practical concern. Whether or not I'm willing to spend an additional several thousand dollars above-and-beyond the vehicle price SOLELY for the purpose of making it safely drivable in certain weather and temperature conditions (and whether or not that's even possible) is another matter. As I may have written, a "good weather" car is one thing - one that becomes unsafe (and can't be made safe) without optimal conditions is quite another.

 

I appreciate your sentiment - though "track times", apart from establishing the 2011 GT500 as a vehicle with superb performance and driving dynamics are fairly lost on me; but thank you for your thoughts.

 

 

 

The 5.0 being so good is part of my dilemma. Sure the GT500 has phenomenal supercharged power, but put a 5.0 with 3.73 and FR Handling Pack next to a base 2011 GT500 with its 3.55, and one really has to wonder all the other ways $16K could have been spent more meaningfully - while also enjoying a bit more comfort. And I know I'm far from the only person wrestling with the same choice.

 

It's the need to be willing to have the SVT Pack - including any additional costs and accommodations it may require above and beyond the price of the GT500 w/SVT - to really make the GT500 worth owning that's the dilemma for me. And buying a GT500 without the SVT Pack really isn't an option, both because it would then make far more sense to upfit a GT with a handling pack and the GT500's future value and saleability (although I intend to keep it) will be affected far more than the price of the SVT Pack as a factory option.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

 

 

BINGO! This is what I was really hoping to know. Just knowing I could keep a set of all-season (or "non summer") tires on a set of 19" wheels - even those from a 2011 GT500 without the SVT Pack - would make a key factor. I know I wouldn't need to recalibrate the speedo or odometer if the diameter difference is negligible - but what I don't know is whether or not the SVT Pack's special tuning and other modifications absolutely require the Goodyear F1 tires (and 20" rear tires) to drive safely and decently. The fact that the SVT Pack is so attuned to the tires made especially for it has left me unable to find-out whether or not the car could still run well if I chose to use a set of standard GT500 19's for "suboptimal" conditions or say - long drives when I can't trailer the car. If that's the case - it would be another point in favor of just buying a 5.0 - keeping in mind the 5.0 is a perfectly wonderful car in its own right.

 

And such is part of the dilemma of whether to choose a GT driven to its full potential or spending so much more for a GT500 that wouldn't be. It all depends on making the SVT Pack work for me.

 

 

 

The dough isn't the issue - although I certainly don't believe in spending "more" just because I may be fortunate enough that I can.

 

You've hit the nail on the head about being "comfortable". I'm trying to get there, which depends upon the questions I haven't been able to answer - though if a second set of wheels based on the standard 19" GT500's would be okay for occasional use with the SVT Pack, that would go a long way to helping me to be able to answer that question.

 

Thanks again!

 

Meh, if you have that kind of money, why are you worried about the tires? The G:2's aren't half a grand a piece you know.

 

Since you brought up that you are at some point able to trailer the car, I guess it's NOT your only vehicle? Then don't drive it in the snow. It sounds like you want a car that makes the same claims as Obama. It wants to please everyone and ends up pleasing noone.

 

You are looking at a muscle car, not a camry. Leave the snow-chains out of the equation, so to speak.

 

The suspension won't keep you from running cheap tires if you want to run cheap tires on a $55K car. Its not like its anything special. It's just marketing with a bit of truth behind it. Every GT500 has been designed "around" a certain rim/tire size. Same for every other car. No big deal.

It sounds to me like you just don't want to spend the money, which is fine. Get the 5.0 and slap a handling kit on it. Either car will be very fun!

[GT500 rolls]

If money isn't a factor, I think you should consider the fact that you will see lots of GTs on the road and very few Shelby's. Plus, Shelby is historically very different and special as well. The 2011 GTs are great cars but you will see yourself coming down the road everyday. On top of what everyone else has said, I think it comes down to having something that very few other people have.

[theseeker]

I love my 11 but it is not a DD. You cannot beat this car to have pure unadulterated fun!

 

Winston Churchill once said " I never regret the things I have done, I regret the things I did not do."

[mciarochi]

I'm one of the sinners who actually drives my car. I'd swear the car likes being driven as much as I like driving it. I drove it home in a thunderstorm, so I got the weather bit over pretty quick. It's been everywhere, including mud and snow.

 

Frankly, the GT500 is safer by far in bad driving conditions than just about any car I've ever had, with the possible exception of a '70's vintage Saab. Better brakes, traction control, and you have an amazing amount of control over the amount of power you can feed to the motor. The wide power band is a big help when it comes to driving a manual shift.

