I'm getting seriously interested in 4.6 GT's
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well you need to watch out for the tremec 3650 tranny...idk if they fixed the problems in newer gts (03, 04) but i know there's a problem, a wide problem among stang owners that is, with this transmission grinding gears (usually 1-2 or 2-3).
also, look for little things such as windows and all the power components. if i think of more things, little things, i found that pissed me off a lil when i first got my gt, i'll tell you....but now, they don't matter ONE BIT
i love my 4.6, and should you purchase, you will as well.
also, look for little things such as windows and all the power components. if i think of more things, little things, i found that pissed me off a lil when i first got my gt, i'll tell you....but now, they don't matter ONE BIT
i love my 4.6, and should you purchase, you will as well.
GTn00b
New Member
A lot of people make the switch because of the crappy quality of the LS1 cars. The performance isnt worth it to a lot of people who have to deal with stupid crap that keeps them from driving the cars. I dunno, this is just an observed theory... 
Oh yea, GET SONIC BLUE...that is all
Oh yea, GET SONIC BLUE...that is all 
01MachGT
New Member
A friend of mine just got his 3650 tranny fixed for free 
There's one of those service bulletins out for it now.
There's one of those service bulletins out for it now.GTn00b said:
Yes, I am thinking of switching. My LS1 has 109,000 miles on it and I am thinking about selling it before I have any problems with it (have you looked under the hood of one these things?). My engine and transmission have been flawless all this time (Yes, I found an LS1 without the GM piston slap). It does have a noisy idle pulley and rearend, slow working power windows, and a bad door hinge. The things I have fixed are leaking turn signal lenses (finally fixed!), blown speakers and soft shifting transmission. You know, I could fix all the problems above pretty easily but there is one thing I can't. I don't like driving the car. It is hard to explain, but I will try. You feel like you are driving a 100 ft. land yacht all the time. The car has a very bulky, unresponsive feel to it. Also, it is very hard to see out of the car and I just don't like it. I don't feel comfortable whipping this car around. I thought I would get over it, but its still there. I think this is the real reason why this car never sold well. It is fine on the highway or going down the strip, but around town or cruising it is not. Don't get me wrong it is the best handling, best performing car muscle car I have ever owned. It has power all the time, everywhere. It has a very comfortable ride (too soft for some) and will knock down 27 MPG with no problem. The brakes are very strong but warp very easily. My car runs 13.5's and 13.6's with 2.73 gears. The body is also put together well. The interior is holding up so-so (problems listed above). Did I also mention that the car is fine looking also.
The bottom line is I personally like a nimble and responsive car to drive. I'm hoping the GT will drive that way (I haven't driven one yet). I just hope that the car isn't too slow. If it is acceptable, then Kenne Bell can help with the rest. If not, I may have to wait for an 05 Stang or live with what I have. Right now, I enjoy driving my Nissan Maxima SE to work more than the Formula.
If you have any questions, just ask
Gears
By the way, thanks to all above who responded! 
What kind of gas mileage do you get on the highway? These cars run about a 14.0 all stock on the strip, right? What kind of bolt ons would I need to run a 13.5 on stock radials and no powershifting. Are there any piston slap issues with these cars?
I will definitely look at the transmission,
Gears
What kind of gas mileage do you get on the highway? These cars run about a 14.0 all stock on the strip, right? What kind of bolt ons would I need to run a 13.5 on stock radials and no powershifting. Are there any piston slap issues with these cars?
I will definitely look at the transmission,
Gears
01MachGT
New Member
Well, the 05 is suppose to handle worlds better then the current stang. I get around 25 mph on the interstate and 18 or so in town. that's with 3.73 gears. 4.10s, sticky tires, exhaust, timing adjuster should get you mid 13s with some practice driving it.
DaNd4Speed
Founding Member
xseler8
Member
Good choice..GT's are fun. Try to buy as late a model w/lowest mileage as possible.(still under warranty) Good luck
I just drove two 03 GT's. One standard and one auto. The automatic is out of the question. I loved the look and condition of the 5-speed. I liked the ride and outward view. The quality of these cars appear to be alot better than my Firebird. But my wife and I couldn't get over the difference in power. I'm sorry but I think were going to have to wait for an 05. 
A lot of GT's have starting issues, they always start but when you turn the car off then turn it on again sometimes it takes like 3-4 seconds to start, it always starts so its no big deal it's just kind of embarassing considering they are new cars.
And whoever said get a Sonic Blue, if you can then I would agree. Mustangs are a dime a dozen, a silver/white/mineral gray one simply does not stand out at all.... sonic blue, dark shadow gray, redfire... with some aftermarket rims they turn heads like crazy.
