Maybe time to own a 3v

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

Ok in the past i've always owned 2v mustangs and now i'm may be ready to cross over to the 3v stang. I know nothing about the 3v and would like to know what to look out for on the 3v. Such as spark plugs popping out which was very common in the 2v. So guys tell me is there really and huge difference between the 2v and the 3v?

 

[SpartaPerformance]

Believe me all of us that have the 2 piece spark plug we wish they would pop out! Anyway there are no real issues to look out for, they're proven to be a very reliable engine and there have been no essential changes from 05-10 due to lack of reliability or efficiency. What to look out for is to make sure that if you look into an 05-06 vehicle make sure the fuel pump TSB has been done or take care of it yourself asap, also that the manual trans on the 08's is a bit lack luster.

 

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

Didn't know about the fuel pump tab on the 05-06. Like you said they seem reliable and I definetely like the way they look.

 

[ski]

Also:

- Water leakage into the front passenger footwell that may short out the Smart Junction Box.

- Radio discharging the battery with the engine off(One solution that seems to help is to manually turn off the radio before turning off the engine).

- Sticking emergency brake cable.

- Clunking noise from the front struts.

 

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

All of these seem minor so it's still all good.

 

[ski]

The $JB $horting out i$ major.

To help prevent that from happening in the event the car leaks water in that area, tape one end of a piece of polyethylene sheet to the fender's interior wall so it's just a little higher than the top of the passenger side plastic kick panel(SJB is behind this panel). Then drape the other end of it over the top of the kick panel, and tape that end to the kick panel's outer surface. Any water that leaks in that area should now run down the polyethylene onto the carpet. You can also place a few folded paper towels under the lower edge of the kick panel to absorb any dripping water. Make sure to use tape that will stick to the fender in both hot and cold weather, and check it every few weeks or so to make sure it's still in place. Also, check the paper towels after every heavy rain and replace them if they're wet.

Works for me!!!

 

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

Once again great info never knew this about these S-197.

 

[SpartaPerformance]

Like you said these are all minor issues that have been talked to death on here and many other forums, so it's easy to find a fix. Either way you will enjoy many many years of good service from a 3v even with modest mods.

 

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

For a long time I couldn't get over the exhaust change on these cars. But now I'm over that and ready to experience owning one.

 

[ski]

The new Stang exhaust sound is due to the mufflers being located near the end of the exhaust system, pipe size(2.5" exhaust pipes/3" tailpipes), 3 valves/cylinder, and variable cam timing just to name a few design changes vs. earlier Stangs. All for improved performance. But if you want to change the sound, then a search is your friend. You'll find countless recommendations.

WTTW - Avoid an X-pipe if you do not want a raspy exhaust sound.

 

[streethorse]

Both my 99,and 04 were modified to be moderatly loud. So far
Im loving the sound of my stock exhaust, interior and exterior.
So much that all I have done is add 4" double wall SS tips to the factory mufflers.

 

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

As man I love x-pipes on 2v. How raspy are we talking on these 3v.

 

[TheVat]

Another thing to look forward to on the 3v is the smoothness of the engine. the 2v would seems to strain at higher rpm but the 3v seems buttery smooth all the way to redline. the rasp is tough to describe. i personally think an exhaust should sound subdued at idle with a good burble and then as rpm increase you can hear a more aggresive chracter every 1500 more rpm. The rasp sound sounds the same all the way through the powerband with a pitch that is rattle like/loud air compresser like.

 

[SpartaPerformance]

As man I love x-pipes on 2v. How raspy are we talking on these 3v.

Not raspy at all. I have American Racing long tubes with catted X through Bullitt mufflers and it sounds great!!!

 

[ski]

Although they're not exactly how they sound in person, YouTube vids will give you a glean of how an X-pipe sounds vs. an H-pipe.

 

[westgastang5.0Coyote]

I may just deal with the rasp I love x-pipes!