2005 Mustang GT delayed until Jan!!!!

A guy over on svtperformance.com who has a 05' GT pre-ordered says its official. The 05' Mustang GT will not arrive until January due to, you guessed it, defective heads! This is what his Ford Dealer rep told him. Ford cant make even decent power without screwing it up. Guess they rushed the car to the market? Regardless, you will only see V6 Stangs cruising around before Christmas....

LOL, somebody better tell Jay Leno. He's been driving his brand new Mustang GT around...but seriously, this is old news and a lot of people still haven't heard this is BS from the BON site. Mustangs, including GTs, were shipped this last weekend...

LOL, somebody better tell Jay Leno. He's been driving his brand new Mustang GT around...but seriously, this is old news and a lot of people still haven't heard this is BS from the BON site. Mustangs, including GTs, were shipped this last weekend...

Leno in a Mustang GT? Sure you're not mixing it up with his mega-dollar Ford GT?

I hope the rumored head problems are nothing but rumors cause that would suck.

No No No. This is not from the BON site. I frequent svtperformance and that BON crap was talked about weeks ago. This is in the last two days, from the guys dealer himself. This is from an 04 Cobra owner and future 05 GT owner.

It is not a good idea to quickly jump to conclusions. Just listen to this post: it's a dealer. DEALER! Like he knows stuff. Most people work in that industry because they want to make money, not because they love cars or know much about them.

We had countless examples of dealers not knowing a dime about current or future products.

So, while it might be true, maybe this is dealer's excuse for not shipping his customer's car anytime soon - sort of like we messed up, but let's put the blame on Ford so that the customer doesn't get pissed.

Who knows, I am just showing that there could be another explanation. I am a GM fan :) but I strive to keep an objective mind to everything. Besides, a little critical thinking can be useful.

Leno in a Mustang GT? Sure you're not mixing it up with his mega-dollar Ford GT?

They had him on TV just earlier this week getting into a Mustang GT and driving off. That guy always gets one of the first cars of anything, lucky (and rich) guy.

No No No. This is not from the BON site. I frequent svtperformance and that BON crap was talked about weeks ago. This is in the last two days, from the guys dealer himself. This is from an 04 Cobra owner and future 05 GT owner.

Anything is possible, but there have already been a lot of people spotting '05 Mustangs on trucks being shipped all over. Jim Padilla just officially announced the Mustang launch at the AAI plant two days ago. I'll be doubtful for now unless I see something official from Ford.

I was just using that guys words. His exact words were, "its official". His dealer who he says is very respected and not just your typical car salesman told him this. I agree though, it truely isnt official until Ford releases it, but all the guys responding to the post on svtperformance.com seam to believe him. I havent been there long enough to know how truthful and correct he usually is. Just thought I would pass on what I heard.


ENJOY!!!
http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=128141

Thats not once (1999) not twice (03/04 Cobra) but thrice (2005 GT) that Ford has had head problems. If you dont believe the Cobra, jsut ask some owners, anyone will tell you about the dreaded "tick". Its just that Ford decided to tell them it is normal instead of fixing it.

Kind'a like LS1 piston slap. ;)

I don't want to get involved with the when thing, but the 99 Mustang did not have problems with the heads.

The 98 LS1 did, but saying that would be a cheap shot.

Oops. ;)

they just took more Camaro market share by doing this. With projection of a 2006-2007 debut the 5th gen will get less sales. everybody is into the mustang and those that will get one will get one, by closing the gap between the release the the 5th gen and the new mustang from the factory, there will be less hype about the camaro. what stupid ford doesn't realize is that they won't beable to make a new generation for the mustang until around 2010-2011. so in that time frame, the Camaro's sells will be up, as the mustang will have been played out too much already.

You're right Bob. I forgot, 1999 wasnt head problems, it was just way overated horsepower and something else I thought?

