GT350 Vs. Boss 302

Hey guys, as the title states its between these 2 vehicles. Ill start by saying i will be happy with either, I'm buying it primarily as a fun/track car. I know the IRS Vs. SRA arguments and that's valid, I guess the main thing im asking is since you guys own a GT350 and possibly have owned a Boss 302 is there any major pros and cons to either that isnt obvious unless you own it? Does the 350 cost more to track on consumables compared to the Boss? Performance mods are what they are and obviously the initial cost but im more interested in possible things that are not obvious.

Thanks in advance, just trying to do some due diligence. Either car would bring enjoyment sure, and im more concerned with enjoyment than being the fastest guy on a track, but it never hurts lol.

The 350 starts out as a different car. The component parts and pieces aside, the 350 starts out wider and with better aero. From there, the obvious major difference is the FPC and seconded by the TR3160. Then it starts to become incremental with things like brakes, coolers, etc.

My advice would be, (given your opening post) go with whichever you can get the best deal. If both are acceptable to you, then see if you can get a better value on either one (as in, X% less than market rate) and then your choice is easier with the Boss at a lower price.

The Boss 302 is a Mustang GT with better motor essentially. The GT350 is a complete different animal. Comparing the two is kinda silly.

GNBRETT said:

The Boss 302 is a Mustang GT with better motor essentially.

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no it’s not

motor
Suspension
Wheels
Exhaust
Interior (LS)
Computer

That's fair enough, I suppose I should say is there any hidden costs, surprise defects that are common to either car? From what I gather getting proper tires under the S197 can be somewhat of a challenge, is that true for the gt350 as well? Just trying to gather information.

I can get a GT350 used for about 38k and a used Boss is roughly 28K.

GNBRETT said:

The Boss 302 is a Mustang GT with better motor essentially. The GT350 is a complete different animal. Comparing the two is kinda silly.

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Turn in and grip are the two areas that the 350 simply will amaze you. The post above outlines the changes to the 350 and the result is unbelievable turn in and grip.

I think it comes down to $. The Boss is a great car, but will need some work to make it a consistent track car....ie brakes. If you plan on tracking a lot, you will need to upgrade the factory brakes quickly. I have been on track with many crazy fast Boss 302s and they are really fun cars, but if you can swing it, I believe the 350 is significantly better.

I think you have to ask yourself the question of, what/how do you want to compete? Are you out there to try to be one of the fastest cars? Or, do you want to challenge yourself and go out and beat your PB each time?

Yes, the 350 is going to be the better car every day and twice on Sunday. However, is it more car than your skills require? I'd think you could have significantly less invested going with the older car, that is still very capable.

A buddy took me out on Putnam Park in the car below. It didn't touch the power of my 500, but I still had a blast in the passenger seat. It wasn't the fastest car on the track, but he was out there to beat himself, not the GT3(RS maybe?) that lapped us multiple times. I would have loved to get to drive, but rules are rules.

The Focus RS was fun too. It's the Club's car.

Sent from my SM-G975U using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Other than the motor its an "Upgraded GT". Basically the same stuff anyone owning a GT would do. More or less an Aluminator motor. The GT350 is a completely different animal. The Boss is a GT with some added parts and a better motor. Both are S197's.

DAVESVT2000 said:

no it’s not

motor
Suspension
Wheels
Exhaust
Interior (LS)
Computer

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The 350 would definitely be above my skill level, obviously I have restraint so its manageable. I have only tracked a few times, I used to ride 1 liter bikes on track (Barber Motorsports, Road Atlanta etc.). Just dont want to make the mistake of the equivalent mistake as in buying a 600 and outgrowing it very quickly and needing/wanting a 1000 bike. Its primarily for fun (no sponsors are knocking lol) but I'm competitive by nature. If I can avoid buying the wrong car and ending up selling it at a loss that would be nice.

I have about 2 months before I pull the trigger though so I have some time I suppose.

U can buy a Boss far cheaper than that but for ur goals the technology of the S197 pails in comparison to the GT350 as far as a handling car goes. Sure, u can make anything handle great with enough money but the GT350 platform is far superior the the S197 when it comes to a track car imo. Drag racing I think the S197 has the advantage.

Downsoutg said:

That's fair enough, I suppose I should say is there any hidden costs, surprise defects that are common to either car? From what I gather getting proper tires under the S197 can be somewhat of a challenge, is that true for the gt350 as well? Just trying to gather information.

I can get a GT350 used for about 38k and a used Boss is roughly 28K.

