Looking at buying S550 - disappointed

[merc123]

I am upgrading from a 2003 Mustang GT (3.73/5-speed) and have driven a used 2014, used 2016 and new 2017 all GT PP (3.73/6-speed) to compare.

Comfort wise I like them but what I'm finding, and wife confirmed, that the acceleration is lack luster. The 2014 with aftermarket mufflers/JLT CAI/Bama tune and it seemed to have a lot more acceleration similar to my 2003. I can feel the power kick in at 3500-4k but off the line or slow rolling just wasn't impressive.

Obviously on pure numbers the S550 will smoke my 2003 all day long in all aspects. The "wow" factor and the push back in the seat just didn't feel like it was there. Is this a normal feeling and what are some of the reasons? Would simple bolt ons like cat-back, CAI or tuner help get that feel or is it just the "comforts" of the car?

Thanks!

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[Spykexx]

The tune makes a HUGE difference in terms of how the cars feels. Hell for all three platforms. The stock tunes are quite mild. It'll be like driving a whole different car.

Can't compare tuned/stock when comparing the same motor like that. The tune will always feel much stronger.

 

[djpheer]

Well yeah you cant compare a tuned car with basicly the same motor to a non tune car. Get an intake + tune on that 2017 and it will wake up. When i went from stock to intake/tune my car definitely felt much more responsive. Plus the new ones are so much nicer on the interior and have such quiet exhaust sound that it's possible for it to not "feel" as fast as well. Long story short? Acceleration can be fixed easily and cost effectively.

 

[merc123]

The plan was CAI, cat back and tuner. Maybe LT headers if I feel up to it but the car is pretty solid as is. Just want to give the wife what she wants for the g-force acceleration

 

[Spykexx]

A little suspension work such as the BMR lock outs, a tune, headers and exhaust and you'll forget all about your '03!

 

[jasonstang]

Did you have the mode in sport because normal mode has a gradual throttle application for smooth feel.

 

[ramairgt1]

I'm selling my procharged '15 in the for sale section..also located in georgia

 

[Spartanator]

Did you have the mode in sport because normal mode has a gradual throttle application for smooth feel.

This right here.

 

[skinnysaurus]

I am upgrading from a 2003 Mustang GT (3.73/5-speed) and have driven a used 2014, used 2016 and new 2017 all GT PP (3.73/6-speed) to compare.

Comfort wise I like them but what I'm finding, and wife confirmed, that the acceleration is lack luster. The 2014 with aftermarket mufflers/JLT CAI/Bama tune and it seemed to have a lot more acceleration similar to my 2003. I can feel the power kick in at 3500-4k but off the line or slow rolling just wasn't impressive.

Obviously on pure numbers the S550 will smoke my 2003 all day long in all aspects. The "wow" factor and the push back in the seat just didn't feel like it was there. Is this a normal feeling and what are some of the reasons? Would simple bolt ons like cat-back, CAI or tuner help get that feel or is it just the "comforts" of the car?

Thanks!

I can only speak regarding the 2017 GT PP so if you mean off the line acceleration, you're not imagining it. I think part of the reason might be the short gearing in 1st and 2nd on the 3.73 and the fact that this engine doesn't necessarily shine down low. In stock form, I felt the same as you.

Even with my Roush Phase 1 supercharger (670hp), the car doesn't feel really great taking off the line (again I personally think the gearbox on this car stinks). I don't track my car so maybe some other people on this forum have a different view.

Personally, I feel the S550 shines as a GT...loads of torque and highway passing power. I think some people view or approach the stock GT as a true "sports" or "race" car and are disappointed.

 

[Zelek]

When you go from a 2015 Corolla to a 2017 GT Premium w/ PP, it's like I'm traveling at light speed!

In all honesty, stock tunes are set really safe/richer and mild for warranty reasons.

 

[wildcatgoal]

The S550 (which is much heavier than the S1970 5.0) has a little laziness off the line even with 3.73 gearing. I test drove 3.55 and 3.73 cars and felt the same way with all of them. Especially when you're in like 2-3.5K RPM in 2nd gear mostly just tooting about, and smash the throttle. You'd think you'd spin tire, but you don't (even in Track mode). People keep saying it's a torque management thing.

 

[DarkestHour]

The engine is doodoo until upper RPM really. From 4000 to 7200 RPM it's a blast.

 

[merc123]

Did you have the mode in sport because normal mode has a gradual throttle application for smooth feel.

I did sport mode on the 17 but don't remember doing any crazy pulls with it on. Forgot all about the modes while driving.

 

[merc123]

I'm selling my procharged '15 in the for sale section..also located in georgia

I want DIB but your price is awesome for that car. Almost cheap IMO

 

[BmacIL]

You're also suffering from the "it's so refined I can't feel the speed" syndrome with the S550. A stock GT PP feels WAY slower than it is...and then you look at the speedo. Comparing to a tuned car isn't valid, and tuning these cars makes a huge difference in how violent and fast they feel.

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