2014 GT - Unsure on how to proceed w/ mods/customization, etc.

Some updates since I made this thread....

A couple of weeks ago I added the LTH over the axle pipes (to supplement the GT500 axle backs). I'm pretty happy with the addition of some snap crackle pop.

Also, today I finally installed my Blowfish Racing shifter bracket. I recorded some of the installation process and my first impressions. Will get that video up soon but I dig it so far. It has a little bit more vibration than before but the shifts seem to be a bit more smooth.

The installation wasn't as bad as I was anticipating...mostly because I managed to get the front of the car on ramps and the rear on jack stands, with just enough room to not feel completely cramped underneath the car.


I have been thinking about checking out the MGW shifter but I'm pretty happy with the Blowfish bracket, stock shifter, and weighted shift knob, for now.

After a bit more reading/research, I'm not completely convinced on the E85 idea. For now I'm just trying to focus on the little things to make the driving more enjoyable and I'll revisit the E85 and or forced induction ideas at a later date.

Install video on the Blowfish Racing bracket is up:

After driving it a few more times, for longer periods of time, I am pretty impressed. The vibration isn't really noticeable anymore unless I make myself think about it. The shifts are more smooth. I wish I would have picked this up a long time ago.

The only thing that worries me is the length of the bolts that hold the upper and lower brackets to each other. I do want to get underneath the car again sometime soon to check and make sure they are still tight/secure.

I guess this has sort of turned into my “build” thread. Question that some folks here might be able to help answer - rear shock tower brace. I have a Shelby one that I got as a gift. I had it on the car for a while and I noticed a significant increase in squeaking/creaking sound from the trunk. I still have the brace sitting in my garage taking up space. I would like to use it but don’t want to deal with the squeaking. I would at least like to reduce it a bit if possible.

Anyone have experience using something between the shock tower and brace? Any suggestions or ideas? I was thinking maybe some type of rubber or material like dynamat but not sure if that would impact the fitment.

So I had completely forgotten that the Ford Racing Track-Cal tuner thing exists and I came across it recently. I ordered it from LMR and it arrived. Then I saw that it was like $50 cheaper on American Muscle so I returned the one to LMR and ordered it from AM. Before it even arrived, I realized that it was the Pro-Cal that was cheaper and what I actually wanted was the Track-Cal. Basically ended up paying $10 more (because I had to pay to ship the LMR one back). Big brain move.

Anyways, the track-cal is supposed to arrive today so I'm interested in seeing how that feels. I know it's not going to be anything crazy horsepower wise but considering my car only really has exhaust and suspension upgrades, I think it will be a nice addition and I can nerd out occasionally with that lopey cam idle feature.

Not sure about your issue, but my 2011 syncs up just fine via Bluetooth to my IPhone 12. Maybe an Android thing?

stang910 said:

Not sure about your issue, but my 2011 syncs up just fine via Bluetooth to my IPhone 12. Maybe an Android thing?

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I have an iPhone 10.

The SYNC in my '14 syncs up fine too. If you've never updated it that could be part of the problem. After I updated I found it worked better and some features I didn't like so much were a bit better too.

https://owner.ford.com/support/how-...-updates/how-to-check-your-sync-software.html

Stangra said:

The SYNC in my '14 syncs up fine too. If you've never updated it that could be part of the problem. After I updated I found it worked better and some features I didn't like so much were a bit better too.

https://owner.ford.com/support/how-...-updates/how-to-check-your-sync-software.html

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Thanks! I'm going to see if I can download and add this with a thumb drive or something.

matt5058 said:

Thanks! I'm going to see if I can download and add this with a thumb drive or something.

Click to expand...

That's how I did it

I have a '14 GT as well. After 1 year I put on pretty much the same setup that you now have.

One year later I self installed the Ford/Whipple 2.3 S/C kit. Based on the Roush system, it was painless, simple to install and had every part needed.

It was honestly like getting a new car all over again. No regrets, still love the car.

Supercharge it! You'll love it.

3 years ago I installed a Roush Supercharger kit. The Phase One kit claims 575HP but that's at the crank so probably 500ish WHP. A solid improvement but not too crazy, and in the Phase One configuration it's C.A.R.B emissions certified. Kit is absolutely complete and with some skills and tools can be done in the garage in a weekend.
If you're like I was you might think that level of power will be all you can imagine wanting, and if it is... fine!
Otherwise, when (not if) you realize that's not really close to crazy power, there'll always be more on the table now with mods, tuning, etc.
Be careful, the addiction starts with the first dose!