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Downsoutg said:

The 350 would definitely be above my skill level, obviously I have restraint so its manageable. I have only tracked a few times, I used to ride 1 liter bikes on track (Barber Motorsports, Road Atlanta etc.). Just dont want to make the mistake of the equivalent mistake as in buying a 600 and outgrowing it very quickly and needing/wanting a 1000 bike. Its primarily for fun (no sponsors are knocking lol) but I'm competitive by nature. If I can avoid buying the wrong car and ending up selling it at a loss that would be nice.

I have about 2 months before I pull the trigger though so I have some time I suppose.

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Only you cam answer that question. I'd guess that depreciation has hit the Boss the most by now and if you out grow it in a few years, you may not be out that much, relatively speaking. My guess if something does break, it would be cheaper to fix the Boss as well. Hard to turn away from the 350 though. I think it's the best looking variant on the platform and a performer to boot.

Personally, I'm cheap, so if I knew I could be equally happy trying to beat myself in a cheaper car, I'd do it. That's what drove me to buy a 12 500 when the 13 was available. I was (and still am) convinced that have the extra 112 HP was not worth the $10,000+ it would have cost.

Sent from my SM-G975U using the svtperformance.com mobile app

I will say this, I’ve got a 2012 Laguna Seca that I do Hpde events a couple times a year. I’m usually in the advanced group and can hold my own.

two years ago there was a guy from NY with his 2013 LS in my group, saw him a few years in a row at Watkins Glen. we would pretty much keep up with each other.

last year he shows up with a new 2018 350, red with white stripes. First time out on the track with it.
We went out, and he was GONE. After a few laps I never saw him again.

After the session he pulls into the garage bay and jumps out with a huge smile and says “holy shit this thing is fast !!”

Both are great cars....both are unique experiences. Both cars are above most of us in terms of pushing it to the limit....The boss is more than a "GT with a good motor" I don't think you can go wrong with either car. Boss "feels" racier, and is more old school with the solid axle and side pipes. However, It also requires more prep for track use. I did 3-4 track days with my boss and you will need good fluid and brake cooling ducts. The trans/clutch on these cars can be an issue as well (MGW will cure most of it in my experience) for the average joe the GT350 is the far superior machine on track out of the box. The power, the transmission/clutch, and especially the brakes...not to mention the powertrain coolers...GT350 will probably cost more from a consumables standpoint because of the bigger and better brakes and tires. The 350 gets alot of hate because it doesn't have the low end grunt (especially on this forum) we are used to in an SVT mustang....but the truth is it's very difficult to reach the 350's performance window on the street. It could be that the boss is a better option for you because in some ways it's more fun on the street than the 350..however the interior and tech of the 350 is more modern. There are pros and cons for each in my opinion...and its more than just about cost. There are intangibles, and both have their own character.

DAVESVT2000 said:

I will say this, I’ve got a 2012 Laguna Seca that I do Hpde events a couple times a year. I’m usually in the advanced group and can hold my own.

two years ago there was a guy from NY with his 2013 LS in my group, saw him a few years in a row at Watkins Glen. we would pretty much keep up with each other.

last year he shows up with a new 2018 350, red with white stripes. First time out on the track with it.
We went out, and he was GONE. After a few laps I never saw him again.

After the session he pulls into the garage bay and jumps out with a huge smile and says “holy shit this thing is fast !!”

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This is a great comparo.

I LOVE the Boss... really do. But the GT350 is a completely different animal. If you want to road course the car, the 350 is far and away the obvious choice. The s550 chassis itself is a major improvement over the s197 for the road course.

I would try and buy a 2018+ 350 with the improved oiling/motor.

I'd love to drive a Boss on track, never got the opportunity but I have run with some lightly modified ones.

I think it would take a good bit of work to get one to roll with a stock GT350, the other problem is keeping it out there. One of our local guys runs a 302LS, he ended up with (if I remember right) a Tiger racing hood to drop temps.

Starting from the basics, S550, is a vastly improved chassis and suspension over S197, even with the extra size.

350>Boss
brakes, chassis, interior, transmission

Boss>350
motor, value

If you enjoy tracking I would take the 350. The brakes being the biggest deciding factor.

Tom

Klaus said:

350>Boss
brakes, chassis, interior, transmission

Boss>350
motor, value

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I agree on the value, but I do not on the motor. I have caught a few 302s on the long straight and front straight at VIR and know that was all right pedal. I know there have been some longevity issues, but I broke mine in right and it has used zero oil. 526>444.

Also, have you ever heard a Voodoo at 8250? Man that is one nasty sounding machine. The Boss sounds good too, but man that Voodoo screams.

I am hopeful that I have the same opinion down the road.

I’m looking forward to see what this can do once the weather clears...