2017 Mustang GT Performance Pack Review (500 Miles)

[randotheking]

If you get a Ford Racing Performance Pack, the lack of spring may cause issues due to No Lift shifting programing and the car thinking the clutch pedal is slightly engaged (thereby putting rev limiter in place). A few guys who pulled their springs were experiencing issues. Not sure if this was verified.....

No lift shift? Can you explain that for me. Wasn't aware the PP had anything special with the tranny/clutch

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[TexasRebel]

It's not the Performance Pack, but the recently released Power Packs that include a no-lift-shift strategy.

When you press the clutch (when the clutch pedal comes off of the top sensor), the rev ceiling drops to 5,000 RPM. This allows you leave the skinny pedal down, shift, and re-engage the clutch. I just hope it's a feature that can be turned off.

 

[wildcatgoal]

It's not the Performance Pack, but the recently released Power Packs that include a no-lift-shift strategy.

When you press the clutch (when the clutch pedal comes off of the top sensor), the rev ceiling drops to 5,000 RPM. This allows you leave the skinny pedal down, shift, and re-engage the clutch. I just hope it's a feature that can be turned off.

It's already been discussed that it can't be "turned off" but you can just drive it like normal, lifting off the gas if that's what you prefer.

 

[TexasRebel]

It's already been discussed that it can't be "turned off" but you can just drive it like normal, lifting off the gas if that's what you prefer.

Seems like if it can be turned on it can be turned off...;)

 

[wildcatgoal]

Well, by changing the tune accordingly, yeah.

 

[bl_steel]

Okay so I've read about the following "complaints" on this thread:
- Damper valving
- IRS not "buttoned down"
- Gas mileage

I have a 2016 GT and the first day I drove it, I felt like it was a boat compared to what I was expecting. It was unnecessarily bouncy on just flat highway, it leaned in turns (exacerbated by the seat being far too high up, IMHO), and it understeered like a son of a witch. Sure, it'll go around a turn and make numbers on a track, but the driver confidence was not there because of these issues. I wish I got Recaros. I told myself I would probably never "need them" - one mountain run later of damn near flying out the window and I regret that decision. $3K will get me Recaros if I want... hmmph.

.........

What I've found is that, with about $1,600, you can bring the PP or non-PP car into true "sports car" feel. I'd start with Koni/Steeda dampers and your choice of springs. If you are liking a progressive spring, get linear up front, progressive in the rear. The rear is where "bounciness" comes from in these cars. A progressive will help. I prefer Linear at all 4 corners. I also suggest that, while you may love a super low look, that you consider that the rear suspension's design benefits greatly from retaining travel and spring rate is a balancing act. You have to consider rates as a package, not front and back. I'm going to be trying Swift Spec R springs soon, which are not super-drop springs. If you want to go LOW, get the Vogtland springs, not the Eibach Sportlines. If you want a wonderful ride for daily driving, great handling for your mountain run, and don't suspect you're going to be serious about tracking, get Steeda Progressive or Eibach Pro Kit. You can even convince Steeda to sell you the Progressive rear and the Sport Linear front spring, which I've heard is a nice balance.

.....

First, I'm surprised how many BMW-->S550 owners we have here. I, too, am a convert. I had a modified e46, and spent many days at the BMW performance center in Greenville SC riding and driving the new Ms. BMW has been my driving standard since my first car, an 89 325i. They really do inspire a lot of confidence with their handling and braking. (The e90 M3 is/was my favorite for overall size, handling, power delivery, not looks though)

So, yes, I agree with others' complaints and think my Performance Pack GT could handle better. BMW are more likely to oversteer, and it is a handling style I've gotten quite used to and prefer. So, it's a little unsettling to me when going through a cruve and the nose pulls to the outside, and I'm trying to remember lessons on combating understeer. A quick smooth touch of the brakes seems to be enough to reign the Beast back into line, but it's not confidence inspiring.

My first thought is get lower. To do so, I'm specifically considering Ford Racing X or Y springs. I have an extended warranty and maintenance plan on my Mustang and I do not want to void them. The X-springs are for street and occasional track use, and are a progressive spring. The Y-spring is recommended for track use only. Both lower the car 1" overall. Based on what you, [MENTION=21494]wildcatgoal[/MENTION], have described, I'm not going to get the BMW planted feel without replacing the shocks and struts as well? And could you elaborate on the recommendation for a linear spring up front and a progressive in the rear. Specifically the linear up front, what it does and why it's better for the front? Fwiw, my e46 was on the Eiboch pro kit springs w/ koni FSD struts and shocks, and H&R sways. Which I found was a good compromise between ride comfort and handling performance. So, daily ride quality is still a high priority for me.

