onegoal

If you're going to get a manual and you have the money to spend IMO I'd just go for a GT500. Even if its a used one like 09 or 10.

JIM5.0

1) I say get the manual if you want it. Just remember to touch the gas pedal, not depress it more than a quarter way or you will spin out, wheel hop, etc. The 5.0 Coyote is that powerful. Also, the clutch pedal friction point is at about the halfway depressed position. Or maybe 1/2 depressed position? But when you lean it, you will l;earn to make a silky smooth take off.

2) The brembo package on the 300a (Base GT) might be hard to come by. The vast majority of Brembo packages are installed on 400a (GT Premiums). You might have to do some hunting around, and unfortunately, I think that '11 custom orders have ceased, so you cannot ask the dealer to factory order a 3001 (base GT) with the Brembos.

3&4) If you want to stay at $30K or less and still get a GT 5.0 Coyote with Brembos, wait until this socming summer because the '12 GT will be exactly the same as the '12 GT. Just a minor upgrade here and there, but still the very same 412 crank BHP Coyote.
But the problem of finding a left-over '11 GT 300a with Brembo might be you biggest obstacle. But the incentives might be so good that you can actually drive off with a 400a (Premium) Brembo for around $30K too!

kevinmalec

If you want, you can drive my sixxer until you get used to driving a clutch. In return, you can let me break in your new GT. ;-)

GTjoe49

Do not let the fear of a stick bother you. I have driven mostly European and Japanese sportscars since '69 and was very surprised at how easy it was to drive a '10 GT for the first time. The power is there, but controllable. You will master it in no time.

If you are getting Brembo's just for the wheels, I'd hold off and consider after-market. Peruse this site for wheels and you will see some you like better.

My $.02 is to get into the Mustang you can afford and have a ball modding when you get some spare change.

In any case, you will not regret owning an '11 or '12 Mustang!

Mishri

Imo, the brembo brake package isn't worth the cost. Many people reported not being able to tell the difference in braking. You might have a bit better stopping distance, but that isn't needed out side of a road course. and If you are that serious about it you would want to do some fancy aftermarket brakes/rotors and such instead..

I'd also say dont bother ordering special wheels on the car from the factory unless they are exactly what you want.. IMO, the best method is to order the very base model and do your modifications for less aftermarket, getting exactly what you want.

That said, i did order the comfort package (heated leahter seats, power passenger seat) and the window louvers and side scoops.

I think the 3.73's are good factory option (some of the best ETs are gotten from 3.55s though beceause you dont have to shift at the end of the 1/4 mile) If you aren't interested in the fastest stock 1/4 mile time then i'd do 3.73s.. don't fear the gear.. i plan on putting 4.10s in mine.