 

Seasonal tires can be bought. Check here for take-off parts. I got a second set of rims plus tires for about the cost of new tires.

 

Having said that, I don't think I'd use a GT500 for a work commute in the winter in Michigan, or anywhere else for that matter if traffic is bad, but I'd say that for any manual transmission. But, if you want a dedicated performance Mustang, the 5.4L/6-spd is a fantastic car, whatever model you pick.

[Torched10]

If you just want a nice performance car,its the GT.If you want a car that gets noticed,and really performs in an outstding fashion its the Shelby.We have lots of members who live in the Northeasy, and i think Citysound on this forum commutes daily to NYC., and he loves his car.I live in Atl and have driven in 15gdegree weather and ,as long as yuo dont tottally get on it,it drives fine.Id go for the SVTPP. Its just lots of fun.You didnt mentin a vert,but thats another choice that adds to the fun factor as well

[jamie392]

The first question I have for you is this; "Can you afford to flush $20k down the toilet?" 4 years ago, my answer was "Yes". After that, it becomes a MUCH easier decision

 

Next, there is nothing so special about the SVT PP car that would keep it from being a daily driver. You can still get a VERY cheap set of '07-'09 SVT 18x9.5 wheels to have a set of all season tires mounted for winter driving; ABSOLUTELY no reason. As long as the overall tire diameter is very close, you wouldn't even need to adjust the computer for proper speedometer readings. I got a set of four wheels for less than $500 shipped!

 

The new Mustang GT with the 5.0L engine is an awesome car, though. So make sure the extra dough doesn't mean more to you in the long run.

 

If you aren't comfortable with your decision, then you made the wrong decision.

 

 

QFt. I am in the same boat I can buy another GT-500 or the GT-Roush Stage-2 package. I am still waiting to see what the Boss package is going to be that Ford anounced. It looks like Aug-12 they are going to release the specs on the Boss package, so it might be worth your time to wait a little bit longer.

[09KR0058]

If you have waited this long, go out and get one of the few remaining KRs. I promise you will NOT be disappointed!

[Madlock]

I really appreciate the myriad perspectives offered thus far.

 

This isn't about wanting a "look at me" car - I'm pretty enough that I get enough of that anyway. And I'm not trying to turn a scalpel into a Swiss Army knife either. But, as I may have previously written, there's a difference between a "summer car" and a car that's dangerous when the weather isn't ideal - and the SVT Package tires tend to do that. From the prices I've seen, the tires are about $400 each. That's fine, but the fact that there doesn't seem to be alternative wheels yet available - or any other tire that would fit them (the rear) - makes a work around unavailable at any price - at least for the time being.

 

I made some headway today by speaking with both a Ford Racing shop and Ford Racing itself in Michigan. While Ford hasn't yet provided even its Ford Racing shops with a PCM reprogramming tool for the 2011's, both informed me that there's nothing about the SVT Package, including the suspension that shouldn't function equally well on a set of 19" non-SVT pull-off wheels if I wanted to keep those at the ready. They should even be close enough in diameter to sneak by for garden variety use without PCM reprogramming, though I could certainly replace the rear tires with a more precise diameter to match the F1 tire diameter - albeit with a commensurate change in firmness and handling due to the taller sidewall. Ford's SVT folks said the it's really a matter of the F1 tires allowing the car to operate within an additional performance band - not that a Shelby with SVT Pack with non-SVT wheels wouldn't perform every bit as well as a non-SVT GT500 from the get-go.

 

The only remaining question I have is whether the stock 19" rear wheels would provide adequate brake clearance on an SVT Pack vehicle.

[ram_g]

The only remaining question I have is whether the stock 19" rear wheels would provide adequate brake clearance on an SVT Pack vehicle.

 

 

The SVT PP does not change the caliper or rotor size at the back, just the pads. The rear brake set up looks absolutely puny inside the massive 20" wheels.

[Ezkill]

 

 

The 5.0 being so good is part of my dilemma. Sure the GT500 has phenomenal supercharged power, but put a 5.0 with 3.73 and FR Handling Pack next to a base 2011 GT500 with its 3.55, and one really has to wonder all the other ways $16K could have been spent more meaningfully - while also enjoying a bit more comfort. And I know I'm far from the only person wrestling with the same choice.

