Just sold my beloved 2011 GT BBP...pondering an S550! Questions...

So my experience with my 2011 GT/BBP was pretty damn amazing. Yes, the S197s have their drawbacks but that car exceeded my expectations in every single way. It felt fast and fun for every mile. It has only been a few days and I miss it!

A friend of mine had been hunting all over the place for the right Mustang. I have had mine for five years...had been thinking about moving on to something new...he made the right offer.

It was the right choice but I'm slightly heartbroken.

I'm still not entirely sold on the S550....Answers and opinions on any of the following would be most welcome!


1.) How are former S197 Coyote GT owners liking their S550s? Do you miss your old car?

2.) I have read on here that the new Coyote got some stronger internals. Is it true that the new version is more "moddable" for power? How are they taking to bolt ons, FI, etc?

3.) I gather that the axle half shafts are a weak link...how difficult/expensive is a fix?

4.) The idea of the weight gain for the new gen is very unappealing...Are there any easy places to shave weight?

5.) I keep reading that the new suspension turning is pretty soft for track/autox use. What are folks doing about this? What's the best cure for the wheelhop?

6.) I kept my charcoal 2011-2014 RTR wheels with the 285/35/19 tires. Will they fit over the Performance Pack brakes?

7.) Do we know what the 2016 "over the roof" stripes are going to look like?

8.) Anything else a former S197 owner should know?

9.) Why should I pick this over a 2016 Camaro SS (aside from the obvious "it's a Camaro")

This forum seems like a great place to hang out...I'd be very grateful for any input!

MRGTX said:

So my experience with my 2011 GT/BBP was pretty damn amazing. Yes, the S197s have their drawbacks but that car exceeded my expectations in every single way. It felt fast and fun for every mile. It has only been a few days and I miss it!

A friend of mine had been hunting all over the place for the right Mustang. I have had mine for five years...had been thinking about moving on to something new...he made the right offer.

It was the right choice but I'm slightly heartbroken.

I'm still not entirely sold on the S550....Answers and opinions on any of the following would be most welcome!


1.) How are former S197 Coyote GT owners liking their S550s? Do you miss your old car?

2.) I have read on here that the new Coyote got some stronger internals. Is it true that the new version is more "moddable" for power? How are they taking to bolt ons, FI, etc?

3.) I gather that the axle half shafts are a weak link...how difficult/expensive is a fix?

4.) The idea of the weight gain for the new gen is very unappealing...Are there any easy places to shave weight?

5.) I keep reading that the new suspension turning is pretty soft for track/autox use. What are folks doing about this? What's the best cure for the wheelhop?

6.) I kept my charcoal 2011-2014 RTR wheels with the 285/35/19 tires. Will they fit over the Performance Pack brakes?

7.) Do we know what the 2016 "over the roof" stripes are going to look like?

8.) Anything else a former S197 owner should know?

9.) Why should I pick this over a 2016 Camaro SS (aside from the obvious "it's a Camaro")

This forum seems like a great place to hang out...I'd be very grateful for any input!

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1. I was a 2011 owner and have owned about 7 other Mustangs and let me tell you, I was not completely sold on the looks when I first saw it but after seeing it in person (the right color that you want) and driving it, I was very sold. I do not miss my old car one bit.

2. The 2015 is basically the Boss. I have seen a lot of good things from people who have gone FI and plan on going FI myself. There is a forced induction section where you can get a lot more information.

3. It all depends on how much power you put in the car and what you are planning on doing with it. The cheapest I've seen them for is $600 per side.

4. This is not my department so maybe someone else can chime in. I usually don't shed any weight and like the full trim. I would say rear seat delete and aftermarket wheels, since the stock ones are super heavy, would be a good place to start.

5. BMR, as well as Steeda and others offer parts for wheel hop.

6. I am not positive about this, my initial answer would be to say yes, but I am sure there is someone on here who knows.

7. I have no clue.

8. Test drive it and see if you like it, thats really all I can say. The aftermarket for the car is getting bigger on a daily basis. I've owned 4 S197's and a Terminator and this is by far my favorite car.

9. Its a Camaro...

Good luck and I hope I helped you out and if anyone can either correct me if I have given wrong information or piggy back feel free since I am nowhere near an expert just an enthusiast.

MRGTX said:

So my experience with my 2011 GT/BBP was pretty damn amazing. Yes, the S197s have their drawbacks but that car exceeded my expectations in every single way. It felt fast and fun for every mile. It has only been a few days and I miss it!

A friend of mine had been hunting all over the place for the right Mustang. I have had mine for five years...had been thinking about moving on to something new...he made the right offer.

It was the right choice but I'm slightly heartbroken.

I'm still not entirely sold on the S550....Answers and opinions on any of the following would be most welcome!


1.) How are former S197 Coyote GT owners liking their S550s? Do you miss your old car? Still have an S197. Enjoy the S550 more

2.) I have read on here that the new Coyote got some stronger internals. Is it true that the new version is more "moddable" for power? How are they taking to bolt ons, FI, etc? Just like the old S197. They love boost.

