Mach 1 vs GT Premium PP1 (401A) + Mods vs GT350 — Cost/Value Question from a Former PP1 Owner

[GregR]

I’m looking for input from members who’ve owned these cars and/or have real seat time and real-world cost experience (not just spec-sheet comparisons).

Background:
I previously owned a 2019 GT Premium PP1 (401A, 6-speed). It was already tastefully modded by the previous owner when I bought it:

1. Long tube headers
2. High-flow cats
3. Borla ATAK cat-back (no active exhaust — sounded great but was honestly too loud for me)
4. Lowering springs
5. Cold air intake
6. Short throw shifter
7. Probably a few other things I’m forgetting
8. Previous owner installed a Mach 1 front bumper as well, which I really liked and it got a lot of attention.
9. I installed a tune
10. Recaro seats from the factory

That car was a blast, but it was also “already done,” and there wasn’t much left to tinker with.

What I want now:
Weekend/fun car — something I’ll clean, take to shows, and tinker with. I might start tracking the car (HPDE) even though I’ve never tracked before, so I could do it once or twice and decide it’s not for me.

The decision:
I’m trying to decide whether it makes more sense (from a cost + performance foundation standpoint) to:

1. Buy another S550 GT Premium PP1 (401A) and build it “right,” or
2. Just buy a Mach 1, or
3. Stretch to a GT350 (even though it’s more money up front)

My cost/value question:
If you price this out realistically, it seems like a GT can quickly eat up the price gap once you do the “big ticket” items:
Exhaust alone can be real money (Borla cat-back pricing is ~mid-$2k range before install/tax).

Brembo 6-piston front brake upgrade kits are roughly $1.6k–$1.8k (again before install). If you want the Tremec feel, swaps aren’t cheap — I’ve seen estimates like $6–7k in parts plus ~another $2k labor for a Tremec-type swap.

And that’s before you start chasing track cooling, tires/wheels, alignment, etc.
Meanwhile, the Mach 1 already comes with a lot of the “track-ready foundation” stuff (coolers, chassis bits, etc.), and guys often summarize the differences as oil cooler, trans cooler, diff cooler, Shelby-derived subframes/suspension bits, brake cooling, etc.

Questions for people who’ve actually lived with these:

1. From a real-world standpoint, is a Mach 1 basically the smarter buy vs building a GT PP1 “the right way” once you add up costs?
2. If you’ve owned a Mach 1 and GT350, is the GT350 worth the extra money for a weekend car that may only see light track use?
3. If your use case is mostly street/weekend/show + “maybe HPDE,” which route is the best balance of cost, fun, and resale?

I’m not trying to start a trim war — I’m trying to avoid spending GT350 money building a GT when I could’ve just bought the better starting point.

Appreciate any real ownership experiences and cost breakdowns.

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[allfivefifty]

Greg, I was in the same situation as you about a 1.5 year ago. I decided on the M1 over the other two options for the following reasons:
1. Primary use of car was for HPDE.
2. Risk of voodoo reliability and cost to replace.
3. Labor cost have gone too high to upgrade the GT for M1 bolt-ons... when you exclude labor the difference wasn't much(plus down time) .

Depending on how you weigh those you can come to a different conclusion.

 

[GregR]

Greg, I was in the same situation as you about a 1.5 year ago. I decided on the M1 over the other two options for the following reasons:
1. Primary use of car was for HPDE.
2. Risk of voodoo reliability and cost to replace.
3. Labor cost have gone too high to upgrade the GT for M1 bolt-ons... when you exclude labor the difference wasn't much(plus down time) .

Depending on how you weigh those you can come to a different conclusion.

Thank you, this is exactly what I need/want to hear.

 

[sakman84]

I have driven all trims of the S550, base GT, GT PP1, Mach 1, GT350. I'm value conscious as well. On questions of "is it worth it?" the big lines of demarcation are going to be track driving, and then HOW MIUCH track driving you will do.

If you are going to track, there is no question, the Mach 1 is a much better platform to start with and gives you more value. The biggest thing is the diff and oil coolers. You NEED those for track days. The GT has always been under equipped for track duty, including the PP cars. You NEED the diff cooler, nothing is worse than a whole track day ruined because you are pitting after two hot laps while you are just getting into the grove of things.

Regular Mach 1s are great casual track cars, but if you are tracking several times a year the greater degree of front camber adjustments via camber plates from the HP cars is welcome.


The brakes of PP cars and M1s are noticeably better. S550 is a heavy car and I love the brakes on the Mach 1.

