2008 Ford Mustang GT possible purchase ?s

[bioburner]

Looking at a possible purchase. The rain ice storm in November is filling the lots around here as this one needs the rear bumper skin.
My inquiry as my local Ford pro is sitting in California is what is the pros and cons of the power plant and manual transmission, a 4.6 V8 SOHC with 56k

 

[69GTX]

300 hp car with Tremec 3650 transmission. 3.55 final gear ratio. At 3355 lbs it's a lot lighter than today's monsters.

Specs ...you'll have to type yours in as it didn't carry over the Mustang for me.

The earlier LS1 Pontiacs/Firebirds of 1998-2002 were putting out 305-325 hp stock on Tremec T56 (and typically under-rated to keep Corvette owners happy. Figure an LS1 at 350 hp). One of those today with 6 speed and 55K miles is in the $9K-10K range. I would think because of the newer 6-10 model years the 2008 GT can still fetch around $10K-$13K. In any case KBB and NADA will undervalue it as they give no extra value for a manual transmission (+$1K) and under-rate miles under 75K (add approx $1,000-$1,500). Not familiar with this Tremec 3650. I think the quality of all Tremecs is fine for a stock vehicle that isn't pummeled. SOHC 4.6L is a decent engine and used since the early 1990's. Overall a decent package if it can be bought right. Paint issues at 56K miles is unfortunate...and deduct accordingly. I would expect most 2008's with that mileage to have very good to excellent original paint.

 

[bioburner]

I just looked at American Muscle for engine upgrades and there's so many choices. Was lead there looking for the bumper skin and that's really not at all bad for about $500 ttd. Dealer is asking 6500. The over dozen pictures make the vehicle in good to excellent condition. My only negative is it's black

 

[69GTX]

TREMEC engineers have recommended Texaco-Havoline Dexron III/Mercon Non-Synthetic ATF. There has been a significant amount of confusion regarding the proper capacity and proper type of ATF for the TR-3650 which may have a correlation with a rather large number of complaints about notchy shifting, shift "nibbling", noisy synchros, and grinding gears. The 2007 Mustang GT owner's manual specified the use of 3.0 L of non-synthetic Mercon ATF in the 3650, while the 2008 Mustang GT owner's manual now specifies the use of 3.0 L of Mercon-V ATF in the 3650. Dexron III/Mercon Non-Synthetic ATF seems to work best for pre-2005 Mustang GTs. NB: Tremec service manual also specifies Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF ( Tremec specification ET-M-99 ) in addition to Dexron III. Note that Tremec engineers have also recommended GM Synchromesh as the transmission fluid.

I can say that the notchy, nibbly, noisy aspects of the post-1997/1998 Tremecs is pretty standard. I'd be very cautious about anything but a very quiet transmission. I've test driven some so I know they're out there.

While you may not like black because it shows paint defects more easily....the muscle car enthusiasts are quite fond of Black. It's probably the most popular color by far of the typically seen black/red/dark blue/white/silver cars.

 

[04SE]

The firewall body seams can/will leak on the BCM causing issues. The cam timing phasers and cam VCT solenoids will fail eventually. Spark plugs can be an issue.

 

[bioburner]

Thanks for the inputs

 

[buck91]

My brother has that generation Mustang GT. Quick car, gets up and goes REAL nice. Tons of aftermarket support and easy to mod it to your uses. That powertrain is really quite well proven, as well. Might want to be cautious with spark plugs, I don't remember which years were notorious for stripping threads vs breaking the plug off.

That said, stock for stock, I doubt it'll really hold its own against current generations (I see that as praise for the newer models more than a strike against this generation).

FWIW, my '96 GT has the SOHC 4.6L with about 145k on it... and not driven softly! Sure, early preventive maintenance but I run it hard. Its been a dang good motor and I can only think the newer 4.6L's would be just as solid if not better.

 

[bioburner]

So if one is to try and get ahead of any possible issues, try and get the BCM a bit better protection and pull the plugs before they get to seized. The cam issues just have to wait on?