AUGUST 2024
This thread has been developed for the MUSTANG6G community on the 2015 to 2020 production run of the flat-planed crank, 5.2 Shelby GT350 manufactured by the Ford Motor Company at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Flat Rock, MI.
It is intended to be a repository of helpful and useful information for the GT350 as determined by the M6G members.
You are encouraged to take a look and participate with your first-hand experiences.
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HOW THIS'LL WORK (feel free to suggest others):
FORD PERFORMANCE - 1 (800) 367-3788
OWNER’S MANUAL AND SHELBY SUPPLEMENTAL MANUALS
BASIC VEHICLE INFO:
PRODUCTION NUMBERS:
MODEL YEAR INFO:
TRACK INFO:
WHAT'S CONSIDERED NORMAL (Thanks to @montreal ponies for this category)
DON'T - MEANING DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING
CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING AT DELIVERY OR WHEN BUYING USED BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION:
‘ORDERING INFO’AND ‘NEW GT350 PURCHASER INFORMATION’ HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED HERE
TSBs, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THIS POST
HIGH PRIORITY CHECKS - defined as something to do to avoid a catastrophic failure:
Stage 2: 180°
- Loctite PST 592
- Permatex High Temperature Tread Sealant
MODERATE PRIORITY CHECKS - defined as everything else:
Drive train and related
Chassis, body...
HOW-TO INFO:
WHERE TO START WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
- First post has been cleaned up and reformatted.
- All hyperlinks are functional as of 3/20/21.
- Please let me know if you find any broken.
- Sections “Ordering Info” and “New GT350 Purchaser Info” have been archived later in the thread.
- Thank you for your participation. @Tank
This thread has been developed for the MUSTANG6G community on the 2015 to 2020 production run of the flat-planed crank, 5.2 Shelby GT350 manufactured by the Ford Motor Company at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Flat Rock, MI.
It is intended to be a repository of helpful and useful information for the GT350 as determined by the M6G members.
You are encouraged to take a look and participate with your first-hand experiences.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HOW THIS'LL WORK (feel free to suggest others):
- Make a suggestion or add links in posts to this thread. I will add here in the first post.
- Contents are updated on a random basis. I will tag the OP of the thread or post if I link it. However;
- ‘Tagging’ a member doesn’t show up to a taggee in an edited post.
- It’s helpful when the community alerts me to what’s important especially with the later MYs.
- A huge ‘Thank You’ to those who’ve contributed.
- Contents are updated on a random basis. I will tag the OP of the thread or post if I link it. However;
- Use the forum's SEARCH & follow the links to get more information for any issues. Consider using search if you experience any problem with your GT350. After 6 MYs, the issue most likely has been discussed before.
- I’ve noticed posts within threads can move around over time so I’ll attempt to adjust links accordingly.
- You are responsible for anything you do to your vehicle.
- I am not responsible for the information contained herein.
- Mustang6G Forum Rules, just in case you missed them.
FORD PERFORMANCE - 1 (800) 367-3788
OWNER’S MANUAL AND SHELBY SUPPLEMENTAL MANUALS
- Read thoroughly and as needed during ownership:
- Click this link if you need a copy of your Owner’s Manual, Supplemental Manual, Warranty....This info is also available herefrom Motorcraft.
- [2015 - 2016] Shelby GT350 Mustang Supplement & Mustang Manual
- 2017 Shelby GT350 Mustang Supplement & Mustang Manual Printing 2
- 2018 Shelby GT350 Mustang Supplement & Mustang Manual Printing 3
- 2019 Shelby GT350 Mustang Supplement & Mustang Owner’s Manual Printing 2 & Mustang Owner’s Manual Supplemental Printing 1 (PP2)
- 2020 Shelby GT350 Mustang Supplement & Mustang Owner’s Manual Landing Page (all versions)
BASIC VEHICLE INFO:
- It’s got a 16-gallon gas tank.
- Want to know how your saddle-type tank works? Thanks @phunk
- For info about towing your GT350? @Censport.
- Want to follow along as the Voodoo is built at the Romeo Niche Line? Thanks @EF300 !
- Car and Driver article on building the Voodoo
- For three videos on the engineering of the GT350, see this thread started by @Zitrosounds
- Want to know more about spare tire options and off the shelf solution?@JohnVallo
- Want to see what an incorrectly installed oil pump gasket looks like after a blown 5.2 is disassembled? Check this post by @dwalker in the Blown Engine Thread
- Beware of driving on cold Michelin summer tires due to lack of grip. YMMV.
- Winter Storage Questions?