Correct. The main issue was HP, related to crappy intakes and a rather restrictive catback (a typical non-recalled 99 would dyno anywhere from 240-270 RWHP - very inconsistent). They did recall the 99s for this - and installed new intakes & catbacks, and did a computer reflash. 99s were also known for IRS vibration issues (no recall, but certainly TSBs).

MSNBC showed GTs rolling off the line and said they would be in show rooms in 3-4 weeks.
http://video.msn.com/video/p.htm?t=1&i=c2cd6347-c3e7-4eaf-bc9b-569542e8e327
scroll to bottom for vid

I have looked at Ford employee forums, and there is no mention of anything. Believe me, if there is anything that isn't perfect on these lines......... many of these employees bitch to high heaven.

Also, when the BON article first appeared, workers at the engine plant, and on the Mustang line confirmed that the only head problem they have had is a shortage of parts from one supplier (the exact part was named). This is what slowed things down.

I think the dealership is trying to cover up for their ineptitude in ordering this persons car. This is not uncommon whenever a vehicle that is very desirable gets released. You should have seen the rumors and untruths told at the '01 Lightning launch (when they got more hp), and the '03 Cobra launch.

MSNBC showed GTs rolling off the line and said they would be in show rooms in 3-4 weeks.
http://video.msn.com/video/p.htm?t=1&i=c2cd6347-c3e7-4eaf-bc9b-569542e8e327
scroll to bottom for vid

For that matter, people are already driving them...

Plus, I can show you a lot full of them at the AAI plant ready to be loaded onto trucks...

BTW, I also forgot to mention that these are the same 3V VVT heads that have been shipping on F-150's for about a year now, with no problems...

If it is true, well actually regardless because of past issues, where do you think the problem is? Is it in design, manufacturing, or assembly? Applys to 03/04' Cobra too. I hope that it isnt true because I am really anxious to see a bunch of numbers on the car everyone has been speculating so much about. The preliminary stuff says it runs a lot faster than the old one and handles better, but by no means great. Supposedly brake fade was "disturbing" after just two hot laps on the track and the skidpad numbers I saw were 0.84. They did say its best slalom was over 66mph, which is good, but it still understeers pretty decent. Also said there was a lot of front end chatter when hitting bumps in the corner.

I like the 1/4 times if they are true, but Im not sure Im that inpressed with the rest of the car. 235 tires!!! Get the hell out of here. And there is not room for a whole lot more tire in those rear fender wells from what I saw on the pre-production car.

You do realize that the '05 Mustang GT 4.6 heads have NOTHING in common with the 03/04 Cobra heads.......... right???

The '05 Mustang has 3-valve per cylinder heads, and the '03/04 Cobra has 4-valve per cylinder heads. The '05 Mustang 4.6 is a SOHC design, while the '03/04 Cobra is a DOHC.

Just wanted to make sure that we are talking about the same thing here.

According to those who work at the engine plant, and on the Mustang line, the problem with the heads is a parts problem. One of their suppliers is running behind, so they were short of one part. In todays automotive manufacturing, most lines are run on a "just in time" supply. Thus, there is no stock in a warehouse to be used. If the product does not arrive "just in time" then that item cannot be built.

66mph is very good for the slalom. It is better than the CTS-V (65mph), and is only .2mph slower than a Z51 C6 Vette (66.2mph). It is even significantly better than the '04 GTO (63.5mph). This shows that the suspension is doing its job. The low G's are indicitive of the 235 tires low grip. BTW, all of the slalom figures I used were also from Motor Trend.

How many other new $25K V8 cars can run 66mph in the slalom, and 13's in the quarter............. on regular fuel???

I realize that you are a Camaro guy, however, is it really necessary to throw all of the skepticism around??? Can't we just wait and see if other rags (mags) get similar results............... and then if actual owners do too??? Then you can bash based on reality instead of heresay.

PS. I have never known anyone to win at the drags because they had a better trap speed. E.T. is king. The Mustang has always been a good drag car because it launches well. According to MT, the new one launches even better. At the end of the day, the winner will be the person with the lowest E.T. Noone will care if the loser had a higher trapspeed........... he is still the loser.

