GT500 owners...07-09 v 11+ question

redfirepearlgt

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Hey Guys,

I'm thinking the end of this season if not sooner I want to step into a GT500. The 13/14 is my favorite but a bit out my budget. That leaves the much less desirable looking but aluminum block 5.4 11/12 GT500 and my more preferable of the two body styles, the 07-09 GT500 to choose from.

Q: Is the lighter aluminum 5.4 engine in the 11/12 really that much of an advantage over the 07-09? We are talking 100 pounds lesson the front end on the11/12 vs the 07-09. Or does the difference in weight only look good on paper and in reality the 07-09 will transfer weight for traction purposes as well with a few suspension upgrades and a tire swap?

Q: With regard to the 07-09 is there one preferred year over the others? I understand that apparently there may have been an issue on the harmonic balancer on the 07 and that there were some clutch issues with regard to premature failure that was easily remedied with an aftermarket upgrade. Anything else major aside from the nationwide airbag recall?

Thanks. Any other input from GT500 owners would be appreciated. With a little luck the 19 GT500 will be released sooner than later and flood the market with 13/14 models hopefully lowering the price into my upper budget range LOL! Would be nice to have a Ruby Red 13/14 500.
 

702GT

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Not a GT500 owner, but like you I've been eyeballing the GT500 as my next toy. I'm in the same boat as far as the '13-'14 goes. Just too much price tag, and I'll never in my life buy another vehicle new off a dealer lot. My '08 was the first new car I ever bought, and will be the last. My preference in year is '07-'09. I just love that body style. However, the further up the years you go, the more toys and creature comforts you'll get on the interior. Which is also something to consider. Strictly from a performance aspect, aside from the weight reduction in the motor and a small bump in power, I still feel the '07-'09 is the better bang for the buck. The weight loss with the aluminum block is canceled out by the increased weight in safety features and components. I know the advertised curb weights show at least a 100lb difference, but it's more like 40-60lbs when you considered you're going for options. If you're buying strictly for performance, the year hardly matters as you're going to do what you need to do to it to suit your application, just pick the style you like that fits the budget. As far as comparing the years, 100lbs (if it holds up to specs) is worth .1 in the 1/4, stock for stock. I'm not even going to get into that, it's worth nothing to me. If you're concerned about the tenth of a second, throw some gears in the back and shed half second or better instead. Tires, suspension, ect.,. Hell just a pulley and a tune is beastly. You're talking about a car that eats rear tires and shits brake pads by design.

In regards to common flaws and issues, I've only seen the balancer issue in regards to running the car hard in track conditions. To be honest, an aftermarket balancer would be on my top priority list for mods, regardless of year. It's my personal belief that if it's going to be spun, blown, or both, it should have a performance damper. ATI is my go-to. Absolutely worth the money. But stock for stock, I don't hear of balancer issues with the later years. Haven't bothered to check part numbers on balancers, as I said it wouldn't matter to me, I wouldn't run OE anyway. (Not to say I lack confidence in OE, I've just experienced the aftermarket balancers for myself and feel it's what I prefer.)

Personally I would love to have a GT350, but same reason I can't look at '13/'14 GT500's, that price tag.

There was a thread here a while back regarding the '10 GT500. Often overlooked as it's kind of the bastard year, it's probably actually one of the best deals where you get prices akin to the '07-'09 but in the updated body style of the later S197's.

Personally, I'll go after whichever yields me the most bang for my buck, but I do prefer the interior and features of the later years. The price difference is often pretty close depending on how you discriminate milage. I honestly don't give a rats ass about resale value or what the car will be worth in 20-30 years. I get my hands on a GT500, I'm gonna drive it like a stole it from stkjock! As long as I can confirm the motor/blower/tranny are healthy, everything else is easy wrench turning. I won't blush away from a 100k/mi Cobra as long as the price is right and it's what I want.

OP, the 5.8 is a whole other beast. If it's what you really want, you should be patient and hunt it down. You won't enjoy any other GT500 if your heart is set on a '13/'14. Don't settle if you know what you really want. The one thing I'm really not looking forward to is registration and insurance on a GT500. Damn them all.
 

redfirepearlgt

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Insurance may be the only show stopper on the purchase. Hopefully over a decade with no tickets or accidents and my age will keep that under control.

I've got a 14 that makes about 540RWHP through an auto now. The 13 made 560RWHP with a similar setup through the "GIT-RAG" MT 82 manual. My 2005 Gt was my favorite. I miss it. Should have kept that car. It made just over 500 at the wheel. And like you my one new buying mistake was my 13GT...never again.

I never buy a car for resale value. I buy it to drive it. Entrance ramps on interstates are launch pads if you get the meaning. If I want a return on investment I'll look into precious metals, stocks, or land. I want a GT500 for its stock forged internals and larger displacement regardless of which model I end up with.

