Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1828967)

Well now that this thread was bumped, I figure I'll update the S2k. I replaced the stock HU and speakers with a Kenwood KDC896 and Polk DB651s speakers and Polk Db1001 tweeters.

It's way better now. I can actually hear the radio. :bowrofl:

Actually sounds pretty good now for a HU and a pair of speakers and tweeters. :tup:

Originally Posted by Davey (Post 1829849)

I thought you were selling it?

I still want to get another one someday... So hang onto it if you can, you'll miss it. :icon14:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1829853)

I go back and forth. Sometimes having 3 cars is a burden. Sometimes it's fun!

Originally Posted by Davey (Post 1829870)

:icon17:

Yeah, I was thinking of adding a Miata to the stable (a 3rd) but then I decided if I was going to buy a Miata I'd rather have an S2000 instead and then I decided I didn't have anywhere to park it anyway. :p

Originally Posted by the_student (Post 1829881)

My car looks so sad stock now compared to how it used to be.

Originally Posted by the_student (Post 1829881)

I posted in the other 5.0 thread that I thought was closed. It may be more appropriate here.

Just wondering how the mustang feels over rough road. How is the live axle? Is the live axle shudder pretty well controlled? I haven't read anything about this.

I would like to test drive one someday. I am getting rid of my Z so it may be an option lol. My car looks so sad stock now compared to how it used to be.

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1811306)

I drive mine on some pretty messed up roads. I alternate between the 5.0, S2000, and CLK500 for commuting. And previously I had the 370.

There is really no appreciable difference in how the cars handle rough surfaces. They have to be really, really rough to really feel the live axle. So rough that you're concerned about going a little slowly so you don't damage a wheel or tire.

Now, with a watts linkage, I have no panhard arc during travel so a big mid-corner bump doesn't do anything to upset the car at all.

I'm not defending the live axle at all... or promoting it over a good IRS setup, anyways. But the people that complain about it make it seem like it can't handle at all and if you're on some rough road you're just going to die. This isn't the case. Yes, it's old school, and yes, it's not the ideal setup, but it's not as big of a crutch as many would like you to believe.

I'd prefer a good IRS setup to a good live axle setup, but not for reasons of bumpy road performance. The main benefits of a good IRS over the Mustang's present live axle setup are (1) significantly less un-sprung weight, (2) the ability to adjust rear camber, and (3) no-longer having to have conversations like these.

If we were talking about the old four-link live axle setups, then yes, I'd say an IRS would definitely be an improvement on rough surfaces. I had an '03 and those were definitely skittish on those surfaces. The '11 that I have experience with... not so much.

So, in summary, the live axle is old and tired, but it works. It's not as bad as most people say it is. It's just obviously not an ideal setup. I'd love to be able to dial in some negative camber to help with more rear grip and generally have a bit more of a dynamic experience at the rear (that's what she said).

That said, with the watts linkage and 275 width Pilot Super Sports, I am able to get WOT coming out of a 2nd gear corner and flat hook up. With ~450hp that's a pretty good feeling. But I know it could be better. Everything can always be better.

2014 will be interesting. Sub 3,350lbs, 450hp stock, and a (hopefully) good IRS package? Could be a real ringer.

Originally Posted by Davey (Post 1829938)

I rip on the SRA on the Mustang not because it's a SRA, but more in the sense that you CAN tell it's a SRA (unlike what some magazine reviews would lead you to believe) if you have ever drive a car with a SRA before. Many reviewers have commented they "wouldn't even have known" and I just don't believe that.

There are some transitions where, with the Panhard setup, you can feel it "hop" sideways and I didn't like the floaty feel before the chassis would set in transitions. But it puts the power down well and it does OK. It's awesome for what it is, and damned good regardless of what it is.

In other words I wouldn't necessarily count it as a strike against the car, especially if you are interested in drag racing. And as far a straight roads with bumps/ruts etc. I didn't really find it any worse than any other fairly stiff-spring car, IRS or not.

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1829853)

I go back and forth. Sometimes having 3 cars is a burden. Sometimes it's fun!

Originally Posted by FromG2Z (Post 1829232)

Steve....people still bashing you for the 5.0? That's why my time on this forum has been limited. It ain't what it used to be. I spend more time on tms.

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1829239)

Yeah there are a bunch that still do. I have been cutting my time back as well.

Originally Posted by shadoquad (Post 1830205)

You guys are always welcome here. *ghey man hug*

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1830206)

The forum or your bedroom.

Yes, I know the forum IS your bedroom *wink wink*

Originally Posted by phelan (Post 1830298)

So because the Subaru thread died, can I write in here that I think all my little WRX needs in addition to stock is a set of nice swaybars, and then I'll be really happy?

Originally Posted by FromG2Z (Post 1830097)

:facepalm:

Originally Posted by Davey (Post 1830336)

:facepalm:

See, I can do that, too.

Is this the "we only have super duper nice things to say about cars we've owned" thread?

I can see myself out if real-world criticism is unwelcome. :ugh2:

Originally Posted by jpritche (Post 1830107)

My dad has 7 :| Of course that's counting my car.

Originally Posted by Red__Zed (Post 1830303)

Sways wake up subies.


And by wake up, I mean "stop them from pushing like there is no tomorrow"

Originally Posted by shadoquad (Post 1830338)

No, this is an open forum to speak objectively about other vehicles.

Originally Posted by Kingbaby (Post 1830341)

must be nice...

Originally Posted by Davey (Post 1830347)

That's what I thought... I'm not trying to stir **** up, if I was I'm sure I could do much better. :stirthepot: :icon17:

I think I was more than gracious about the Mustang, but to say that you "wouldn't even know it's a live axle" like I've seen C&D state, is a bit ridiculous.

Originally Posted by Red__Zed (Post 1830457)

I agree. It truly is ridiculous that ford's engineers are that good. ;)

Originally Posted by evoAXE (Post 1837718)

Yeah, I work as an aero engineer because I'm dumb :facepalm:

Originally Posted by Davey (Post 1837725)

Book smart, socially dumb. We get it. :tup:

Originally Posted by evoAXE (Post 1837733)

Personal insults, can't follow rules, reported.

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 1837747)

From whats been reported already? You have been egging on alot of the members here already!

And if memory serves me right you were Warned about stirring things on here so with that?

Some time off is in order and if your attitude doesn't change?

It'll be Permanent.

Enjoy the time off :tiphat:

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 1837747)

From whats been reported already? You have been egging on alot of the members here already!

And if memory serves me right you were Warned about stirring things on here so with that?

Some time off is in order and if your attitude doesn't change?

It'll be Permanent.

Enjoy the time off :tiphat:

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 1837747)

From whats been reported already? You have been egging on alot of the members here already!

And if memory serves me right you were Warned about stirring things on here so with that?

Some time off is in order and if your attitude doesn't change?

It'll be Permanent.

Enjoy the time off :tiphat:

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 1837747)

From whats been reported already? You have been egging on alot of the members here already!

And if memory serves me right you were Warned about stirring things on here so with that?

Some time off is in order and if your attitude doesn't change?

It'll be Permanent.

Enjoy the time off :tiphat:

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 1837747)

From whats been reported already? You have been egging on alot of the members here already!

And if memory serves me right you were Warned about stirring things on here so with that?

Some time off is in order and if your attitude doesn't change?

It'll be Permanent.

Enjoy the time off :tiphat:

Originally Posted by Alchemy (Post 1837844)

Thank GOD!!!

Originally Posted by Isamμ (Post 1838124)

that's right, we don't tolerate smack-talking the 370z here