School Me on the S-197

[oneday]

Howdy all, I was referred to your site from Tristate Tuners. I am trying to decide what I am doing for my next car and am considering a 05-07 4.6L 5spd. What I want to know is: Are there variations year to year? What years are better and for what reason? Does one have a better diff, better transmission, better gear ratios, better brakes? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[lownslow95]

That would have been me.

[JerseyStang07-Brian]

welcome to the club! first lesson (and not to be an ass) its S197. youre combining SN95 and S197. 05-09 have all the same basic hardware with variations and more options after the 07 production year

[Hotshot]

2007 IMO is when the better options for the cars came out. Performance wise they have the same transmission, engines, power, suspension ect.

But 2007 the MP3 input jack came standard with the shakker 500 system so you can jack your ipod or mp3 player into it. Also the GT appearance package, comfort group (i think 2006 was first year not sure) and other options came with it.

3.55's came standard in the 2005 mustang GT, in 2006 they switched to 3.31's with 3.55's optional. and 3.31's always came standard in the automatic with no option to swap them.

There also are the colors. Screaming yellow for example, along with Legend Lime were discontinued after 2006 but replaced by Grabber Orange and other colors. Windevil blue was made up till 2008 but very rare, most were made between 2005-2006.

[Stangman Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Hotshot

2007 IMO is when the better options for the cars came out. Performance wise they have the same transmission, engines, power, suspension ect.

But 2007 the MP3 input jack came standard with the shakker 500 system so you can jack your ipod or mp3 player into it. Also the GT appearance package, comfort group (i think 2006 was first year not sure) and other options came with it.

3.55's came standard in the 2005 mustang GT, in 2006 they switched to 3.31's with 3.55's optional. and 3.31's always came standard in the automatic with no option to swap them.

There also are the colors. Screaming yellow for example, along with Legend Lime were discontinued after 2006 but replaced by Grabber Orange and other colors. Windevil blue was made up till 2008 but very rare, most were made between 2005-2006.

haha luck 07s!!! Too bad they didn't offer those options sooner on my yellow stang....did you know there was an option for a powered passenger seat??? Supposedly its a simple add that I may do eventually...

[NickSezz]

I would just go shop for them...I guarantee you will find one that you just fall in love with and you will be happy forever haha. Probably the first one that catches your eye and looks great, so you drive it and your sold! My dream GT is a red fire GT/CS package...Can't forget the CS package...it has different front and rear fascias...google for pics.

[Stangman Jonathan]

I'd definitely check Craigslist or even online forums like s197forum.com or mustangforums.com for good deals on them!

[NickSezz]

Im still tempted to get a GT when I find those great deals on craigslist and auto trader close by....That's the next step for me I bet. Never gunna be able to get the 2011 ones unless I win the lottery...

[Stangman Jonathan]

yeah I know.....my problem is that all the yelllow ones are overpriced lol....besides I have the rear...all I need is a new tranny and a crate motor and I'll have ya beat haha lol

[oneday]

Thanks for the info guys...especially the correction on the S197! I did actually know that [facepalm].

I could care less about appearance packages--as long as I can find a red, silver or black one without the extra lights in the grill (Pony package?) or the louvers over the side windows (dealer installed option?) I'll be happy.

So really the only thing I need to be looking out for is which gears an 06-07 has? I found a post on ModdedMustangs that sort of addresses what I'd be concerned about with the gearing, but they don't include the 3.31 in the write up. [This info is based on one member's calcs using a non-stock tire size that is smaller in diameter and would change the speed by .5MPH at 60.]

In 2nd gear at 6000RPM the 3.55 will be doing 67MPH, while the 4.10 will be at 58MPH. I can assume the top speed of the 3.31 will be higher but I'm having a hard time accepting that this car can do 67-70 in second gear!

What are the real world differences between the 3.31 and the 3.55? Gas mileage variations? 0-60? Any idea what most of the 06-07 cars are equipped with--which is more rare, the 3.55 or the 3.31?