Ah wow. S197 Mustangs share almost nothing with FOX platform cars. The front suspension looks and works pretty much like a BMW. The rear suspension is a 3 link with a panhard and works great. The interior at least doesn't look like everything else on the market. The clutch is hydraulic, not a mechanical cable like a FOX. The only bad thing about S197 Mustangs are that they are about 10% too big. Keep in mind 2005 is 18 years ago. The early ones are pretty long in the tooth.
The S550 cars are even bigger, more powerful, more expensive, but also more refined. The cost is significantly higher. It's even further removed from what a Mustang was.
tester (Forum Supporter) said:
Ah wow. S197 Mustangs share almost nothing with FOX platform cars. The front suspension looks and works pretty much like a BMW.
This is true. From what I recall when it came out, Ford basically copied the front suspension of the E46.
Canute
Reader
10/13/23 10:33 a.m.
In reply to tester (Forum Supporter) :
I know what the S197 cars have. I just don't have any practical experience how good they are.
What's the weight difference between the S197 and the later cars?
I'd be stripping it out and throwing out the engine and transmission for a light aftermarket all aluminum race engine and Tremec.
It would have to be in SCCA ITE if I raced it with the combination I'm thinking about.
I overlooked that the purpose of the car was as a race car.
It races in ITE but also American Sedan and Touring. Quite a few class options. They are rather popular in NorCal scca. They seem better in race trim than as a street car. They do race at a higher minimum weight compared to the other 2 cars you mentioned fwiw.
Id say go for it. Cool cars and make all the right noises. Maybe see if you can rent one for a test day before buying.
