California Special Package

[uin2it]

This is my 1st mustang I got in oct and Im lucky to have it. Someone ordered it and then turned it down. My dealer called and I was like ill take it, what's it cost? LOL. It's got the 401A, active exhaust, B&O, auto trans. Someone had it built like I would have. A few months before I had ordered a 6speed gt with active exhaust that never got built, still don't know what happened to it. This one was quite a bit more expensive, but definitely no regrets. The pic is the day I got the windows tinted.

I debated the Red but wasn't sure it would allow the Red-CS decals and accents to pop enough. Great Color though and I really like your car!!

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[young at heart]

Help me understand. The CS is an appearance package kinda like the BAP but on ‘roids, right? It’s not a separate model is it?

Or maybe it is. Just read the Steeda write-up.

 

[Jaymar]

Help me understand. The CS is an appearance package kinda like the BAP but on ‘roids, right? It’s not a separate model is it?

Or maybe it is. Just read the Steeda write-up.

It is an appearance package, just one that goes way back.

 

[uin2it]

It is an appearance package, just one that goes way back.

In 2022 its no longer JUST an appearance thing...... in 2022 For Added the PP! features (Even on non PP1 equipped cars)
the GT/CS now adds the PP1 chassis bracing and aerodynamics Front and Rear Spoilers.

 

[Bikeman315]

In 2022 its no longer JUST an appearance thing...... in 2022 For Added the PP! features (Even on non PP1 equipped cars)
the GT/CS now adds the PP1 chassis bracing and aerodynamics Front and Rear Spoilers.

Agreed, but the California Special is still just a standalone cosmetic package. Adding PP & MR is the long awaited icing on the cake.

 

[Bikeman315]

It is an appearance package, just one that goes way back.

Way way back…….

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Special_Mustang

 

[Jaymar]

In 2022 its no longer JUST an appearance thing...... in 2022 For Added the PP! features (Even on non PP1 equipped cars)
the GT/CS now adds the PP1 chassis bracing and aerodynamics Front and Rear Spoilers.

Which are all cosmetic except for the braces.

 

[wynand32]

In 2022 its no longer JUST an appearance thing...... in 2022 For Added the PP! features (Even on non PP1 equipped cars)
the GT/CS now adds the PP1 chassis bracing and aerodynamics Front and Rear Spoilers.

So, what specifically is this chassis bracing that's added?

 

[Jaymar]

So, what specifically is this chassis bracing that's added?

It gets the strut tower, cowl and k-frame brace that the PP1 car and 20" wheel cars get. Slightly tightens front end feel in steering and seems to be less included in all versions of the car with 19" or bigger wheels.

 

[uin2it]

Agreed, but the California Special is still just a standalone cosmetic package. Adding PP & MR is the long awaited icing on the cake.

Im not arguing with you just trying to point out things changed for 2022-23, its no longer JUST an appearance pkg.
You don't have to add the PP1 pkg to get some of the PP stuff *see below. That's what I'm saying... the GT/CS is the best package for the money ($1995). You get the CS Specific parts like "The Best Interior" that comes in a mustang, the Badging, Side Scoos & Grille.

The PP1 pkg is $6700... same as the GT, but you're already getting PP features in the CS pkg.
* again see image below

So for me personally I felt that adding the PP was a waste. since I plan to replace half the parts from the PP with my own aftermarket parts.

Shared w/ the CS & the PP1:
PP Front Splitter
PP Rear Spoiler
PP Under belly
PP Brake Ducts in wheel wells
Strut Tower Bar
K-Member Brace

Items on the PP1 that I would've changed anyhow:
Wheels & Tires (Not wide enough, bad offset selection)
3.73 gears in the Manual (I plan to go Whipple so the 3.55's are better for me)
Struts/Springs (for better stance, performance)
Sway Bars (going with adjustable F & R)
Bremebo Brakes (I'm going with Red Calipers and 2pc Rotors)

Items Im missing out on:
Torsen Differential (M-4204-MT - $980)
Larger Radiator (FR3Z-8005-G - $350)

 

[Bikeman315]

It gets the strut tower, cowl and k-frame brace that the PP1 car and 20" wheel cars get. Slightly tightens front end feel in steering and seems to be less included in all versions of the car with 19" or bigger wheels.

In looking at the CS package online I see no information about the K brace, just the cowl brace. Just like the 19-21‘ cars.

 

[Bikeman315]

Im not arguing with you just trying to point out things changed for 2022-23, its no longer JUST an appearance pkg.
You don't have to add the PP1 pkg to get some of the PP stuff *see below. That's what I'm saying... the GT/CS is the best package for the money ($1995). You get the CS Specific parts like "The Best Interior" that comes in a mustang, the Badging, Side Scoos & Grille.

The PP1 pkg is $6700... same as the GT, but you're already getting PP features in the CS pkg.
* again see image below

So for me personally I felt that adding the PP was a waste. since I plan to replace half the parts from the PP with my own aftermarket parts.

Shared w/ the CS & the PP1:
PP Front Splitter
PP Rear Spoiler
PP Under belly
PP Brake Ducts in wheel wells
Strut Tower Bar
K-Member Brace

Items on the PP1 that I would've changed anyhow:
Wheels & Tires (Not wide enough, bad offset selection)
3.73 gears in the Manual (I plan to go Whipple so the 3.55's are better for me)
Struts/Springs (for better stance, performance)
Sway Bars (going with adjustable F & R)
Bremebo Brakes (I'm going with Red Calipers and 2pc Rotors)

Items Im missing out on:
Torsen Differential (M-4204-MT - $980)
Larger Radiator (FR3Z-8005-G - $350)

My 19’ CS has the PP spoiler, and a unique rear spoiler that I prefer over the PP one (Ford cheaped out on this one). I also have the tower brace. The screen shots you included clearly show that only the PP has the K brace. Do not see PP brake ducting either as the CS doesn’t get the Brembo’s.

So, in reality there is nothing really “performance” based added to the CS. Not that it matters. Still a great package which I love on my car.

 

[uin2it]

My 19’ CS has the PP spoiler, and a unique rear spoiler that I prefer over the PP one (Ford cheaped out on this one). I also have the tower brace. The screen shots you included clearly show that only the PP has the K brace. Do not see PP brake ducting either as the CS doesn’t get the Brembo’s.

So, in reality there is nothing really “performance” based added to the CS. Not that it matters. Still a great package which I love on my car.

ok.

 

[Bikeman315]

ok.

Listen, I get it. I’m not trying to knock your car, it’s beautiful. Just do not want other 22’ & 23’ owners thinking they’re getting more than they are.

By the way, if you are so inclined please join us at the #1 online California Special Club on Facebook. It’s a closed group you will need to join.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/902428730145713

 

[CrazyHippie]

Hi! I'm a proud new owner of a 23 premium GT/CS in dark matter gray. I thought about a Mach 1, ordered one, got a build date just under the wire, and then ran across the GT/CS. I saved a bunch of cash and I truly think this the the sharpest looking model available. Its just plain sleek and classy. No gaudy racing stripes, very comfortable ride, handles really well, and loads of power. The red accents on dark gray really pop.

One question: Mine does not have the 5.0 fender badges on it - a small detail but just curious if this is a small change for 2023, or is this a factory mistake? Its a good thing IMO, cause I'd like to put red 307 emblems on there and don't need to worry about removing 5.0 badges. (V-8 engines are properly rated in cubic inches, forget the metric system!)

Looking forward to summer driving and great forum conversations!

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