CALIFORNIA SPECIAL S550 Mustang Thread

[Bikeman315]

Interesting, well I have a 2017 6-speed manual, maybe that makes the difference, just looking for more punch off the line, I do have a 2018 intake manifold and was told it would be more beneficial since there is more power up top.

OK, took a little bit to find this.

So the lower the number the better the gas mileage but the worse for the off line acceleration. The rule of thumb is going two steps to make it worthwhile. For you that would mean going to 3.73

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/3-31-vs-3-55-gears.90631/

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[svtecobra]

Thanks for that thread, provided some GREAT info. I guess that’s my issue, the 3.55 are kind of the sweet spot. 3.73, might be too much for a daily and would get worse mileage.

I had a 97 Cobra, everyone said do 4.10 gears and it was a horrible experience. First gear was useless, zero traction, wasn’t fun. I want to avoid that situation.

I’ve gone back and forth for this for awhile. Pretty sure I could sell my 3.31 pumpkin to someone who installed a blower, but is it worth it.

 

[Zissou]

Thanks for that thread, provided some GREAT info. I guess that’s my issue, the 3.55 are kind of the sweet spot. 3.73, might be too much for a daily and would get worse mileage.

I had a 97 Cobra, everyone said do 4.10 gears and it was a horrible experience. First gear was useless, zero traction, wasn’t fun. I want to avoid that situation.

I’ve gone back and forth for this for awhile. Pretty sure I could sell my 3.31 pumpkin to someone who installed a blower, but is it worth it.

Someone just PM'd me asking the same question, if I thought it was worth it going to the 3.55. I've since sold my mustang, but I still get notifications from the forum.

I'll tell you exactly what I told them:

The 3.55 is the goldilocks for a daily driver, especially if you're ever doing any highway driving or road trips. BUT my car came with the 3.55 from the factory as an option though. I don't think I would have swapped them out if my car had the 3.31.

I had originally wanted the 3.73 with the whole performance package, but the deal on the CS was too good to pass up.

All of those gear ratio increases are marginal improvements; the 3.73 makes it marginally snappier than the 3.55, and the 3.55 from the 3.31 etc. I don't know how dramatically different the 3.55 would be over the 3.31, but I know the 3.73 wasn't a huge difference over the 3.55 when I drove the two.
And generally the boosted guys get rid of the 3.73's and go to something less aggressive because the power compensates for that.

I ended up building my own version of a performance package (sans gear ratios) on that CS with:
Ford Racing Street Handling Package
BMR CB005
BMR CB006
19x10 wheels with 285/35r19 summer tires

All those mods I would 100% do again, they were absolutely perfect for a fun daily driver. The suspension in particular I was so happy I didn't go track package or something stiff for the sake of being stiff - it wouldn't have made my car any faster in the corners. Think of BMW's M cars; they handle incredibly well without shaking your fillings loose - that set up gives you similar vibes (and I should know, I'm moving on to an M car lol)

I had also done the CAI and tuner for 93, they were not nearly as impactful as those suspension mods, because 400+ hp is plenty for backroads. But I also didn't go for the e85 tune which I know is a massive step up.

 

[beetle6986]

Have any CA Special owners with 6-speed manual gone from 3.31 gears to 3.55? My CA special is daily driver, think that 3.73 would be too much, sweet spot seems to be 3.55. If so was it worth it, would you do it again?

Thanks

I Like the 3.55s in mine (ordered from the factory). I think 3.31s and 3.55s are preferred in FI and 3.55s and 3.73s are preferred in NA cars. I'm am surprised at how much shorter the gears are with the 3.55s in my 2016 GT vs the 3.55s in my 04 Cobra. I never looked as the ratios, but the gears much be a lot shorter in the MT82 vs the T-56.

 

[Bobn57]

Didn’t see any other velocity blue CS’s in here. Here’s mine:

Very nice! I have one on order. I bet it looks much better in person.

 

[Bobn57]

My “Cali” made some new friends.

I had a 2021 oxford white one on order but changed to velocity blue. My last 2006 GT was Vista Blue Metallic. I'm not over the blues yet

 

[Bikeman315]

I had a 2021 oxford white one on order but changed to velocity blue. My last 2006 GT was Vista Blue Metallic. I'm not over the blues yet

I hear you. I actually was looking for Orange Fury and Velocity Blue before I found this car. Never was big on white cars but I love this one. Good luck getting yours. Please post pics when you do.

 

[Bobn57]

I hear you. I actually was looking for Orange Fury and Velocity Blue before I found this car. Never was big on white cars but I love this one. Good luck getting yours. Please post pics when you do.

will do.....something about the white with black trim just pops. Can't say I've met a bad mustang color. Just like some more than others.

 

[ti-dé]

ready to get out of the garage and take a walk

 

[Crew4991]

Just stored for a long winter slumber.

What side scoops are those? Looks awesome on the convertible.

 

[Bobn57]

Have any CA Special owners with 6-speed manual gone from 3.31 gears to 3.55? My CA special is daily driver, think that 3.73 would be too much, sweet spot seems to be 3.55. If so was it worth it, would you do it again?

Thanks

My 21 GT/CS 6spd, came with 3:55s. I'm happy with the response...not drag racing anyway so it has plenty of pickup to get out of its way.

 

[Bobn57]

Here's my GT/CS update. Placed my order on June 11th and dealer received my stang on August 12th.
VB, GT/CS with B&O radio, 6 spd, 3:55s, 400A, active valve exhaust and enhanced security.
Only 200 miles on it so far but loving it.

 

[Fordever]

What side scoops are those? Looks awesome on the convertible.

They are Cervini. Not sure if I picked them up at AM or CJ.

 

[Baldilocks]

My 2020 California Special. No real mods to speak of yet other than wheel spacers, 5.0 badging and shift paddle extenders. The fake side scoops (air brakes) coming off soon as well.

 

[Crew4991]

My 2020 California Special. No real mods to speak of yet other than wheel spacers, 5.0 badging and shift paddle extenders. The fake side scoops (air brakes) coming off soon as well.

Very nice. The black 5.0 badge look great on white cars. Maybe add some small black hood stripes near the hood vents and color the brakes red for a more unique look too.

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