What to look for when seeking your next S197 Mustang

Last time out we gave you an introductory look at the S197 Mustang, which started with the 2005 model year, lasting up until the 2014 Mustang. During the S197's model run, several mechanical and visual changes took place. The 2005 Mustang GT started out with a 4.6L Three-Valve engine with a 5R55S Five-Speed automatic or Five-Speed manual, and we ended the S197 model year run with the Gen 1 Coyote engine with either a Getrag six-speed manual or a 6R80 six-speed automatic. Even the Shelby GT500, which made a reappearance in 2007, received mechanical and visual changes up through the 2014 model year.

Key Features and Evolution of the S197

First things first, the S197 platform was light years ahead of the Fox chassis it replaced. The cars handled better, had increased ride quality and reduced NVH compared to our beloved Fox chassis. However, the complexity of the engine and transmission offerings that came with the S197 chassis meant many Mustang enthusiasts had to rely on shops to do much of the mechanical upgrades. That is both good and bad, and something into which we'll dive.

Advantages and Challenges of the S197 Platform

There are three important aspects to look for when choosing your next S197 Mustang, or any modified muscle car. The very first thing to do is to get a CarFax. Look at how many owners the car has had, how many times it has been in for service, and especially look for body damage and/or title issues. If the car has a rebuilt title, unless you know the car firsthand, or perhaps were able to oversee the repairs made to the car, the best advice would be to pass. Having a rebuilt, or salvage title, is not a car's death sentence, but just know the car won't be as valuable compared to a car with a clean title. There are even possible issues with getting car insurance on a vehicle with a rebuilt, or salvage title, as well. The price for a Mustang with a rebuilt, or salvage title, should be less than one with a clean title, and yes, those prices can be very tempting, but just know that if you buy a Mustang with a rebuilt title, in many cases you might as well marry that car because you may be stuck with it.

Evaluating Title Issues and Accident History

Remember, just because a car has been wrecked, that doesn't mean the car should be totaled. A fender bender here, slight front-end damage there, both can be easily overcome with quality workmanship and genuine Ford parts. If slight damage shows up on the CarFax, check to make sure the paint matches, or if there are signs of shoddy work practices or repairs. If you feel any hesitation, or your gut tells you to keep looking, it's probably wise to do so. Now, if the asking price is so low you can't say no, or you know you can fix the car to make it brand new once again, that car will never have the same value as one with a clean title or zero crashes or body damage on the report. As long as you know that going in, and you keep your expectations low, especially if you ever have to sell said car, then maybe you'll be okay, but buying a car with a rebuilt title is very risky.

Visual Inspection for Mechanical Work

Because so many S197 owners have had to rely on shops for mechanical, suspension and chassis upgrades, after looking at the CarFax, you need to do a visual inspection for shoddy mechanical work. Sadly, in our industry there are shops that leave a lot to be desired when it comes to completing work, and making it look presentable. Presentation is everything when it comes to wiring, exterior and interior mods, and especially, performance upgrades. After the visual inspection, make sure everything works well during a test drive. Listen for any gear noise, or increased NVH from bad u-joints, ill-fitting suspension or chassis modifications, or out-of-balance driveshafts or wheels and tires.

Test Drive and Listening for Issues

If you do experience increased NVH while on the test drive, ask questions. If you don't get up-front answers or explanations, then it could be the car as a whole has been hastily thrown together by a shop just looking to get paid. It could be said shop took the previous owner's money and ran. Sadly, that does happen. However, after saying all that, if you already know a Mustang's shortcomings, the price reflects those shortcomings, and you have the knowledge to fix them, then maybe that particular car just needs someone to rescue it. There are countless Mustangs out there just needing someone to give them the proper care and attention they need; just don't get ripped off during the process.

Considering High-Mileage S197 Mustangs

Lastly, and we're specifically talking about GT and Shelby GT500 models here, you may want to avoid high-mileage examples. When we say, "High Mileage," we mean Mustangs with over 125,000 miles on them. The Three-Valve, Four-Valve and Coyote engines are complex if you aren't mechanically inclined. If you work on these engines every day, obviously we're not talking to you, but if you don't, these engines can be very expensive to service and/or replace. What you need to look for here is regular maintenance. Has the oil been regularly changed, has the transmission and rear differential been serviced, things like that. Even if regular maintenance is done, engines with higher mileage tend to suffer from chain guide wear, and if a chain guide comes apart, that's an expensive repair.

Maintenance and Potential Repair Costs

So, if the car has higher mileage, and even if it has been carefully maintained, count on at least a new front drive kit (Also called a Camshaft Drive Kit), which will include new chain guides, tensioners, timing chains, along with needed sprockets, spacers and hardware. You will also want to add a new oil pump, as well. At a reputable shop, this will be at least $2,000 for parts and labor, but prices and costs will vary between engines and labor rates.

Summary and Next Steps

So, to summarize, when looking for your next S197 Mustang, get a CarFax, do a visual inspection and perform a test drive to look and listen for shoddy work, and lastly, perhaps avoid high-mileage examples. Next up, we'll show you mechanical and performance upgrades available from us here at Steeda.

Related Articles

• 

  The Right Way To Modify Your S197 Mustang

• 

  S197 vs S550 Mustangs

• 

  2005-2014 Mustang Horsepower & Torque Ratings