Buy it or Build it? Creating your very own "My-Stang"
Holy smokes - there sure are a lot of “prepared” Mustang choices on the market! So the question becomes do you buy a limited edition car from the factory, buy a special edition after market Mustang, or do you integrate your own special “My-Stang”?
Sure the Shelby GT500 and/or KR are pretty awesome cars and they come with a pretty awesome price tag! Sure the Special Edition Mustang packages coming from Ford or assembled by after market companies are fun and unique, but are these low volume cars a complete reflection of “Your” Mustang? If you’re not quite sure, there’s good news: you don’t have to spend cubic dollars to get a high end special Mustang. Let’s review some of the ways you can have your awesome Mustang and keep your wallet full too.
In past articles we’ve discussed several ways to pick up power on your Mustang and pretty simple techniques to increase your Mustang’s handling, braking and performance sound. We also reviewed how to configure your suspension to yield a purposeful stance and provide the driving dynamics you desire. We discussed how wheels and tires are big contributors to your Mustang look and performance, and are probably the most difficult items to select because the number of choices is intimidating. When you look beyond chassis changes to personalize your Mustang, you encounter an array of body kits running the gamut of cost, style and quality – some kits even come with a warranty. And finally to top everything, there are many ways to make your exhaust system sing with just the right tone and loudness.
So, with all these options on how to make a “My-Stang” just for you, why would you chose a limited edition Factory or a special edition Aftermarket Mustang? Simple: your only open question becomes - what color should I chose? The handling, appearance, exhaust note and stance are already decided.
Now if you really want a “My-Stang”, there are options available. MRT has developed several starter packages for customers to choose from that allow an individual to tailor his/her Mustang to express his personal tastes and desires. We even have power adders that come with a warranty (I predict that there will be more power adder choices that include warranties in the near future). Getting back to the main question, if you want a special Mustang that is truly your very own “My-Stang”, do you buy a special edition or build one of your own?
MRT has been asking this question to many of our customers and it turns out that value is still an important part of most Mustang buyer’s equation. Value here basically means bang for the buck or total cost to get the desired experience. It is for this reason that we have come up with a unique formula that keeps important vehicle attributes in balance and keeps more money in your pocket. The approach is what I call Systems Engineering for the Aftermarket. Systems engineering is not referring to computer systems in this case, it is referring to vehicle systems and how they interact with each other. Our team of engineers and industry experts has put together a combination of products that work well with each other when applied to street and performance Mustangs. The key is to have balance; if one attribute is extreme when compared to the others you will have a Mustang that is not as fun as it could be.
You may be asking, so if MRT can integrate these fun, cool Mustangs, why doesn’t Ford do it? The answer is that Ford does produce a Fun, Exciting, Special Mustang….and they will no doubt produce more of them - the main difference between a Company like Ford and one like MRT is the size of the “machine”. Let me explain, Ford obviously engineers and produces some of the world’s best vehicles. Their process and production system depends on mass production of very similar vehicles. The process at MRT is to produce a small amount of very different vehicles. The end result is that MRT can leverage the solid engineering found in the base vehicle and build on that foundation with very specific products and effects. So, it is true that Ford is responsible for enabling after market engineering companies to provide the market place with choice in styling, handling and performance. This benefits everyone: Ford sells more vehicles, MRT makes more parts, You can create your very own “My-Stang”.
So, if you have a dream Mustang in mind, but do not see your ultimate package being offered, don’t give up on the dream, odds are that your Mustang can be configured in a responsible, high quality way. If you need guidance or an education, call MRT and ask to speak to a member of the special vehicle team, we would love to help put your dream on the street.
- Scott Hoag
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