I don't see myself in an N/A setup again until I'm 80+ and maybe not even then. Boost is just too much fun regardless of how its made. Even have my wife in a 2.0 ecoboost Fusion SE now. As for 15+ I just don't really care for the front ends, but that's me.
 

mrt2you

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i have worked on and helped modify a LOT of gt500's.
i myself don't care for the later body style so it would be a 07-09 for me.

best bang for the $$ would be a 07-09 gt500 and some easy mods. it will be as fast or faster than the later 5.8 and you will save a few $$$.
mods would be a upgraded blower to the tvs 2.3 and pulley change. now that the 2.65 is out the 2.3 has been dropping in price. larger throttle body and cold air intake with a tune. and pull the motor and upgrade the rods. the rest of the internals will easily handle over 800 rwhp. the stock rods will handle that power level but they don't like to be reved past 6K rpm. if you have patience you can buy the upgraded 6 piston front and the rear 14" brakes for less then $1K. larger 19" wheels for $5-$600 to clear the larger brakes.
the above mods can be done for around $5-$6K if you shop well and can do the work yourself. added to a 07-09 gt500 bought well, they can be found in the low to mid $20's, you will have a as fast or possibly significantly faster car than the later model and be at least $10K richer than if you bought a 12-14 car, they seem to sell for $40-$50K..
 

redfirepearlgt

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^ you are correct on the 40-50k+ range for the 13/14 model. Thanks for the feedback. The weight reduction on the front end specifically has been my bigger focus, not the overall curb weight reduction. any weight reduced off the front results in better weight transfer to the rear. But it sounds like that really isn't a concern either. I love the 07-09 GT500. And thanks for pointing out the weakness in the connecting rods. I was under the impression that they were as durable as the 03/04 SVT Cobra 4.6 4V stock forged internals that guys are spinning up to 750-800 rear wheel on before having major bottom end concerns. Not sure what they are revving them to but 750-800 is impressive on those 03-04's.

I'd likely do the 2.3 TVS upgrade down the road after an initial pulley and tune on a factory setup got boring.
 

eighty6gt

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OP: what is your current car?

I understand the allure of the GT500 - but if you already have a 2013 GT, why not just upgrade it? Grab a forged, assembled shortblock, swap your stuff onto it, a 2.65 TVS, full 3" exhaust, and a T56 magnum XL w/mantic dual disc - seems like this would be a higher performing system for less money. 1000 hp (maybe a little less, block seems like the limited factor,) lots of tq down low.

Just add some enormous wheels and tires.
 

702GT

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I'm not saying it can't or shouldn't be done, but typically a stroker motor (such as the 5.4) isn't designed to be a high reving motor, even though the heads allow it. The angles and tension the rods have to contend with at high rpm make it understandable to be a weak point at high rpm. Regardless, with a PD, the juice is in the mid range and the stock bottom is happy to handle it. I'd rather be shifting into the thick of the torque curve than into the trailing end of it, anyway. That's just me. The B head 4.6 is a great example of a rev-happy 4v configuration. I don't think it's a fair example to compare the 4.6 4v C head against the 5.4 4v GT500 in terms of rod strength. The geometry isn't the same. Even though you gain easy cu.i. with a stroker kit, doesn't make it a proper high rpm motor. The heads make it possible for power at high rpm, not the internal geometry. Square is best. Big bore is better. Stroker is when you're scraping the last bit of cubic inch you can. Just my opinion. Though there's a lot more stroke left in the 5.4.
 

redfirepearlgt

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OP: what is your current car?

I understand the allure of the GT500 - but if you already have a 2013 GT, why not just upgrade it? Grab a forged, assembled shortblock, swap your stuff onto it, a 2.65 TVS, full 3" exhaust, and a T56 magnum XL w/mantic dual disc - seems like this would be a higher performing system for less money. 1000 hp (maybe a little less, block seems like the limited factor,) lots of tq down low.

Just add some enormous wheels and tires.

Its a modified 14GT A6. 2300 TVS. Running 9-10psi and hitting the traps last year best of 10.83@131. Best overall was year before 10.82@130. The stall converter went in last week. Track may have finally opened for the first time last night. Winter is fighting spring to hang on around our parts this year. Usually have made it to a TT event by now. So I have no idea what the stall will do. It may hook and go or blow the 275/60/15's right off. Hard to say, but I'll find out soon enough. Hopfully the WOT rshift points won't be so far off it bangs off the limiter either without a tweek. Also going to step up to some larger FI's and drop from an 82mm to a 79mm pulley for a little more uuumpf. Not a lot but just a little bit more. Don't really wish to go much past that 600RWHP number. Don't really need more than that on a stock short block.

I've thought about just doing an aluminator block but again miss having that gear stabber in my hand. Never thought I would say that but here I am three seasons later with my auto and missing the feel of a white ball shift knob.

