Base GT test drive not impressive. What am I missing

[Crossroads]

If your concerned about warranty you might go GTPP and then add FRPP PP2. For about $800 on top of the car installed, you'll get the most power and torque (about 420 / 400 rwp) and still keep your 3/36 warranty.

If you are concerned about the 60/100 warranty then don't mod the car because FRPP only supports 3/36. If your not going to buy the 60/100 warranty the money you save will more than pay for FRPP2.

If you can have the money and can wait for an 18 they are supposed to have a GTPP2, not exactly sure what's in it, but supposed to be more of a street/track car.

Good luck

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[5ABI VT]

drives 'eco....' ... test drives 'automatic...' .... Prius is calling

 

[Kevin08]

You guys are saying you need the performance package to make it enjoyable to drive a 435HP car? LOL, get real.

OP, no car will be exciting on a daily drive where your engine/exhaust doesn't over power your stereo. Do the base cars not have Sport+ or Track? Those modes will have the most driver to road connection and more of a raw feel.

Also, driving a manual in general will be more exciting in pretty much every way. Doesn't matter how slow or shitty the car is, driving a stick can be fun at any time.

 

[BmacIL]

You guys are saying you need the performance package to make it enjoyable to drive a 435HP car? LOL, get real.

OP, no car will be exciting on a daily drive where your engine/exhaust doesn't over power your stereo. Do the base cars not have Sport+ or Track? Those modes will have the most driver to road connection and more of a raw feel.

Also, driving a manual in general will be more exciting in pretty much every way. Doesn't matter how slow or shitty the car is, driving a stick can be fun at any time.

Manual + proper suspension and chassis makes it night and day more enjoyable. I love my car, which started as a non-PP, but I have had to do quite a bit to make it drive well.

I don't feel that 3.73 gears are needed to be fun. My 3.31 car is plenty fun in a straight line. Do the 3.73s feel quicker? Sure, but I already have some pretty short ratios overall for daily use.

 

[5ABI VT]

You guys are saying you need the performance package to make it enjoyable to drive a 435HP car? LOL, get real.

OP, no car will be exciting on a daily drive where your engine/exhaust doesn't over power your stereo. Do the base cars not have Sport+ or Track? Those modes will have the most driver to road connection and more of a raw feel.

Also, driving a manual in general will be more exciting in pretty much every way. Doesn't matter how slow or shitty the car is, driving a stick can be fun at any time.

No but they would definitely make that difference the OP is looking for. Do you know how gears work? they multiply torque so with 3.73s the GT WILL put more torque to the ground and feel a lot punchier than with std gears.

 

[tw557]

I am seriously considering waiting it out. i have considered going the bigger turbo and tuning and all but not sure about the reliability and the time and aggravations of fixing it back up if something happens granted it would still be less money then the cost of the GT upgrade. I do feel I never pushed the base nearly far enough to feel its handling deficit either. Mine is very nice with Ford Performance suspension package, lowered and 20" wheels. Handles very sharp. In the base test drive I did use sport mode but it didn't have the levers to select other modes like my eco does. I also assume a good ol Pedalmax would probably help things for me. I am a fan of them and have one on my Eco and a Sprint Booster on the Audi I had. I've had it turned off for a couple weeks to get used to without it on so I get a better comparision during test drives. My other idea was to keep the Eco and get an 05-09 GT for the same cost as upgrading to the GT and have fun Modding that but I just didn't realize how soft the 4.6 motor felt. I think High gear ratio in that too though.

 

[Chameleon]

No but they would definitely make that difference the OP is looking for. Do you know how gears work? they multiply torque so with 3.73s the GT WILL put more torque to the ground and feel a lot punchier than with std gears.

Yep. I may be going with the new 4.10's

http://www.fordnxt.com/news/us-gear-offers-three-new-super-8-8-gear-ratios-for-s550s/

 

[Monopoly]

I am seriously considering waiting it out. i have considered going the bigger turbo and tuning and all but not sure about the reliability and the time and aggravations of fixing it back up if something happens granted it would still be less money then the cost of the GT upgrade. I do feel I never pushed the base nearly far enough to feel its handling deficit either. Mine is very nice with Ford Performance suspension package, lowered and 20" wheels. Handles very sharp. In the base test drive I did use sport mode but it didn't have the levers to select other modes like my eco does. I also assume a good ol Pedalmax would probably help things for me. I am a fan of them and have one on my Eco and a Sprint Booster on the Audi I had. I've had it turned off for a couple weeks to get used to without it on so I get a better comparision during test drives. My other idea was to keep the Eco and get an 05-09 GT for the same cost as upgrading to the GT and have fun Modding that but I just didn't realize how soft the 4.6 motor felt. I think High gear ratio in that too though.

