Originally Posted by FromG2Z

Well guys... esp, Dan and Steve, you guys are the culprit. I took the plunge.

I reverted my Z back to stock last night... got a little sad last night. But this morning, I drove her to the Ford dealership, traded her in.... they had a 2012 used GT premium there with no brembo. I test drove it with a buddy, and after 20 minutes behind the wheel and non-stop grinning ear to ear, I came out of that car saying, "Where do I sign?". After that test drive, I waved bye to my Z and never looked back.

Ford really impressed me... I thought they came a long way, but I must admit I went in with the expectation (test drive) that it would be less than the Z overall... I was wrong. I now know what the slogan means (and when you guys say) "Drive One.".

IMO, the fit and finish is on par with the Z. The ride (even without the BBP) rode as well as my Z I thought... it was tight and controlled. The steering was maybe a little less communicative than the Z, but not by much. I can't imagine how much better the BBP equipped 5.0's would be. I can now see what you mean, Dan.... these 5.0's can keep up if not surpass the Z's no problem.

But then we come to power and torque and transmission. By far, the 5.0 blows the Z out of the park. I sat there and rev'd that thing for a couple of minutes. The sound alone is enough to make me sign the papers. In stock form, mind you. When have you seen the car "move" when sitting in park and revving? I could just feel the power and torque in there. The transmission was light years better than the Z. I thought the Z was good, but I was fooling myself into loving that transmission. The Z tranny was loose, rattly, and unrefined. The 5.0 tranny was tight, smooth, and QUIET. How a tranny should be. The clutch feel on the 5.0 was also superb. Hands-down. Period. Those of you that don't believe me, indeed drive one. I'm a believer.

So anyways, I ordered a 2012 Kona Blue GT Prem with BBP and 3.73. Comes in December. I can't wait.

I hope to stay on this forum a while since I met some great friends. Dan and Steve, thanks again for your input. Now I can fit my wife and kid in the car at the same time.