- For some nfo on alternative tires, check this thread out by @rick shea
- We've all heard the horror stories, check this thread for members reporting higher mileage on their GT350s by @danttt
- Want to know about insuring your GT350, including all you need to know about Collectors Insurance? Check out this thread started by @Voodoo Velocity
- Here’s another take on street tires by @JohnVallo
- All GT350s and GT350Rs had the spin on filter when first produced up to the change to the cartridge style early in MY 2017.
- Have questions about your Window Sticker or want to know how to get a copy?
- How do your peers take care of their GT350/Rs?
PRODUCTION NUMBERS:
- 2015 Production Numbers:
- 37 Rs
- 50 Track Packs
- 50 Tech Packs
- 2016 Production Numbers thread by @ShadowBlackR
- 2017 Production Numbers thread by @RaceRed350 - from a couple of sources.
- 2018 Production Numbers by @Dominator961
- 2019 Production Numbers spreadsheet posted by @95jd970 .
- 2020 Production Numbers spreadsheet posted by @TonyNJ
- Looking for an above-and-beyond spreadsheet on all 2020 GT350s, check this thread and google doc link by @corrieb
- Here's a breakdown of 2015 To 2018 GT350 R Base Model Production Facts & Figures by @PP0001
MODEL YEAR INFO:
- Need schooling on the 2015 GT350? See thread started by @Schwerin
- Want to know more about the differences in the 2016 GT350s?
- Confused by the different models and changes between the 2015-2020 MYs of the GT350? An excellent breakdown by @Zombo.
- Want to know about the MY 2019 changes? See this thread by @Frank.Herbst
- Get the Kleenex – end of GT350 production thread by @LxMike
TRACK INFO:
- Thinking about tracking your GT350 but don’t know where to start? Check this thread by @SpeedRacer.
- Track maintenance thread by @firestarter2.
- Need to pass under a sound threshold but want to maintain speed, see this option postedby @GT350Brakes.com. Not bad for $200 or so.
- TAKE NOTE: this is also reported to allow you to change your default exhaust mode to open.
- Need a way to get your track tires to the track, see one option by @Shelby Nick .
- Looking for an aftermarket track seat? Have questions about them? See this thread by @NoXiDe .
WHAT'S CONSIDERED NORMAL (Thanks to @montreal ponies for this category)
- Piston slap, also known as "flapping" to a particular Canadian
- Brake squeal
- Tramlining
- Brake dust, lots a brake dust
- Expect to have to fill 'er up every time you drive the car
- Sub-par panel fitment and quality & questionable paint quality in some circumstances
- According to the March 2017 Shelby Supplement pg. 48, oil consumption of "approximately 1 quart per 500 miles" while "driving high performance vehicles in such a way that might lead to higher oil consumption (this includes extended time at high engine speeds, high loads, engine braking, hard cornering maneuvers and track use."
- Some have reported a ticking noise from the front rotors particularly in a slow turn.
- Expect your windows to get hung up on your weather stripping if you quickly open them with the windows all the way up. From @Zombo-
DON'T - MEANING DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING
- Allow your GT350 to be towed with a sling belt or wheel lift equipment. Get it FLAT BEDDED. See Supplemental Manual.
- Lift driver's side wiper quickly, it will scrape the paint off the leading edge of your hood.
- Use an impact wrench at any time on your stock lug nuts. They’re a two-piece lug that’ll warp/deform/distort overtime.
- Go to redline until engine oil temp reaches 190 F degrees. On a cold day, this might not happen or could take a while.
- Let bird crap stay on your stripes. It will permanently etch, mar, discolor, or otherwise destroy the stripe.
- Take it through an automatic car wash – parts may be blown off the car or your hood and fender could get screwed.
- Turn your brake rotors per Ford’s recommendation. See SSM posted by @btown93
CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING AT DELIVERY OR WHEN BUYING USED BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION:
- Front and rear suspension spring spacers are removed (ONLY WHEN NEW, hopefully)
- If they are not and you find them still installed when you get home, you might need to have the magneride reset if you’re getting error codes. See dealer for fix.
- Splitter is installed correctly if you allowed the dealer or anyone other than yourself to install it. (Hint, many GT350 owners choose to install it themselves.)
- Edge of hood by driver’s side wiper- improperly lifted driver’s side wiper can scrape the paint off the leading edge of the hood.
- See discussion between @Tomster and @PP0001 for further info.
- Rear bumper gap- measure to get baseline at delivery then again when you notice it growing (if applicable)
- Panel fitment in general
- Look for any signs of damage due to improper transport, previous ownership or other abuse- misaligned/mis-colored panels, front undercarriage damage.
