Why order the Handling Package for a Dark Horse?

[Dig-It]

This "track guy" concurs with that "track guy".

Sponsored

 

[rchandler9]

I have a DH ordered and did not order the HP. I knew I wanted the 700a, non Recaro’s for the comfort of daily driving, and 10-speed auto so my wife could drive. I do not plan to track. I do like the wider tires/wheels and the spoiler. But ultimately made my decision not to purchase HP due to 3 factors. 1) I wanted to keep my total cost in the $65k range. 2) I knew the HP tires would wear much faster. 3) I can probably purchase the Ford OEM spoiler with gurney flap if I really want it, or an aftermarket spoiler.

 

[93-Oct Mayne]

The HP wheels are going to tramline something horrible, and probably have an impact on fuel economy. I wish the GT PP wheels were a bit wider, but 305/315 is a lot for daily street driving

 

[mustang5o]

I have a DH ordered and did not order the HP. I knew I wanted the 700a, non Recaro’s for the comfort of daily driving, and 10-speed auto so my wife could drive. I do not plan to track. I do like the wider tires/wheels and the spoiler. But ultimately made my decision not to purchase HP due to 3 factors. 1) I wanted to keep my total cost in the $65k range. 2) I knew the HP wheels would wear much faster. 3) I can probably purchase the Ford OEM spoiler with gurney flap if I really want it, or an aftermarket spoiler.

1 - totally understand that. For a while people had me convinced my M1 order wasn't going to go through I tried to figure out how I would spec a DH. To keep the price the same I would have had to order a base DH with no options. Which wouldn't have been all bad since the DH has better brakes standard (though there's an argument to be made that you don't need that much brake even on track), B&O sound, Navigation and the cool blue interior. I might have sprung for the Recaro seats as I like the micro-suede (I presume this is the same as Alcantara).

2 - I think you meant tires. FYI, lots of people will buy the HP tires off of you for track use and then you throw on some 4S' or similar tires.

The HP wheels are going to tramline something horrible, and probably have an impact on fuel economy. I wish the GT PP wheels were a bit wider, but 305/315 is a lot for daily street driving

Again I think you mean the HP tires. The larger sticker tires will tramline more for sure. I feel it's a bit less if you put a track alignment on it but then you are going to wear the tires faster if you drive it that way on the street. I'm currently running a set of PP1 wheels on my M1 with 4S' until my SC2's wear out. Then I'll pick a slightly less aggressive tire to put on the HP wheels. Probably in 305 all around.

 

[timd38]

Don't need a reason, I want it. No rational reason to buy a car like this except that I want one, so what is wrong with one more irrational decision.

 

[LCDRChemEng]

Don't need a reason, I want it. No rational reason to buy a car like this except that I want one, so what is wrong with one more irrational decision.

Perhaps I should remind folks that the purpose of this post was not to criticize the choices of others, but rather to find out if there is more to the HP than shown in the configurator.

For example, when opting for the 2023 Mustang GT performance package you got:
1 - Larger radiator
2- Brembo brakes up front
3 - Torsen differential
4 - Oil and vacuum gauges
5 - K-brace chassis stiffener
6 - chin air dam and rear wing
7 - fat tires

The Handling Package for the Dark horse, in contrast, only appears to offer fat tires and minor stuff, which is why I did not opt for it. Then again, seeing how so many did choose it, I was afraid there was more stuff included that I was not aware of. So far, however, that does not seem to be the case.

 

[timd38]

Perhaps I should remind folks that the purpose of this post was not to criticize the choices of others, but rather to find out if there is more to the HP than shown in the configurator.

For example, when opting for the 2023 Mustang GT performance package you got:
1 - Larger radiator
2- Brembo brakes up front
3 - Torsen differential
4 - Oil and vacuum gauges
5 - K-brace chassis stiffener
6 - chin air dam and rear wing
7 - fat tires

The Handling Package for the Dark horse, in contrast, only appears to offer fat tires and minor stuff, which is why I did not opt for it. Then again, seeing how so many did choose it, I was afraid there was more stuff included that I was not aware of. So far, however, that does not seem to be the case.

