help me make up my mind - fastback or convertible

[robertwsimpson]

Hi everyone, I am new to the Mustang world, about to get probably a 2015 convertible, but the more I cruise the aftermarket, the more I find that none of the performance parts fit the convertible... suspension and exhaust especially. What gives? I see that the convertible has this neat little frame brace on the underside that ruins everything. Is that it? what does that have to do with the suspension? are there workarounds? I live in northern california, and being able to put the top down is very appealing to me, but I still like putting go fast parts on my cars. I'd love to hear from convertible owners if there is some choice in the aftermarket... Also, if you had it to do over again, would you go coupe or convertible? I've always been a coupe guy, but the weather here is too good to pass up.

Thanks!

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[cbrookre]

I have not put on any aftermarket parts, but yes I would do it again in a heartbeat. Even without upgrades the convertible is a fantastic car. I am planning on eventually putting on springs and exhaust, but was planning to research when that time came. From my understanding, there are options and the springs should fit either. We have some great, active vendors on the site that I am sure will help.

 

[Coolmanfoo]

Idk much about how the aftermarket parts play out but I can give you my opinion. I'm also in northern cali

My first experience with the s550 Mustang was in a ecoboost vert. And it was very cool to put the top down and cruise up along highway 1 and soak up some sun.

However when it came time to actually purchase the car I bought the coupes without a second thought. A big part of that was that the vert will never look as good as the coupe. It gets rid of all those beautiful lines. Secondly verts typically don't have the structural rigidity of coupes.

I wanted a cheap gt that handled well and looked great. For me that was the 2016 base gt in coupes form.

Also take this into accoubt. A v6 vert is the same price as a gt. So what do you do? Commute and cruise around? Or are you looking for some power?

 

[robertwsimpson]

Well, I have 2 kids and another on the way. We also have an Acura MDX, so that is the car we usually drive around in other than when I am on my way to work and home, but I really enjoy throwing the car around some of the awesome roads we have here... I'm definitely getting an GT. I just don't know the rest...

 

[MaskedRacerX]

A convertible is a calling, you'll know if you have to have one

Hi everyone, I am new to the Mustang world, about to get probably a 2015 convertible, but the more I cruise the aftermarket, the more I find that none of the performance parts fit the convertible... suspension and exhaust especially.

It's not really an issue, there's a some exhausts that do, or have been re-engineer to fit, there's a few that don't - but plenty of options.

For suspension, you can change springs, shocks, swaybars without any worries, a few of the products that add additional stiffening/supporting might not work, but the convertible comes with an excellent, additional brace (which is actually the issue with some exhausts). Also no problem on wheel and tire changes.

Anything on the engine side: intakes, manifolds, headers, superchargers, etc., all work, so do most cosmetic changes, audio, hoods, interior parts, whatever.

Take a look at some of the build threads for convertibles, and I think you'll see pretty substantial modifications.

I just ordered SP080 springs, adding MSTech spacers, will soon be adding a full exhaust, tune, different shifter ...

:cheers:

 

[robertwsimpson]

A convertible is a calling, you'll know if you have to have one



It's not really an issue, there's a some exhausts that do, or have been re-engineer to fit, there's a few that don't - but plenty of options.

For suspension, you can change springs, shocks, swaybars without any worries, a few of the products that add additional stiffening/supporting might not work, but the convertible comes with an excellent, additional brace (which is actually the issue with some exhausts). Also no problem on wheel and tire changes.

Anything on the engine side: intakes, manifolds, headers, superchargers, etc., all work, so do most cosmetic changes, audio, hoods, interior parts, whatever.

Take a look at some of the build threads for convertibles, and I think you'll see pretty substantial modifications.

I just ordered SP080 springs, adding MSTech spacers, will soon be adding a full exhaust, tune, different shifter ...

:cheers:

Cool this is what I was looking for. I've really only been cruising AmericanMuscle.com and they seem to hate convertibles... unless I just don't know what I am looking at. Everything says "fastback only."

 

[Road Dog]

Okay Robert, here is what you need to know.
First, the bracing on the Convertible helps chassis rigidity. So far the only issues with the bracing are using cutback exhausts and some suspension parts. In suspension these items won't fit without modification or removal of the stock brace: Steeda's IRS Brace and Jacking rails, BMR's CB005 IRS Lockout kit and their jacking rails. As for the exhausts I just put a Kooks on my vert with no issues. Many of the top names make a convertible version.

As for engine mods the sky is the limit, no difference from the coupe.
Edit: I forgot to mention the rear spoilers from the coupe will not fit the vert trunk lid.

If you plan to race the car you need to check what restrictions are on convertibles. Drag racing rules say if you are under a certain ET you need a rollbar installed. Not sure what the road racing rules are but I'll bet they say something similar.

The issue is really what are you planning to do with the car. If you are serious about racing, the coupe is the easier body to mod and cheaper to race.