I'd just like to have a GT500 as my next Mustang. I'm looking more for something just to cruise and have fun in. Just wanted something I could tweek up a bit. Everything needs a little tweeking.
 

eighty6gt

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Guy would sell the tr6060 setup in the classifieds for 1800.
 

Sky Render

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Didn't you just do a bunch of stuff to your '13 GT? Why do you want to get rid of it all of a sudden?
 

redfirepearlgt

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Didn't you just do a bunch of stuff to your '13 GT? Why do you want to get rid of it all of a sudden?

Assume this is to me. It's a 14. The previous car was a 13. I've done a few things to it this year. Haven't ordered the injectors and pulley yet as I have decided to first see how the car performs with just the converter (and get that dialed in) before adding more power so I don't compound any potential problems.If it does as well as I think, they will be running me off the track after 3 passes for not having a roll bar. So no point in more power then anyway.

The local track owner here has built a circular dirt track in very close proximity to the strip. No idea yet how this is going to effect the track surface of the strip or the air conditions with all of the additional dust potential that could arise from this. So if that addition effects safety/performance and attendance with the probable diminished air quality, the luster of going to the track will be gone.

I don't have an issue with the circular track, only its location with respect to the the strip since it is dirt. If it were asphalt it would be no big deal. Looking at the situation as glass half empty. Many of the big hitter's that race there every year have equal concerns. Guess we will see how it turns out.

I'm not getting younger either. And retirement is getting closer (still some time but will be here before I know it) and high school graduation just keeps getting more and more distant. I'd like to own a GT500 before I retire while I can still swing a used one. IF I can time it correctly the GT500 will be the last Mustang purchase I see making in this life. May as well a GT500. I guess some of it is also the second child hood coming out in me. Some guys buy a Corvette, some guys buy boats, some guys dump their wives for a 'twinkie' with a set of bolt ons. All three are more than I want or wish to afford. So I think I want a gently used GT500 in the near future. Can't afford the new one, but a nice clean used 07-09 or possibly a 13/14 if I get lucky and the 19 GT500 release brings the resell value of the 13/14 down in a few months.

I start looking for a change in car about a year or so before I actually ever pull the trigger. I don't get in a hurry.
 

Gabe

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I think the $100k '19 GT500 will actually bring the prices of older GT500's up, not down.
People won't be able to afford a new one but will still want a GT500.
And the $100k price ... well that's just what I think it will be, with dealer mark-up added in.
I won't be surprised to see them marked up even to $125k.
Pissed, but not surprised.
 

Pentalab

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Assume this is to me. It's a 14. The previous car was a 13. I've done a few things to it this year. Haven't ordered the injectors and pulley yet as I have decided to first see how the car performs with just the converter (and get that dialed in) before adding more power so I don't compound any potential problems.If it does as well as I think, they will be running me off the track after 3 passes for not having a roll bar. So no point in more power then anyway.

The local track owner here has built a circular dirt track in very close proximity to the strip. No idea yet how this is going to effect the track surface of the strip or the air conditions with all of the additional dust potential that could arise from this. So if that addition effects safety/performance and attendance with the probable diminished air quality, the luster of going to the track will be gone.

I don't have an issue with the circular track, only its location with respect to the the strip since it is dirt. If it were asphalt it would be no big deal. Looking at the situation as glass half empty. Many of the big hitter's that race there every year have equal concerns. Guess we will see how it turns out.

I'm not getting younger either. And retirement is getting closer (still some time but will be here before I know it) and high school graduation just keeps getting more and more distant. I'd like to own a GT500 before I retire while I can still swing a used one. IF I can time it correctly the GT500 will be the last Mustang purchase I see making in this life. May as well a GT500. I guess some of it is also the second child hood coming out in me. Some guys buy a Corvette, some guys buy boats, some guys dump their wives for a 'twinkie' with a set of bolt ons. All three are more than I want or wish to afford. So I think I want a gently used GT500 in the near future. Can't afford the new one, but a nice clean used 07-09 or possibly a 13/14 if I get lucky and the 19 GT500 release brings the resell value of the 13/14 down in a few months.

I start looking for a change in car about a year or so before I actually ever pull the trigger. I don't get in a hurry.


I thought you got booted off the track if you went faster than 11.5 secs ??
 

redfirepearlgt

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I thought you got booted off the track if you went faster than 11.5 secs ??

NHRA official ruling yes. For some reason I have only been told to "keep it slower than 11.00" one time at this local track when I ran two back to back 10.8x passes within close proximity in late 2016. All last year they said nothing and I ran more sub 11 passes than the year prior.

