New GT Owner with Questions


Loudspeaker

GT Owner
Aug 20, 2014
3
Hi, I purchased the 8 mile red/white stripes GT at Russo and Steele, 270+10%. Saw the one at Bonham's, fell in love. Bid on that one but didn't get it. I haven't followed these closely, have friends that own them, but obviously the prices are soaring, much to my chagrin, but hopefully my benefit now. I'm not quite sure what to do now. The guy at Russo and Steele seemed incredulous that I plan to drive it. Don't plan to drive it much, but thought a little. We also have a Ferrari 599. Scary fast. I suppose that the GT, with no traction aids is even scarier. Any suggestions regarding the car? I have the plastic film protection on the Ferrari; should I get the same on the GT? I think that from an industrial design standpoint (I design loudspeakers), it is just amazing, as is the 599. The GT, however, is gorgeous but mean, the Ferrari is gorgeous but elegant. All suggestions appreciated. Thanks, Sandy
 

MNJason

GT Owner
May 14, 2010
2,097
San Diego
Congrats on the purchase! Seems like an absolute steal for those miles!!!

Drive it if thats why you bought it. Many folks here keep a "spare" to drive .

Welcome!
 

djs

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Jun 7, 2007
2,082
GT is not as crude as some think. But, as far as driving? Think torque, as in right now, as in it could F you up if you're not careful.
Enjoy.
 

twobjshelbys

GT Owner
Jul 26, 2010
6,189
Las Vegas, NV
I strongly encourage the clear bra. I got one on mine and I have a few obvious chips 9n the bra that would have been a heart breaker if they hod just hit paint

Mine was installed at the gt guys but I don't know where they sourced it
 

AJB

GT
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jun 28, 2006
2,976
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Three Items...
1. Welcome.
2. See you in LasVegas at the Rally ...October 13,14,15,16,17. You will learn more in 3-4 days than what you could learn in several years...and, right from the mouths of some 'loudspeakers, woofers and tweeters.'..
3. Drive it. You will never experience the car if it sets in the garage and from what we are seeing , moderate mileage does not depress the value If you keep the car properly maintained.

andy (AJB)
 

twobjshelbys

GT Owner
Jul 26, 2010
6,189
Las Vegas, NV
Ps. Congrats on buying the car and drive it. It is the second funnest car I've ever driven. First place still goes to the cobra but I have a gt now

Do come to the rally. It will be my first
 

twobjshelbys

GT Owner
Jul 26, 2010
6,189
Las Vegas, NV
Before you drive the car another foot, have a sheet of protective film installed on the windshield. 'Reason?
If you ever need to replace the windshield, the front fenders have to come off the car to do that job right.

'Dead serious.

Come on now. :) don't scare him yet. Give him a few days

Who is going to break the news on the gauges :)
 

jaxgt

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Jul 12, 2006
2,811
It looks like you got a great deal on the car. I'd drive it and enjoy. As it is approaching 10 yrs old, and clearly wasn't driven, would strongly suggest that a VERY experienced person goes through the car and changes the fluids, checks the half shaft bolts (important recall done), and I think may have an oil pump belt and a few other things to address. Depending on where you and car are located, there are a few very experienced folks on this forum. Well worth the $$ to make sure it is done right (IMHO).
Then drive the heck out of it. NO reason not to.
 

SteveA

GT Owner/B.O.D
Mark IV Lifetime
Dec 13, 2005
3,697
Sandpoint Id
Welcome to GT ownership and the forum. Clear bra is very good advise as well as if the tires are original I would look at a new set. Replacement of the original Goodyear's with Bridgestone's will be one of your favorite upgrades. Then like a few have already mentioned check out what others have done, ie short throw shifter, exhaust change, shocks, Mac relocate etc. If you have the time this years rally is in Vegas and would be an excellent place to see most all mods at once. :thumbsup

Again, welcome!
 

twobjshelbys

GT Owner
Jul 26, 2010
6,189
Las Vegas, NV
Absolutely ditch the good years. They are hard as rocks besides being 10 years old or so. I you are a spirited driver or drag or track the car they should be replaced. I never drove mine on the originals and the bridgestones are grippy without being a drag radial
 
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DanielJ

GT Owner
Dec 21, 2010
298
Washington State
You will enjoy the GT. Drive it! Welcome to the FGT Forum.
 

Xcentric

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 9, 2012
5,213
Myakka City, Florida
What andy (AJB) said. Come to the Rally. These events are bucket list quality.

Nothing scary about it. It's a pussycat. Just get to know it. You roll on the throttle in 1st and 2nd. It's incredibly easy to drive.

Congrats on your new car. I will wager you will like it more than the 599. Let me know if I'm wrong. :)
 
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GT Venum

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Dec 4, 2010
331
Wisconsin
:agree:

Congrats

It is a great car and built to drive.
 

partssmann

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jun 1, 2013
771
Scottsdale, Arizona
Congrats on your purchase. You will find a wealth of knowledge on this website. Update you avatar info to include location to better direct you to service as others have recommended. Search this website to get the correct bridgestone tires recommended for the GT. You well not regret your purchase, enjoy.
 

