Mustang Body Issues! (Warranty Question)

[FalconGuy016]

Wow!

I spent an hour or two reading up and researching the body, suspension, and history of the Mustang

AND IT REALLY SUCKS!

I am already a handling freak, even though I was aware that the Mustang wasnt a top performer in this class, I did not know of some of the crappier issues of the car. I wont start spewing the fresh facts I just learned, except for one... THE UNIBODY! I cant believe the only thing holding the front and back is SHEET METAL! I plan on putting in some subframe connectors as quick as I can, but I am a little edgy on my warranty

Will adding subframe connectors (along with other related items in the future) void my warranty for the WHOLE car? Or just the items specifically related to what the connectors effect, and if so, how far out will that drag that definition (like would they be reasonable or claim that, in some way, the connectors void my warranty on the radiator, or something ghey)


Thanks!

 

[FallenPhoenix]

Wow!

I spent an hour or two reading up and researching the body, suspension, and history of the Mustang

AND IT REALLY SUCKS!

I am already a handling freak, even though I was aware that the Mustang wasnt a top performer in this class, I did not know of some of the crappier issues of the car. I wont start spewing the fresh facts I just learned, except for one... THE UNIBODY! I cant believe the only thing holding the front and back is SHEET METAL! I plan on putting in some subframe connectors as quick as I can, but I am a little edgy on my warranty

Will adding subframe connectors (along with other related items in the future) void my warranty for the WHOLE car? Or just the items specifically related to what the connectors effect, and if so, how far out will that drag that definition (like would they be reasonable or claim that, in some way, the connectors void my warranty on the radiator, or something ghey)


Thanks!

Some of the best handling cars are unibody... it's actually lighter than a full frame car. The S2000 and even the Porsche boxster (not sure on the 911) are unibody. If you get into the exotics they are monocoque, which is a form of unibody in itself, except instead of sheetmetal they use carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb.

 

[AdRock]

For the most part trucks are the only vehicles that AREN'T unibody. Most cars have been unibody for a long time now.

Subframe connectors come stock on the Cobra's. They won't cause any warranty issues unless the place that does it welds them in with the body tweaked and then you go to the dealer telling them the doors don't shut correctly. But besides that they shouldn't care.

 

[Jason94gt]

if you are such a freak build a custom race car. Ford didn't build the Mustang to conform to your desires. I get tired of reading these boards and see people compairing the car to any other car ever made. If you dont like the car , sell it. But dont come in here whining about how Brand X car is better at this a Brand Y is better at that and how unibody is terrible and so on.

 

[FalconGuy016]

Some of the best handling cars are unibody... it's actually lighter than a full frame car. The S2000 and even the Porsche boxster (not sure on the 911) are unibody. If you get into the exotics they are monocoque, which is a form of unibody in itself, except instead of sheetmetal they use carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb.

Hey thanks, I know about most car bodies too, and thats not the issue. The issue is what the unibody is made of. A mustang should not be made of sheetmetal, I cant think of a worse idea for handling. My main concern here is major flexing that would occur, and the sheer lack of structural integrity. I have found many cases where mustangs are bent out of shape and never have been in an accident (doors dont close right, seams are out of shape, the car can even be shorter)

For the most part trucks are the only vehicles that AREN'T unibody. Most cars have been unibody for a long time now.

Subframe connectors come stock on the Cobra's. They won't cause any warranty issues unless the place that does it welds them in with the body tweaked and then you go to the dealer telling them the doors don't shut correctly. But besides that they shouldn't care.

Hmmm, I hope thats true, thanks. Can anyone confirm that?

if you are such a freak build a custom race car. Ford didn't build the Mustang to conform to your desires. I get tired of reading these boards and see people compairing the car to any other car ever made. If you dont like the car , sell it. But dont come in here whining about how Brand X car is better at this a Brand Y is better at that and how unibody is terrible and so on.

And what is your problem? Of course Ford didnt make the mustang to conform to my desires, but how does this, in any way, prove that the mustang doesnt suck in this catagorey? Am I comparing the car to anyone else? NO, I am actually looking for ways to IMPROVE my car, now that I know. Thanks for the help

 

[FallenPhoenix]

Hey thanks, I know about most car bodies too, and thats not the issue. The issue is what the unibody is made of. A mustang should not be made of sheetmetal, I cant think of a worse idea for handling. My main concern here is major flexing that would occur, and the sheer lack of structural integrity. I have found many cases where mustangs are bent out of shape and never have been in an accident (doors dont close right, seams are out of shape, the car can even be shorter.

