Quote:
Originally Posted by DevilsReject97
I'm just trying to understand why you would want a 13/14 GT 500 aside from the power? That platform really underperformed and it was constantly heatsoaked even after about 2-3 laps compared to the 5th gen Z/28 in a 3 lap road course race.
While I've not personally owned the GT500, I've ridden/driven several and have many friends with modded S197 GTs.
Truthfully, I can certainly understand perhaps regretting the 1LE just because it's more road course oriented versus a drag style car. Is that what you're looking for here?
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Hey thanks for asking. I'll start by saying I currently have at minimum 3 road course days planned/booked for this year. I just got through break in so I have not done any in my current car. If I were to get a GT500 it definitely would not be roadcoursed. I am aware that it is a terrible platform for that.
I am regretting the 1LE a little bit for two reasons:
1) It's my first new car. I am very easily affording it however I feel like I bet "wrong" and a new car was not the smart way to go. Originally when used cars went up in value I predicted that they would fall by mid to late 2023. Unfortunately at some point last year I decided my prediction would be incorrect and that the market would stay as is. Well turns out my original prediction was correct. The market is now really low on my car (all used cars). Had I waited I could have purchased a used 6th Gen ZL1. I've never been one to eat the depreciation on a new car so that is why I am considering getting rid of the car if I can find a buyer willing to meet my price.
2) Last week I somehow remembered being blown away by the torque of my first 6th gen SS I owned. That car actually got me into roadcoursing because of how damn good this platform is at that. Of course me being a car guy I am now used to the LT1. I thought I would be okay buying a car that isn't an upgrade in a straight line but I was wrong. I want that feeling again of being blown away by the torque of the car I'm driving. I always felt the 1LE is underpowered. The chassis is so good GM did this car wrong by not giving this car another 50 - 100 hp. GM guys can hate Ford all they want but this is something Ford kicks GM's ass at. The boss 302, GT350, Mach 1, Dark Horse are all handling specialty Mustangs that received a HP bump. The 1LE and Grandsport just have the base V8 with no power added.
I thought about modding but I've seen too many issues with modded cars on this forum. I just feel like if I were to get back into modding cars again the Ford platforms are 10000% easier to make power out of and more reliable (GT350 aside).
I seem to be really craving more power AND the muscle car feeling again. The 6th gen camaro is sooo good there's just no drama when you plant your foot. It just hooks up and goes. I kinda like the s197's nature to spin the wheels a bunch before it goes haha. I miss the muscle car feeling I guess.
I also acknowledge that I'll probably get used to the GT500's HP but I'd only be a pulley swap away from 100 more HP. I may forget craving more power after my first track day in June because of how magical this platform with the FE4 suspension is but if used prices rise back up in spring it will be very hard for me not to list my car for sale. With the GT500, I know the only depreciation that car will see is due to miles as I don't believe that car will go down in price any further due to its age. I only drive my fun cars about 3-4k miles a year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by silversleeper
I can't answer that but I might offer a suggestion if you are in that market you might look into a 5th gen ZL1. I was mostly focused on one of those but then I decided on reliability and abilities and market prices it was a better option. If you are set on the Mustang then other things won't influence your decision.
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Thank you for the suggestion but I always preferred the S197's to the 5th Gen ZL1. They have better power to weight ratios and the platform I feel is more muscle car like than the zeta platform is in Zl1 form. That's not a knock by the way as I'm implying the zeta platform in zl1 form is a better handling sports car than the S197 GT500.