The Tremec isn't just about "feel", the ratios are better. The ratios in the MT82D4 are too tall, most agree with this. The older versions of the MT82 in the S197s had the better shorter ratios. I had two S197s, one had an excellent MT82, the other not so much. Quality is hit and miss on MT82. MT82s require less precision to drive and are more forgiving on lazy/sloppy shifts.

MagneRide is awesome, I wouldn't purchase any trim without it. In later S550 years Ford forced you into buying the PP1 to be allowed the additional MagneRide option. This sucked for those who wanted a V8 and more comfortable ride quality but were not interested in track driving. Adding MR really improves ride quality, I test drove two GT PPs back to back with and without MagneRide it was a big difference in comfort. But the PP1/PP2 cars still lacked the diff cooler which is unforgivable for track use.

I share the opinion with many that the M1 has superior handling and ride quality feel compared to the GT and GT PP cars. Whether its the MagneRide calibration, or the GT500 rear toe links, or combination of the two, the M1 inspires more driving confidence in spirited driving and at the limit. It also seems to marginally handle rough pavement better in the "normal" drive setting compared to GTs with MagneRide . Base GTs can feel floaty at times, less so with the PP cars, and virtually eliminated in Mach 1.

If you track more than 4 or 5 times a years, then look at the Shelby. Its a much better track tool but it does come with sacrifices on the street. The suspension is firm and the torque curves and power band are way more suited to track driving than street use. Everyone has different tolerances for this, so only by driving one will you know.

I compared trims quite a bit and this post might help you decide which way to go.
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...d-mach-1-vs-gt350-gt-etc.165163/#post-3360422

Here is my track report for a Non HP M1. I have tracked a few more times since then at different places, but th overall assessment stays the same.
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...in-the-west-non-hp-a-viable-track-car.169012/


Go drive a Mach 1 and report back your thoughts.

 

[BlkMach10510]

What I want now:
Weekend/fun car — something I’ll clean, take to shows, and tinker with. I might start tracking the car (HPDE) even though I’ve never tracked before, so I could do it once or twice and decide it’s not for me.

A Mach 1 can do all of that for you and you can upgrade its parts that you want to focus on easy.

 

[GregR]

Any feedback | Comments on automatic versus manual for the track? I love a manual, I love shifting, but I have read where the automatics have caught up.

And the Recaro seats, my 2019 had them, loved them, except for longer trips. I am tall, and they were uncomfortable on longer trips. Are they a must-have for the track?

 

[V8Platty]

I own a '21 Mach 1 HP manual, which I have driven hard, and pushed handling and braking to the limits to find where they were. This is an incredibly capable car right out of the box. I had an '18 GT PP1 manual with MagneRide, which itself was pretty impressive, but the Mach 1 kind of blows it away in turn in, shifting, gearing, handling, and braking. And the Mach 1 is track ready, whereas the GT PP1 isn't.

Then there's the GT350. I have driven them, lusted after them, and will admit that if you are driving it the way it was meant to be driven, keeping the RPMs up, and carrying speed further into the turn before threshold breaking, and using the added horsepower to come out faster and build speed quicker, it has small edge over the Mach 1 HP.

I did not own the GT350, so my seat time was limited. It is a stunningly beautiful example of what the S550 can be. But, its engine is a bit more specialized and requires an owner that pays attention to maintenance and immediately addresses any potential warning signs.

If you are not driving the GT350 like you're on a track, and driving it like you are supposed to drive on the street, even in a spirited way, you may very well find that the Mach 1 with the Coyote V8 and its higher torque at lower RPMs makes for a much more entertaining street car, especially with its well chosen gear ratios. Faster pull aways from a stop, nearly identical handling and braking performance on the street, and a little less mental anguish worrying about the engine.

It probably makes no real financial sense to start with a GT S550 and build up. Just too much time and money to bring it up to spec. Your choice should be between the GT350 and Mach 1.

I'm probably a bit biased because when it was me, I chose the Mach 1 over a GT350 that was also available. But I'd look for a Mach 1, preferably the '21 with the less restrictive intake, and start from there. The active exhaust is fine, so I'd leave it be. And I'd drive it for a while before making any changes. Ford really did a good job with this car. I think the only thing I'm going to install is a Steeda stop the Hop solution to tame the little bit of butt wiggle you get when coming on the throttle aggressively, especially if exiting a turn.

 

[BlkMach10510]

Any feedback | Comments on automatic versus manual for the track? I love a manual, I love shifting, but I have read where the automatics have caught up.