The supercharger talk is very appealing but every time I think about it in depth, I come to the same conclusion - I rarely drive the car above highway speeds and 600-700 horsepower would get me thrown in jail in Virginia.

I finally found time to install the Ford Performance Track Cal, and much like the Blowfish shifter bracket, it is something I should have done years ago. Got a new video up with a bit on the install and first impressions:


The lopey cam idle is a little bit gimmicky but still pretty cool. Overall, I’m pretty happy with this addition.

matt5058 said:

The supercharger talk is very appealing but every time I think about it in depth, I come to the same conclusion - I rarely drive the car above highway speeds and 600-700 horsepower would get me thrown in jail in Virginia.

I finally found time to install the Ford Performance Track Cal, and much like the Blowfish shifter bracket, it is something I should have done years ago. Got a new video up with a bit on the install and first impressions:


The lopey cam idle is a little bit gimmicky but still pretty cool. Overall, I’m pretty happy with this addition.

Click to expand...

It's not about achieving a certain top speed, it's all about the rush you get from accelerating up to a set speed. Also, the OP states he occasionally drag races and a 600 hp car is capable of going 130 in the 1/4 mile, no need to break the law when we have dedicated tracks.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Riddick said:

It's not about achieving a certain top speed, it's all about the rush you get from accelerating up to a set speed. Also, the OP states he occasionally drag races and a 600 hp car is capable of going 130 in the 1/4 mile, no need to break the law when we have dedicated tracks.

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I am the OP, lol. I haven’t done any drag racing in this car yet. I would like to hit the strip at some point but there aren’t many in super close proximity to my house.

I understand that the acceleration rush is part of the appeal but I know the area I live in and I don’t know if spending $10k to go super quickly from 0-55 occasionally is a sound investment. I might be more inclined to invest in a supercharger if I lived somewhere else or if there was a strip closer than a 2 hour drive away.

Trust me when I say I find it very tempting. I just don’t think it’s the best use of funds at the moment.

Ha, sorry. I mixed up a couple of threads....... Oops.

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matt5058 said:

...I don’t know if spending $10k to go super quickly from 0-55 occasionally is a sound investment...

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It's doubtful this will happen... unless you're the guy that just eats one potato chip & stops. More realistically: Insert the word repeatedly into the cost/benefit analysis!

Haha, ok. Noted.

matt5058 said:

The supercharger talk is very appealing but every time I think about it in depth, I come to the same conclusion - I rarely drive the car above highway speeds and 600-700 horsepower would get me thrown in jail in Virginia.

I finally found time to install the Ford Performance Track Cal, and much like the Blowfish shifter bracket, it is something I should have done years ago. Got a new video up with a bit on the install and first impressions:


The lopey cam idle is a little bit gimmicky but still pretty cool. Overall, I’m pretty happy with this addition.

Click to expand...

The Roush Phase One supercharger is rated for 575 HP. At the crank. It's not 600-700 wheel HP (but can easily be bumped up to that) You're at 420 right now if stock, so this is only a bit over 1/3 more power. you WILL know the difference but it's not so much that insane things must happen.

FWIW.. going with a blower of any brand.. it’ll be a great bump in power while keeping stock like drivability. Make about 600hp flywheel without breaking a sweat. I have a ‘12 GT500 and it makes 550hp stock. That’s really way more power than anyone needs… but needs and wants can be two very different things. I’d like to do a 13-14 TVS swap on it in the future.. on a daily driven car, it could make unruly power for its purpose.

Who couldn’t use an extra 100hp to the wheels right ?

Chiming back in on my thread to report I still haven’t added a supercharger, haha. I’m still pretty happy with the driving experience since I added the Blowfish Racing bracket, Track Cal, and OTA pipes. I’ve been tempted a few times to try and go test drive the new Mach 1 but it hasn’t happened yet.

I recently had this front bumper insert pop out for the fourth or fifth time.


This inspired me to finally do my own “5 things I hate/dislike about my car” videos.


Obviously the hate/dislike isn’t that strong, since I’ve kept the car for over 7 years now.

I haven’t done anything new with this car recently but I am still trying to decide if I want to give that Dynavin N7 Pro a try. It’s the usual - torn between doing buying parts for the Fox or upgrading something on the 2014. Increasingly cold weather is making installs inside the vehicle more appealing versus things that involved rolling around on the cold garage floor.