Yes I know the heads are different and I darn sure know the problem with the Cobra heads is not because a part is back ordered. I was just curious where you think the problem lies.

I was born and raised a Chevy guy, yes, but I have become less brand loyal and try to be open minded and subjective about cars. We will have to see if that 66mph is backed up as they mentioned it was their best run. Of course we can wait for the other mags and real people, but we got to pass the time right!

I called the guy I bought my Sunfire from this morning to update him on my car as he requested and asked him if there was any delay on production on the Mustang (he works on the assembly line). He said there is not and everything is going well on the new car. Looks like the dealer is full of crap.

http://img82.exs.cx/img82/5733/124-2445_IMG.jpg

http://img82.exs.cx/img82/5733/124-2445_IMG.jpg

That about puts the rumors to rest.

See red is a very popular color.

So when should they be hitting streets? Next week?

Cool pic and most of those are GT's to boot.

Some people (rich) have already received theirs. The AAI plant isn't up to full production yet, so they're going to be a bit scarce until the end of the year.

Link is dead.
S.

Link is dead.
S.

Try it again. It is VERY VERY slow. It might time out on you, but keep trying.

Since you say the plant isnt up to full speed and they are going to be scarce until Jan, then maybe thats why he woulnt be receiving his car on time. Guess the dealer just decided to tell him it was heads instead of delay? Regardless that means there woulnt be a lot of GT's until January, thats a bummer. Why would Ford not be up and running full steam at the release of their all new Mustang? With so many people anxiously awaiting them for so long and expecting them anyday now, thats gonna really piss some of them off. Errrr, I guess this is one of the reasons why American automakers anger me so much. They just cant put it all together.

Since you say the plant isnt up to full speed and they are going to be scarce until Jan, then maybe thats why he woulnt be receiving his car on time. Guess the dealer just decided to tell him it was heads instead of delay? Regardless that means there woulnt be a lot of GT's until January, thats a bummer. Why would Ford not be up and running full steam at the release of their all new Mustang? With so many people anxiously awaiting them for so long and expecting them anyday now, thats gonna really piss some of them off. Errrr, I guess this is one of the reasons why American automakers anger me so much. They just cant put it all together.

I take it you haven't been following the Mustang launch very closely (or any vehicle launch for that matter). Job 1 was Sept. 7th. They have to build inventory before shipping (which they've built quite a bit), but this is an all new car at a new factory and it takes time to bring everyone up to speed. Considering they just started building them 3 weeks ago, I'd say they're doing a good job. Most of the time you don't hear about all the little details on a new car being produced, but with Mustang...it's hard not to know all the details.

Since you say the plant isnt up to full speed and they are going to be scarce until Jan, then maybe thats why he woulnt be receiving his car on time. Guess the dealer just decided to tell him it was heads instead of delay? Regardless that means there woulnt be a lot of GT's until January, thats a bummer. Why would Ford not be up and running full steam at the release of their all new Mustang? With so many people anxiously awaiting them for so long and expecting them anyday now, thats gonna really piss some of them off. Errrr, I guess this is one of the reasons why American automakers anger me so much. They just cant put it all together.

You should see the anger and the wait lists for the Scion tC, which was launched in early July. People are STILL waiting to get their cars, because the demand is greater than the supply. The forums on ScionLife are full of people who are waiting for their cars or can't find one to even test drive.

Companies can only build cars so fast. American or not. What makes you think that Ford isn't up and running at full steam? Should they take 6 months and build 500,000 cars before they launch?

All this indicates is, there's a ton of demand for the Mustang and they can't make them as fast as they're selling them. Seems like they've got it all together to me.

Sounds like this BS thread was started on bad information and poor assumption.
A "guy" on the internet was told by a "dealer" that GT's weren't shipping because of a problem with the heads. BON quoted their "source" as saying Mustang production was stopped.
When will people learn?
S.

Yes I know the heads are different and I darn sure know the problem with the Cobra heads is not because a part is back ordered. I was just curious where you think the problem lies.