The Mach 1 auto is faster than its manual counterpart. Both are fast so it may come down to what you like more and what you will eventually use it for if it goes beyond what you are saying now.

 

[luc]

I have driven all trims of the S550, base GT, GT PP1, Mach 1, GT350. I'm value conscious as well. On questions of "is it worth it?" the big lines of demarcation are going to be track driving, and then HOW MIUCH track driving you will do.

If you are going to track, there is no question, the Mach 1 is a much better platform to start with and gives you more value. The biggest thing is the diff and oil coolers. You NEED those for track days. The GT has always been under equipped for track duty, including the PP cars. You NEED the diff cooler, nothing is worse than a whole track day ruined because you are pitting after two hot laps while you are just getting into the grove of things.

Regular Mach 1s are great casual track cars, but if you are tracking several times a year the greater degree of front camber adjustments via camber plates from the HP cars is welcome.


The brakes of PP cars and M1s are noticeably better. S550 is a heavy car and I love the brakes on the Mach 1.

The Tremec isn't just about "feel", the ratios are better. The ratios in the MT82D4 are too tall, most agree with this. The older versions of the MT82 in the S197s had the better shorter ratios. I had two S197s, one had an excellent MT82, the other not so much. Quality is hit and miss on MT82. MT82s require less precision to drive and are more forgiving on lazy/sloppy shifts.

MagneRide is awesome, I wouldn't purchase any trim without it. In later S550 years Ford forced you into buying the PP1 to be allowed the additional MagneRide option. This sucked for those who wanted a V8 and more comfortable ride quality but were not interested in track driving. Adding MR really improves ride quality, I test drove two GT PPs back to back with and without MagneRide it was a big difference in comfort. But the PP1/PP2 cars still lacked the diff cooler which is unforgivable for track use.

I share the opinion with many that the M1 has superior handling and ride quality feel compared to the GT and GT PP cars. Whether its the MagneRide calibration, or the GT500 rear toe links, or combination of the two, the M1 inspires more driving confidence in spirited driving and at the limit. It also seems to marginally handle rough pavement better in the "normal" drive setting compared to GTs with MagneRide . Base GTs can feel floaty at times, less so with the PP cars, and virtually eliminated in Mach 1.

If you track more than 4 or 5 times a years, then look at the Shelby. Its a much better track tool but it does come with sacrifices on the street. The suspension is firm and the torque curves and power band are way more suited to track driving than street use. Everyone has different tolerances for this, so only by driving one will you know.

I compared trims quite a bit and this post might help you decide which way to go.
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...d-mach-1-vs-gt350-gt-etc.165163/#post-3360422

Here is my track report for a Non HP M1. I have tracked a few more times since then at different places, but th overall assessment stays the same.
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...in-the-west-non-hp-a-viable-track-car.169012/


Go drive a Mach 1 and report back your thoughts.

The rear differential is a bit of a red herring
My gtpp is a track only, 305 squared, ford racing track suspension, Harrop oil cooler, Ford tune, racing seat and harness, etc and with a couple of easy modifications, heavier weight oil AND wrapping the exhaust pipes around the differential, i have never had an issue
Track session are usually 20 minutes and even in triple digits weather, never had a problem
If your usage is mostly a track car, the pp1/2 are a better,/cheaper choice
Suspension need to be replaced, M1 is way too soft also for track duty, an Harrop oil cooler do a much better work at cooling the oil, etc
It all depends on how you use the car

 

[sakman84]

The rear differential is a bit of a red herring
My gtpp is a track only, 305 squared, ford racing track suspension, Harrop oil cooler, Ford tune, racing seat and harness, etc and with a couple of easy modifications, heavier weight oil AND wrapping the exhaust pipes around the differential, i have never had an issue
Track session are usually 20 minutes and even in triple digits weather, never had a problem
If your usage is mostly a track car, the pp1/2 are a better,/cheaper choice
Suspension need to be replaced, M1 is way too soft also for track duty, an Harrop oil cooler do a much better work at cooling the oil, etc
It all depends on how you use the car

"bit of a red herring" is a little strong. Its a widely reported issue. Anyone considering tracking should be aware of this problem, there is a good chance they will encounter it.

