Does a R feel much different from a 2019+ GT350?

[Tomster]

It looks like we're in violent agreement. Since tires are such large component, I wasn't taking the time to elaborate on all the elements. But when comparing the R to the base 350, there's more to it than just tires. Unless you don't do the tires.

Yes, tires and wheels are a large component. Again, the other parts add up to the sum. Most are forgetting one of the other parts of the R, and that is the VIN. You can't buy that at a parts store. R resale values are much much higher than standard 350s. If you don't care about that, then I would start with tires, then wheels, then wing, then splitter, then springs, and then I'd go to the suspension and control.

I still think if you are going to do all that, you ought to just go buy an R.

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[dsiggi]

Yes, tires and wheels are a large component. Again, the other parts add up to the sum. Most are forgetting one of the other parts of the R, and that is the VIN. You can't buy that at a parts store. R resale values are much much higher than standard 350s. If you don't care about that, then I would start with tires, then wheels, then wing, then splitter, then springs, and then I'd go to the suspension and control.

I still think if you are going to do all that, you ought to just go buy an R.

Somebody buy this man a beer

 

[pilotgore]

Yes, tires and wheels are a large component. Again, the other parts add up to the sum. Most are forgetting one of the other parts of the R, and that is the VIN. You can't buy that at a parts store. R resale values are much much higher than standard 350s. If you don't care about that, then I would start with tires, then wheels, then wing, then splitter, then springs, and then I'd go to the suspension and control.

I still think if you are going to do all that, you ought to just go buy an R.

I respectfully disagree with part of this.
I’ve done springs & sway bars ($710), front splitter (knock off 350R but identical $670) , tires (consumable so shouldn’t really factor in,) haven’t needed to do a wing as I don’t need more rear downforce with the gurney, and corsa double helix resonator delete for $500. I’d say I’m coming out far ahead considering I paid $57,600 for my ‘19 with every option available 1/2020. My local ford dealer just offered $65,200 for the car last week with 7,200 track miles.

On the other hand, my friend sold his ‘19R for $80,000 with 3,200 track miles and non-original engine a few weeks ago. He paid $73,000 for his car.

My point I guess, is although there are some rare/early VIN’d R’s selling for big money at the moment at certain auctions, by in large I’d say our cars are following the general trend of the auto industry…. Supply constraints have driven up prices across the board. To say R values are “much much higher” is partially true… it’s because you paid a much much higher price for the car originally.

 

[Tomster]

it’s because you paid a much much higher price for the car originally.

Maybe some did, lol

 

[Egparson202]

Yes, tires and wheels are a large component. Again, the other parts add up to the sum. Most are forgetting one of the other parts of the R, and that is the VIN. You can't buy that at a parts store. R resale values are much much higher than standard 350s. If you don't care about that, then I would start with tires, then wheels, then wing, then splitter, then springs, and then I'd go to the suspension and control.

I still think if you are going to do all that, you ought to just go buy an R.

Of course you’re right. I guess I could have qualified my comments. I’m mainly trying to speak to the similarities and differences in feel between the GT350R and GT350. The differences are most pronounced in the early examples and not as much by 2019+.

As for the VIN, that’s a valid point but not specifically the topic of this thread.

And as always, once modding becomes part of the discussion, comparisons are really tough. Where do you draw the line? There’s no doubt that with enough mods there are any number of cars that will out-perform either of these cars.

 

[Tomster]

Of course you’re right. I guess I could have qualified my comments. I’m mainly trying to speak to the similarities and differences in feel between the GT350R and GT350. The differences are most pronounced in the early examples and not as much by 2019+.

As for the VIN, that’s a valid point but not specifically the topic of this thread.

And as always, once modding becomes part of the discussion, comparisons are really tough. Where do you draw the line? There’s no doubt that with enough mods there are any number of cars that will out-perform either of these cars.

Does the R feel different? Yes it does.

Costs to convert after the fact......

a set of used CF wheels, 12K. 2K for a set of cup2s. 4k for a used wing. 2K for a splitter. We are already up to 20K. and not close to being done.

Go to sell it and you won't get 20K more for it. You never get mods back. You'd have to replace all the parts and pieces and return it to stock and sell off the R parts.

Just buy the R

 

[stanglife]

I respectfully disagree with part of this.
I’ve done springs & sway bars ($710), front splitter (knock off 350R but identical $670) , tires (consumable so shouldn’t really factor in,) haven’t needed to do a wing as I don’t need more rear downforce with the gurney, and corsa double helix resonator delete for $500. I’d say I’m coming out far ahead considering I paid $57,600 for my ‘19 with every option available 1/2020. My local ford dealer just offered $65,200 for the car last week with 7,200 track miles.

On the other hand, my friend sold his ‘19R for $80,000 with 3,200 track miles and non-original engine a few weeks ago. He paid $73,000 for his car.

My point I guess, is although there are some rare/early VIN’d R’s selling for big money at the moment at certain auctions, by in large I’d say our cars are following the general trend of the auto industry…. Supply constraints have driven up prices across the board. To say R values are “much much higher” is partially true… it’s because you paid a much much higher price for the car originally.