And whoever said get a Sonic Blue, if you can then I would agree. Mustangs are a dime a dozen, a silver/white/mineral gray one simply does not stand out at all.... sonic blue, dark shadow gray, redfire... with some aftermarket rims they turn heads like crazy.
i traded in my LS1 Z28 for a 2003 sonic blue stand about a year and 1/2 ago and i dont regret it one bit!! my camaro had 3 different engines replaced under warranty due to piston slap!I also owned to stangs before my camaro that i wish i would have never gotten rid of
Go With A 2000 GT
Hey man just looking at all the forums and I saw yours. If you are looking for a used 4.6 get a 2000 2001 2002. 2003 GT's you will not be able to program with a programmer. Also get a coupe the weight on the conv are so much more. Another thing is every thing people are telling you about idle problems and such, well not true it all depends on who owned your car before you did. I owned my 99 Gt and my girlfriend has a 2002 gt. I have had my car since it had 19000 miles on it and I had not even had to change the belt until last week. And you will notice that the more **** you install on the car the harder it is to maintain. It does not really matter what you pick either automatic or stick; I prefer stick for the sport but im glad I have an auto. But im telling you a stick in heavy traffic with a stage 2 clutch or better is a bitch. I have an auto with a manual valve body and I destroy my girl’s car off the line. If you go through with the deal these are a few mods I suggest after doing some research and swap outs. Go with an H pipe I went with an X pipe because people were telling me they are better. If it was an early model 4.6 or a 5.0 then yes go with an X pipe. When I had the X on it sounded like a tin can with nails in it. Mufflers are your choice I went with 40 series delta to reduce inside noise. MAC intake looks sweet I personally would say MAC but the k&n gives a little bit more air flow and Hp. 3.73 gears I prefer if you are on the strip allot 4.10 or 4.11. I thought the 4.10's were a little too drastic for the street especially on the highway. Go with ford motor sport gears they are like 20$ more but allot better quality. The best mod I got for both stangs is the hyper tech programmer Diablo is ok buy I thought the hyper tech was allot better. On the 2002 gt stock it made so much of a difference. Plus if you decide to install gears it is the only thing that can correct the Speedo. Steeda 4.6 under drive pullies I think are the best bang for the buck I experienced no charging problems with it and working them with the steeda timing adjuster it worked best. Also get a hypertech 160-degree thermo my car never runs even close to normal temp with the thermo and 160 degree fan switch so the car runs so smooth. Get some nice plugs and a msd box and you will be rolling like 13's or low 12's. But that will get you started on some good bolt ons but let me know when you get the car so I know im not wasting my time lol
Hey man just looking at all the forums and I saw yours. If you are looking for a used 4.6 get a 2000 2001 2002. 2003 GT's you will not be able to program with a programmer. Also get a coupe the weight on the conv are so much more. Another thing is every thing people are telling you about idle problems and such, well not true it all depends on who owned your car before you did. I owned my 99 Gt and my girlfriend has a 2002 gt. I have had my car since it had 19000 miles on it and I had not even had to change the belt until last week. And you will notice that the more **** you install on the car the harder it is to maintain. It does not really matter what you pick either automatic or stick; I prefer stick for the sport but im glad I have an auto. But im telling you a stick in heavy traffic with a stage 2 clutch or better is a bitch. I have an auto with a manual valve body and I destroy my girl’s car off the line. If you go through with the deal these are a few mods I suggest after doing some research and swap outs. Go with an H pipe I went with an X pipe because people were telling me they are better. If it was an early model 4.6 or a 5.0 then yes go with an X pipe. When I had the X on it sounded like a tin can with nails in it. Mufflers are your choice I went with 40 series delta to reduce inside noise. MAC intake looks sweet I personally would say MAC but the k&n gives a little bit more air flow and Hp. 3.73 gears I prefer if you are on the strip allot 4.10 or 4.11. I thought the 4.10's were a little too drastic for the street especially on the highway. Go with ford motor sport gears they are like 20$ more but allot better quality. The best mod I got for both stangs is the hyper tech programmer Diablo is ok buy I thought the hyper tech was allot better. On the 2002 gt stock it made so much of a difference. Plus if you decide to install gears it is the only thing that can correct the Speedo. Steeda 4.6 under drive pullies I think are the best bang for the buck I experienced no charging problems with it and working them with the steeda timing adjuster it worked best. Also get a hypertech 160-degree thermo my car never runs even close to normal temp with the thermo and 160 degree fan switch so the car runs so smooth. Get some nice plugs and a msd box and you will be rolling like 13's or low 12's. But that will get you started on some good bolt ons but let me know when you get the car so I know im not wasting my time lol
What programmer are you talking about? because if it is a hypertech or something of that sort, you must be mistaken because i use one (hypertech).SlapStick1999GT said:
Other than that i pretty much agree on everything else after skimming through it.
To original poster: yeah check for the 1-2 shift grind, power windows & locks, stress cracks on hood (if you are a perfectionist). The rest should be just common sense (comfortability, etc). For a "nimble and responsive" car you look for i suggest 4.10's being a must have mod. Good Luck!!!
theres no car out there your going to be able to buy short of another LS1 or something a LOT more expensive that will have the power the Formula did...if your looking for that, give up now
4.6's do have one advantage over LS1's though, they respond to boost a lot better. If you really want a Mustang and want the power, either pick up a Cobra or just throw a supercharger on a GT and be done. You'll like the fact that the rear end isn't made of glass too...
4.6's do have one advantage over LS1's though, they respond to boost a lot better. If you really want a Mustang and want the power, either pick up a Cobra or just throw a supercharger on a GT and be done. You'll like the fact that the rear end isn't made of glass too...
