New Owner - Recently Arrived in ND

[SullGT]

Hello Ford GT community,

After several years of searching, followed by several weeks of waiting on shipment, I finally received my 2006 Midnight Blue Ford GT (we did beat the snow thankfully).

In short, I've wanted this car since 2003(4?) when my old man, traveling for work, took a Kodak disposable camera photo of a set of 3(?) prototype cars in Bemidji, MN doing cold weather testing. Still trying to track down this photo and will certainly share if we ever find it. I joined the forum in late 2022 when purchasing was actually plausible and finally found "the" car after three long years.

I'm located in central North Dakota and would appreciate any feedback on other owners in the region. Already put some miles on and have to say that its beyond my expectations.

Some of you likely know this car, please message me and I'll share more details. I've asked the intermediary dealer to pass along my contact information to the original owner and I'm hoping they will reach out. Based on the modifications and milage, he certainly has some stories I would love you here. I will absolutely be putting as many miles as possible on going forward.

I'd insert a picture here, but I believe I need to be an "owner" before the insert photo without using an external link will work. (?)

I'll likely put together a separate post in the technical section with some questions on current status of the car, what I've done, and currently working on.

Regards - Shelby

 

[twobjshelbys]

Awesome!!!

Just one word of caution. Be aware of the tires. If you still have the original Goodyears be extra careful because the cold tires on cold pavement are almost sure to scoot out from under you if accelerate in a turn.

 

[Specracer]

Welcome!!!

 

[SullGT]

Just one word of caution. Be aware of the tires.

Fair point and well received. The tires are not the originals but are indeed older goodyears. I only have roughly 2 to 3 days before snow hits so I'm planning on putting a few more, very cautious, miles on before I have to park for the winter.

Where do people generally order the Bridgestones from? Tire Rack?

 

[Vince H]

Welcome and enjoy your GT.

Vince H

 

[extrap]

Congrats! Here's a long list of info, might answer questions if you have any, including a tire source: https://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/threads/fgt-knowledge-base.38620/

 

[twobjshelbys]

Re bridgestones. Tire rack's stock is spotty. Someone here gets fresh stock. Use the forum search for bridgestone. Im on my phone so cant look it up until later other places have them too, including Costco and their price was good when they had a tire sale

 

[SullGT]

extrap - Greatly appreciate the link. I've trolled the forums quite a bit and this is the first time coming across that post. Extremely useful.

twobjshelbys - Per that post by extrap, looks like this might be the source on tires you were thinking of:

Bridgestones are often available from Radial Tire (Bill) 301-585-2740 or 703-554-4803
Correct Bridgestone models / sizes for the 05/6 Ford GT are:
Front: Bridgestone RE050A Potenza (Porsche N1) 265/40R18 ... make sure the fronts are Porsche N1
Rear: Bridgestone RE050A Potenza Scuderia 345/35R19
I'll likely try giving Bill a call in the next week or two and see what the current inventory looks like.

On another note, I just finished installing a new Optima Group 25 from the local OReillys (24h to get it in, ~$300 out the door). I was even able to transfer the sticker as noted in other posts(from a red top, not original black).

I had been out driving two nights ago and the car unexpectedly died on me at a stop light. Clutch was fully depressed the whole time. Dash "Check Engine" light popped on, hit the engine start and it fired right up and the light was no longer present. Luckily I was close to home and took it easy on the way back. I did notice while stopped the RPM's would occasionally lag a bit dipping closer to 600.

Thanks again,
Shelby

 

[SullGT]

To finish my previous post I accidently posted prematurely:

I ran a cheap bluetooth code reader and "no active faults" were found. I then had the option to "check all modules" and after several minutes it came back with "low battery voltage 12.1V". Removed the trunk liner and found the negative post has a small puddle of "gel" around it. Pulled it out, cleaned up the gel(maybe a teaspoon or two), and read voltage of 12.4 across the terminals. After sitting overnight, the old battery leaked significantly more fluid. Certainly glad I removed it from the car right away.

After install tonight, the car fired up and idled perfectly. Metered great with 14.4v across the terminals while running at idle. Double checked the negative chassis ground since I was in there and all looked well. The previous battery was obviously bad, I am safe to diagnosis this as the dying issue I had? Unfortunately couldn't go on a test drive tonight but hoping tomorrows weather will permit. Anything else I should double check to be safe?

 

[Art138]

If you have not already done so,check the power steering hose. Many are starting to leak. There is a thread ‘power steering hose” which has more info on the issue.

 

[PeteK]

That's the power steering "return hose" to the reservoir, i.e., the low pressure side.

 

[SullGT]

Art138 & PeteK - appreciate the advice. Checked out the hose and no leaks found. The rubber did not feel sticky or deteriorated at all as some other posts have mentioned. I received a collection of extra parts with the car including a box of extra hoses. None were a direct match to the power steering return line but I'm fairly confident it has be replaced at one point. For a general backup, where are people getting replacements?

Another quick question: I was trying to make certain the Axle Shaft Bolts had been replaced. With all of other upgrades and work done on the car I certainly assume so but wanted to verify. The bolts are an external lobe drive (12 point?) would this be the Accufab kit? I may be incorrect, but I believe the originals were an internal 6 lobe?

If there are any other owners in North Dakota, or neighboring states,

I just rolled past 21,000 miles on the car tonight and it ran like a dream!

 

[fjpikul]

If you go to a Ford dealer they can run an Oasis report to identify if the recall was done by Ford back in the day.

 

[Art138]

@SullGT: to your question on replacement low pressure power steering hose,I believe Nota4re a vendor on this site carries them.

 

[roketman]

Fair point and well received. The tires are not the originals but are indeed older goodyears. I only have roughly 2 to 3 days before snow hits so I'm planning on putting a few more, very cautious, miles on before I have to park for the winter.

Where do people generally order the Bridgestones from? Tire Rack?

Bill at Radial tire is the best!!
+1 (703) 554-4803

 

[Pettyfan43]

I second Bill at Radial Tire he’s the best for sure just got a second set for new wheels.