3.) I gather that the axle half shafts are a weak link...how difficult/expensive is a fix? Not as big of an issue as you'd think unless your making crazy power.

4.) The idea of the weight gain for the new gen is very unappealing...Are there any easy places to shave weight? Easy is relative but weigh reductions can be made without having to rip out seats.

5.) I keep reading that the new suspension turning is pretty soft for track/autox use. What are folks doing about this? What's the best cure for the wheelhop? Solid bushing will fix most (not all ) of the hop

6.) I kept my charcoal 2011-2014 RTR wheels with the 285/35/19 tires. Will they fit over the Performance Pack brakes? Yes

7.) Do we know what the 2016 "over the roof" stripes are going to look like? Yes

8.) Anything else a former S197 owner should know?

9.) Why should I pick this over a 2016 Camaro SS (aside from the obvious "it's a Camaro")

That's a personal choice. Cant tell you what youll like more. I had a 5th gen SS and hated it.

This forum seems like a great place to hang out...I'd be very grateful for any input!

Click to expand...

Good luck with any purchase you decide on.

MRGTX said:

So my experience with my 2011 GT/BBP was pretty damn amazing. Yes, the S197s have their drawbacks but that car exceeded my expectations in every single way. It felt fast and fun for every mile. It has only been a few days and I miss it!

A friend of mine had been hunting all over the place for the right Mustang. I have had mine for five years...had been thinking about moving on to something new...he made the right offer.

It was the right choice but I'm slightly heartbroken.

I'm still not entirely sold on the S550....Answers and opinions on any of the following would be most welcome!


1.) How are former S197 Coyote GT owners liking their S550s? Do you miss your old car?

2.) I have read on here that the new Coyote got some stronger internals. Is it true that the new version is more "moddable" for power? How are they taking to bolt ons, FI, etc? They are making big power via FI. I know over 5 guys right now running mid to high 130's to low 140's via Hellion or supercharged on stock motors outside of a fuel injector upgrade.

3.) I gather that the axle half shafts are a weak link...how difficult/expensive is a fix?

4.) The idea of the weight gain for the new gen is very unappealing...Are there any easy places to shave weight? Exhaust system can save 20-30lbs depending on which one. New wheels can shave anywhere from 30-60lbs depending on what brand and size over the stock 19 PP's. The is about 100lbs of weight that can be reduced easily.

5.) I keep reading that the new suspension turning is pretty soft for track/autox use. What are folks doing about this? What's the best cure for the wheelhop? This is subjective. Some people think the GTPP is too firm. Others think it is not firm enough. There are tons of upgrades out there. I went the Steeda route and am not looking back. Their components deliver what they promise. I have 10-15% wheel hop left. Once I get my Steeda differential bushings in, I will be wheel hop free. Only time I get wheel hop now is if I launch the car. No wheel hop shifting between gears.

6.) I kept my charcoal 2011-2014 RTR wheels with the 285/35/19 tires. Will they fit over the Performance Pack brakes? Likely so, depends on offsets.

7.) Do we know what the 2016 "over the roof" stripes are going to look like?

8.) Anything else a former S197 owner should know?

9.) Why should I pick this over a 2016 Camaro SS (aside from the obvious "it's a Camaro") . This is a loaded question. Only you can decide this.

This forum seems like a great place to hang out...I'd be very grateful for any input!

Click to expand...

See my replies in BOLD

Answers

Rather than go on and on. The 2015 is a completely new animal. It has a much better ride, it feels better in all road conditions, it stops better and has more performance right out of the box. I had a 2011 GT Prem. 6 speed, with 3:55 rear. I really liked this car. I installed a Boss 302 intake, tuned it, Installed lower traction bars, Yada, Yada, Yada. You get the picture. Unless you are going to drag race this sucker. I would not mod it anymore than to just warm it over. As far as the Camaro this is a good car as well but can not compare to the Mustang. The S550 is a no brainer ( Just a little more expensive) therefore my advice, buy one and enjoy the ride.

I sold my 2011 GT and the 2015 shifts a million times better. It is also much more comfortable to drive however there is a thud noise when shifting that wasn't present in the 2011. I would not go back to my 2011.

It's a lot better of a car than my '11 S197, that's for sure.

Also had a 11' GT/BBP which was traded in for the new S550 GT/PP; It's hard to compare the 2 cars for me because they are alike but also in several ways they are completely different. This car feels nothing like my previous 11' S197 in that it handles extremely better and is more responsive to the driver. The interior of the S550's is way more comfortable and refined. The ride is more comfortable, thanks to the IRS, even in the PP car after installing aftermarket springs(i went with Eibach Pro). Like others, i was hesitant to proceed with the S550 until i saw it in person and took it for a test drive. Overall, i have no regrets with the decision and love this S550 platform more and more the longer i own it.

It has a ton more leg room up front. I'm 6'4 with long legs, and I swear in the furthest seating position from the pedals I'm stretching to really work them (but I keep the seat there out of principle).

