To those who moved from a '15-'17 to 2018 - forward visibility (hood)

Spork3245 said:

I never had visibility issues with my 16GT, however, you can certainly tell where the hood/front-end “ends” more easily with the 18, IMO.

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Yes. This is what I was trying to get at with my question.

Almost 3.5 years later and, while I am used to it and deal with it fine, I still find parking and nosing around in tighter parking lots more painful than it should be because it is difficult to ascertain exactly where the hood/front ends.

I've never driven a 18, but find it difficult to fathom that a hood/front end which slopes down more is somehow easier to determine where it ends. I've driven plenty of econoboxes where you can't see the hood, and you have a "sense" of where it ends, but those front ends are far shorter than the S550s by default. Driving my 68 mustang (with the built in hood turn signals done right, you can see both) I can see the entire hood and know where it ends. I dont see a benefit in the sloping down of the hood being a visibility benefit for situations like parking. But that's just me.

Realize that our long hood is essential to the classic Mustang look. Sure, it could be lower and shorter with better forward visibility...you know, like the Probe?

I find the hood shake comments interesting and I've read similar comments on it in other conversations. Most seem to claim it's most noticeable at speed. I'm wondering how fast that is? I've not noticed it on my 2016 GT so far. I've had it up to speed a couple of times but maybe not fast enough. I've also got the convertible which if anything, should be more susceptible to this. Just wondering.

On my 2017 GT I noticed the hood shake around 130+. I didn't really notice at all with my 2014 GT.

It happens around 90 mph+ on my Explorer too.

Obviously, only on a closed course. ;-0

DropTopBob said:

Realize that our long hood is essential to the classic Mustang look. Sure, it could be lower and shorter with better forward visibility...you know, like the Probe?

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:lol::lol::lol: :clap2::clap2::clap2:

not knocking on 18's its grown on me for sure. But sloping it makes the front area look smaller. Look at any side profile of the 18's, they are the same length but look shorter up front. Mustang needs long straight striking lines up front. Our cars have fabulous fat a$$es but it looks disproportionate to a smaller *looking* front end

18s look more like an XK, which is still a complement

Intrepid175 said:

I find the hood shake comments interesting and I've read similar comments on it in other conversations. Most seem to claim it's most noticeable at speed. I'm wondering how fast that is? I've not noticed it on my 2016 GT so far. I've had it up to speed a couple of times but maybe not fast enough. I've also got the convertible which if anything, should be more susceptible to this. Just wondering.

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Faster speeds.

A lot of it is mitigated by setting the bump stops correctly. Mine was pretty bad initially and after making a few adjustments I really only notice it over 100 or so.

c-rizzle said:

On my 2017 GT I noticed the hood shake around 130+. I didn't really notice at all with my 2014 GT.

It happens around 90 mph+ on my Explorer too.

Obviously, only on a closed course. ;-0

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Austinj427 said:

Faster speeds.

A lot of it is mitigated by setting the bump stops correctly. Mine was pretty bad initially and after making a few adjustments I really only notice it over 100 or so.

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I've had mine into triple digits a couple of times but nothing close to 130. I also didn't stay there long so if the hood shook, it wasn't much or I just didn't notice. One thing I'd really like to do is a top speed run somewhere. Not on public roads of course. There are Youtube videos of guys running their Mustangs to full speed on the German Autobahn. I'd love to do that just once for the experience.

Intrepid175 said:

I've had mine into triple digits a couple of times but nothing close to 130. I also didn't stay there long so if the hood shook, it wasn't much or I just didn't notice. One thing I'd really like to do is a top speed run somewhere. Not on public roads of course. There are Youtube videos of guys running their Mustangs to full speed on the German Autobahn. I'd love to do that just once for the experience.

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Check out the once a year west Texas mile speed run.

STex said:

Check out the once a year west Texas mile speed run.

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Thanks STex, I did a little searching and found the one in Victoria. It sounds great. I read through some of the technical requirements and it's looking like they're wanting a bit more from me than I'm willing to do. I don't have a problem with the safety clothing. I'm a long time motorcycle rider but my current helmet is not Snell certified so that'll be a significant investment. I'd have to buy the racing drivers gloves they're talking about. I don't have a problem with that. I've got a complete set of padded riding gear I use on the motorcycle. I don't know if they'd accept that. It would be something to check in to but I wouldn't be surprised if the answer was no. Where they lose me is, because I've got a convertible, they're requiring a roll cage. No way am I going to make that kind of investment for a one time only run done more out of curiosity than anything else.

I may go down and check it out though. According to the web site, the next event is in October. I appreciate the response though!

WildHorse said:

How do some of you's sit in your 15-17's? Seat reclined way back elbow out the window one hand at 12 on the wheel looking all gangster? IF anything the 18's would be harder to judge where the nose is. Also wouldn't expect visibility to be much different at all.

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I judge my 16 by the hood vents, on my old S197 had a big ram hood, so the 16 is no real surprise to me
Surprised the 18 is that much different to be honest, when over in the US in 2 weeks I need to sit in one

WildHorse said:

I get that, however even with a dead flat hood you have pretty much the same visibility out front. And really when you driving, you should be looking far beyond the hood.

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This is how I feel as well. For the first week, I was seeing the hood a lot, but since then it was a non-issue. I know where it ends so I park accordingly. It is not my concern what is 6 inches in front of my car when out driving it, so I do not know how the longer hood presents visibility issues to be honest. I can see out of it just fine, the C-pillars is where I have the most problems (or where the C-pillars would be since it is a soft top).

Personally I love the "long hood" feel, reminds me of driving a 60's Mustang. Just my preference though.

No hood shake observed on my 2016 up to 105 mph. I’ll have to try a 2018.

Intrepid175 said:

I find the hood shake comments interesting and I've read similar comments on it in other conversations. Most seem to claim it's most noticeable at speed. I'm wondering how fast that is? I've not noticed it on my 2016 GT so far. I've had it up to speed a couple of times but maybe not fast enough. I've also got the convertible which if anything, should be more susceptible to this. Just wondering.

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I get it on mine starting around 70-80 sometimes, right now I can't hit 130+ due to the limiter but I imagine it'd be even worse that high.

Thanks Austinj427 for the tip on the hood bump-stops. I adjusted mine up 3 turns each and the hood flutter is gone!

Another note on forward visibility...the hood bra shown in my avatar has a “lip” along the rear edge which I see from my driving position. This is an indicator that I have 18” of car beyond that point. I know many here don’t like the bra but it’s saved me from stone chips for sure and gives my white Mustang a more sinister look.