Tony Alonso's 2015 GT Magnetic Fastback Journal

Tony Alonso said:

I should ask John Ziraldo if I qualify for the first GT under 3700 lbs I think not having a full tank of gas helped. Not having me in it (235lbs) also was a good thing for the number.

You are getting close! I look forward to seeing your report and photos when you get the key fob.

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So true on asking John

I am close. Everything is ready on my end, got the money, plane ticket, etc. just need the car to arrive and I will be one happy camper on Dec 19th :ford:

Well I guess that's a good thing to weigh around 155lbs =P

REAR LICENSE PLATE MOUNTING - Avoiding Paint Scuffs

Over the years, I've not paid much attention to protecting the paint in the area where the rear license plate mounts. After seeing how there were some markings on the 2010 GT I traded, I decided to try and avoid the same thing happening again.

I got the "50 years" license plates frames to go with my personalized plates. It has edges, like the plate, that might scuff the paint. I used rubber foam weather stripping on the back of the plate to push the whole assembly away from the surface. The top strip is 1/8" thick, while the bottom is 1/4". I did this to account for the slant of the bumper and the hole surrounds for the top mounting bolts.

Hopefully this will hold up to the elements - the weather stripping is rated for outdoor use on autos.

OIL LEVEL CHECK #2 - 1200 miles

I have around 1270 miles and the oil level is good. Doesn't appear to have dipped from the previous check. The reason I share this is because I've seen forum posts about oil consumption in the original 5.0s from 2011-12. There were concerns about how much was being "eaten" since those engines had oil squirters to cool the underside of the pistons. That changed in model year 2013 when they were deleted.

According to this article, the oil squirters are again available for this year's engine, although this is the only place I've read that.

Was reading a recent copy of Mustang Times and spotted a couple of letters written by a Mr Tony Alonso, both regarding the S550

Twin Turbo said:

Was reading a recent copy of Mustang Times and spotted a couple of letters written by a Mr Tony Alonso, both regarding the S550

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Indeed there were in a recent issue - I was begging. Haha!

SIXTH TANK OF GAS - FUEL MILEAGE

Now at about 1330 miles - calculated 15.6 mpg, computer showed 16.4 mpg.

Tony Alonso said:

Now at about 1330 miles - calculated 15.6 mpg, computer showed 16.4 mpg.

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So what type of driving are you doing Tony? Mixed, more city? How much are you on her?

Spartan said:

So what type of driving are you doing Tony? Mixed, more city? How much are you on her?

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Oops - forgot to put that down. That was 85% city, 15% highway. I've been revving it up more in the first 3 gears, so I am not too surprised at the numbers. However, for perspective, when I drove similarly in my 2010 GT, I was seeing equivalent fuel economy numbers (maybe would have been 0.5 mpg higher). That was a smaller engine with 120 hp less, so there is efficiency here in the 5.0L. Just got to work for it a bit.

Tony Alonso said:

Oops - forgot to put that down. That was 85% city, 15% highway. I've been revving it up more in the first 3 gears, so I am not too surprised at the numbers. However, for perspective, when I drove similarly in my 2010 GT, I was seeing equivalent fuel economy numbers (maybe would have been 0.5 mpg higher). That was a smaller engine with 120 hp less, so there is efficiency here in the 5.0L. Just got to work for it a bit.

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Gotcha! Awesome and thanks for the post.

SEVENTH TANK OF GAS - FUEL MILEAGE

Hit this one back on 12/15 - 17.9 mpg computer, 17.12 calculated. Driving mix of 60% street, 40% highway. Looking forward to checking out the highway mileage again in January when I head to Detroit to see the auto show.

So far, no issues...just miles of smiles (about 1800 as of today).

EIGHTH TANK OF GAS - FUEL MILEAGE

16.1 mpg from the computer, 15.2 calculated - 80% city and 20% highway driving. I have over 1850 miles.

CRAIG'S CUSTOM BRACKET - Received Today

I've been waiting for this product to hit the market as my temporaray tag for my personalized plates runs out on Wednesday (Merry Christmas to the Ohio BMV)!

I've used the no-drill brackets on my '07 GT and '10 GT. I also have one for my '01 Bullitt. This bracket had to be re-designed to accommodate the extensive front fascia changes of the S550s. Craig, by the way, spent time testing this product to ensure not only a proper fit, but also that it will perform accordingly. It was road tested at above highway speeds over a temperature range of both cold and hot, as well as a weight test to show the durability of the adhesive bond.

Part of the bracket system uses a very strong 3M automotive tape to attach to the front bumper. It can be removed with fishing line, very similar to how this would be done for spoilers or other parts attached with 3M automotive tape. Also, there are holes in the bracket mount so you could drill into the area of the bumper that would not be visible when looking at it normally.



Here are some photos of what you get. I am waiting the recommended 24-48 hours before attaching the plate as per the instructions. The temperature here today was 50 deg F. I tugged on it a few hours after I placed it on the bumper. It seems very solidly attached thus far.

I'll also be using a plate holder. These are fastened with the supplied nylon screw and nut attachment hardware. I'll let folks know how it goes on Wednesday.

CRAIG'S CUSTOM BRACKET - Put on Today

Road test to follow - temperature here is about 53 deg F. Cleaned off and dried bumper surfaces. Mount base feels sturdily attached. One of the photos shows how the rubber grommets on the back of the bracket protect against any paint damage.

Cool plate my friend.