The only version of the SN95 not mentioned was the '03/'04 Mach I, which got the '99/'01 Cobra quad cam engine but with a solid rear axle. They're a pretty good deal. They also have arguably the nicest interior fitted to any SN95.
The only version of the SN95 not mentioned was the '03/'04 Mach I, which got the '99/'01 Cobra quad cam engine but with a solid rear axle. They're a pretty good deal. They also have arguably the nicest interior fitted to any SN95.
I had an 03 Mach 1 I DDed for 60k miles and loved it. I had a 95 GT during my ownership of the Mach 1 and sold the 95 quickly because I liked the Mach 1 so much better. Both technically SN95, but the Mach 1 was the "New Edge" and the 32v dohc engine. We had zero problems out of the Mach 1. The 95 had a few issues, like waterpump, but nothing major.
I had a 2003 GT 5-speed as a daily for 3 years, not a bad ride, and easy to modify. I autocrossed it as well, handled decently stock, but was much better with suspension upgrades and better tires (275/40/17s on 17x9 worked). I did get a chance to autox a 03 Mach 1 with suspension mods, what a difference that made. Made me wish I had the Mach 1.
Isn't the Mach 1 interior basically different seats and a shifter? I do like the seats. It was interesting watching Ford put out different special versions of the Mustang there for a while, with the Bullit, Mach 1, and Cobra as well as the GT and base spec cars.
I DD an '01 GT three seasons out of the year in CT. BMW enthusiasts will kill me, but my New Edge feels a heck of a lot like my E36 328is (5spd/Sport pkg.), but with more brake dive. Even with 296k on it, the interior has held up better than the E36.
I think they make a great daily, parts are cheap and plentiful, and I actually get decent mileage with mine on 87 octane.
I haven't driven mine through a winter, but know that dedicated snows and weight in back would be a must in my opinion.
Not sure why you wouldn't go with the 2005+ cars - they are pretty cheap and much better than the SN95's. I've had both.
My short take:
In reply to Javelin :
Sir, I think you're doing Mustang correctly.
I winter drive my '00 V6 in NY. The one thing people forget from the old days is added weight. I used air bags in the rear springs to keep the car level with 300# of weight in the trunk and I never had a problem. The traction control works great on steep hills if you floor it in second gear.
As for rust, the car is just starting to rust. Spraying the underside with used oil works well. Don’t forget the studded snows.
Can't speak to winter driving with them, because I never tried, but I had a couple SN95 GTs. One of them had a supercharger on it. That one was fast as hell. The stock one, not so much.
The one thing that drove me nuts about the cars were the stupid cheap looking and feeling interiors. It just really soured the experience for me. Couldn't stand it.
I've owned a few Mustangs. A 1999 GT coupe, a 1999 Cobra vert, a 1993 GT hatch and a 1995 GT coupe.
I drove the 99 GT through 4 Nebraska winters with crappy all season tires with 300lbs of sand bags in the trunk. Not ideal but it worked. Real snow tires would of made a huge difference.
The 95 GT I bought from a friend as a driving project car. Yes, the pushrod 5L has a large aftermarket but the 94-95 versions are slightly different. The upper intake has the TB elbow cast in, but you can put an intake for an 87-93 on with an aftermarket elbow. The trans has a longer input shaft than the WC T5s on the 87-93s.
My plan was to swap GT40 heads from an Explorer, an Explorer upper and lower intake, Trickflow valve springs and a Trickflow Stage 1 cam to try and make 300 RWHP for cheap(ish).
The car came into my possession with an AJE tubular k-member, crappy eBay rear coilovers and used Lakewood 50/50 drag shocks.
noteable factor: I think traction control didnt come until '99, my 97 cobra does not have it.
The TCS may be nice for winter.
I left out the Mach 1, the Bullit, and the Cobra R's (95 and 2000, but you wont want to afford one of those!)
The Mach 1 is a great package, other than the kinda silly (IMHO) shaker hood, but no idea what values on those have done. I left those out due to being rarer options that may have more value than the standard models.
Jav, how you liking yours after the repairs?
I had a '01 GT as my daily (and only) for a year. Really, really wanted to love it. Looked great, fun when you wanted to get silly with it, but the daily part killed it. The PO had installed FLOWMASTERS! which sounded great when you are ripping it and droned horribly under constant throttle. Caused me horrible headaches after 45 minutes on the highway. Front seats were uncomfortable on my back. Loved it as a toy, hated it as a daily...YMMV. 
Apexcarver said:Jav, how you liking yours after the repairs?
Loving it! I placed really well in a local autocross that included 5 National Champions and the reigning CAM Challenge champion, and drag raced it to a 13.4@104, and use it to go to cars and coffee with my kids in their carseats. SWMBO even took it to work last week no problem.
Somebody I work with has a Cobra or a GT with 215k miles on it and he drives it to work from time to time. 19 mpg if you are pushing it down hill. I think he usually avgs 15-17 mpg..
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