[STMPD1]

I’m focused on buying a ‘07 Shelby. I want low miles (30K or less).
I would like to hear feedback on why I should choose a different year of this era of Mustang.
All responses are greatly appreciated in advance.

Thanks, Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[JBert]

07 was the first year of the GT500 which means that it had been more debugged for later years ... that said, I don't know of any major "first year" issues with the 2007
07 is fairly "raw" or "unrefined" compared to later years ... but that might be what you want
12 and later years made substantially more power and had the new body and interior; which are more "refined"
later years like 2014? got bigger brakes, front and rear

all of which amounts to: the later years are perhaps a bit more awesome, but 2007 is probably awesome enough, especially if you like the "rawness" of it

 

[crjackson]

Personally, I'd go for a 2014. I like the looks, then engine, brakes, and technology better. That's just me I guess.

 

[STMPD1]

07 was the first year of the GT500 which means that it had been more debugged for later years ... that said, I don't know of any major "first year" issues with the 2007
07 is fairly "raw" or "unrefined" compared to later years ... but that might be what you want
12 and later years made substantially more power and had the new body and interior; which are more "refined"
later years like 2014? got bigger brakes, front and rear

all of which amounts to: the later years are perhaps a bit more awesome, but 2007 is probably awesome enough, especially if you like the "rawness" of it

In my thoughts...a 07 is a little older and more "raw". I want to buy an '07 then later buy a '14. In my thinking, I want older and newer S197's to compare the best of both worlds !!

I can't really explain why I have leaned toward these two years, other than my research has just led me that way so far.
I'm not in a hurry to buy, I want to be as sure as I can that I am making a good decision. That is one reason I come to this forum.
Hopefully when I am ready to buy, I can find someone to go with me.

Personally, I'd go for a 2014. I like the looks, then engine, brakes, and technology better. That's just me I guess.

I understand your response. I am wanting a '07 and a '14! I want to buy an '07 first. I guess I am trying to compare the pros of an '07 with a '08-'09. Was the '07 the first year for the Shelby GT500?

Here are more of my thoughts on the ‘07 Shelby, as my starter Mustang:

1. I love the S197. I want a Shelby.
2. I like the price range that I have seen, so far. I’ve seen several in my price range on internet during the early stage of my searches.
3. I want “raw” (2007) and at a later time, a more “refined” (2014) S197.

I am trying to hold out and wait, but its not easy !! I guess I am looking for someone more experienced to help me decide.

 

[Cobrajet67]

The main difference between the 2007-09 and the later years up until 2014 is going to be the power output. The S197 chassis didn't change very much at all during those years though Shelby made refinements during that time to the driveline, suspension, steering, and brakes. The same transmission was used albeit with some minor tweaks as time went on.
2007-09 is essentially the same car.
2010 got more power, the facelift inside and out, and some minor suspension tuning.
2011-12 got marginally more power, new and better steering, further suspension improvements, stability control, was a tad lighter, and there was an optional Performance Package.
2013-14 got much more power, strengthened driveline, better cooling, bigger brakes, a minor exterior facelift, adjustable launch control, even better optional Performance Package, and a Track Package.
In addition to this stuff there were more specific things added as time went on but this is the meat and potatoes of improvements.

 

[STMPD1]

I don’t know if you realize how much you have helped me through just one post! You have basically took 6-weeks of my research and clarified many of my questions.

So many articles are written by people trying to show off their knowledge of terminology and memorized facts, they confuse their readers/viewers. You have helped tremendously.

I can understand and follow the thought of your post. You are greatly appreciated and I look forward to learning from people like you in this forum.

Again, you have helped me realize why I want an ‘07 Shelby first, then start looking for a ‘14 later. I want to be able to experience the “raw” and the “refined”!!!

One of the first things I do in my day now is look through the posts on the forum. Yes, I am addicted!! I’m looking forward to the day that I might help a newbie find their way to owning a Mustang!!