I will say the body roll is exacerbated by not having the Recaros. I'm a 5'3" 125lb woman, the seats fit me and are comfortable, but they are not snug to my frame like a race seat. To help keep me from sliding around, I'm considering a Schroth 4 point quick fit harness. I'm in love with my heated and air conditioned seats and refuse to give them up. I'm thinking the 4 point harness based on very little research, and their "plug and play" install, so any recommendation or input is encouraged. Until then I do the "pull all the way out, sinch tight, exhale, and sinch again" technique with the factory belt.

And, lastly, I am unimpressed with the tires, in regards to grip. It may be due to suspension slop, or being a much heavier car, but I do not have the same grip I experienced with my Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the e46. I think all outside conflicting factors aside (weight differences, tire size difference) I do feel the Michelins would perform better than the Pirelli Pzeros on the Mustang. I will say the Pzeros are quiet (only 3500 miles) and have performed nicely in the wet. Although I was not pushing the car in those conditions, just highway commuting. But, again, the Michelin PSS on the e46 were amazing in the wet, and very quiet.

So, thanks for reading this and any input, recommendations, or pointing to other threads will be great appreciated.

 

[wildcatgoal]

There's a lot of BMW converts because (1) they cost a g'dam fortune now (an M3 is getting dangerously close to $80k!) and (2) if something breaks, which it will, it requires a rocket scientist and his mom, at $150 an hour, to replace. Ex-GF's 335i needed injectors because BMW used parts that pretty much all went bad and she missed the recall. Cost her almost $3k! Come on!. People haven't been paid more in actual wages for decades... BMWs are too expensive.

 

[bl_steel]

I'm surprised because when I told my BMW "friends" of my '99 BMW to "17 Mustang GT looked at me like I had told them I was just diagnosed with cancer instead. "Aww you poor thing, you'll pull though" lol

 

[c-rizzle]

I went from:

a 2006 Cayman S with TPC stage 2 turbo kit

to my 2014 GT Premium Convertible...the main problem was I went automatic, and wasn't happy with the performance or handling in general.

now I just got a 2017 GT Premium with Performance Pack, and I'm already much happier with the handling & performance.

I used to do a few HPDE's a year with my Cayman. I never did any with my '14 GT, b/c it was convertible and the track required a roll bar. Now I'm already itching to do an HPDE with my new '17 GT PP!

 

[bl_steel]

I can't wait to get on the track with the Mustang either.

 

[EricSMG]

First, I'm surprised how many BMW-->S550 owners we have here. I, too, am a convert. I had a modified e46, and spent many days at the BMW performance center in Greenville SC riding and driving the new Ms. BMW has been my driving standard since my first car, an 89 325i. They really do inspire a lot of confidence with their handling and braking. (The e90 M3 is/was my favorite for overall size, handling, power delivery, not looks though)

So, yes, I agree with others' complaints and think my Performance Pack GT could handle better. BMW are more likely to oversteer, and it is a handling style I've gotten quite used to and prefer. So, it's a little unsettling to me when going through a cruve and the nose pulls to the outside, and I'm trying to remember lessons on combating understeer. A quick smooth touch of the brakes seems to be enough to reign the Beast back into line, but it's not confidence inspiring.

My first thought is get lower. To do so, I'm specifically considering Ford Racing X or Y springs. I have an extended warranty and maintenance plan on my Mustang and I do not want to void them. The X-springs are for street and occasional track use, and are a progressive spring. The Y-spring is recommended for track use only. Both lower the car 1" overall. Based on what you, @wildcatgoal , have described, I'm not going to get the BMW planted feel without replacing the shocks and struts as well? And could you elaborate on the recommendation for a linear spring up front and a progressive in the rear. Specifically the linear up front, what it does and why it's better for the front? Fwiw, my e46 was on the Eiboch pro kit springs w/ koni FSD struts and shocks, and H&R sways. Which I found was a good compromise between ride comfort and handling performance. So, daily ride quality is still a high priority for me.

I will say the body roll is exacerbated by not having the Recaros. I'm a 5'3" 125lb woman, the seats fit me and are comfortable, but they are not snug to my frame like a race seat. To help keep me from sliding around, I'm considering a Schroth 4 point quick fit harness. I'm in love with my heated and air conditioned seats and refuse to give them up. I'm thinking the 4 point harness based on very little research, and their "plug and play" install, so any recommendation or input is encouraged. Until then I do the "pull all the way out, sinch tight, exhale, and sinch again" technique with the factory belt.

And, lastly, I am unimpressed with the tires, in regards to grip. It may be due to suspension slop, or being a much heavier car, but I do not have the same grip I experienced with my Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the e46. I think all outside conflicting factors aside (weight differences, tire size difference) I do feel the Michelins would perform better than the Pirelli Pzeros on the Mustang. I will say the Pzeros are quiet (only 3500 miles) and have performed nicely in the wet. Although I was not pushing the car in those conditions, just highway commuting. But, again, the Michelin PSS on the e46 were amazing in the wet, and very quiet.

So, thanks for reading this and any input, recommendations, or pointing to other threads will be great appreciated.

