2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I'm quite certain that over the last 14 years this question has been answered a million times. But I tried doing a search and I didn't come up with much. I guess I'm not using the proper search terms. So please forgive me...I'm going to ask.

I found a link, on this website, to a 2004 Mustang brochure. It lists the manual transmission Mach 1 at 310 horsepower/335 lbs. ft. of torque.

Does anybody know specifically what changed in 2004 to give the Mach 1 an additional 5 horsepower and 15 lbs.ft. of torque over the 2003 model?

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I believe when the 2004 was released Ford did NOT change the HP rating even though it was talked about. If I'm wrong I have no idea what would have been different between the 2 years HP wise. I'm curious what others have to say...

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

IIRC the computer got an updated calibration after ford had to make changes to the emissions system in 04. The hp rating was changed at the same time.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

The stock 2004s are quicker than the stock '03s :flamedevi

more seriously, #16 on the FAQ/Q&A page of the mach1registry.com site has a few items if you didn't see it already.
(I know there is a thread, but I couldn't find it either)

there were also more details provided in the ancient text, but the bundle of sticks or twigs bound together at Disney decided to burn it in an effort to start a new era of history.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

They're still under-rated anyway.
6 brick cat on the '04, vs 4 brick car on the '03. Silver cam covers, black antenna and silver exterior door lock as well as the loss of the overhead headliner storage net on the '04 versus black cam covers, silver antenna and black door lock cylinder on the '03. Fender badges, obviously as well as color changes for '04.

:borg:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I think you got em all.... except one....04 cars got the satellite radio

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

Really? :OUCH:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

Yeah I knew that the '04 had some cost cutting measures with the non-painted parts and loss of overhead net on the headliner. But I was mainly concerned with performance differences. Seems like it was probably just the change in exhaust systems and tuning that made the slight bump in power for '04.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

No, the '04's never got satellite radio. The Mach 1000 stereo was satellite radio equipped, but the Mach 1000 stereo wasn't available for the Mach, only the Mach 460 stereo was available for the Mach's.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I recall reading is that Zinc Yellow was the fastest so the rest of you's can pound sand...
Taking my ball and going home. lol

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

You're right about the Mach 1 not getting an option for the Mach 1000 system, but not about the satellite capable radio. My stock receiver has a satellite button, and the back plug orientation is different than the 03's which is what makes the two model year radios incompatible. Edit* I should say "noninterchangeable".

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

went deep diving with the search today and found that Falcongto is the master of all things classic Mustang...

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4226

also found this on the Ford Performance site

http://performance.ford.com/enthusiasts/collector-vehicles/mustang/mach-1/2004.html
_

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

^^^
That second link has misinformation in it, according to the new book that's coming out soon (that has a huge thread going right now). According to the book, it was ALWAYS Ford's plan to run the Mach 1 for both model years. Secondly, the loss of black paint on the valve covers and antenna and door lock was a cost cutting measure, not an "upgrade". ;)

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

The 04 cars (atleast the majority of them) got the painted antennae, not the 03s. So I'm not sure that was actually to cut cost or why they did it.

As far as outside door locks go, I wouldn't call the silver door locks an upgrade either, but I think they blend better on white so I'm happy with mine. The loss of painted cam covers and sunglasses net is chafing, however. :wall:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

Yep, you're right. I overlooked it in the owner's manual picture, and just now saw it on my stereo. My eyes are old. :bigeyes:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

Initially the Mach 1 was a one year only (like the '01 Bullitt) offering, with a production cap of 6,500 units. This is per the 2002 New York Auto Show press kit from Ford. A lot of mumbling and grumbling happened around here when the numbers grew and the additional year of production was added.

:borg:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I'm sure it's an easy button to miss when there's a shaker dancing back and forth between a sweet *** azure blue powerdome hood in your direct line of sight. :thumbsup:

Yup. There was an aftermarket kit that would only work with the 04 model radios. It would use that SAT button as a way to allow for an auxiliary input or an iPod with their device connected. I wish they still sold them.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I knew there was a good thread with the early 'discussion' of the the production issue...

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...hlight=limited

:borg:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

I wouldn't go that far, but it was a fun thread.
Thanks for digging it up...
:borg:

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

That was a good thread to read. I liked the one post about Ford hopefully making a Boss 302 a couple years after the Mach 1. I remember back then about talk of a Boss 302 being made. A letter carrier I worked with said he'd buy one fore sure if they did. He had a beautiful '70 Dodge Challenger. It literally shook the ground.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

From the new book coming out, and I believe these are the words of Scott Hoag, please correct me if wrong:

"Some of the initial documents that made it out into public mentioned the Mach 1 would be a "6500 only" production run. The business case was planned for more. Some customers have asked me, "How did we wind up with two model years of Mach 1s when I thought it was only one?" I think this fits into the category of "the best intended people with partial information get caught in situations." Somewhere in the media/program management communications, the phrase "6500 units" (and it was really 7500 units) should have said "our plan was to build 7500 units in 2003." If that statement was made early on, it would have been 100% correct. Never in the program plan was it being restricted to the 2003 model year alone."

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

That’s what I heard too. Not that I am biased or anything.

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

Everyone knows the black Mach's were/are the fastest!

Re: 2003 vs. 2004 model year
 

Fake News!!
lol