Man I had the EXACT same experience when I test drove a GT Premium convertible with an Auto 3:15 gears. Was not impressed at all. Esp after driving a manual 16' Camaro 1SS earlier that day.

Bought the MT82 instead. I daily drive it some days in traffic does not bother me at all. 3:55 gears work great no complaints.

I plan on getting Ford Performance Track Suspension installed and Power Pack 2 upgrade soon.

 

[Kevin08]

No but they would definitely make that difference the OP is looking for. Do you know how gears work? they multiply torque so with 3.73s the GT WILL put more torque to the ground and feel a lot punchier than with std gears.

Gears are a sub $400 option, you don't need to waste $3,000 on the PP just to mitigate some low end torque placebo effect. The cars are not gutless.

 

[Crossroads]

You guys are saying you need the performance package to make it enjoyable to drive a 435HP car? LOL, get real.

OP, no car will be exciting on a daily drive where your engine/exhaust doesn't over power your stereo. Do the base cars not have Sport+ or Track? Those modes will have the most driver to road connection and more of a raw feel.

Also, driving a manual in general will be more exciting in pretty much every way. Doesn't matter how slow or shitty the car is, driving a stick can be fun at any time.

When I drove the base it was OK. When I drove the PP I realized this was a car I could daily and track and not have to put a lot of money or parts into during the warranty period.

Better cooling, better acceleration, better suspension, and WAY better braking. Just a more fun. more spirited ride. I'm not saying the base GT isn't fun to drive, but when it comes to ride for the buck, I feel the PP is worth it.

 

[Jdenkevitz]

Gears are a sub $400 option, you don't need to waste $3,000 on the PP just to mitigate some low end torque placebo effect. The cars are not gutless.

The base GT feels like a boat in comparison to the PP. Literally felt like my old Cadillac coupe de ville. The PP is a very different driving experience.

Base GT has much more sluggish gearing, and a lot more body roll.

 

[bahasad]

I am seriously considering waiting it out. i have considered going the bigger turbo and tuning and all but not sure about the reliability and the time and aggravations of fixing it back up if something happens granted it would still be less money then the cost of the GT upgrade. I do feel I never pushed the base nearly far enough to feel its handling deficit either. Mine is very nice with Ford Performance suspension package, lowered and 20" wheels. Handles very sharp. In the base test drive I did use sport mode but it didn't have the levers to select other modes like my eco does. I also assume a good ol Pedalmax would probably help things for me. I am a fan of them and have one on my Eco and a Sprint Booster on the Audi I had. I've had it turned off for a couple weeks to get used to without it on so I get a better comparision during test drives. My other idea was to keep the Eco and get an 05-09 GT for the same cost as upgrading to the GT and have fun Modding that but I just didn't realize how soft the 4.6 motor felt. I think High gear ratio in that too though.

If you're going to upgrade, upgrade with everything you need. Get the premium package with 3.55 gears minimum. That way you will get the selectable drive modes (Sport+, Track).
I wouldn't bother upgrading to a base GT with 3.15. Not worth it, although a big part of the appeal is the rumble of a V8.

17s should be cheap and easy to find given the 18s coming out. I got mine with Premium Pack, Shaker Audio, 3.55, Black Accent Package for 34K.

 

[chedder]

I drive the 15' GT PP 6 SPD. It is my teaching/track car. Rock star performance at an affordable price. At our Mustang day at the track it runs with the GT350's. Michelin PSC2's, suspension by Eibach. So fun to beat up on BMW's and Porsches.

 

[Seceda91]

You drove a base GT with automatic. None of that brings out the 'fun' the car has.

The Performance Pack with a manual is the purest way to drive the car.

++1

 

[c-rizzle]

GEARS, GEARS, GEARS.

Sounds like you're looking for an Auto.

1. Get a GT with 3.55 gears
2. Get a Premium so you can select Track, Sport mode for improved throttle response.
3. Get any tune. Even the Ford Performance tune is a nice improvement, especially in the "S" shift mode.

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