I'm attracted to a somewhat odd car.....

HardDrive · 11-10-2015, 05:43 PM

2003-2004 Mach 1 Ford Mustang. It was their 'S' model, and only produced for 2 years. It was overshadowed by the supercharged Cobra 'terminator' mustangs, but has the same engine in normally aspirated form, a 4.6 4v V8. Made 305hp from the factory. Would not require major surgery to get 350hp out of it, and with forced induction, the bottom end is good for 600hp.

The 99-04 'New Edge' Mustangs styling a matter of taste. I like them. The Mach 1 has a functional hood scoop, which I think is pretty cool. Interiors are pretty awful late 90's ford crap, no getting around that. Prices range from $12k-$20k depending on condition.

Dunno. I really dig them. Relatively cheap, potentially collectable if left unmolested, throw a cat back exhaust on it, and you get that tasty Ford V-8 rumble.

I bought a cheap 2002 GT last year as an experiment(ditched it 6 months later). It wasn't fast, but it made a damn nice sound, and was surprisingly comfortable.

What do you think? Would I be insane to entertain buying one?

Jeff Alton · 11-10-2015, 07:13 PM

Had a good friend who had one.

Car had a great motor. The motor lost its greatness when he added a supercharger.... it was wicked fast in a straight line but lost something that made the original motor better....

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

We had a guy in OK that Autocrossed one of the cobras with a blower on it. Wicked fast in a straight line, but it seemed to have a habit of self destructing about once a year!

HardDrive · 11-10-2015, 08:21 PM

No intention of putting a supercharger on it. Normally aspirated 4.6L, 32v, V8 hooked up to a manual...not to many engines like that floating around at that price point. Insane hp numbers seem to be all the rage these days, but beyond 400hp it all seems to get into the world of traction control and pissing contests.

VincentVega · 11-10-2015, 08:31 PM

You could do a lot worse. What do you want to do with it? Is handling more important than streetlight 'races'? The newer one is so much better on paper I wonder if the 'old' version is a sleeper on the market today.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I have had my eye on the 2000 Cobra R's for a long time, I just don't see how I could semi DD one. I liked the Mach 1's when they came out, and still do. I saw go for it, I like my '95 GT and still have the '92 5.0 LX hatch....

onewhippedpuppy · 11-11-2015, 01:58 AM

Go for it, looks like a fun driver. Just don't expect any appreciation, they made a bunch of Mach 1 Mustangs and they were mostly a styling exercise. If you want a little more special in that style look for a '99-'04 Cobra with the IRS. Hand built motor, better handling, more limited quantities.

masraum · 11-11-2015, 03:12 AM

That particular mustang in the pic is one of the best of the time appearance-wise. Not my cup of tea, but not bad in the grand scheme of things. As previously stated, probably better than a Toyota or Honda in a lot of ways.

911SauCy · 911SauCy's Garage

Buddy had one in high school, dad ordered it for him in some rare orange...

That stock 305hp pulls a lot harder than you'd think.

They're very small cars for anyone larger than 5'10" and the interiors are not only cheap, but the same thing from '94-'04.

Headers, exhaust, intake and a tune...you'll be past the 350 mark. Toss gears at it and you're going low 13s and looking cool doing it.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

We had a guy in OK that Autocrossed one of the cobras with a blower on it. Wicked fast in a straight line, but it seemed to have a habit of self destructing about once a year!

That happens when you crank the boost and get 700 HP or so. He still shows up a few times per year.