Thanks to everyone,

Donnie (STAMPD1)

 

[Recon]

Only real thing I’m aware of on differences between engines on 07-09 is the crank pulley. Late 08 and 09 got a much lighter crank pulley.
But as people have said the 14 is the better car; personally my attention would be the 07-09 cars more specifically the KR variant.
Another thing I’ve heard is the 10 got a much better clutch than the 07-09 cars. A family friend did that upgrade in his vert and he’s been pretty pleased with the improvement.

 

[STMPD1]

Thanks RecI just finished watching a couple of good documentaries today, ‘A Faster Horse’ and ‘Shelby American’.

I still think the ‘07 GT500 is going to be my starting point. There is just something about it’s looks that I like.

As always, thanks for the response.

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[richie b]

I’m focused on buying a ‘07 Shelby. I want low miles (30K or less).
I would like to hear feedback on why I should choose a different year of this era of Mustang.
All responses are greatly appreciated in advance.

Thanks, Donnie (STMPD1)

The only issue which I have had and it's a big one, is the fact that 2007-2010 Shelby GT 500's have issues with burnt out CPU's. Mine went after only 19,000 miles and I was the first owner. No rebuilds or replacment CPU's available . Had to have JDM Engineering in South Jersey replace it with a 2011 CPU.

 

[STMPD1]

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll research this issue.

Thanks again,

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[OregonGTCS]

I have a 2007 GT500 and I drive it. When I got it, it had a significant wheel hop problem. I replaced the stock upper trailing arm bracket with a Roush Wheel Hop reduction Kit - fixed the problem, now if I can just get the tires to hook up - or not. The clutch started slipping around 20K so I had the upgrade done (2013-14 Shelby Twin Disc Clutch Kit with Flywheel) - all good. I put on the hood strut kit from CDC - worthwhile improvement. I also added a Billet locking gas cap and the sequential taillight kit from CJ Pony Parts - no extra horsepower, but no missing fuel and no question about which way I'm turning - and they look good.

Got to confirm the previous comments, it is a beast and will require your undivided attention when you let it run, but that's the best part. It is computer limited to 155 mph, but I read that the limitation is safety related due to the two piece drive line. Having approached the computer limiting speed with most of 5th gear left and all of 6th gear untouched I'm sure that the 200 mph barrier is achievable on a track with the proper safety equipment and the one piece driveshaft changeout. Still, why be stupid and risk damaging the car (or maybe a person) when you can enjoy it as is. I say that, because I saw a Roush Mustang obliterated at a local dragstrip when it got away from an over enthusiastic driver - never even made an 1/8 of a mile down the 1/4 mile strip.

Happy hunting STMPD1, and when you find your ride, enjoy every minute - I do!

 

[STMPD1]

Awesome info OregonGTCS

After reading your post, I’m ready to go buy one today ‼‼
I genuinely appreciate the information. Although no one wants things to go wrong, I ain’t skeered to anticipate repairs. To me, these mods/upgrades are only small consequences compared to enjoying the status of Shelby GT500 ownership ‼‼

I picture myself having fun while still trying to be conservative. You sound as though you are the same.

Thank you again,
Donnie (STAMPD1)

 

[richie b]

Awesome info @ OregonGTCS

After reading your post, I’m ready to go buy one today ‼‼
I genuinely appreciate the information. Although no one wants things to go wrong, I ain’t skeered to anticipate repairs. To me, these mods/upgrades are only small consequences compared to enjoying the status of Shelby GT500 ownership ‼‼

I picture myself having fun while still trying to be conservative. You sound as though you are the same.

Thank you again,
Donnie (STAMPD1)

Hi Donnie:
Also forgot to mention that 2007-09 Shelby GT500's have a Factory TSB on the clutch assembly. After I purchased my car , it had become3 very difficutllt to shift gears in very warm weather. The original clutch was giving me issues so serious that I had to have it changed ( at not cost due to the TSB) .I have attached this to this email.

 

[STMPD1]

@richie b
Thank you. Others have mentioned clutch issues as well. I will keep it in mind.
I want to get a low- mile car (under 30k miles). I expect even new 2007 cars will have some issues almost 20 years later.