Oh trust me, it's Rs across the board. No one I know paid much, if any over MSRP for Rs.

It's going to be hard to convince me and other R owners that it's so close stock for stock that the R wasn't valuable...that's all subjective..but I don't think there will be any minds changed there.

So if we're changing this conversation to values....and IF it's worth updating a 350 to or beyond R spec.. In the past, when the delta between them was less, I'd say no way. At this point, where Rs are selling for $15k+ over what the same year non-R is selling for... I say...it's still close but probably better/easier to keep what you have and go with the devil you know. If your option was to upgrade a 16-17 non R and the alternative is buying a 20R, the delta is going to be huge. To @Tomster point - how much do you spend...how close to an R in monetary investment would you be willing to go and then "not" have the R VIN. At some point, it's worth just upgrading....but the current market requires that the choice be made on a case by case basis, really.

 

[pilotgore]

Oh trust me, it's Rs across the board. No one I know paid much, if any over MSRP for Rs.

It's going to be hard to convince me and other R owners that it's so close stock for stock that the R wasn't valuable...that's all subjective..but I don't think there will be any minds changed there.

So if we're changing this conversation to values....and IF it's worth updating a 350 to or beyond R spec.. In the past, when the delta between them was less, I'd say no way. At this point, where Rs are selling for $15k+ over what the same year non-R is selling for... I say...it's still close but probably better/easier to keep what you have and go with the devil you know. If your option was to upgrade a 16-17 non R and the alternative is buying a 20R, the delta is going to be huge. To @Tomster point - how much do you spend...how close to an R in monetary investment would you be willing to go and then "not" have the R VIN. At some point, it's worth just upgrading....but the current market requires that the choice be made on a case by case basis, really.

I think we can all agree that the best mod/investment available is upgrading the nut behind the wheel.

 

[Tomster]

I think we can all agree that the best mod/investment available is upgrading the nut behind the wheel.

It depends upon the nut.

 

[Rev Happy]

Am I the only one who thinks what you got on an R over the standard GT350 for 12-13K was a good deal? As mentioned, the wheels alone are 20K. I think Ford eventually caught on when you look at the price difference from a base GT500 to a CFTP.

 

[Tractor Junk]

Am I the only one who thinks what you got on an R over the standard GT350 for 12-13K was a good deal? As mentioned, the wheels alone are 20K. I think Ford eventually caught on when you look at the price difference from a base GT500 to a CFTP.

Completely agree. Even with the ADM I paid for the R, I'd absolutely do it again.

 

[Egparson202]

Does the R feel different? Yes it does.

Costs to convert after the fact......

a set of used CF wheels, 12K. 2K for a set of cup2s. 4k for a used wing. 2K for a splitter. We are already up to 20K. and not close to being done.

Go to sell it and you won't get 20K more for it. You never get mods back. You'd have to replace all the parts and pieces and return it to stock and sell off the R parts.

Just buy the R

This response assumes the only path is to create an R replica. But it might make sense to consider another approach if a GT350 owner wants a similar feel and/or level of performance. Substantially similar handling can be achieved without stretching the imagination too far:

• Forged wheels that are only a few lb heavier can be had for much less than $12k. Dunno, maybe $5K.
• R-spec Cup2’s are not on back order. When it’s time for tires, the cost is a virtual wash. They’re grippier and lighter than FP-spec.
• Rear seat delete to save a few more pounds. $350
• Rear aero - add a Gurney flap to the factory swing -$150
• Front aero - lots of choices that don’t break the bank. $700
• Suspension - tons of choices here that will approximate the R suspension for $1000-1500 or do custom MR tuning with DSC Sport for maybe $1700
• Resonator delete - $100-700 depending on your preference.
  

When all that’s done (and don’t beat me up on exact details) we might have spent $8000 to move a GT350 from 99% of a GT350R to 99.9%. Will it feel exactly like an R? Nope. Will it feel amazing? Oh yeah.

Then if we want to, there’s another $8000-$12000 for driver coaching and seat time. And the driver will have the pleasure of knowing they’re faster in any car they drive from that point forward.

Maybe it’s just a matter of perspective. The approach outlined here is more about attaining ridiculous levels of performance and enjoying the driving experience than brand, status and value retention. A different kind of bragging rights I guess.

Whatever the case, we’re all blessed to be in a position to seriously consider any of this. Let’s all go for a drive! My plan is to take the Shelby out to VIR in 2 weeks. Hope the weather cooperates. And I hope to see some of you there.

 

[Mr. Maboomba]

Laguna Seca this weekend for me! And maybe a private test day (6 cars) at Thunderhill next week.

 

[Egparson202]

Laguna Seca this weekend for me! And maybe a private test day (6 cars) at Thunderhill next week.

You’re living right!

 

[DaveB]

Laguna Seca this weekend for me! And maybe a private test day (6 cars) at Thunderhill next
Laguna is definitely on my list!

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