No criticizing anyone, if you want it buy it. Don’t need approval from anyone but yourself.

 

[Lastoutlaw_21]

Perhaps I should remind folks that the purpose of this post was not to criticize the choices of others, but rather to find out if there is more to the HP than shown in the configurator.

For example, when opting for the 2023 Mustang GT performance package you got:
1 - Larger radiator
2- Brembo brakes up front
3 - Torsen differential
4 - Oil and vacuum gauges
5 - K-brace chassis stiffener
6 - chin air dam and rear wing
7 - fat tires

The Handling Package for the Dark horse, in contrast, only appears to offer fat tires and minor stuff, which is why I did not opt for it. Then again, seeing how so many did choose it, I was afraid there was more stuff included that I was not aware of. So far, however, that does not seem to be the case.

I think you also gotta factor in the warranty aspect too. I know some people will get the HP simply because it's already ready for track use, you can adjust on the fly, you have better tires to help with traction and pulling the power down, extra suspension tuning, and you get extra cooling as well. I'm pretty sure they have some other stuff they do also. But the big factor for me is the warranty and also try to hold value for the car to. If you get the car without HP and do your own adjustments. Then you run the risk of voiding some warranties when you mess up the suspension which will be extremely expensive to fix. Plus if plans are to use it as a bridge until the gt500 comes out, it will have alot more value.

I don't plan to track the car a lot. But I do plan to take it to some areas to enjoy. Then hit tail of the dragon after I learn the car. And switching the tires to some 4's for street use. But it's better to have it knowing you can make adjustments to improve the ride than to not get it and regret it. So do what's best for you.

 

[LCDRChemEng]

I think you also gotta factor in the warranty aspect too. I know some people will get the HP simply because it's already ready for track use, you can adjust on the fly, you have better tires to help with traction and pulling the power down, extra suspension tuning, and you get extra cooling as well. I'm pretty sure they have some other stuff they do also. But the big factor for me is the warranty and also try to hold value for the car to. If you get the car without HP and do your own adjustments. Then you run the risk of voiding some warranties when you mess up the suspension which will be extremely expensive to fix. Plus if plans are to use it as a bridge until the gt500 comes out, it will have alot more value.

I don't plan to track the car a lot. But I do plan to take it to some areas to enjoy. Then hit tail of the dragon after I learn the car. And switching the tires to some 4's for street use. But it's better to have it knowing you can make adjustments to improve the ride than to not get it and regret it. So do what's best for you.

Well there you go, that's what I'm curious about. Although the PP for the 2023 Mustang GT included extra cooling and "some other stuff," the HP information in the 2024 DH configurator does not show that. Is there a reference that you know of that shows what exactly comes with the DH HP?

 

[roket]

handling package gives you
- ability to get carbon fiber wheels
- front tow hooks
- factory adjustable strut top mounts
- unique wing and gurney flap in shadow black (parts are PR3Z-6344210-EB and PR3Z-6344210-AB, total cost of them is ~$4000 before tax)
- added value if you ever re-sell it
- tires that are (for now) bespoke to the Dark Horse

 

[Lastoutlaw_21]

Well there you go, that's what I'm curious about. Although the PP for the 2023 Mustang GT included extra cooling and "some other stuff," the HP information in the 2024 DH configurator does not show that. Is there a reference that you know of that shows what exactly comes with the DH HP?

Nahh Ford has really not been good with updating that on there site. I was only taking a guess and speculatin. I would say the best comparison is to look at a Mach 1. But I will think the HP would add one or 2 more coolers to keep IAT's down and to cool the rear diff. Different suspension setup so different shocks and tuning. Then the rest of the cash is for those wheels bc those tires are probably around 2k brand new. But again go for what you want. Because it's easier to remove stuff than add.