I'm glad you found some easy mods that worked for your use case. They are a good place to start for someone who is trying to mitigate the issue before trying more expensive options. Surprised that has worked for you in 100F+ degree ambient temps, but I would definitely try these out if I was in a PP car, good suggestions.

plenty of complaints about diffs overheating
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...g-gt-pp2-overheats-in-3-laps-on-track.110246/

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/2018-gt-pp2-rear-differential-overheating-issue.106844/

https://trackmustangsonline.com/threads/lets-talk-s550-rear-differential-temps.14679/

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/s650-with-pp-for-track-days.157639/page-2

https://www.caranddriver.com/featur...-gt-performance-package-2-lightning-lap-2018/

 

[NightmareMoon]

You can put a large oil cooler in a GT for a lot less than the upcharge for the Mach 1. Ford Perf school cars were just aftermarket Setrab coolers for years and they only do track duty.

Diff cooler is nice but with 75w140 diff oil and some heat wrap around fhe exhaust pipes I’ve never had any issues with diff temp on track.

So is the Mach1 nice? Sure as heck it is, but is it needed to have a ton of fun on track? Not really, you can still enjoy a GT. The Mach 1 is a top end car designed to seperate people from their money.

I would just do a used PP1 and focus your energy on a few key mods over time if you want to do this and be efficient with your hard eqrned money. If you knew you were going to be tracking a ton, I might say go ahead and pay for the Mach1.

Either way, you need to make sure you have plenty of cash left over for entry costs, instruction, safety gear, tires and brakes and tires and brakes and tires and brakes.

Yes I’ve got seat time all three.

 

[Mikepol2]

I owned a 2018 GT PP1 with extensive suspension and wheel mods but without MagneRide. Test drove a Mach and ordered one that week - the handling was noticeably better even than my modded car The transmission was half the reason as well, the Tremec feel and ratios were much more enjoyable.

I’ve driven GT350’s and handling-wise they feel similar to the Mach. They are definitely slower below 4000 rpm and faster above. I don’t like living in high rpm’s so the choice personally to go with the Mach was easy.

I don’t track it, and didn’t track the GT either.

 

[RocketGuy3]

You can put a large oil cooler in a GT for a lot less than the upcharge for the Mach 1. Ford Perf school cars were just aftermarket Setrab coolers for years and they only do track duty.

Diff cooler is nice but with 75w140 diff oil and some heat wrap around fhe exhaust pipes I’ve never had any issues with diff temp on track.

So is the Mach1 nice? Sure as heck it is, but is it needed to have a ton of fun on track? Not really, you can still enjoy a GT. The Mach 1 is a top end car designed to seperate people from their money.

I would just do a used PP1 and focus your energy on a few key mods over time if you want to do this and be efficient with your hard eqrned money. If you knew you were going to be tracking a ton, I might say go ahead and pay for the Mach1.

Either way, you need to make sure you have plenty of cash left over for entry costs, instruction, safety gear, tires and brakes and tires and brakes and tires and brakes.

Yes I’ve got seat time all three.

I can vibe with much of this post, but it's a little reductive to say the Mach 1's price premium comes from oil and diff coolers alone. There's a bit more than that over a GT PP1. Like standard magneride and other suspension upgrades, the slightly tuned up 5.0, aesthetic enhancements, and most of all, the Tremec 6sp, for those who want a stick. The latter will certainly add some durability for all use cases. Plus, even if you might technically come out ahead financially by making your own cooling mods to a GT, that's still extra hassle many people would rather not deal with.

That said, you're right that the GT is still a mighty fine platform, and may save you some money depending on your priorities and use case.

 

[luc]

I can vibe with much of this post, but it's a little reductive to say the Mach 1's price premium comes from oil and diff coolers alone. There's a bit more than that over a GT PP1. Like standard magneride and other suspension upgrades, the slightly tuned up 5.0, aesthetic enhancements, and most of all, the Tremec 6sp, for those who want a stick. The latter will certainly add some durability for all use cases. Plus, even if you might technically come out ahead financially by making your own cooling mods to a GT, that's still extra hassle many people would rather not deal with.

That said, you're right that the GT is still a mighty fine platform, and may save you some money depending on your priorities and use case.

The irony with the M1 is that even if the car is more track ready than a gtpp1/2, you almost never see one at the track compared to the pp
Why ?
Not sure but one reason is that people that buy them are more interested in the look and bragging rights ( faster than a 350… sure) than for their track capabilities

 

[Mikepol2]

The irony with the M1 is that even if the car is more track ready than a gtpp1/2, you almost never see one at the track compared to the pp
Why ?
Not sure but one reason is that people that buy them are more interested in the look and bragging rights ( faster than a 350… sure) than for their track capabilities

For sure that's why some folks buy one, and that's fine. Part of it also is that they didn't make nearly as many Mach's as GTs.

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