I was born and raised a Chevy guy, yes, but I have become less brand loyal and try to be open minded and subjective about cars. We will have to see if that 66mph is backed up as they mentioned it was their best run. Of course we can wait for the other mags and real people, but we got to pass the time right!

I'm glad your not biased............. however, the point remains that you are trying to tie together a ticking issue with a '03/04 4-valve head to a rumor about the '05 3-valve heads. I never said the Cobra tick was due to a parts problem, as '04 Mustangs have not been built now for a few months. Just, that any delays in Mustang GT 3-valve head production has been due to a parts shortage.

BTW, my understanding is that Mustang orders are running about 60% higher than Ford was predicting. This would most certainly cause parts shortages.

PS, Ford has been VERY careful with all of their new launches since the debacles of the '00 Focus, and '01 Escape. They ramp up slowly, and go over the completed vehicles with a fine tooth comb to try to find ANY parts problems (no matter how minor). I would rather see the car come out good........... than come out fast.

I guess my question is, where (design, manufacturing, assembly) do you think the problem on the 03/04 Cobra 4-valve head lies? I am just curious, thats all. And yea, I would rather see the Mustang come out right than fast as well. I'm just anxious to see what the car can do.

So is this thread true or false, or too early to be determined?

I guess my question is, where (design, manufacturing, assembly) do you think the problem on the 03/04 Cobra 4-valve head lies? I am just curious, thats all. The problem is in the casting. When the head reaches a certain temp, the valve guide expands causing contact and "the tick".
To my knowledge, there have been no engine failures due to "the tick", nor does it adversely effect performance. It's a noise that is an irritant, like LS1 piston slap.
1985 Monte Carlo SS (SOLD)
-350 and some giggle juice (10.53@131mph)Just curious...surely you don't claim that the car in this (http://people.clemson.edu/~ewsmith/) link went 10.5's?
S.

So is this thread true or false, or too early to be determined?

FALSE!!!!

What's really screwed up about this, if the story about the dealer saying this is true, is that this dealer raised questions about the quality of the car he's selling by concocting this story.

Yes, Snorman, thats the car. That was my baby, first car when I was 15 years old. That website was made when I first put the crate motor in with a Comp Cam and some roller rockers. The engine was rebuilt a while later with forged internals, nitrous cam, AFR heads and a 150shot. Went 10.53@131 street legal on drag radials and oh yea, a Ford 9inch! It runs through a race built TH400 and I keep in constant contact with the guy I sold it to. It is getting a complete frame off resto now, new cage, and a new engine setup. The goal is 8's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man I loved that car.

It ran 13.6@103 with the setup in the link after some tunning, that was on street tires.

So you were selling it with the Vortec heads and little cam and no spray (according to that link), and then decided to keep it and went 10.5's and then sold it? I'm assuming this was just last year because if you bought it at 15 1/2, had it for 3 1/2 years (again...according to the link) and your profile states you are 20 years old you must have done this recently.
What tranny and converter were you running?
S.

Even if it is true about the new GT's having this temporary problem...IMHO it will make little difference since the new Mustang overall is clearly a home run for Ford. It's just a matter of when thay start making money on them, not if.

The tranny is a TH400 built by a race shop. I dont recall what converter, its a pretty big one. I think around 3500. Yea, this was all recently as I am almost 21! The 60' on that run was only a 1.6 I believe and it has cut 1.4x before. It also has been having some serious problems in the high rpm, breaking up real bad. And he just told me he threw a rod dynoing NA, so its gonna get an even beefier rebuild to shoot for those 8's he wants. All of this during the frame-off resto. I keep in constant contact with the guy and still consider it my car, hehhe. As it was my first car and I WILL own it again (for good) when he decides to sell it. Let this be a lesson to yall, never sell your first car, you will ALWAYS regret it.

I was recently told there are 230K orders for the 05 Mustang. ;) :p

I was recently told there are 230K orders for the 05 Mustang. ;) :p

That would be incorrect!