 

 

 

This is your third or fourth new topic that essentially asks people to convince you to buy a Shelby, or convince you that you want the performance pack etc. It's not that I have a problem with this but it begs the question do you REALLY want a Shelby?

 

The 16k is nominal. Buy a 5.0 then do the following to it:

 

Build the engine

Buy a supercharger

Upgrade to a TR6060

 

There, you've already spent 16k and you still don't have a Shelby. It all just depends on what you want..if the 5.0L is enough it's enough. The Shelby starts were the 5.0 ends.

[GOTVENOMGT500]

QFt. I am in the same boat I can buy another GT-500 or the GT-Roush Stage-2 package. I am still waiting to see what the Boss package is going to be that Ford anounced. It looks like Aug-12 they are going to release the specs on the Boss package, so it might be worth your time to wait a little bit longer.

 

 

Whoa an "offical" offical annoucement? SWEET!!! It's funny because rumors about a Boss have been around so long when a new one comes out I tend to just dimiss it. I'm excited to see what Ford has in store for one of it's most well know monikers...Boss is back!!

[Madlock]

This is your third or fourth new topic that essentially asks people to convince you to buy a Shelby, or convince you that you want the performance pack etc. It's not that I have a problem with this but it begs the question do you REALLY want a Shelby?

 

No, it's not. It's the fundamental question of whether this will be an $18K proposition or one that may need to be significantly larger - and more restrictive commitment. Nobody need "convince" me of anything - and though I'd welcome any insight you may be able to offer with respect to if and how well an SVT Package-equipped vehicle might run with wheels and tires not intended for use with the SVT Package, what is it that you do that leaves you with enough free time to spend your days worrying about what or why you think others' questions should or shouldn't be important? That's quite a luxury. I want in on it.

 

if my questions are a nuisance to you... by all means - please feel free to ignore them. I won't be offended.

[Madlock]

The SVT PP does not change the caliper or rotor size at the back, just the pads. The rear brake set up looks absolutely puny inside the massive 20" wheels.

 

 

Thanks. That's exactly what I was hoping to find out. Very few dealers nearby have a non-SVT car, and none have both for comparison. It's unfortunate that those holding local monopolies to sell a product are often among the least informed.

 

It looks like a set of standard 19" GT500 pull-offs, with a set of 265/40/19s and 285/40/19s should give me the workaround I'd like with a profile that'd be close enough as to make no difference to the suspension or ride setup. Those wheels are at least far cheaper and more plentiful.

 

Thanks a bunch.

[Ezkill]

No, it's not. It's the fundamental question of whether this will be an $18K proposition or one that may need to be significantly larger - and more restrictive commitment. Nobody need "convince" me of anything - and though I'd welcome any insight you may be able to offer with respect to if and how well an SVT Package-equipped vehicle might run with wheels and tires not intended for use with the SVT Package, what is it that you do that leaves you with enough free time to spend your days worrying about what or why you think others' questions should or shouldn't be important? That's quite a luxury. I want in on it.

 

if my questions are a nuisance to you... by all means - please feel free to ignore them. I won't be offended.

 

 

You can't have in on it.

 

Don't quote only parts of my posts when the second part of my post clearly answered a question you asked directly in your original topic. You were wondering about the 16,000 dollars and I quite clearly outlined were you could put the 16,000 dollars into a 5.0L and still not have everything a Shelby has. So the question really becomes...is the 5.0L good enough for you personally? If yes then save yourself the 16k.

 

Of course someone will eventually pipe in that the 5.0L motor is fantastic and durable and you wouldn't need to build it. That remains to be seen. For now it certainly has not been verified as a bullet proof powerhouse that will take a huge amount of boost and abuse.

[theseeker]

Just my 2 cents, but if you are having this much difficulty making a decision, stop now and save your money. No offense, but you appear to be picking fly sh*t out of the pepper.

[SteelTownStang]

While your “fundamental” question is not really fundamental due to the complexities and variations of the subtext, I will simply say... buy the Shelby- SVT Package notwithstanding.

[jmn444]

If you drive it like a honda civic, i'm betting it'll be plenty safe in any weather, if you floor it doing 60 in the rain, you might end up around a tree... not rocket science!

