Is the S550 the best Mustang to buy? Even better than the S197 and current S650? Resoundingly yes, according to Terry Fair of Vorshlag Motorsports.
The S550 (years 2015-’23), with its V8, offers more power, much better handling and just a few more pounds than the S197 (2005-’14), all for prices now in the low 20s, says Terry. He …
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Really enjoy my S197, but if I'd been able to stretch for an S550, I would have. All Coyote engines, IRS, and a massively better interior.
The pricing on early (15-18) S550 GTs is in the low 20s these days...
In reply to flyin_viata :
A buddy of mine just bought a '15 or '16 GT (unknown if PP) for $17,500. It would be surprising if you couldn't find decent base GTPPs for under 20 in many major markets. The MT82 transmissions in those, however, benefit from a good fluid change (Royal Purple works well) and a proper short-throw shifter. If it hasn't been done already, removing the clutch pedal helper spring helps clutch feedback but that's not saying much: That clutch is pretty numb and most of them engage fairly high in the stroke.
Ford advertised the "double ball joint" front suspension in the S550 (rumored to be a copy of BMW's), and as above I've often heard they handle better. But I've not seen a description as to what is better about the DBJ setup? Is it camber curve or roll/bump steer or ???
In reply to fearlesfil :
Ford had been doing double ball joint suspension long before the Mustang.
The thing is that the steering axis becomes a virtual axis rather than a fixed one defined by a single ball joint. A single ball joint and wide wheels makes getting a small scrub radius difficult to package, along with the brakes. Having a virtual steering axis can allow you to get zero-point steering without having to get bizarre with the brakes and struts.
te72
HalfDork
2/12/25 9:15 p.m.
I've been telling people for years who want a Mk4 Supra, but aren't quite there on the prices of those Supras, to consider an S550. You get a VERY similar driving experience, for far less money.
Downside, if it really bothers you to drive a common car, is that you're driving a Mustang. I could care less, they're great fun. Actual, real downside, outward visibility is among the worse cars I've driven, but that seems to just be a modern car thing.
I think the worst thing about the s550 is the base GT packages that are super common have a lot of underspec'd components- suspension, brakes etc. I guess that's good in some ways since the aftermarket is better still, but means its even more of a DIY package. I have to wonder if its really worth the extra cash over the much cheaper s197 cars and just running CSM. It would be interesting to see a s550 built out similarly competitively to at least a SM level of prep cost wise.