I ama 47 yr motorcyclist who recently retired. I wanted a new car and don't ride the cycle as much anymore but still like the open air when traveling. The convertible is the best choice for me.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

There's a few manufacturers that haven't made compatible / or updated their products, so you can get into a batch of "coupe only" products, but MBRP, Borla, Solo, etc., have options.

Here's three awesome cars, with amazing builds and results, convertibles, that I think will give you a sense of where you can go with a S550 convertible:

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32520

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41388

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38416


Also, starting in '16, the Perf Package is available for convertibles as well, and that gives you a pretty amazing starting point.

The issue is really what are you planning to do with the car. If you are serious about racing, the coupe is the easier body to mod and cheaper to race.

I am a 47 yr motorcyclist who recently retired. I wanted a new car and don't ride the cycle as much anymore but still like the open air when traveling. The convertible is the best choice for me.

Right on! :cheers:

 

[Road Dog]

RacerX, just a note. Alton's build was done before the MFG offered a convertible version of the exhaust he used. He then had his installer modify the convertible bracing to allow the catback to fit. That type of work around is now avoidable with the availability of the vert model exhaust kits.

 

[robertwsimpson]

Okay Robert, here is what you need to know.
First, the bracing on the Convertible helps chassis rigidity. So far the only issues with the bracing are using cutback exhausts and some suspension parts. In suspension these items won't fit without modification or removal of the stock brace: Steeda's IRS Brace and Jacking rails, BMR's CB005 IRS Lockout kit and their jacking rails. As for the exhausts I just put a Kooks on my vert with no issues. Many of the top names make a convertible version.

As for engine mods the sky is the limit, no difference from the coupe.
Edit: I forgot to mention the rear spoilers from the coupe will not fit the vert trunk lid.

If you plan to race the car you need to check what restrictions are on convertibles. Drag racing rules say if you are under a certain ET you need a rollbar installed. Not sure what the road racing rules are but I'll bet they say something similar.

The issue is really what are you planning to do with the car. If you are serious about racing, the coupe is the easier body to mod and cheaper to race.

I ama 47 yr motorcyclist who recently retired. I wanted a new car and don't ride the cycle as much anymore but still like the open air when traveling. The convertible is the best choice for me.

ah ok cool. So the IRS bracing is what is in the way on these bigger suspension kits... I was wondering why coilovers wouldn't go on either... I was thinking maybe spring rates due to the weight difference, but that makes sense. Nice to know. Thanks for your help!

 

[robertwsimpson]

There's a few manufacturers that haven't made compatible / or updated their products, so you can get into a batch of "coupe only" products, but MBRP, Borla, Solo, etc., have options.

Here's three awesome cars, with amazing builds and results, convertibles, that I think will give you a sense of where you can go with a S550 convertible:

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32520

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41388

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38416


Also, starting in '16, the Perf Package is available for convertibles as well, and that gives you a pretty amazing starting point.




Right on! :cheers:

I actually clicked on every build thread and found all the convertible ones after your previous post. I didn't see that first one that you listed though. That is an awesome looking vehicle.

Thanks for your help!

 

[robertwsimpson]

RacerX, just a note. Alton's build was done before the MFG offered a convertible version of the exhaust he used. He then had his installer modify the convertible bracing to allow the catback to fit. That type of work around is now avoidable with the availability of the vert model exhaust kits.

I was wondering about this... or if there was some sort of less intrusive (but probably less ground clearance friendly) version of that brace. I guess it's a non-issue now?

 

[Road Dog]

Robert I had mine up on a lift this afternoon getting the fit of one of the mufflers adjusted. Check the pic. The exhaust is a Kooks 3" H-pipe catback. You can see the bracing in the middle of the car. Alton had the brace cut and lowered. That as you say is a non issue now.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I actually clicked on every build thread and found all the convertible ones after your previous post. I didn't see that first one that you listed though. That is an awesome looking vehicle.

Thanks for your help!

Alton's ( [MENTION=17459]altjx[/MENTION] ) car is poop, I'd be too embarrassed to post pics if I were him ...



The S550 make a stunning convertible. Looks solid with the top up, amazing with it down, good headroom (with the top down, endless head room ) and the top mechanism is quick and quiet. The front of the top is hard, so it makes a nice finish when it's down.

Another big plus, there's NO difference with the top up or down in terms of trunk storage. I've cross shopped cars where it changes (especially folding hardtops), so you have to pre-plan storage/trips. The trunk is pretty roomy, we've done a couple of 4 days stays, with bags, coolers, no sweat.

 

[robertwsimpson]

I drove a convertible last week and was shocked at the headroom. I'm 6'4" and all torso (think built like a penguin) so headroom is super important to me. In most convertibles, I'm looking over top of the windshield. I thought the S550 is a perfect opportunity to own a convertible I actually fit in.

Thanks for the visual road_dog. that helps. I think I could be happy for like 1-2 weeks with a stock vehicle, I guess. I have a severe illness when it comes to modifying vehicles.

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