Need Advise - Possible GT500 Buy

[Vegas Mach1]

Hey guys I really need some help here. Both my Mach's are automatics. I can drive a stick ok but the problem is can I with 540 rwhp?
A test drive or two will not give enough feedback as to the transformation to this beast.
Main question is for you guys with higher hp cars; am I asking for trouble going directly to a car of this level with relatively little experience?
Thankfully I don't have to worry about weather here. But I'm concerned that I will not not enjoy this car to its fullest. How much time will it take to get use to the stick? and banging through the gears.

BTW keeping the Machs.
Thanks for any feedback and constructive criticism.

[gbranton]

I think it depends on your temprement. I learned to ride a motorcycle on a ZX-11. If you treat it with the respect it deservs and be careful you might be ok, after all it does have traction control, stability control and ABS.

Just have it delivered to my house and I will make sure it is safe for you to drive.

[03BumbleBee]

I have never owned a car with 540HP, but I have driven a few close to that. One was an automatic and the other a 4 speed manual. Both cars could get you in trouble in a heart beat, I suggest you respect a car with that much power, and take it slow trying anthing crazy.

[mwcate]

I recently test drove, & almost bought, a new GT 500. I'd never driven a 500hp car before, & the way it pulled through 2nd & 3rd was incredible. But if you drive it like a normal car it drives like a normal, docile car. Take your time getting used to the power & torque. Ease your self into it & you'll be fine.

[kiler be]

Originally Posted by mwcate

I recently test drove, & almost bought, a new GT 500. I'd never driven a 500hp car before, & the way it pulled through 2nd & 3rd was incredible. But if you drive it like a normal car it drives like a normal, docile car. Take your time getting used to the power & torque. Ease your self into it & you'll be fine.

I'm sure when you got your 1st Mach you thought the power was..............WOW!!!!
You learned how to handle the Mach's power and you'll should be able to do the same with the GT 500. Just take your time to learn the car and the stick will come to you.
BTW....Glad to hear your keeping the Mach's.

[rygi23]

and I can barely afford bolt-ons....must be nice! LOL. Agreed with the majority here. Buy it, start out driving it like you have some sense and with the TC on. Once your good and used to it turn the TC off and drive it like you don't have any sense with a big smile on your face.

[Naa-V-Doc]

A-RETHA has the answer - R E S P E C T !!!

Naa-V-Doc

[Vegas Mach1]

There is NO doubt I will respect the car's abilities. I guess the best RX would be seat time....I really want to enjoy this car as much as I have my Machs. Its amazing I still get a thrill driving these cars. The temptation to enjoy nearly twice the HP and torque is seductive.
I'll take a test drive and then I'll decide. Thanks guys.

[G]

I would have a hard time spending that kind of money if it's a mark-up car. You could build one super car for that kind of money or get right into a Z06. Much of that hp is used up moving that heavy azz car around.

[jbrad88]

Respect the power and learn to enjoy it. The day will come when you get used to it and it won't be as impressive to you.

I drove my old fox with @ 500hp (450rwhp) with no problems and it had no where near the chassis sophistication, brakes, suspension, not to mention weight that the gt500 has. The car was completely docile untill you got into boost hard. Otherwise it drove like a gt-40 equipped fox.

If you can afford that car, I would pounce on it. Even if it meant giving up one of the Mach's. They are not the end-all-be-all of Mustang performance but they are pretty freakin amazing for what they are.

The other nice thing to remember is if you drive it easy, the thing makes massive torque very easily. Makes learning to drive a standard easier because that much low-end is very forgiving...

[Bigal1067]

The GT500's are pretty docile when driving normal, it will ALL depend on how you drive the car not so much the horsepower it puts out.
I drove my brother's GT500 a few times before it was stolen and while yes, when you put the hammer down it is AMAZING! At the same time, just putting around town it drives like a normal car not some 540hp monster.

You will get used to the power as you get used to the car SO GO FOR IT!!!! just my .02cents.

[bleedingfordblu]

i got to drive a GT500 and the nice thing about that car is that its so smooth. the hydraulic clutch makes a big difference and the fact that the car just rides much better, i didnt think i had a problem driving it. it'll take a min to get used to the vehicle and how everything reacts

[Machme1]

I learned how to drive on a stick! Whats an aw-tow-ma-tik?
I have driven plenty of stick and auto cars. The GT500 is easy to drive, but personally I wish they made it in auto, just because the wife would rather have that luxury, if she decides to drive my car, here and there.

[Berzerk]

Everyone on here is giving you great advice. Just RESPECT the car and the power it has and you shouldn't get into trouble.

When I had my '06 GT my Dad got his GT500. I went from a 300hp car to the 500hp car and was fine because I took it easy. The car is very easy and smooth to drive. Drive carefully and get used to the car and when you're used to it, then you can see what 540hp feels like. Stay out of the boost until you're adjusted.

[65fastback2+2]

i'll take ur dsg off ur hands hehe

[DarkShadow]

Yep, take it from a guy that owns one...no problem at all. It's no more of an animal than you want it to be at any given time. Very easy car to drive. I took delivery of mine in the rain and I had zero issues.

The only thing that may take some getting used to is some posible clutch chatter on take off and wheel hop if it starts to spin. You WILL want to put on different upper and lower rear control arms to control/eliminate the wheel hop. 3.73 gears will also help get it off from a stop without the clutch chatter. Mine chattered a bit at first but either I got used to the car or it just went away as the clutch wore in a bit. I still installed the gears though.

After you get used to it you'll want more power for sure. Just shoot me an email when yer ready or just stop in at www.teamshelby.com/forums and scroll down to the GT500 section.

The top parts vendors and tuners are active racers and members on the site. Tons of great tech advice as well. It's a heck of a car to say the least.
ENJOY!!

DS

[TEXASDSGMACH1]

Before buying my GT when I was 16, the only standard I had driven was a truck very similar to this one.


And it only took me a week and I was driving the hell out of it, so I think you'll be good.

[Vegas Mach1]

Originally Posted by 65fastback2+2

i'll take ur dsg off ur hands hehe

Sorry can't have her, she and her older sister stay in the stable. Cool truck TexasDSG Mach bet that clutch was a real workout.
I've narrowed my choices down to the GT500 but I also have my sights on a C63 MB (7-speed auto) or M3 coupe (DCT trans). This is a tough choice. I'm getting ready to go do some test drives.

Thanks for all the help!

[muzman]

let us know what you do/buy?