What else could they make them out of besides sheetmetal It's amazingly effective and cheap too.

 

[tygr1]

FalconGuy016,

I'm betting you do a lot more reading and researching, than you do driving hard.

If you like your Mustang, learn how to drive it. If you truly know how to drive, then it doesn't take much to make a GREAT handler out of a Mustang.

Let me ask you something...what is the point of having a road driven car that handles SO well that you can not push it's limits a little?

Specs and construction design are great for guys that want to OWN the BEST performing car. If you were a driver, you wouldn't be analyzing so much as you'd be making the most of what you've got...it's probably more competent than you would actually know.

Ok, I'm ragging on ya' a little I guess. It's just that I'm kinda' older and have just a little experience at getting the most from a car, and it doesn't happen in a book or on an internet page my friend...it happens in the corners and curves and entries and exits. It happens with your hands and your feet and the seat of your pants.

And it's FUN. So stop whining and get out there and PUSH that car right to the edge! It's fun as hell!




Wow...what was I thinking?


Subframe connectors if you must, performance springs and GOOD adjustable struts/shocks and the cars handle very well and feel very solid and sturdy and feel more as a 'unit' when driving hard.

What year is yours anyway?

 

[GinoGT]

Specs and construction design are great for guys that want to OWN the BEST performing car. If you were a driver, you wouldn't be analyzing so much as you'd be making the most of what you've got...it's probably more competent than you would actually know.

Quoted for truth.

 

[FalconGuy016]

2004 GT

I'm sorry if I sound a little noobish, cause compared to you, I am (edit: tygr1). But I already have pushed the limitations of this mustang, and its really sad compared to other things I have driven. I just love everything else about the mustang, and I see the potential within it, so my first focus will be improving on handling (otherwise I wouldnt have put down so much money for it).

I dont have experiance with suspension tuning though. None. But the truth is, from your ragging of me , I am much more the driver than I am the reader. If I understand anything well, its how to exploit a stock suspension on a car to its farthest limits. But now that I am going to improve on this problem, I am not going to cheap it out with half-assed modifications. This leads me to research, and much obvious non-needed anxiety about certain issues, but this is why I ask the forum these things I dont want a rough ride that is ultimately not all that good, even dangerous. From this forum I was linked to a website outlying the general suspension of a mustang, and from there I researched for 4-5 hours to form a picture within my head. I ultimately plan to adjust the geometry of the suspension to get a true handling, as just putting parts onto the car will make you give up things you really shouldnt have to, and some combinations prove dangerous.

I have already experianced some pretty bad snapping oversteer at a pretty unacceptable speed and degree of turn, which is what prompted me originally to look into suspension. And there is noticeable body flex. While researching on the mustang suspension, I was alarmed at the very low roll center front and high roll center back, thats a pretty dangerous combination when you put power behind it in my book

The reason im not just going to slap parts on is, while the ride might get noticeably "better", all it is really doing delaying the bad characterists from occuring by making the conditions harder to reach. I want to actually get RID of the problems and not have to have a hard ride that bounces all over the place.

Stiffening the chassis though is the first thing I want to do though (and much, much cheaper ) and what I really really really really really really want to know if how much welding subframe bars on is going to affect my precious warrenty

Thanks!

P.S. To my credit, sports (or "sports" probably for some of you guys ) cars I have driven under extreme handling conditions

-2003 Dodge SRT-4 (this thing is fast!)
-1987 Mazda Turbo RX7 (handles better than SRT does)
-1995(?) Toyota Supra Turbo (handled like a dream, but heavily modded)

Now for some regular cars I think handled well for being "not sport cars"

-1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT (a car we own, handles infinitely better than my mustang, Wider is Better)
-2004 Honda Civic Hybrid (surprizingly well for ... a civic, its snappy and responsive, but rolls like youre at sea)

I cant think of any others off the top of my head, but I have a running list of 20-25 cars (an actual list too, in a text file ) because my friends told me to keep track of all the cars I drive, because I drive everyone's car, because I love driving.

Lol im done now, so really all I want to know is how my warrenty is to be affected. And I wont stop whining, because I know ill put this car right into a tree

Thanks

 

[tygr1]

Wheew! You sound smart! Very well versed in car handling concepts...that's cool.

