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This car. What an incredible machine.

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FISH22

FISH22

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Appreciate all the feedback! My write-up was something I've been wanting to express for a while, and I'm sure it resonates with a lot of enthusiasts. The GT350 is a special thing that I assume many are missing out on in an attempt to avoid the "Mustang" world.
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FISH22

FISH22

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OP - I think you and I have chatted before on the BW forum. I also have a 2024 5BW 6sp and a 2020 GT350R. The 350R definitely has more spark that the Cadillac and I think it's because the Cadillac is a much more refined and luxurious car, a layer or 2 of distance from the driving experience compared to the 350. Plus, the Voodoo is just so unbelievably exciting to wring out that even the nuclear LT4 feels kind of blah in comparison.

I think the 5BW might be more perfect-er if it had a litte more exhaust noise, a little blower whine, and a slightly more direct shifter (MGW won't make a shifter for it).

Anyway, congratulations on your GT350! They are amazing cars and I can't imagine what I could ever replace it with that gives me the same shaking hands and buzz that my old sportbikes did when I was younger.
Perfect garage right there. Exactly how I'd have it if it was in the budget.

Agree with all of the above - and this is also coming from a guy whose garage is covered in M badges (and still has one in it!). This truly is the spiritual successor to the E9X, and better in just about every way aside from interior quality yet not hampered by modern tech like most other cars of the generation. Welcome to the club!!! It’s an epic machine, one of the few cars I’ve ever driven to elicit random screams from me at redline - enjoy!!!

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I mentioned this in one of your other posts... but a picture you posted a while back was the first time I saw Wimbledon White. At that time, I didn't know a HEP existed, until I saw the picture of your HEP R sitting next to the M2 CS in your garage. I was hooked on that color since. Thank you for the motivation!

Pete will cut and paste this in two years when he's on to the next thing...
LOL. Possibly. But if I'm being honest, not sure what the "next" thing could be that I'd still be comfortable wrenching on and playing with. Like most, a GT3 RS (any generation) has always been at the top of my list, but it wouldn't be a car that I'd pull apart and explore.

After dabbling in a couple fantastic M cars, and one of GM's most incredible sedans, I can't think of where I'd end up next. Believe it or not, the GT350 is the first car I've owned where I haven't started window shopping other vehicles in the first few months of ownership. So, we'll see.

Great write up ! And wait, am I the only one who has said “photos or it didn’t happen! “ 😀😀😀
Good catch! I'll get some pics uploaded of my last two and the current GT350.
 

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Agree on the 350, mostly. The stock handling characteristics aren't bad, but nothing compared to the current gen Camaro. Stock engine sounds amazing, nice work Ford. The trans is great too.

And as to the Miata, I get the concept, but I instructed a few, and every time I told them go go go, it was like waiting for paint to dry. Finally one of the students said "I'm flat out", and I instantly realized it's not for me. 😂
 

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What I loved about my Integras, AP2 S2000, and Evo IX were the smaller tweaks I could do and do on my own. I/H/E/coilovers and a tune, even cams for the Hondas, were manageable and resulted in noticeable performance improvement. It seems like the GT350's problem for gearheads is that you can' t do much to push the performance envelope significantly over stock without doing major work like FI. So we're mostly left with cosmetic upgrades, which are fine but not what I'm used to.

Luckily it's easy to be happy with the stock performance and sound from these cars. If I want to go any faster, I hop on the Panigale!
 
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FISH22

FISH22

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From what I've read (and experienced), I'd be paranoid to live in VA and drive a high performance car. From the photos, you must live out in the countryside?
VA has never been a problem for me. I'm in Southeast VA, and from what I've seen, Northern VA can be problematic for gear heads.

But yes, I do live in the countryside, so that gives me a bit more freedom of movement to enjoy the GT350. I have some of the best roads right off my driveway.

Agree on the 350, mostly. The stock handling characteristics aren't bad, but nothing compared to the current gen Camaro. Stock engine sounds amazing, nice work Ford. The trans is great too.

And as to the Miata, I get the concept, but I instructed a few, and every time I told them go go go, it was like waiting for paint to dry. Finally one of the students said "I'm flat out", and I instantly realized it's not for me. 😂
Yes. Had a taste of the GM chassis with the 5BW. Incredible. However, it didn't seem to stir my soul like the GT350 does. I could absolutely feel more confident pushing the M3 and 5BW, but I recall that honeymoon phase wearing off quite quick. The GT350 seems to scratch that "on the edge" and childish giddy itch.

What I loved about my Integras, AP2 S2000, and Evo IX were the smaller tweaks I could do and do on my own. I/H/E/coilovers and a tune, even cams for the Hondas, were manageable and resulted in noticeable performance improvement. It seems like the GT350's problem for gearheads is that you can' t do much to push the performance envelope significantly over stock without doing major work like FI. So we're mostly left with cosmetic upgrades, which are fine but not what I'm used to.

Luckily it's easy to be happy with the stock performance and sound from these cars. If I want to go any faster, I hop on the Panigale!
Nailed it. I've found myself finding much contentment in "refreshing" the GT350. A few aftermarket mods here and there, but it's mostly been in deep cleaning and protecting the bare metal, rubber, and paint with adequate coatings.

The Wimbledon White is a savory color, and I've enjoyed doing a couple evolutions of paint correction on it followed by a ceramic coating. First car I've found fulfillment in just upkeep and cleaning. Again, this thing is my daily, so it sees all types of weather and usage. I feel obligated to keeping it looking healthy for many decades to come.
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