Well, I was finally able to secure a 2005 Ford GT. It is a dream come true for me as well as my son. I am so very thankful for this opportunity and I love the smiles the car brings to everyone. I've been able to own some wonderful cars, but this one is the most special. I applied for a 17' but to no avail. I told myself if I was unable to get one of them I would find one of these and low and behold I found this car within 300 miles of home and in the color I love. I had never even seen a black one before in real life. At any rate, the weather will hold out tomorrow and I will pick my son up from school in it. I cant wait to see his smile.. This car is the one we always keep an eye out for. Looking forward to making some memories with this car and meeting more folks who share this passion. Love to find some owners in the NW if they are on this forum. Looking forward to the future!
One more off the bucket list
- Thread starter Cwcsvt
- Start date
Sinovac
GT Owner
Biginch Blake
GT Owner
GKW05GT
GT Owner
THamonGT
GT
DakotaGT
GT Owner
BtwoG
GT Owner
There are a couple threads like the one below here on the 'Forum...but, this was the only one I could find at the moment. You may find it helpful:
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/s...-new-owner?highlight=advice+for+new+GT+owners
My own list of initial 'biggies':
- remember that 1st gear is further 'left' than you initially will think it is. You'll want make sure you're in 1st and not in 3rd when taking off from a full stop. (Your clutch - and your wallet - will thank you!)
- WATCH YOUR HEAD when getting in/out of the car...especially when getting OUT! As you've probably know by now (sarc), something like 40%(?) of the roof comes with the door when you open it! All of us have forgotten that little factoid at least once and whacked our heads on the darned door. Warn your passengers about that before they get in...and again before they get out.
- try to get an 'end' parking place when/if 'angle parking' so that no one can park on your drivers' side. Otherwise you may either have to enter thru the passenger door and climb over the console (not fun)...or wait for the driver of the offending car to move it. (You'll need at least 3 feet of 'operating' space!)
- if backing into a parking space, remember that the rear diffuser WILL hit those concrete parking space 'stops' before the rear tires will. You don't want that!
- similarly, remember that there's a lot of 'overhang' in front. The chin spoiler will hit any change in roadway or driveway 'grade' before the front tires will (road-to-driveway approaches for instance). 'Best to take those at a severe angle if you can.
- when 'parallel parking', remember to consciously leave more space away from the curb than you think is necessary! When you get out of the car and look, you'll find the wheels are a LOT closer to the curb than you ever dreamed they'd be!
- drive the GT like a '48 Volkswagen in cold weather (defined as anything under 50 degrees). The colder the weather, the less traction you're going to have. The car will 'come around' on you easily in cold temps if too much throttle is applied...especially if the front wheels aren't pointed 'straight ahead'.
- you'll likely hear a 'rattling' sound coming out of the tranny when it's in neutral with the engine at idle...especially if you happen to be outside the car. Don't panic. That's 'normal' for the Ricardo.
- until the tranny warms up, the 'one-two' shift many result in 'gear grinding'. That too is normal for a Ricardo. 'Best to granny shift and/or double clutch the thing OR (best choice IMHO) bypass 2nd and go directly to 3rd until the tranny has warmed up.
- double check for 'lookie-loos' perched on your rear quarter before changing lanes. You'll be amazed by what you can't see sitting back there!
:wink :cheers
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/s...-new-owner?highlight=advice+for+new+GT+owners
My own list of initial 'biggies':
- remember that 1st gear is further 'left' than you initially will think it is. You'll want make sure you're in 1st and not in 3rd when taking off from a full stop. (Your clutch - and your wallet - will thank you!)
- WATCH YOUR HEAD when getting in/out of the car...especially when getting OUT! As you've probably know by now (sarc), something like 40%(?) of the roof comes with the door when you open it! All of us have forgotten that little factoid at least once and whacked our heads on the darned door. Warn your passengers about that before they get in...and again before they get out.
- try to get an 'end' parking place when/if 'angle parking' so that no one can park on your drivers' side. Otherwise you may either have to enter thru the passenger door and climb over the console (not fun)...or wait for the driver of the offending car to move it. (You'll need at least 3 feet of 'operating' space!)
- if backing into a parking space, remember that the rear diffuser WILL hit those concrete parking space 'stops' before the rear tires will. You don't want that!
- similarly, remember that there's a lot of 'overhang' in front. The chin spoiler will hit any change in roadway or driveway 'grade' before the front tires will (road-to-driveway approaches for instance). 'Best to take those at a severe angle if you can.
- when 'parallel parking', remember to consciously leave more space away from the curb than you think is necessary! When you get out of the car and look, you'll find the wheels are a LOT closer to the curb than you ever dreamed they'd be!
- drive the GT like a '48 Volkswagen in cold weather (defined as anything under 50 degrees). The colder the weather, the less traction you're going to have. The car will 'come around' on you easily in cold temps if too much throttle is applied...especially if the front wheels aren't pointed 'straight ahead'.
- you'll likely hear a 'rattling' sound coming out of the tranny when it's in neutral with the engine at idle...especially if you happen to be outside the car. Don't panic. That's 'normal' for the Ricardo.
- until the tranny warms up, the 'one-two' shift many result in 'gear grinding'. That too is normal for a Ricardo. 'Best to granny shift and/or double clutch the thing OR (best choice IMHO) bypass 2nd and go directly to 3rd until the tranny has warmed up.
- double check for 'lookie-loos' perched on your rear quarter before changing lanes. You'll be amazed by what you can't see sitting back there!
:wink :cheers
Last edited:
digman1
GT Owner
Great checklist for a new owner. Enjoy driving your GT, just be careful with cold tires.
Vince H
GT Owner
Tomcat
GT Owner
Pop the rear clamshell after a drive to allow the heat to escape and help avoid warping the plastic vents.
Get Bridgestone tires
Get Bridgestone tires
Apollo
GT Owner
Congratulations and welcome. As Chip Beck had originally told me, be sure to go to a GT Rally! There are some of the best people you would ever want to meet enjoying a passion that we all share. :thumbsup
DanielJ
GT Owner
Congratulation! As all the others have said, you will love this car. Since you have other performance cars, think you have a handle on the driving issues. EP has said it like it is and do seriously heed the warning about cold tires.
There are many FGT's in the NW. Where we live, on the northern Olympic Peninsula, there is a C & C every 2nd Saturday of the month. Would be a great drive for you on I-5 to Olympia then pick up 101 and go north. Send a PM if you want to attend sometime and will get you the location as we tend to move this gathering from time to time and other like minded collectors host the gatherings at their home/shop.
BTW: Black is the fastest!
There are many FGT's in the NW. Where we live, on the northern Olympic Peninsula, there is a C & C every 2nd Saturday of the month. Would be a great drive for you on I-5 to Olympia then pick up 101 and go north. Send a PM if you want to attend sometime and will get you the location as we tend to move this gathering from time to time and other like minded collectors host the gatherings at their home/shop.
BTW: Black is the fastest!
oceanside gt
GT Owner
Congratulations on your new GT! It's an awesome vehicle. You can count on great advice and assistance from some extremely knowledgeable GT Forum members. Enjoy!
Oceanside GT
Oceanside GT