My 2012 F150 had a BCM output for the running lights, tail lights go bad. To get it replaced / repaired was $1200. I tried to get the BCM replaced but I could not find a BCM. Dealers said I could not replace it with one from another truck. They told me it had to be a new one from Ford, but it was out of stock nationwide.

I ended up temporary wiring some tail lights. I’ve been driving it like that for about a year and a half.
Computer problems are not any fun and not cheap.

Thanks again for your post,
Donnie

 

[Cobrajet67]

My 2012 F150 had a BCM output for the running lights, tail lights go bad. To get it replaced / repaired was $1200. I tried to get the BCM replaced but I could not find a BCM. Dealers said I could not replace it with one from another truck. They told me it had to be a new one from Ford, but it was out of stock nationwide.

I ended up temporary wiring some tail lights. I’ve been driving it like that for about a year and a half.
Computer problems are not any fun and not cheap.

FordTechMakuloco had a video related to this. The taillights on the high end F150s had special taillights that had water intrusion problems and would short out requiring very expensive taillight replacement. That could damage the SJB(smart junction box) which is the Ford term for the BCM/GEM in modern vehicles. I think that there was a TSB issued for it.
You can send your SJB out to be repaired at an automotive module repair service. That's assuming that the only problem is actually the taillight output on the SJB and not the taillights themselves or the wiring/connectors. Pro-Tech Auto Systems, Automotive Circuit Solutions, circuitboardmedics, Autoecm, Upfix, and Module Master are all proven and reputable companies to fix various modules. These companies have been talked about on here with good results but beware of any others. Read independent reviews and go to the BBB site to check any company out. Some companies won't be able to fix some modules from 2005 and up but some will.

 

[STMPD1]

FordTechMakuloco had a video related to this. The taillights on the high end F150s had special taillights that had water intrusion problems and would short out requiring very expensive taillight replacement. That could damage the SJB(smart junction box) which is the Ford term for the BCM/GEM in modern vehicles. I think that there was a TSB issued for it.
You can send your SJB out to be repaired at an automotive module repair service. That's assuming that the only problem is actually the taillight output on the SJB and not the taillights themselves or the wiring/connectors. Pro-Tech Auto Systems, Automotive Circuit Solutions, circuitboardmedics, Autoecm, Upfix, and Module Master are all proven and reputable companies to fix various modules. These companies have been talked about on here with good results but beware of any others. Read independent reviews and go to the BBB site to check any company out. Some companies won't be able to fix some modules from 2005 and up but some will.

I will check out more but the Ford dealer is who told me that the problem was an output on the BCM located behind the fuse box. The rest of the folks I talked to agreed with the Ford dealer that the part is not available.
Now that I have these Company names, I will follow up.
Thank you,

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[Cobrajet67]

I will check out more but the Ford dealer is who told me that the problem was an output on the BCM located behind the fuse box. The rest of the folks I talked to agreed with the Ford dealer that the part is not available.
Now that I have these Company names, I will follow up.
Thank you,

Donnie (STMPD1)

The BCM/GEM in 2004+ F150s is known as an SJB and the fuse box is actually part of it. All Fords have SJBs instead of the older and simpler BCMs starting around the mid to late 2000s. The dealer was just calling it a BCM to make it easier to understand for people that are unfamiliar with the newer terminology. It's possible that it's either on backorder from the supplier or that it's just discontinued now. A module repair service should be able to fix yours.

 

[STMPD1]

Awesome clarification for me. Thank you, again, as always.
Im sure the Ford Service Manager knew to use simple terminology for me 😊😂😁🤣‼

I’m not a mechanic anymore. I started out my first job at 14 working for my uncle. He was the only automatic transmission shop in our area of KY back then!! I learned a lot about working on vehicles there.
But that was almost 50 years ago!! (and a lot of misspent youth in between). I’ve certainly paid for that period of my life over the past 35 years.
Thanks again,

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[airwolff]

NICE Car...2007 GT 500...Bet it's FUN to Drive...Hello from FLA....!

 

[STMPD1]

airwolff

I know it will be whenever I finally get one.
What part of FL are you in? My daughter lives in Okeechobee.
Thanks,
Donnie - STMPD1