dsi@unccvax.UUCP (01/15/86)
> >Talking about value, what about the Ford Mustang GT ? > > [Eli talked the dealer into....] > into replacing the stock tires with SVO 225-50VR16 gatorbacks, and made him > I might also add that the disgusting 7.7 inch rear end has been replaced with an 8.8 inch something or other. The "Traction-Lok" feature on GT's and SVO's (in particular) as well as insufficient axle bearings has resulted in Ford biting the bullet and replacing the rear end. SVO's are even more prone to axle problems, not because of gobs of power so much as even larger side loads due to those monster tyres. I don't know how the dealer is going to replace the stock tyres with SVO gatorbacks, but in current production, this requires new rotors and axle shafts. This is *not a cheap modification at all*. Count the lugs (however, the new 8.8 axle may have been upgraded as well as the front discs to the standard 5 bolt lug pattern). For you SVO owners out there who can't keep clutch packs in the axle, or bearings on the axle shafts, you can update to the 9 inch standard issue NASCAR type rear end. Ford Motorsports sells a retrofit kit which ain't expensive (about $ 1500 when all is said and done). I think that the SVO is worth the extra $2000, simply because it is infinitely more refined in terms of its handling behaviour. Not having the extra ~400 lb over the front end makes the car far more neutral... the fuel economy is quite nice, too. Why am I talking about SVO's here? I have a early 84 (no Quadra Shock) and one of our senior engineers waited forever for his 85 1/2. It took almost 15 weeks to the day. However, SVO's are made in a weird manner and there are certain "windows" of production for them. The same may be true for the 86 GT. I don't see why there are manifold and EFI problems with the GT; you can get substantially the same engine in the Crown Victoria and Lincoln Continental LSC. The CFI motor is (thankfully) gone for 86. I hope your fuel injection isn't schizophrenic like my SVO's is. Some days, the car is exceptionally stout. Other days it is very mediocre. A smooth idle is virtually impossible for two consecutive days (but this is because there is an intermittent problem in the coolant temp sensor, which I am too lazy to replace. ) If you want to drive a prototype, buy an SVO. If you want no hassles and plenty of performance, get a GT. David Anthony DataSpan, Inc