GT Performance Package handling

[cross]

So, I am looking for a manual 2016-2017 GT convertible. And had put the GT Performance Package on my "must have" list. But, in not being able to find one with all of the options I want anywhere, one that hits all the important ones _other_ than the performance package is available at a dealer only an hour or two away, so I have to consider. The other option looks to be ordering a 2017 to order, which gives me what I want but 6-8 weeks out and $3-5k more expensive.

I am not going to be tracking this car, at least not regularly, but still want the sharp handling I've been used to driving cars (mostly German) with sport suspensions. How much of a difference does the GT PP make in handling? I know the differential and improved final drive ratio make a difference in speed off of the line, and I'll miss that, but for "real life" driving I'm guessing I'll be okay. Does the PP make a difference in handling/cornering that you'll notice in peppy road driving, or will you not miss it until you're on a track?

Thanks. I know opinions can be all over the map, but I'm happy to hear some. And let me know if/where you've driven both to compare. Thanks!

-Chris

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[ravengenesis]

I went from a Mercedes C Coupe, so it's sports tuned some what, into a non PP GT. For me I didn't feel the difference honestly, it's snug enough for some spirited driving.

Prior to the Mercedes was a Mazdaspeed3 2010, and that thing, that thing rides STIFF. Your ass gets jello over long drives, but man does that thing TURN and BURN. I'm confident to say the speed3 out grips my non PP GT.

Personally didn't want the PP because it's my DD, and overall driving aspect felt good. But this GT will become tuner once the warranties are done, so I would rather save a few thousand now and mod later.

Just my 2c

 

[Wblv17]

just order what you want. It's a lot of money not to get what you want. only takes 5 - 7 weeks

 

[BmacIL]

You definitely notice the difference in handling and feel compared to the base car. I don't, however, know how much of a difference you'll notice in a convertible.

If I were you I would get a non-PP with the 3.55 axle option and put a few hundred into the car in chassis/suspension to get it how you want. The PP Brembos are excellent, but so are the base 14" brakes. If this all sounds appealing to you, I would start with:

FR Strut tower brace & K-brace kit
BMR CB005 cradle lockout kit
BMR or Steeda Sway Bars

 

[cross]

But this GT will become tuner once the warranties are done, so I would rather save a few thousand now and mod later.

Thanks. Yeah, I'd had that thought too, as it will be my DD and I assume I can mod it if/when I want to. I guess that's something else I meant to ask, what would one want to do aftermarket to get some of the gains the PP would provide?

 

[brandonsmash]

For me, at the price I was willing to pay on the terms I was willing to pay it, I had to sacrifice a color I wanted for the performance package.

While I do wish I'd been able to find a ruby red or deep impact blue GT/PP at my price point, that wasn't to be -- but I am overall very happy with the performance package, and would absolutely recommend it.

(Okay, I do kind of wish I had 3.55 instead of 3.73 rear gears, but that's a small quibble.)

I'd say go for the PP if it's what you want.

 

[ravengenesis]

Thanks. Yeah, I'd had that thought too, as it will be my DD and I assume I can mod it if/when I want to. I guess that's something else I meant to ask, what would one want to do aftermarket to get some of the gains the PP would provide?

you can actually get the parts and install them on afterwards, they're not unique to the trim.

The GT Performance Package includes:

• 19" X 9" (F) 19” X 9.5” (R) Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum Wheels
• 255/40R19 (F) 275/40R (R) Summer Only Tires
• Brembo™ Six-Piston Front Brake Calipers with Larger Rotors
• "Engine Turn" Aluminum Instrument Panel
• Gauge Pack (Oil Pressure and Vacuum)
• Heavy-Duty Front Springs
• K-Brace
• Larger Radiator
• Spoiler Delete
• Strut-tower Brace
• Unique Chassis Tuning
• Upsized Rear Sway Bar
• Unique Stability Control, EPAS & ABS Tuning
• TORSEN® Differential with 3.73 Axle Ratio

Basically they're there to improve handling of the car and allow you to push it harder at the limit.

 

[dgc333]

The other option looks to be ordering a 2017 to order, which gives me what I want but 6-8 weeks out and $3-5k more expensive.

Why would you expect to pay $3-$5k more for ordering a car?

In my 40 years of buying new cars I have ways gotten as good a deal ordering as buying off the lot. Most of the cars I have purchased were ordered, it's only in the past few years where the dealer's have visibility to what other dealers have that I haven't ordered. But I go in with the expectation of placing an order, if they locate one fine.

I wouldn't settle for something when you are spending the kind of money a new Mustang costs.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Yeah, if they're trying to charge more for ordering a car, that's b.s.

They would /prefer/ you take a car off their lot, but when it comes to ordering a car, you can do that at any dealer, so just shop around for a dealer who isn't a jerk.

 

[thumper]

i have a PP 5.0 and i had the chance to drive a base 5.0 and it's a noticable difference. i didn't know a s550 could float that badly :(

i also daily mine. not sure why some here don't think it's good for that, and my roads are crap, or maybe your roads are far worse than mine. maybe it's because i've driven track cars that shouldn't have a license plate on the street and i'm using those to compare against...?

 

[DarkestHour]

I'm really not impressed but maybe that has to do with the car weighing 3900lbs.

 

[Jdenkevitz]

Get the PP. It's a significant difference. I went from a non PP ecoboost to a PP Gt, and it's much more planted even though heavier. I found the non PP gt way too soft. Lots of body roll.

 

[offroadkarter]

You can always add the parts later as others have said. Hell, I believe the ford racing suspension kit is basically lowering springs with PP struts and shocks. The brembo brakes are available through ford racing as well, but if you're not going to track the car, the stock 14" rotor, 4 piston calipers are more than enough.

I daily drive my car over some not nice roads, the Pirelli tires make some noise over certain surfaces and the car is firm at times, but its never uncomfortable. I have absolutely zero regrets getting a performance package car. Its great fun to rip though the twisty backroads on my commute home.

I'm guessing your dealer has done a search to see what they can get already? My local dealer in NJ searched as far south as VA to look for a car for me.

 

[Chameleon]

Chris, welcome to the Mustang aftermarket.

 

[cross]

Why would you expect to pay $3-$5k more for ordering a car?

Oh, don't get me wrong, it's not the dealer trying something funny. It's that a 2016 without PP is just $3-$4k less than a 2017 with. Or more, given what seems quite a good price on this 2016 I'm looking at. It's $7-8k under MSRP. So, it's a matter of whether it's good enough.

My plan is to head down and take it for a drive. I've driven cars with PP, and if I think the one without is too soft, I'll hold off and order one. I have an appointment with a dealer on that already, just that this one that was almost what I wanted came up close enough to look at.

If it seems good enough for me, then so be it. I'm just trying not to do something I'll regret, but if I drive it and like it, then I think I'll be good. If it feels lacking, I'll likely spend the money and time ordering one.

Thanks all!

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