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Lorne34 Shelby GT350 Build: MESTENO

Lorne34

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On Friday January 3rd, after over a year of deliberation, I finally decided to move forward and purchase a Shelby GT350. This has been my dream car since they came out in 2015. I have previously owned a 2016 GT Premium, as well as a 2017 Mustang GT Convertible. Both were great cars, but the Shelby was always in the back of my mind. So now begins the journey of discovery with the Shelby. It's winter here in Wisconsin, so unfortunately the Shelby is in storage, but I do have plans for modifications as spring arrives.

Here are the Specs and some pictures:
2019 Mustang Shelby GT350
Performance Blue with Black Stripes
Electronics Package

Current Modifications:
  • Front ZL1 Rock Guards
  • Custom License Plate (Mesteno)
  • Carbon Fiber License Plate Bracket (Front/Rear)
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BeastAR

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I read V2 and saw you sold it.... Then saw this thread. Congrats on the find. Happy modding and enjoy.
 
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Lorne34

Lorne34

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Thanks Bill! Can't wait until Spring to arrive so I can really enjoy it! :like:
 
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Lorne34

Lorne34

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I read V2 and saw you sold it.... Then saw this thread. Congrats on the find. Happy modding and enjoy.
Thanks I appreciate it! I enjoyed the convertible and may get one again if we eventually move to somewhere warmer down the road. But this was the car i've always wanted.
 
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Lorne34

Lorne34

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BmacIL

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Congratulations!
 
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Lorne34

Lorne34

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Congratulations!
Thanks Brian! It's been a long journey to the 350 for sure.... Haven't driven it much but so far it's what I expected it to be and most likely more.
Each model has their differences for sure. I respect all of them.
Hope to get some road time in down south this summer. Will need to look you up when I am in the chicago land area
 
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Looks great man! Excited to see where the build goes.
 
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Lorne34

Lorne34

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Created a "Shelby Binder" today to store all of the important paperwork, photo journal, magazine articles, etc.. Got the idea from another Mustang owner at the American Muscle Car Show two years ago.
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Lorne34

Lorne34

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Had the Ford Factory Window Sticker reprinted and framed. Also was fortunate enough to have the previous owner place the complete GT350 Welcome Kit in the trunk
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Lorne34

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Finally got my 2019 out of storage after purchasing it in January. Found a great license plate frame holder that is simplistic and scratch resistant.
New Custom License plates finally installed. Mesteno comes is the Spanish origin for the word Mustang as well as the adjectives for Wild, Untamed.
I actually discovered this during a scene from the movie Hidalgo, which was my previous license plate. I could have used Hidalgo again, but wanted something unique for the GT350. To me is is the epitome of a wild, untamed Mustang.

Google Results: mesteño from Spanish to English Dictionary
ADJECTIVE
a. wild
En el valle, había vacas y caballos mesteños.In the valley, there were wild horses and cows.
2. (undomesticated)
a. untamed
Los vaqueros atraparon al caballo mesteño con sus reatas.The cowboys caught the untamed horse with their lassos.
3. (related to the Mesta)
a. Mesta
Los rancheros mesteños fueron informados de que los moros les habían robado algunas ovejas.The Mesta ranchers were informed that the Moors had stolen some of their sheep.
MASCULINE NOUN
4. (animal)
a. mustang
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Had some issues with the Battery while in storage. Most commercial storage units do not have access to electrical power, so no battery tender. Apparently the battery goes into a "sleep mode" to preserve enough juice to boot up the computer and start the vehicle. However it has a tendency to leave certain options disabled, such as the door handle unlock feature on the passenger side. I was able to hook up my battery tender (installed quick connect cables first) and fully charge the battery. I then disconnected the Negative Terminal and then reconnected to reboot the computer. Hoping to be in a different garage situation this next winter. View attachment 463893
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Lorne34

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INITIAL THOUGHTS ON THE SHELBY GT350:
This has always been in my mind the Halo car from the S550 generation that made its debut in 2015. I remember going to a local dealership where they had a brand new 2016 (tech pkg) in Avalanche Gray. It was unlike any Mustang I'd ever seen and had such a intimidating presence. I was able to test drive several used models in the past, but I came to the conclusion that it was pretty useless to do so as you really cannot get a feel for this car on a test drive.
My drive back from Indiana in January felt somewhat like a test drive because I was driving on Michelin Cup2 tires in 40 degree weather. The MPSS tires are now installed and I have to say I notice a significant difference in reduced tramlining and overall confidence. The car feels smaller, lighter than my previous GT's with quicker steering response and precise handling. I made the mistake with my first GT of throwing a lot of mechanical and suspension mods on the car relatively quickly without thinking through what I really wanted. The final result was not good and I really struggled with enjoying the driving experience afterwards. Looking back i probably should have kept at it and re-adjusted some things, but by that time I was wanting to try the convertible. Both experiences have given me an appreciation for this car and it's differences.
Interior feels up scaled a bit from the previous model years, although I never complained about the interiors as I think all of the Mustang's interiors with the S550 refresh have been solid. The upgraded B/O stereo system is nice and little touches like the start button matching the shift knob, soft touch materials on door trim/side of center console, as well as the cobra puddle lamps are appreciated. It feels closer to the GT premium interior but without the My Color and ambient lighting which I miss. Visibility is great, probably the best out of all 3 Mustangs i have owned, with the exception of the vert top down. My model does have the BLIS feature which I am so appreciative of; I really like this feature as a secondary warning and I was never a big fan of the small extended view mirrors mounted in the upper corner on previous models. My brain just couldn't process that for some reason on other vehicles i've driven in the past.
Appearance wise it's just hard to describe how good this car looks.... the stance....lines, etc.. attracts a lot of attention, looks, waves, smiles. I appreciate the active exhaust feature as I can shut off the valves and be covert if I choose to be.
Performance wise, the GT350 is probably the perfect car for me as I am not a fan of instant torque which presses you into your seat from stop light to stop light. I will probably never own an electric sports car (I know, never say never) as the on/off switch of instant torque that takes you from 0-60 in 2-3 seconds never appealed to me. I hated driving my wife's Sienna mini van because it had that on/off switch feel. The car feels composed and almost docile when driving on the street. It's just doesn't have an intimidating feel in regards to acceleration when just cruising around town, which is mind boggling when you think of the performance capabilities of this car.
My wife actually was behind the wheel on the first real spirited drive since taking it out of storage. It's a long story, but guys remember to put your wife first, lol. I was very interested in her perception of the vehicle as she had driven both of my GT's extensively. I hate to say it, but she is as proficient or perhaps even more driving a manual sports car. Her first comment was "this feels very different" as she recognized the overall handling capability and nimbleness of the 350.
She was a little confused at first with the lack of immediate torque, but once I explained the expanded rev range of 8250 and the torque curve she very quickly started doing pulls up to 7500+ which put me back in my seat every time. We both chuckled and had grins on our faces for literally an hour as we did pull after pull. Her comment was "that's pretty incredible" I realized during our venture that you can still have a LOT of fun with this car while obeying the law and staying safe. I will say that the torque curve does come on pretty quickly when you have some room to run with this car, I was expecting a "lag" per se, but step on the gas aggressively and the torque curve comes on quick and it will pull you back in your seat. You quickly realize that the 526HP is no joke. This was on fairly straight country roads without aggressive curves, anxious to get it out in the twisties and eventually on the track.
Looking forward to more experiences with the car as I get to know it more. I still feel like i'm driving it home from the dealership for the first time every time I get into it. The car has such a wide range of capabilities that I'm just scratching the surface of.
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