I want to go back to a s197, anybody feel the same?

I've got a buddy of mine that runs SpecMustang in the SCCA (ThunderHill, MRLS, etc)..and their cars are mandated to have the Cortex Racing Xtreme Grip Race series suspension.

However, the street version which is tamer is also readily available. I asked Cortex based on their results which is the superior handling car. They indicated that right now the S197 with a 4 link rear end, watts link, torque arm and other modifications is superior to the S550 with the same amount of work.

Take that as you will.

I've got a few mods left for my '08 that have been sitting there waiting for me to finish up a couple of other projects.

What I'm really hoping can happen is that I get to run against either an EB or sixxer S550 at a track day just to see where I stand after this long, strange trip.


Norm

1320' said:

However, the street version which is tamer is also readily available. I asked Cortex based on their results which is the superior handling car. They indicated that right now the S197 with a 4 link rear end, watts link, torque arm and other modifications is superior to the S550 with the same amount of work.

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Which is it? Can't be both and have a suspension that actually . . . moves without trying to tear itself loose from the rest of the car.

Be like riding a jackhammer over any bad road.


Norm

Clink said:

Only if it's into a '13-14 GT500 w/Glass Roof and PP + TP + NAV + Recaros

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Mine almost fits your criteria lol

1320' said:

.... I asked Cortex based on their results which is the superior handling car. They indicated that right now the S197 with a 4 link rear end, watts link, torque arm and other modifications is superior to the S550 with the same amount of work.
....

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Interesting...but I think we have to assume that this is more due to 12 years of development with the S197 rather than any shortcoming of the S550, no?

MRGTX said:

Interesting...but I think we have to assume that this is more due to 12 years of development with the S197 rather than any shortcoming of the S550, no?

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They didn't go much into detail..privacy reasons I'm guessing.

My problem with the base S550 GT stang, it is supposed to be fords
premier sports car, right?? Why does it handle and brake worse than
fords midsize sedan? (personally, I though GT brakes were better, but
don't shoot the messenger)

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/ford-fusion-titanium-20l-ecoboost-awd-test-review

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-ford-mustang-gt-automatic-test-review

Yes, the Stang test is the base susp (only way auto comes)
and wheels/tires. So what, the fusion suspension is much softer
and nicer riding and they both use 235 tires on 18" rims. Fusion
also only uses single piston front brakes (and smaller brakes on
both ends overall).

That is not acceptable to me and should not be for ford. Any version
mustang should handle and brake better than any "normal" car
ford produces.

So I have to spend 10 grand to get into an S550, and then spend more
money just to get it to outhandle my slow, lumbering (not really,
suspension is excellent) daily driver??

Nukem501 said:

Mine almost fits your criteria lol

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That's beautiful man, seriously I think that might be my next move if the Glass Roof doesn't come out on a new Mach 1 or future model. I don't think I'd get black since my '13 GT was, but if one came along with all the options I most likely would since it's not a daily. I found a one owner Sterling Grey/red stripes with everything, roughly 2300 miles for $52k......so.damn.tempted.

Tony Alonso said:

I have a full set of those 19" wheels sitting in my basement if you want to buy them :-) It would be fun to get into a GT350 too!

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I already bough those 5 spoke rims. I just need to paint them in gunmetal. Thanks though.

Miss mine. Similar mods to both but the black one felt like it was on rails. It was less compliant, a little more raw, and I liked that.. The interior, especially the center console/radio area and steering wheel, were pretty ugly. That and some d*ck putting a baseball sized dent on the front of my hood drove me to the 2015 later that month.

Newer one is a little "mushier" all around like it put on the freshman 15 but it's more of a "car" than the 2012; yes, I know it's heavier and it feels like it. It may have 50+hp more than the previous one but doesn't "feel" as fast. 2015 is more fast car where the 2012 was more muscle car. 2015+ interior for the win.

What were your mods on the 12? Are those real RTR wheels?

I don't miss the interior rattles at all......Spent hundreds on dynamat and it still wasn't as quiet as my car now. I used to hate the S550 but it has grown on me and the S197 looks boxy and old. Never thought I'd say that

MRGTX said:

What were your mods on the 12? Are those real RTR wheels?

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[MENTION=17295]MRGTX[/MENTION] No, they're 18" charcoal AMRs.

Koni Yellows, LMR progressives, steeda competition sway bar kit, steeda street adj PHB, steeda triax, steeda shifter bracket, GT500 brakes, and an axle back. I still have all parts except the PHB stored, if you're interested in any of it PM me.

Clink said:

That's beautiful man, seriously I think that might be my next move if the Glass Roof doesn't come out on a new Mach 1 or future model. I don't think I'd get black since my '13 GT was, but if one came along with all the options I most likely would since it's not a daily. I found a one owner Sterling Grey/red stripes with everything, roughly 2300 miles for $52k......so.damn.tempted.

Click to expand...

I for sure wanted the glass roof but this was to good a opportunity to pass up... since it literally had everything else. It had 6606 miles and I was able to snag it for $49k last May.

They didn't make too many Sterling Grey so it would be unique , I'm personally a glutton for punishment so went with black... but nothing (imo) looks better when clean than black (but there lies the problem)

I like the s550 a lot especially the interior, but the s197 just has its own thing that I dig.

Mines still stock at the moment outside cosmetic changes, kinda took inspiration from the 350R with the red emblems so took them off and painted em. Looking to do a few basic mods later in the year when money isn't tied up elsewhere... exhaust is #1

I have owned:

1965
1967
1968
1978
2008
2015

The current '15 GT is my favorite of all. They all had something very special....especially that '67. It had the full Pony package with overhead console, molded door panels, wood steering wheel. The steering wheel would swing away just like the T-bird when opening the door .... COOL!

But the S550 is just so far ahead of them all. It's definitely a world class sports car.

I am sitting at the dealer now for service. Looking across the room at a Shelby. But, that is out of my price range......just too much for a depreciable item. But, man, it sure looks good.

So, other than the '65 I had, I don't think I'd swap my S550 for any other 'stang. ( Well, maybe a mint condition '69 Boss!!)