If you could build it all over again?

[MrMike]

No Torsen for me, ever. That swap isn't for the beginner.

Swapping a new gear set is easier than swapping the Torsen? Dear god, I guess that's why people say to get a whole pumpkin?

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[WildHorse]

Swapping a new gear set is easier than swapping the Torsen?

Dunno. Should have clarified that I'm not a fan of the Torsen diff.

 

[Hack]

It's not that bad to set up a rear diff. There are some specialized tools. Of course I've only done it on a 9 inch, so I don't have direct experience with the super 8.8, but it's not that bad. It's way easier than rebuilding a transmission or engine. It mostly takes patience and the ability to follow instructions. But it's a real PITA to pull the pumpkin from an S550. It's a lot of work and I wouldn't do it unless I couldn't see any other way around it.

 

[MrMike]

It's not that bad to set up a rear diff. There are some specialized tools. Of course I've only done it on a 9 inch, so I don't have direct experience with the super 8.8, but it's not that bad. It's way easier than rebuilding a transmission or engine. It mostly takes patience and the ability to follow instructions. But it's a real PITA to pull the pumpkin from an S550. It's a lot of work and I wouldn't do it unless I couldn't see any other way around it.

I've seen plenty of guides for how to swap the pumpkin and that doesn't make me too nervous. It's re-building the diff completely because if I mess it up there's pretty big consequences unless I have a spare sitting around. Then I have to do all that work dropping everything and putting it back together.

I'm assuming the hardest part is getting the axles out and in having never done that before, and lining up the driveshaft.

I'm not worried about the subframe or working around in there after doing shocks/springs.

I feel like if I was going to the trouble to take this all apart, I'd swap in GT350 half shafts and new hubs.

 

[WildHorse]

But it's a real PITA to pull the pumpkin from an S550. It's a lot of work and I wouldn't do it unless I couldn't see any other way around it.

Really ? I had the opposite experience. Took me around 2 hours to remove it.

 

[Farkel]

While I saved up the $$ to pay cash for mine I spent about two years planning and reading all the pros and cons on this forum. Between the way I ordered it and the things I added/changed, I couldn't be happier. Three years later I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[Silver Bullitt]

I ordered my 2018 PP2 with 301A, Active Exhaust, and cloth Recaros in Lightning Blue. I wouldn’t change a thing. Only basic mods I’ve done are swapping out the Cup 2’s for a little more streetable tire, Steeda hood struts, Steeda jacking rails, JLT passenger side catch can, Steeda H-pipe, 30% ceramic tint, McGard lug nuts, 2 1/8” round shift knob, Uniden R3, and WeatherTech liners. No current plans for anything else.

 

[Balr14]

I would have got a rear end with gears in the 3:55 range and all black wheels. I had given serious thought to a supercharger on several occasions, but I'm glad I didn't go that route. It's way more power than I could ever use on suburban boulevards.

 

[shogun32]

I've seen plenty of guides for how to swap the pumpkin and that doesn't make me too nervous.

I've got 2 full pumpkins with 3.73 gears if you're near VA.

 

[MrMike]

I've got 2 full pumpkins with 3.73 gears if you're near VA.

How the heck did you end up with 2 extra? Unfortunately VA is a bit of a hike, appreciate it though.

 

[Hack]

Really ? I had the opposite experience. Took me around 2 hours to remove it.

I probably just have to "man up" a little more. I remember I bought a better crow bar, because what I had was not working for getting the axles to pop out. And then all the rear suspension disassembly and reassembly was annoying to me as well. I guess I'm spoiled from working on stick axle cars.

Back on the OP's topic: there were some really stupid things I did on my 1970 convertible years ago - like rebuilding the 250 straight six. What a dummy. I was shocked at how much extra power a high mileage 80s roller cam 302 had vs. the 6 once I finally spent a few dollars for that swap.

I think most of the mods on my 1970 that I regretted the most were things I did because I'm super cheap and hate to spend money. I should have saved up and bought the best quality stuff available instead.

 

[gone_n_60]

While I saved up the $$ to pay cash for mine I spent about two years planning and reading all the pros and cons on this forum. Between the way I ordered it and the things I added/changed, I couldn't be happier. Three years later I wouldn't change a thing.

This is close to my case, other than the cash. I joined this forum, asked lots of questions, spent about 2 years test driving, looking over the options, reading opinions here. I finally was ready to order a new GT in 2021 but was trolling used at the same time. I knew I was getting a convertible, but wanted to track it too, picked Magneride, PP1, option group 401A, active exhaust so I would have all the goods I wanted. As it happened I found 2 2020 GT convertibles in my color (had decided on Twister Orange) both under 8K miles with every option I wanted. Seemed silly to order new when I could skip paying an extra $7 to $10 and get one barely used. Still lovin' it. Only change I'd make is to add another Mustang, LOL!

 

[Ogopogo]

Same here. My buddy has a similar spec’d stang as me except for magneride. HUGE DIFFERENCE

I would have gotten Magneride as well on my GT

 

[Joesruby18gt]

Nothing differently period! Bought my 18 GT Premium package with a manual, recaros, black trim, digital dash, and active exhaust in 2019 for $32,500 (MSRP sticker $49,000). Was a corporate car with 8,700 miles. Mods I’ve done include K/N intake (didn’t want to void the warranty), Ford Performance (FP) X-pipe, FP strut tower brace, FP hood struts, FP HP wheels with staggered Nitto NT 555 G2 street radials (275F and 305R), and some aesthetics. Don’t plan on any major engine or suspension mods. Very happy with it the way it looks and performs now, but maybe looking at a more aggressive rear spoiler, well see? See before after pics.

 

[Seanuf99]

I've got 2 full pumpkins with 3.73 gears if you're near VA.

If you are road tripping through St Louis throw one in the trunk.

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