mOOse

I'm looking to purchase a new Mustang in the next couple of months and am doing all the research I can on them now.

One thing I have a question about pertains to rear end gear ratios. I've come across automatics that according to the window sticker are equipped with a 3.31 gear ratio. Is this not the standard ratio? If it isn't, is it better performance wise than the standard ratio?

I've also seen some standards that are equipped with 3.55 gear ratios.

Which is considered the quicker car, the standard or automatic?

What kind of 1/4 mile time could I expect out of a bone stock GT, with the optional steeper gears, either stick or auto?

I do qualify for the x-plan, but have never purchassed a new Ford before. How much could I expect to save by using the plan on, say, a $28,000 GT?

Any, and all, info would be greatly appreciated!

spuddogg

05-06 autos came with a 3.31 where the manual came with 3.55.
07 models are all standard on 3.31 with 3.55 as an option ($100, I believe).
All things being equal, auto is quicker but manual is so much more.... funner.
Don't recall what these guys run stock 1/4 at - I think high 13's - low 14's (I'm more of a roadtrack guy than strip).
As for the x-plan, no clue. Got mine at stealership invoice last summer (lotsa threads on x-plans and I'm sure someone can give you some insight on it).

2oo5stang

if you kick a$$ at shifting a manual, it's faster. will put more HP to the wheels than a auto due to parasitic drag and the auto tranny is about 70lbs heavier.
If you get a 07, stick to the 3.31 gears and upgrade to 4.10's later. or if you get an 05-06, get some 4.10's also

2k05gt

+1
Althought I have an Automatic 2005 GT and it runs 13.3 in the 1/4 with a couple of bolt ons.
and Yes the 4.10 gears are a blast.
Stock the GT is running 13.6-14.1 in the 1/4
With CAI, Tune, Pulleys, LCA's andGears they are running 13.0 - 13.4 in the 1/4.
with a few high 12's here and there..

Overall these are fantastic cars with little problems, there are lots of aftermarket parts for performance and looks. It's all about having fun and enjoying the mustang.

MELLOWYELLOW06

Im thinking about 4.10's also. How is the daily drivability? I'm a bit hesitant to do this because inmy old fox body I put 4.30 and My daily drivability got screwed up bAD. I had to start in second gear and it topped off at 90. Plus gas mileage went to sh**.

How much installed by all who have done this?

Scotty07

Now for 2007 the 3.55 is an option, but only for the manual trans cars.

Scotty07

Mine came stock with 3.31's . I had my Fjord dealership (which is also a SVT dealership) install FRPP 3.73's at time of purchase. Price was about $500 parts and labor.

Riven02

Jeez you guys are giving out some high 1/4 mile times. A decent driver can get 13.4ish with a manual.

Black GT

Stock vs. stock, the manual is quicker.

Whenyou use the X-Plan, you pay slightly below invoice cost.

2oo5stang

a top notch driver, yeah mid 13's, but your doing good when you break into the 13's period with these cars stock, more for the autos since you don't have to manual shift it.
Install, gears, lube, and basic kit, i paid 400 bucks. If you pay over 250 for labor, that's a rip off but what can you do.
I have 4.30' and love it. I still start out in first and cruise at 2500rpms at 70mph in 5th gear.