- Bird crap on your stripes can cause permanent damage. Ensure it can be cleaned off with no visible defects. Do not accept delivery; get some sort of compensation or have the stripes removed if you do keep it.
- Check the fasteners along the underside of the side skirts along the rocker panels. Some have reported loose or incomplete installation. Thanks @Destro
- Check that all recalls have been performed. Thanks @THX 138
‘ORDERING INFO’AND ‘NEW GT350 PURCHASER INFORMATION’ HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED HERE
TSBs, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THIS POST
- IF YOU KNOW OF ANY APPLICABLE TO THE GT350 AND ARE NOT LISTED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS.
- There's also this thread by @nmp1.
HIGH PRIORITY CHECKS - defined as something to do to avoid a catastrophic failure:
- Engine oil level. See post in this thread for how to do this. For a video, check this postby @xXANCHORMONXx
- SUGGESTION - ON THE DAY YOU FILL UP & WHEN YOU GET HOME, ASSUMING YOU’RE PARKED ON A LEVEL SURFACE, WAIT 15 MINUTES THEN CHECK YOUR ENGINE OIL LEVEL
- Brake master cylinder to clutch master cylinder reservoir line fitment (less frequently than weekly if modified with clamp or similar
- Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) sensor for leaks. This is the subject of Ford TSB 17-2271.
- See thread started by @Sprintamx and this one by @xXANCHORMONXx
- Torque and sealant specs for the EOP sensor from the '16 Helm:
- Material: Thread Sealant with PTFE / Motorcraft p/n TA-24-B (spec WSK-M2G350-A2)
- Torque:
Stage 2: 180°
- If you can't find the Motorcraft TA-24-B, these manufacturers report these products meet the Ford WSK-M2G350-A2 spec:
- Loctite PST 592
- Permatex High Temperature Tread Sealant
MODERATE PRIORITY CHECKS - defined as everything else:
Drive train and related
- Torque on oil filter - first gen, spin on filters. Still concerned about it vibrating loose, install a band clamp. @Zombo
- CV boot integrity. (see thread by @kairojya for more information.
- Engine to Oil Cooler lines for leaks
- "C" Ring on Oil Filter Adapter- properly seated (at least once after delivery). It's visible from the oil filter hatch.
- Lug nut torque
- If you've installed them, check and empty catch cans as needed
- Check fuse box for loose fuses and loose battery cables
- Bottom edge of radiator for weeping coolant. Members report coolant can accumulate on the topside of the under belly pan so detecting this might not be so easy unless you drop the pan.
- Check the underside of your hood directly above the air intake and battery cover seal for paint damage from the seals.
- Valve Cover Bolts- see thread by@GT_Dave
- Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
Chassis, body...
- Side vent trim piece pulling away from body
- Rear bumper gap- this may continue to expand.
- Aluminum panels for corrosion. See the TSB link above.
- Splitter installed correctly- anytime someone other than owner removes and reinstalls it.
- Taillight bezels rubbing on your rear bumper?
HOW-TO INFO:
- Changing your oil, see this thread for the spin on, early type filter (looks like this) or this thread for the later canister type filter, both threads courtesy of @kairojya.
- Have the spin on filter and want some low-tech security due to loosening paranoia? Try the band clamp method as recommended by @Zombo.
- Got a pre-2017 Base or Tech & want to learn about adding a transmission cooler?
- Want to know about swapping a non-cooled transmission, see @Hack ‘s install.
- Want to know how to get the diff temp to display on the center dash of a ‘15/16 Base or Tech? Thanks @JohnVallo & @NoXiDe
- Want to get some more diff cooler info on the pre-2017s Base and Techs? @kgschrader.
- Want to know more about adding the Full Tilt Boogie Racing diff cooler kit? Check this thread by @db252 . (Half the price of the Ford kit; allows for dash display of diff temp, if already enabled; and does NOT mount to the rear bumper assembly.)
- Want to hardwire a trickle charger?
- Want to know about swapping out the 4" screen? @Epiphany
- Want to know how to use Forscan to turn off Engine Sound Enhancement/Active Noise Cancellation (ESE/ANC) @Spart
- Need to get your hood latch release handle off from the driver's side kick panel?
- Try pushing a 1/4 drive, 10MM socket to release the internal tabs.
- Wiggle things around a bit.
- If the first 10 mm socket doesn't work, try a different one.
- Want to know the latest and greatest about SYNC? @HizliBullet.
- Looking for a Ford or Motorcraft electrical connector? Check out the Wire Pigtail Kits. All connectors might not be listed.