At another track up north of us where I know they are more strict I have run back to back 10.8x passes and they have said nothing to me at all. Yet a friend in front of me running low 10's got pulled to inspect he had a roll bar in place on the pass right in front of me that day (he has an 04 Cobra built to the gills). Don't know if its how they are interpereting that odd ball rule that technically does not apply to my setup, or if they are just being easy on me because the car leaves straight and makes no real fuss through the traps other than post that sub 11.50 ET at less than 135. Bowling green never commented either and all of my passes there were 10's (but one) during NMRA true street in 2016. I'm guessing something will be said however if the car hooks and goes on this stall converter this year and the car makes a 10.7x or possibly 10.6x with some nice air and a low 1.5x 60 ft.
 

redfirepearlgt

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I think the $100k '19 GT500 will actually bring the prices of older GT500's up, not down.
People won't be able to afford a new one but will still want a GT500.
And the $100k price ... well that's just what I think it will be, with dealer mark-up added in.
I won't be surprised to see them marked up even to $125k.
Pissed, but not surprised.

With my luck you are probably right.
 

Gabe

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NHRA official ruling yes. For some reason I have only been told to "keep it slower than 11.00" one time at this local track when I ran two back to back 10.8x passes within close proximity in late 2016. All last year they said nothing and I ran more sub 11 passes than the year prior.

At another track up north of us where I know they are more strict I have run back to back 10.8x passes and they have said nothing to me at all. Yet a friend in front of me running low 10's got pulled to inspect he had a roll bar in place on the pass right in front of me that day (he has an 04 Cobra built to the gills). Don't know if its how they are interpereting that odd ball rule that technically does not apply to my setup, or if they are just being easy on me because the car leaves straight and makes no real fuss through the traps other than post that sub 11.50 ET at less than 135. Bowling green never commented either and all of my passes there were 10's (but one) during NMRA true street in 2016. I'm guessing something will be said however if the car hooks and goes on this stall converter this year and the car makes a 10.7x or possibly 10.6x with some nice air and a low 1.5x 60 ft.

I thought the rules were that anything 2008 and newer with side airbags can run as low as a 10.0 without a cage
 

redfirepearlgt

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I thought the rules were that anything 2008 and newer with side airbags can run as low as a 10.0 without a cage

I was under this impression as well, but had someone on the site correct me on my interpretation of the NHRA ruling as well last year. Pretty certain that there is a clause in there that also requires the vehicle to remain stock aside from allowing for a DR to be used over a stock street tire for traction purposes. The rules may have changed again after my last inquiry about it.
 

Gabe

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I was under this impression as well, but had someone on the site correct me on my interpretation of the NHRA ruling as well last year. Pretty certain that there is a clause in there that also requires the vehicle to remain stock aside from tire selection allowing a DR to be used for traction purposes. Then again the rules may have since changes again after my last inquiry about it.

Now that you mention that, a friend of mine was given a bunch of crap for running 10's in his Roush-blown '11 GT ... he thought he'd be OK to 10.0 too, but because the blower wasn't factory-installed, he was given crap
 

NjsGT

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Hey Guys,

I'm thinking the end of this season if not sooner I want to step into a GT500. The 13/14 is my favorite but a bit out my budget. That leaves the much less desirable looking but aluminum block 5.4 11/12 GT500 and my more preferable of the two body styles, the 07-09 GT500 to choose from.

Q: Is the lighter aluminum 5.4 engine in the 11/12 really that much of an advantage over the 07-09? We are talking 100 pounds lesson the front end on the11/12 vs the 07-09. Or does the difference in weight only look good on paper and in reality the 07-09 will transfer weight for traction purposes as well with a few suspension upgrades and a tire swap?

Q: With regard to the 07-09 is there one preferred year over the others? I understand that apparently there may have been an issue on the harmonic balancer on the 07 and that there were some clutch issues with regard to premature failure that was easily remedied with an aftermarket upgrade. Anything else major aside from the nationwide airbag recall?

Thanks. Any other input from GT500 owners would be appreciated. With a little luck the 19 GT500 will be released sooner than later and flood the market with 13/14 models hopefully lowering the price into my upper budget range LOL! Would be nice to have a Ruby Red 13/14 500.
Only the 07 had issues. The clutch and balancer. The balancer was massively heavy and at high hp could damage the crank. So I would go with a 08 or newer. As far as weight, it’s 75lbs heavier for a 07-09. 2010’s were the pigs of the bunch. Other than that a TVS swap and fuel you’re easily at 13-14 power levels.
I’m at 717whp with a TVS, 2.5 upper 10% lower on a 08
 

Gabe

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The clutch issue afftected some 2008 and 2009 cars too.
My wife's '08 still had the crappy clutch in it when she bought it in '13 with about 40k on it.
We got it replaced under the TSB and the extended warranty that came with the car.

The '07 balancer, easy enough to upgrade to the '08+ piece or an aftermarket.

I'd have no worries about any GT500, kinda wish I bought a used '07-'09 when I was looking for a Mustang back in '12
 

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