Looks like we bought the same car as OP - good taste!

BMW has been my driving standard for 15 years as well - strictly E36 and E46 M3s and those cars are still highly relevant, today. Either one in fresh condition is driving nirvana. The 46M, in particular, is a scalpel yet refined - quite a remarkable car. The E46, in general, is one of the best driving road cars of all time and literally 'set the bar' back in '99 when it came out. It's that good.

The Mustang is not nearly as 'good'. It's not tied down or balanced or sophisticated. HOWEVER - it is fun and that's all that really matters at the end of the day. The main problems with it are the details - the suspension isn't connected to the car well. The driveline is soft and rubbery. The steering is numb. The front dampers, in particular, are too soft in rebound force, allowing the front of the car to 'float'. And, yes, the P-zeros are a far car from the PSS'.

So, with that, you and are in the same boat: we like our new '17 GT/PPs but want them to handle like a BMW. While I don't think that's actually possible, I DO think that with the above issues addressed (aside from numb steering, not much to do there) we can very likely have that 'tied down, sporty, responsive' feeling we're so used to.

Let's give credit where it's due - BMWs are a superior driving machines and should be for what they cost. But at the same time, the Mustang is a HELL of a value and (hopefully) proves to be a good platform for us 'sporty' types to build upon.

Edit - I'm convinced that the lion's share of the overall 'not goodness' with this car is due to the rear cradle/diff bouncing around. I can actually feel the rear shift under throttle during a higher speed turn, causing the car to change direction slightly (push). To that end, I ordered the BMR lockout kit this week as my first mod. I'll be installing it, by itself, next weekend and will report back with my results. Car has 400 miles on it.

 

[MattW]

BMW are more likely to oversteer, and it is a handling style I've gotten quite used to and prefer. So, it's a little unsettling to me when going through a cruve and the nose pulls to the outside, and I'm trying to remember lessons on combating understeer.

I'm wondering how much of this might be due to the staggered setup. Will getting 9x19s in the rear to match the 9x19s in front help?

 

[EricSMG]

I'm wondering how much of this might be due to the staggered setup. Will getting 9x19s in the rear to match the 9x19s in front help?

Not in my opinion. This is highly exaggerated by people (the BMW guys are obsessed with this and it's moot for a street car). If this were true then no sports cars would come with staggered setups when the reality is that virtually every high performance car does.

Further, reducing grip at one end is never the answer. That will make the car less capable and slow you down. Sure, it might be more 'neutral' but it will be slower and likely harder to put the power down/control.

Increasing front width can help at the extreme edge of traction but you generally give up feel and stability. The car needs better dampers (to slow the roll rate) and better tires and more front camber (in that order) and it will have WAY more front grip than you'd ever need on the street.

 

[Gigantor]

Looks like we bought the same car as OP - good taste!

BMW has been my driving standard for 15 years as well - strictly E36 and E46 M3s and those cars are still highly relevant, today. Either one in fresh condition is driving nirvana. The 46M, in particular, is a scalpel yet refined - quite a remarkable car. The E46, in general, is one of the best driving road cars of all time and literally 'set the bar' back in '99 when it came out. It's that good.

The Mustang is not nearly as 'good'. It's not tied down or balanced or sophisticated. HOWEVER - it is fun and that's all that really matters at the end of the day. The main problems with it are the details - the suspension isn't connected to the car well. The driveline is soft and rubbery. The steering is numb. The front dampers, in particular, are too soft in rebound force, allowing the front of the car to 'float'. And, yes, the P-zeros are a far car from the PSS'.

So, with that, you and are in the same boat: we like our new '17 GT/PPs but want them to handle like a BMW. While I don't think that's actually possible, I DO think that with the above issues addressed (aside from numb steering, not much to do there) we can very likely have that 'tied down, sporty, responsive' feeling we're so used to.

Let's give credit where it's due - BMWs are a superior driving machines and should be for what they cost. But at the same time, the Mustang is a HELL of a value and (hopefully) proves to be a good platform for us 'sporty' types to build upon.

Edit - I'm convinced that the lion's share of the overall 'not goodness' with this car is due to the rear cradle/diff bouncing around. I can actually feel the rear shift under throttle during a higher speed turn, causing the car to change direction slightly (push). To that end, I ordered the BMW lockout kit this week as my first mod. I'll be installing it, by itself, next weekend and will report back with my results. Car has 400 miles on it.

Previous owners of the BMW should start a separate thread on modding the GT suspension. Instead of hijacking a thread, better to start another one since you guys are making excellent points.

Link for cradle lockout:

http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=products&productid=1543

 

[WarrENDeatH]

I don't have a problem with the handling. You can feel the weight, sure, but I don't have a huge want to go out and replace springs/shocks, etc.

Will I? Hard to say.

I'm just enjoying this fantastic machine. I just washed it with some Chemical Guy products. I absolutely adore it!

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