- Looking to depressurize your fuel system, remove your rear seat or need an overview of the fuel system?
- Need to re-calibrate your speedometer due to a wheel or tire change? Here's a way to do it using Forscan by @Spart.
- Considering 20" wheels on your GT350? See this post by @50 Deep for things to consider.
- Need to see the Assembly and Disassembly TPMS section from the '16 Helm.
- I AM LOOKING FOR THE PROCEDURES FOR THE R CARBON FIBER WHEELS. THANKS!
- Considering changing out your OPG? See thread started by @madlag.
- Beginning in 2017, Ford recommends changing the fuel filter at 30K intervals.
- Want to know the routing of your AC and Accessory/Serpentine/Drive Belts?
- Have some scratches on your OEM stripes? Check this thread out - thanks @mqu02 !
- Want to know how to apply S H E L B Y letters to your front splitter? Great video on page 2!
- Looking for info on Ford PIDs
- Looking to add puddle lamps to a 2016-2018 GT350/R? Thanks @Wings1090 !
- Want or need to install longer wheel studs? Check out this excellent DIY write up by @ChipG
- Got yourself a nice new shiny MGW shifter and looking for some install tips? Check out another excellent DIY thread by @ChipG
- Want to hardwire an AWE Switchpath? Check this thread by @drummerboy .
WHERE TO START WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
- Check out the Technical Subforums....
- Want to find a factory Service Manual? Check out factory-manuals.com or try the Motorcraft website. As of 11/16/19, it's $21.95 for a 72-hour subscription.
- If your battery craps out and the car enters low power mode, you may have to do a BMS reset- read about the symptoms and process here.
- If you get a "P0128 Engine Light- Low Coolant Temp", check for a stuck thermostat. Not a unique situation- see thread started by @BoomBoy for more info.
- Hood Flutter - check under hood bumpers, esp. drivers’ side, for possible adjusting.
- Air Conditioner issues - check threadstarted by @Eric n for more info.
- IF your dealer is recommending AC Compressor replacement, make sure they know FORD CALLS FOR STUDBOLT REPLACEMENT.
- Prevent this from happening to you and the waste of a perfectly good Voodoo.
- Another possible example.
- Suddenly rough running engine, check for:
- An improperly seated dipstick. See thread started by @Houston Kid
- Broken pin connectors. See threads by ....
- Rear emblem falls off and it's not covered by Ford, check out the fix by @DrumReaper
- Trying to track down a rattle, check these threads out.
- Rear bumper fixes:
- Need to check your original 'As Built' data for whatever reason, click the link below for the Motorcraft as-built site. Just have your VIN: https://www.motorcraftservice.com/AsBuilt
- Get a "SERVICE POWERTRAIN IMMEDIATELY" opened ended wrench warning light?
- See @wayne 's thread here for one cause related to the improper torque of an output shaft trigger wheel.
- Additional symptoms posted throughout the thread. Thanks @TDC, thanks @wayne !
- Autoblip causing issues? See thread and troubleshooting guide. Thanks @MikeMM !
- Did you ding or gouge your R's Carbon Fiber wheels and want to properly fix them? See thread by @Tomster . Bonus shipping recommendations included!
- Think big brother is watching you in your ’19 or ‘20 GT350, see the thread Ford data collection/4G Modem Disabling Instructionsby @drummerboy .
- Check your Owner’s Manual for the “Telematic Control Unit – Modem” fuse. As reported:
- Location #10 for 2019
- Location #8 for 2020.
- Check your Owner’s Manual for the “Telematic Control Unit – Modem” fuse. As reported:
- Have things got to the point of the RAV (Re-Acquired Vehicles) process? See posts by @Cobra Jet :
- Xxx
- Xxx
- Xxx
- Difficulty using Forscan after getting a tune- check this thread started by @honeybadger with solution by @JAJ
- Have a metallic buzzing sound from your bell housing? Check this thread by @Tomster
DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
- DTCs from the '16 Helm have been moved here. Let me know if you need a DTC looked up from this version of the Helm.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
- Want to find ethanol-free gas or 93 octane?
- Consider keeping your nannies on at a Cars and Coffee or similar event (see thread by @96cobra for more information.)
- A Dictionary of Units of Measurement by Russ Rowlett, UNC Chapel Hill - for all things related to measurement.
- in/lb to ft/lb converter. Contains a link to convert all sort of values.
- Slope Percent to Degrees Conversion Calculator
- Angle Degrees to Percent of Slope Conversion Calculator
- Brembo homepage
- Wiring diagrams not opening up from your Helm CD? No guarantees, I hope it works for you.