First Show - First Real Drive


DanielJ

GT Owner
Dec 21, 2010
298
Washington State
This past weekend, both Saturday and Sunday were beautiful in the NoWest. Met up with KMCBOSS in Port Angeles, for an All Ford - Mustang/Cougar Show. Our cars were parked in one of the more remote corners of the show field and as luck would have it, was the actual hot spot for spectators especially when the word spread of the GT's at the show. EP was right about comments on kit cars too. Guy comes up and said: Beautiful car! How long did it take to build and it's really nice you chose a Ford engine.... You guys can imagine some of the other comments. Overall, a great day with KMCBOSS and his beautiful 06 GT and his equally beautiful BOSS 302.

Post show, it was time for my inaugural drive. I get it now and can totally relate to the GT driving addiction. I mean, thought I knew what the feeling and the excitement would be like when driving the car but, there is nothing like the real deal. Don't know how far I drove and at one point, when I looked at the fuel gauge, thought there might be a fuel leak or the gauge was failing. Nope, just a happy engine on it's favorite beverage and asking for more. NICE!

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Dan,

How does it compare to your other ultra perf. cars?

Looking good guys! :thumbsup
 
It sure does get a lot of attention. Folks often ask me, "what is it." I say, "It's a Ford" and they give me this strange look like I'm crazy or something. Lots of fun either way answering their questions. You definitely know they all love the car. Glad to hear you are enjoying the car.
 
Dan,

How does it compare to your other ultra perf. cars?

Looking good guys! :thumbsup

The GT fits my body. Right arm fits on center arm rest and hand on gear shift, left hand on steering wheel, the traditional sports car posture. That is the configuration I had during the entire drive and loved it. Shifting is smooth and effortless with throws neat and precise (makes me wonder how nice the short shift kit might be). Lots of low end torque and a ton more at higher RPM. Steering is very quick and the ride is tight and still somewhat smooth. Reminds me of the go-kart days save for the smooth part. Even with OE exhaust, the sound is intoxicating and although I've not been at WOT, when I do, I'm almost certain I won't care because I'll be too busy to notice the sound. Overall presence with all things considered: unmatched for my driving experience and for me thus far, the best looking car from any angle and its performance is well beyond my ability as driver. I love it and at the same time have a ton of respect for its potential. No idea yet on long term maintenance on the GT. Most all say: Come on, it’s a Ford, so what can it need? I’m sure this is true especially after reading the many threads on The GT Forum. As for my wife’s take, she wanted to know where the clock was……

The 355 F-1 GTS also fits my body, however, it is a two hands on the steering wheel event. There is nowhere or need to rest your right arm while driving. Shifting is pulling back on the right paddle for up and down shift with left paddle or just let the computer down shift when coming to a stop (hard core three pedal guys will say "boring") and it is kind of cool because the computer blips the throttle, handles the clutch and shifts the transmission into the next lower gear. There is a button one can push to make the shifting totally automatic; however, my machismo will not allow me to press that button - ever. With the top off and stored behind the seats, the open car sound with OE exhaust is music. Red line on this engine is 8K and I've been there and it is a thrill in terms of acceleration and the exhaust note. Simply wonderful. Can be better (read as louder) with aftermarket exhaust, however, I think the sound is perfect. Rate of acceleration between GT and GTS is an easy contest; clearly the GT will win hands down with the extra 200hp and the supercharger adding what it does. I love the style of the GTS too. Easy to get the open car experience without taking away the beautiful lines of the car. Overall presence with all things considered: The red guys will love this - - the car can be spotted a mile away and I LOVE RED. When parked, even 4 year old kids know what the car is and for most aspiring exotic car owners, the first one is going to be a red Ferrari. So, sound, looks, overall design, one to own and love for a long time with more consideration needed in terms of maintenance, e.g., engine out service which coincidentally was completed last week and will pick up the car tomorrow.
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The 911 (964) Carrera is docile compared to the GT and GTS. It is a wonderful car to drive and handling is simply outstanding in terms of overall performance for what it is. Sound is good especially with the top down. It is simple to drive and my wife loves to drive it and has no issues with the 5 speed transmission and loves the heated seats. When people see this car, they usually remark on how well preserved this car is. Purchased new by me in '92, is Grand Prix White with Navy Blue top/interior and we have 52K miles on the car now. We like taking this car on longer trips. Can pack a ton of stuff in it, is comfortable to drive, has outstanding fuel economy and classic looks and the top goes down. Overall presence with all things considered: A great car with classic style and one to own and love for a long time with very few maintenance issues. DJ
 
Hi Dan, nice meeting you at the show. The SVT show at Griot's is coming up - perhaps some of the other NW guys can roll out for that show - there is always cars and coffee in Redmond Saturday morning. Ed
 
Dan,

Great write up! Thanks.

KMC, When is the SVO show? Hopefully later in the month, I expect my car back in 2-3 weeks.
 
Dan,

Great write up! Thanks.

KMC, When is the SVO show? Hopefully later in the month, I expect my car back in 2-3 weeks.

May 22 for the SVT show and May 15 for the XXX opener.
 
Hi Ed,
thanks for the reminder on the SVT gathering.

I "should" be able to make it this year with no racing conflicts for a change.

If things worrk out we could have more than a handful of GT's attending.

Jeff
 
Love to tell people "It's a Ford...."

the confused and bewildered looks are priceless "Are you sure?"

mardyn
 
May 22 for the SVT show and May 15 for the XXX opener.

The 22nd is a Sunday, correct? what time do you need to show up do you think, hopefully not 7am like some of the cars and coffee meets that get posted.
 
The 22nd is a Sunday, correct? what time do you need to show up do you think, hopefully not 7am like some of the cars and coffee meets that get posted.

I think the SVT show is 10 to 4 - also, cars and coffee at Redmond is 9 to 11
 
If you would like to pre-register for the SVT @ Griots Garage on May 22, here is the link. Details are also included at this site. DJ

http://svtoaseattle.com/