[banter]

I keep seeing people say the GT500 is the ZL1 competitor. While this is true for the current model, there is no GT500 planned for the '15+ mustangs, so this GT350 very well could be the ZL1 competitor. Also, even if it's better than the Z/28, it won't matter because the Z/28 won't be in production anymore when this comes out. There will either be a new one (for the '16 redesign) or none at all.

Either way though, I hope Ford pulls out all the stops for this GT350 because that's just more incentive for Chevy and Dodge to do the same for their competitors. Competition fuels the market, so if this GT350 is going to be a more affordable z/28 quality performance I'm all for it.

[MikeSVX]

Originally Posted by SIC LSX

Where did you find the mustang is lighter? All reports I have seen speculate a heavier curb weight due to the added weight of irs, it's wider than the previous generation and it has more "stuff" in it they any previous mustang. I believe one review was from edmunds first look.

I said lighter than the Z/28. I check your Edmunds article you were talking about. They are estimating a curb weight of 3700lbs for the standard 2015 Mustang. Thats still over 100lbs less than the Z/28. If you strip it down for a GT350 (like GM did with the Z/28) you could see numbers around 3600lbs.

[87GNX]

When it comes to weight I dont see the 2015 mustang 5.0 shedding any infact it might gain some. Wait and see in about a week

[Bhobbs]

Originally Posted by 87GNX

It is in away, as that is part of the dohc structure (timing on all 4 valves higher reving) and benefits from it. I dont like to compare the two directly, they are both great motors and achieve awesome numbers. I owned an 08 ls7 c6z....great car I had to sell it because I was buying a home. I am really interested in the GT500 cobra if they become a little cheaper as it is abit more practical for my lifestyle.

How is it more advanced? Would you say that it is more advanced than the LT1 even though it lacks direct injection and cylinder deactivation?

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by shaffe

Maybe like Lowdown said as a "base" model with maybe a R variant.

Simply history repeating itself...TWICE

2012 - Total: 4,016 (3,249 standard, 767 Laguna Seca)
2013 - Total: 4,273 (3,526 standard, 747 Laguna Seca)

504 Street Production Models (Including 7 P.R., 6 Company cars)
34 Factory Competition Race Models GT350-R
562 Total Production Run for the 1965 GT350 Mustang

It's less cost-prohibitive, or rather more cost-friendly, to repeat the engine development this way.

Want the "ultimate track star" version? Make the brakes and other "upgrades" a Model option...or SHARE the engine with a more price-sensitive version like "Mach 1" or...

[Jims Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Bhobbs

How is it more advanced? Would you say that it is more advanced than the LT1 even though it lacks direct injection and cylinder deactivation?

Is this Ford engine a 350 cubic inch engine?

If so how come they can release it at 550 hp why GM wont release the bigger 427 cubic inch LS7 to at least 550 Hp or more?

Related question. I see many guys on this forum struggle to get over 500 rwhp in an NA engine. The crank power of such an engine should be around 575 or so. That is with the 6.2 liter which I believe is 376 cubic inches.

So again why are the chevy engines struggling to get there and ford can put out a 550 hp engine right out of the factory. You know that car will be street driveable so how do they do it.

Real answers please no silly things like "duh, well Ford engines are just better."

Jim

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by MikeSVX

I check your Edmunds article you were talking about. They are estimating a curb weight of 3700lbs for the standard 2015 Mustang.

WOW!

That's NOT what they've "promised", or at least not what the rumor mill has been predicting..."Lose 200-400 lbs." has been the mantra, and the GT-BOSSes currently weigh 3600ish...

God, pill will have to take a pill...

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by Jims Mongoose

So again why are the chevy engines struggling to get there and ford can put out a 550 hp engine right out of the factory? You know that car will be street driveable so how do they do it?

First of, it's only conjecture...it isn't in the public domain, yet, and isn't verified.

Second, it'll be a factor of rpm, if the engine IS capable of 8,000 rpm. The LS3, currently offered, is rated at a much lower rpm, with a 6600 rpm redline.

If you have the breathing capabilities to run to a higher rpm, you'll make more power. Pushrod NASCAR 358s are capable of near-900 hp @ over 9,000 rpm...but they're hardly streetable let alone EPA-CAFE-able...or a 5/100 warranty...

[shaffe]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

WOW!

That's NOT what they've "promised", or at least not what the rumor mill has been predicting..."Lose 200-400 lbs." has been the mantra, and the GT-BOSSes currently weigh 3600ish...

God, pill will have to take a pill...

that was the rumor mill. IIRC the one about 400# was also when the same "insider" said that the car would also be around 17 inches shorter.

I do recall a ford exec mentioning in an interview the 200# though, can't remember if it was specifically stated for the GT model though.

[LOWDOWN]

3700 or so is what a 2010 Camaro LS weighed. And we ALL know what the Dearborn Disciples have called IT for the last 5 years...

Sounds like some folks might have to take a laxative...because their eyes may be turning BROWN...

[KMPrenger]

Well, nobody knows weight or power figures just yet, but I don't see it losing much if any weight. Hopefully we will hear it soon. When is the Mustang available...I forget. Summer or fall?

[LOWDOWN]

I'd expect "some meat on the bones" on it's 50th birthday, next week...perfect time to re-announce what they have, or rather will have...

Frankly, a 3700 lb. number is NOT what I expect (other than, perhaps, a fully-loaded-leather Automatic GT). I believe they'll pare some from the S197 flexi-flyer chassis, with UHSS, aluminum and other newfound tech.

Just like I expect the Gen-6 Camaro to come in @ roughly ATS numbers (where driveline-comparable), between 3450 and 3650 (V8), or so (2-300 lb across the board).

[Jims Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Jims Mongoose

Is this Ford engine a 350 cubic inch engine?

If so how come they can release it at 550 hp why GM wont release the bigger 427 cubic inch LS7 to at least 550 Hp or more?

Related question. I see many guys on this forum struggle to get over 500 rwhp in an NA engine. The crank power of such an engine should be around 575 or so. That is with the 6.2 liter which I believe is 376 cubic inches.

So again why are the chevy engines struggling to get there and ford can put out a 550 hp engine right out of the factory. You know that car will be street driveable so how do they do it.

Real answers please no silly things like "duh, well Ford engines are just better."

Jim

I get the weight thing but so is the power. I also get as 'Lowdown said that RPM capability is a big thing. An engine that can breath higher and run higher RPM will all other things equal make more power.
I have been saying to my Camaro friends for awhile I want my LS3 modified to breath better and rev higher. That aside why doesn't GM do it, why don't more modders do it to the LS3?

The higher RPM capability built into the LS7 is one reason that engine is so beloved, why don't they make that engine put out more HP in the Z28 it always seems they leave us just wanting and having to catch up to the Ford guys with our own mods.

Jim

[87GNX]

Originally Posted by Jims Mongoose

I get the weight thing but so is the power. I also get as 'Lowdown said that RPM capability is a big thing. An engine that can breath higher and run higher RPM will all other things equal make more power.
I have been saying to my Camaro friends for awhile I want my LS3 modified to breath better and rev higher. That aside why doesn't GM do it, why don't more modders do it to the LS3?

The higher RPM capability built into the LS7 is one reason that engine is so beloved, why don't they make that engine put out more HP in the Z28 it always seems they leave us just wanting and having to catch up to the Ford guys with our own mods.

Jim

Well to be fair, Camaros have always been the lesser brother to the corvettes, no offense here as I love the LS3 but it will never recieve the same goodies.