[mikejaeggi]

The first question I have for you is this; "Can you afford to flush $20k down the toilet?" 4 years ago, my answer was "Yes". After that, it becomes a MUCH easier decision

 

Next, there is nothing so special about the SVT PP car that would keep it from being a daily driver. You can still get a VERY cheap set of '07-'09 SVT 18x9.5 wheels to have a set of all season tires mounted for winter driving; ABSOLUTELY no reason. As long as the overall tire diameter is very close, you wouldn't even need to adjust the computer for proper speedometer readings. I got a set of four wheels for less than $500 shipped!

 

The new Mustang GT with the 5.0L engine is an awesome car, though. So make sure the extra dough doesn't mean more to you in the long run.

 

If you aren't comfortable with your decision, then you made the wrong decision.

 

one thing I have noticed while doing my coninuous online shelby searches as the new GTs can approach $50K very easily when you start to add on the optons so the cost difference on the GT500 SVT becomes somewhat minimal compared to what you get in return

[kb67]

The performance package makes the Gt500 a more well rounded car the modifications are for the most part the popular items ford offers from there performance catalog tire size isn't going to ruin the benefits of the package. The size difference may cause extra thought into tire replacement down the road but you already see that going with 19" front and back can be a option. If I was doing it I'd have no problem with it I'd plan for it and enjoy the car. The package is a good thing its warrantied modifications that many folks have done after purchase the tires sizes were adjusted to give you the best traction out back as possible. If you look around here you'll see alot of people have a similar setup to the performance package on their cars.

 

Drive both a new GT and a GT500 then decide feel what its like and see which appeals to you. Then decide which you enjoy driving more its as simple as that. Everything has pluses and minus's about it the performance package to me would be worth it if I got a new GT500 but thats just me.

[racin' randy]

Life is too short, don't over think this, just buy the GT500.

Racin' Randy

 

I’m deciding between GT and GT500. I’ve stared this decision in the face for so long that I’ve lost perspective. I’m truly lucky. I can afford either model and there’s no “bad” choice here. I’m even luckier because my decision can be entirely “want” based, but that hasn’t made choosing any easier for me and I’m even beyond losing sleep over it. I’d really appreciate a little dispassionate objectivity.

 

What scares me about GT500 pertains to the SVT Performance Package. Knowing the SVT Pack is what really makes the GT500 worth owning (versus GT) and so much benefit comes from the tires, it’s not just deselecting from the order sheet an option I don’t want. It fundamentally changes the car – and what makes GT500 worth spending $20K more to drive.

 

I live where there’s winter snow and the adjacent months tend to be crappy too. I never envisioned driving either during winter months, but a “warm weather” car and one that becomes dangerous when temperature drops or even a dusting of snow falls is an entirely different proposition.

 

I don’t want to forego the SVT Package. It’s really what makes the other $18K worth spending. And unless I’ve entirely misunderstood the facts and what others have written, the GT500 with SVT Package and the Goodyear F1 tires made for it are inseparable.

 

From what I’ve come to understand, because the Goodyear’s are the only tires that will fit the GT500’s 20”/19” wheel configuration, even if it were possible to stock a set of all-season or winter tires (i.e. pretty-much saving the F1’s for track and show), I’d have to be willing to buy a second set of SVT wheels to mount them to – and spend another $5,000 or so for the privilege.

 

I also have the impression that the SVT Package’s suspension set-up, ESC reprogramming and other adjustments virtually prohibits keeping a set of four regular 19” GT500 wheels and tires for “everyday” use. Although it certainly wouldn’t cheap, the wider variety of tire choices alone would lower the extra expense considerably.

 

I suppose I need to start by knowing whether or not what I believe is correct, and most dealers know very little. I’d appreciate anyone who can please confirm whether a GT500 with SVT Pack can accommodate a set of standard 19” GT500 wheels and all-season tires without needing to reconfigure the vehicle’s suspension, ESC and other systems.

 

I know that owning a GT500 (particularly with the SVT Pack that’s made to perform at the extreme boundaries of the performance envelope) requires the willingness to make a significant additional commitment well beyond the willingness to pay the higher purchase price. I also know that much of what makes the GT500/SVT so terrific comes with natural compromises in other areas (compared to a GT’s ability to be a daily driver that’s capable of going fast, for example).

 

What I don’t know, because this would be my very first “dedicated” performance car, is whether or not I’m underestimating (or overestimating) everything additional that’s required which might, despite the GT500 being an indisputably better machine, make the GT a better personal choice for me.

 

I’d really appreciate any helpful guidance both with respect to my specific question about the SVT Package and tires and the experiences of those who faced the same decision.

 

Thanks in advance.