I'm not. I don't even know half of what you just said. I just drive the car.

I wish I knew about the subs re: your warranty. My car is old.


Ummm...just so we understand here...there is a difference between 'pushing' a car to it's limits and being able to drive one at those same limits. You make sure you keep control of whatever you're driving friend. I have as much fun torturing the tires on my wife's Taurus as ( ok, maybe not ), but you get the idea.

I believe a driver, like you, my friend GinoGT and others, don't care as much about what the're driving, as they do the road in front of them or the car next to them.

Damn I'm getting old...I should just keep my mouth shut.

Hey Gino, slap me once in a while won't ya'?

 

[GinoGT]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a tech junkie too...

I know the SN95 chassis is decades (literally) behind.....but it's still fun as hell to drive (especially with a little chassis/suspension work).

I've also driven (for a quick spin) my grandpa's 1997 Porsche Boxster. Wow, that car is just an absolute BLAST to drive. It feels like a go-kart on steriods. The thing feels like it'll effortlessly stick to the wall, but the ride isn't that harsh at the same time. And that's from when they had a little over 200HP. Take a look at the updated Boxster S with even better suspension, a 6 speed (which he has driven....said it's an amazing transmission), and now 280HP. They're expensive, but worth it. And the exhaust note......... It's the craziest thing I've ever heard come out a tailpipe, it sounds purely "mechanical" if you can imagine that.

 

[tygr1]

Nice!

 

[nickthegenius]

I am already a handling freak, even though I was aware that the Mustang wasnt a top performer in this class, I did not know of some of the crappier issues of the car. I wont start spewing the fresh facts I just learned, except for one... THE UNIBODY! I cant believe the only thing holding the front and back is SHEET METAL!

Wow! You just got me thinking!!!!

Thinking back to mine and my wive's cars from the past five years....

Mine:
'03 Mustang GT
'90 Nissan Sentra
'02 VW Jetta wagon
'01 Formula
'88 Mark VII LSC
'99 Formula
'73 Plymouth Satellite

Wive's:
'05 Equinox
'03 Vibe GT
'02 Grand Prix GT
'97 Camaro RS

OH NOES!!!11one They all are/were uni-body with 2 seperate subframes connected with sheet metal. I can't believe we owned these inferior POSs.

Go trade your Mustang for a Crown Vic if full-frames are so cool

 

[RedGTvert]

Falcon, yes the chassis is so outdate, that is why many people are chomping at the bit for the S197, although they screwed that up a bit by going with the Strut suspension instead of an SLA.

The good news is there is help for the car, although it is still limiting because of the outdate Faimount chassis.

Look at Griggs and M&M to help solve some of the problems. They both offer you help for the suspension.

Subframe connectors will not void the warranty.

 

[FalconGuy016]

Falcon, yes the chassis is so outdate, that is why many people are chomping at the bit for the S197, although they screwed that up a bit by going with the Strut suspension instead of an SLA.

The good news is there is help for the car, although it is still limiting because of the outdate Faimount chassis.

Look at Griggs and M&M to help solve some of the problems. They both offer you help for the suspension.

Subframe connectors will not void the warranty.

Thanks, thats what I really needed to know.

I overreacted a bit to the sheetmetal thing, I was just more concerned about the strength of it, which is pretty minimal. I dont think any car should have a measureable change in the door jamb if two wheels are up on a speedbump...

Thanks everyone else too

 

[Indiana]

Sidebar:

et me ask you something...what is the point of having a road driven car that handles SO well that you can not push it's limits a little?

Amen. There are some local roads that I have a blast on trying to keep my old Toyo pickup from flying off. The same ones will put you to sleep in the stang unless you do some wildly unsafe speeding.

 

[302 coupe]

The Cobra's, Mach 1's, and convertibles all come from the factory with subframe connectors. I seriously doubt that it would void any warranty.

 

[Islander03GT]

I don't know how you could say a 98 Grand Prix handles better than a Mustang. I test drove a 2000 GTP and the thing handled like a Trash Barge.

Just do the subframes... they won't void the warranty.

 

[rjstaaf]

No one is going to be able to answer with certainty about your warranty. Different dealers react to mods in different ways. The bottom line is if you have a warranty then mod at your own risk.

 

[GinoGT]

I believe the factory-installed subframe connectors are some lame bolt-on design.

Bolt on SFCs =