These were some things I had posted on another forum not long after buying the '15. Both cars were GT Premiums with Performance Pack.

Picked up a yellow GT (premium with performance pack) and just wanted to post my initial impressions and a bit of comparison to my '12 (equally equipped).

The positive
The interior of the '15 feels a bit more solid initially. My '12 only had 29k miles but had a couple rattles inside (chrome bezel around tach and glove box).
The cooled seats were awesome. Black interior and 90° temps makes for some nasty naughty bits in a hurry but I actually had the seat on the lowest setting and it was perfect.
The display between the gauges has all kinds of useful data, pretty cool.
Moving the sub to the trunk vice the doors freed up a considerable amount of legroom.
I like the new reverse lockout.
The leather is a bit more supple, the padding it a bit softer under the legs, and they still provide adequate support for spirited driving.
Telescoping steering wheel!

The negative
Absolutely hate the shifter. They say it is shorter throw but it protrudes further up and isnt as ergonomically positioned as it was in the '12.
The ride is a bit lethargic. Granted I've been driving on an Eibach Pro Kit for the last three years but they were almost identical to the stock springs of the '12.
The blind spot indicators are nice but I'd rather have the fish eye from the '12's side view mirrors.
Doesnt pull nearly as hard in 2nd gear compared to the '12 (both had 3.73s) according to the butt dyno. Had 285 Pilot Sport 3s on the '12 and was always right on the edge of breaking loose but the '15 isnt anywhere close in that regard.
It feels heavy, almost lethargic. Maybe it's just because it's more planted but it doesnt feel like a Mustang. That could be a good thing, I just dont know yet.
Clutch engagement is literally all the way out with a tiny window. Why even bother with a clutch at this rate?

Almost a month later I really dont have much to add. I installed an Eibach Pro kit on the '15 and I really like the ride now (aggressive without being abusive). I'm really enjoying the car now, the looks are growing on me (still love the front of my '12), and I'm hopeful the tune and CAI will give the butt dyno results I'm missing.

I realize this doesnt address your exact questions but they are some differences I observed the last month.

1) I missed it at first but the S550 is a completely different class of car. The only thing I miss is the grabber blue paint.

As far as shaving weight... Wheels, flywheel, driveshaft, and trunk junk immediately come to mind. Also by a base without PP as it will have less goodies to weight it down

Just go test drive one, you'll greatly appreciate the S550 smooth ride and excellent handling and forget all about that S197


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3) If you're not planning on running DRs or slicks, the weak axles won't be a problem. And I don't recall you spending much time at the dragstrip. ;)

ive met 2 people that have had S197 and now have S550, they dont miss the S197

The feedback is beyond appreciated, guys. You're all saying what I want to hear and believe. While I'm actively hunting for my next car, the S550 as I've optioned it, comes up even with a lightly used Boss 302...and it remains a tough call between the two.

In all honesty, this quetsion has been one of the most important concenrns on my mind over the last week....which isn't to say that I don't have my share of "real" issues, but that having a cool car out in the garage is a critical component to my mental health. I'm sure many of you can identify.

Your feedback is a big help...

So I have driven two GT/PP cars now, both Premiums loaded down with options. Both VERY green so I wasn't willing to wind up the motors out of respect for the eventual owners...but I have faith that the Coyote is as sparkling as ever (or even better!).

The biggest impression that the cars left on me was that they felt more isolating and "inert" though vastly more composed. It felt like I was driving my S197 on foam rubber. While these Premiums are probably ~300lbs heavier than my former 300A/Brembo car, the S550s gave the impression of being much slower on their feet and that troubled me. I am encouraged to hear the positive reviews from you guys who have owned them for a while...

The interior knocked my socks off but that's pretty near the bottom of my list of criteria for a performance car.

JmalB said:

3) If you're not planning on running DRs or slicks, the weak axles won't be a problem. And I don't recall you spending much time at the dragstrip. ;)

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Hey, JmalB! Great to see you here! :cheers:
You're right that I don't drag race. I'm most at home hooning through the back country roads....so I prefer sticky rubber at all four corners. That said, I hate the thought of the weak link being those halfshafts as I look for ever wider/sticker rubber. It sounds like they're pricey to replace too.

MRGTX said:

The biggest impression that the cars left on me was that they felt more isolating and "inert" though vastly more composed. It felt like I was driving my S197 on foam rubber. While these Premiums are probably ~300lbs heavier than my former 300A/Brembo car, the S550s gave the impression of being much slower on their feet and that troubled me. I am encouraged to hear the positive reviews from you guys who have owned them for a while...

The interior knocked my socks off but that's pretty near the bottom of my list of criteria for a performance car.

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Hey MRGTX
The fact is the loaded up GT's ARE heavier. That was never an option for me. Coming from my 13 GT I wanted all the new S550 suspension upgrades (and looks) while getting the lightest chassis they offered sans 3.55 gears. If you can live without all the goodies I suggest driving a 300A GT. All the performance. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

Ed