FBA

GT Owner
Dec 5, 2010
1,672
31.022340° N / 44.846191° W
Great car, great purchase. Drive it some and you'll understand why you can't not drive it. Not much out there that will give you the same pleasure as an FGT...except maybe a bigger blower on an FGT:)
 

Ed Sims

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 7, 2006
7,922
NorCal
Welcome Loudspeaker to a great forum with fantastic members! Hope to see you at the Rally!

Ed
 

Kingman

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Aug 11, 2006
4,072
Surf City, USA
Come on now. :) don't scare him yet. Give him a few days

Who is going to break the news on the gauges :)

Where da hell did you get Pocket's post.....I don't see it in the thread. :facepalm:

Nonetheless, I thought the general consensus was that the windshield protection wasn't any good for a myriad of reasons!?

Oh yeah.....welcome 'Loudspeaker'!:cheers
 

Kayvan

GT Owner
Jul 13, 2006
4,782
Congrats!!

Welcome aboard.

Take a few minutes to read through posts in Tech / FAQ / Owners Forums on new ownership:

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php/813-Any-words-of-advise-for-a-new-owner?pp=10

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php/864-Tech-Threads-FAQ

There are some idiosynchrasies that GTs have that most car guys dont know

-First gear is a hard rachet to left off center; many think 3rd gear is first
-2nd gear can grind till warm
-Cold tires slip,and can lead to accidents...ie, <50 degress, OR early morning runs, dew, fog, sand, debris, gravel on road
-Make sure your car has the OEM Ford battery charger and plug it in lighter socket if not using weekly, and let cord over rubber seal and close door
-Ground strap from battery can loosen and cause issues (check engine light, not starting, stereo inop, etc); just make sure its tight with 10mm socket
-Gently insert gas nozzle in filler and hold trigger half till full; dont top off or lock nozzle and leave in place to stress filler neck
-Find a local Ford Dealer with a GT trained Tech or ASE Master Tech to do your service
-OEM accessories: make sure you have OEM charger, car cover in duffle, owners manual/leather case, two keys, window sticker or GT Authenticity Kit with Window Sticker and certificates, etc. (all of these can be ordered).

http://www.fordshowparts.com/store_...40309&store_id=1&dept_id=1149&product_id=6957

Main advice is to take some leisurely cruises in areas you know till you get feel of GT and can practice limits and even parking.

Most owners just push start button for last 8+ years with flawless performance.


*

FORD 2006 Memo to new owners on Storage

Ford sent out a Letter to original owners in first winter.

---------------------------

FORD GT EXTENDED STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS


At Ford, we fully understand that many Ford GT's will see only occasional Operation and that many of the vehicles, especially in the northern climates, may be stored for an extended period during the winter months. The following are recommendations for extended storage:

Powertrain Items
• Fuel – Fill the fuel tank and add commercially available fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for a minimum of 1 minute to ensure that treated fuel has circulated through the system. Replace the fuel filter every 3 years.
• Oil and filter – Perform the annual oil and oil filter change prior to storing the vehicle. The recommended oil is Motorcraft 5W-50 Full Synthetic, part number XO 5W50 QGT. If the vehicle has been stored for longer than 3 years without the engine being started the oil pump drive belt should be replaced.
• Coolant – Replace the engine and intercooler coolant every 3 years. The recommended coolant is Motorcraft part number VC 7A (VC7B for CA, OR, and NM).
• Transaxle fluid – Replace the transaxle fluid every 3 years. The recommended fluid is Motorcraft part number XT 75W-90 QGT.
• Air Filter – Inspect both air filter elements annually, clean and replace as required. Replace them every 3 years.

Chassis Items
• Brake fluid – Check and note fluid level prior to storage and ensure master cylinder reservoir cap is secured. Note and change in fluid level before putting vehicle back into service. If a drop in fluid level is noted, check brake system for leaks.
• Brake pads/rotor rust – If your GT is stored for an extended period of time, rust can form on the brake rotors. Minor surface rust will be removed after a few hard stops. During this period, a minor squealing noise may be heard. This noise will go away after the rust is removed. NOTE: Be sure to allow sufficient time (number of stops) to remove all embedded rust on pad surface as well as rotors.
• Tires – To reduce flat-spotting of the tires, inflate all four tires to the maximum inflation pressure noted on the sidewall of the tire (44 psi). When the vehicle is taken out of storage, reset pressures to the recommended levels stated in the owner's guide. Alternately, the vehicle may be stored on jack stands to eliminate any potential for flat spotting.

Electrical Items
• Battery – to maintain battery voltage when the vehicle will be stored for an extended time, ensure that the trickle charger, part number 4G7Z-14B249-A is used.

Body Items
Door Hinges and locks – Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.

• Paint – Apply Motorcraft Paint Sealant (ZC-45) and Motorcraft Liquid Wax (ZC-53A). Cover the vehicle with the car cover to protect the finish. For additional information refer to the Cleaning section of the Owner Guide.
 
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Chris A.

GT #32
Mark II Lifetime
Feb 6, 2007
1,244
Ortega Mountain, CA
Lets see some of your speaker designs:biggrin

I'm thinking about buying a pair of Sonus Fabers
 

Vince H

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 23, 2012
2,423
Southern California
Congrats and welcome.

Vince H