 

[goodlettjr]

- unique wing and gurney flap in shadow black (parts are PR3Z-6344210-EB and PR3Z-6344210-AB, total cost of them is ~$4000 before tax)

@roket is over here killing hopes and dreams

 

[Opinion-Eater]

I'm starting to doubt myself, I see a good number of people who have ordered the handling package on their DH, and wondering if I screwed the pooch. I would appreciate some feedback.

To the best of my knowledge, for an additional $5K the DH HP:
-replaces the 255+275 wide 40 profile wheels & tires with 305+315 wide 30 profile wheels & tires, both 19" rims
-Adds Adjustable Top Strut Mounts (to what purpose? How is this better than the standard magneride controls?)
-Adds Front Towing Hooks (um, ok, does anyone actually need towing hooks, or is that a race track thing?)
-Magnetic Damping System (the car comes standard with magneride, is this any different?)
-replaces the std spoiler with a Performance Rear Spoiler w. Gurney Flap (ok, that's neat)
-Revised Chassis tuning (first of all, chassis tuning, is that like camber/toes/caster? I can get that for $100 at Pep Boys. Also, Ford wants extra for revised chassis tuning, but then then adds adjustable strut mounts to throw it off?)

From what I can tell, aside from the spoiler and the wheels, nothing else is actually worthwhile. I decided against the option because it made better sense to keep the standard street friendly wheels & tires for everyday use and use that $5K to buy a 2ND set of performance wheels/tires, perhaps 20" rims, for use when called for. May even be enough left over to get the Gurney spoiler too.

Did I miss something?

I truly believe that my worst experience, thus far, with the HP, is the DAMN SCRAPING EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!

I can NOT pull into any parking lots, hell.. I can't even slow roll a speed bump of average height!!!

It's pretty impractical especially where I live! If I lived in a great big city, e.g. Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, etc.. I think the road quality would make up the difference for the HP.. but instead I live in Odessa,/Midland, TX. Where the roads are under CONSTANT construction because of our only stand out importance as a location.. OIL FIELD, and those big oil trucks leave pot holes EVERY WHERE!!!

But... I don't regret the choice of ordering the car with absolutely every frikking feature/add-on I could!
Had I not got all the little things I could add put on, I'm the type of guy that would drive himself nuts knowing that there are people out there with a Dark Horse like mine that have features that I'm missing out on..

One thing I DO wish I hadn't changed during the custom ordering phase is the Recaro Seats..
These things are comfortable and pretty to look at, for certain, But paying $1995.00 extra to lose Power Seats, Memory Seats, Heated/Ventilated Seats, and for some odd reason, I haven't even paid enough attention to check this yet, Sequential side-mirror turn signals are lost when you don't get the Recaros!?!?!?

Not entirely certain I believe this yet.. buy I was told today, "If you swapped premium seats for the Recaros when you custom ordered then you screwed yourself out of side mirror turn signals.."

P.S. Sorry to comment like *65 years later* lmao, but the Prem-seats vs. RECARO-Seats, HP vs. No HP Topic is one I'm extremely interested in and due to my lateness in attaining a Dark Horse I'm coming across forums/boards from near 2yrs ago lol...
I'm feeling a Titanic Meme coming on.. (-Rose) : "It's been 65 years now..."

Take care!

 

[smurfslayer]

432 day thread reanimation! NICE

FWIW, my personal best reanimation is 5,138 days since last response, which I believe is currently the 3rd longest gap between responses on FRF ;-)

It's pretty impractical especially where I live! If I lived in a great big city, e.g. Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, etc.. I think the road quality would make up the difference for the HP.. but instead I live in Odessa,/Midland, TX. Where the roads are under CONSTANT construction because of our only stand out importance as a location.. OIL FIELD, and those big oil trucks leave pot holes EVERY WHERE!!!

I hear you, bruh. I was driving my wife’s Lincoln home ; on 410 inside of S/A and nailed a pot hole -at speed- on her e 21” wheels... Front wheel was trashed, but held air all the way home. $600 later... :-/

That sucked.

I do get occasional scraping, but not as bad as I expected. I’m ok with the Recaros but I didn’t go out of my way for them. They do hold you in place nicely though!

Sponsored