Snow Driving - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

Oh4aMach1 · 08-11-2003, 05:21 PM

What's everyone's experience in driving the '03 Mach 1 in winter conditions? My brother-in-law has a 5.0 and said it's impossible to do. Does the traction control help any in the '03? Thanks.

03mach1 · 08-11-2003, 05:24 PM

Are you just nuts? Traction control should help to a certain extent along with good 'TRUE' snow tires.

I Drive a 2 Wheel Drive truck ext. Cab - V8 with good snow tires, and the winters around WNY are not easy.!!! You just can't go 80 MPH with 6"+ of snow on the ground, but never got stuck. Close a few times, but with the momentum of the truck...it just plowed thru. Oh, yeh, some 200lbs of sand tube in the rear also help.

TRMach1 · 08-11-2003, 05:34 PM

I drove mine last winter through some of the worst snow we've had in years, I had absolutely no trouble at all.

Mikestang · 08-11-2003, 05:54 PM

Not me I had the displeasure of driving my 00 Gt in a snow storm and the car would not move with the T\C on

I have never tried after market snows on a stang or the T-bird I had before the 00GT.

I just dont like RWD and a V-8 for the snow

Tony Alonso · 08-11-2003, 05:56 PM

I've driven in the snow (no more than 4-5 inches deep max) and had no trouble with the stock tires, 140lbs of sand in the trunk, and TC. I actually have driven the other 3 Mustangs I had without TC and got around.

Ice is a different story...

davecrazy · 08-11-2003, 06:03 PM

I broke the rear end lose on wet pavement this morning in 2nd gear....the TC saved me from losing it and sideswiping a semi.

My focus plowed through the 2 foot+ blizzard we had last winter with no problems, no way am I taking the mach out in the snow.

When I had my v6 mustang I put 200lbs of sand in the trunk and it still was nerve racking...

badjoey · 08-11-2003, 06:28 PM

thank god for the f250 4wd
the mach1 is staying out of the snow.
i'd never make it to the end of my street with or without t/c

Totoland Mach · 08-11-2003, 06:48 PM

snow is for taking the wheels off the Mach to paint the calipers (Red) and the nasty rotor area black. That's what my UJT's are for ... nasty weather.

Golions · 08-11-2003, 10:07 PM

Snow / Winter driving, WTF?

That is what F150's were made for, my Mach doesn't even see rain.

All that said, good luck to you guys braving old man winter and remember, don't accelerate through the curves.

GiddyUp!

:THUMBSUP:

musicalmerlin · 08-12-2003, 12:41 AM

I was originally planning on driving it through the winter, but I think I'm just going to stretch it's muscles on very clear days when the roads are all fine. I still need to find a good front wheel drive beater for the narsty weather tho.

MikeMach1 · 08-12-2003, 02:21 AM

isn't it possible to make a chip for it where it would cripple the low end power or something, so it isn't a huge burst of power and decrease the cars low end power making it more stable in the wet stuff? I know that may sound like insane to some, but for those surprise snow storms in the winter in the NE, it could help for those 2-3 months keeping the car on the road, and when it starts warming up again, slap in the old chip or a performance programmed chip. any ideas on that?

Jim H. · 08-14-2003, 09:55 AM

What's snow?

Shaker Dan · 08-14-2003, 10:04 AM

I could not even imagine trying to drive the car in snow. It is bad enough in the rain. Hopefully I will have a 4X4 again soon.

jbrad88 · 08-14-2003, 10:55 AM

Snow???

Totoland Mach · 08-14-2003, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by John and Renae
Snow???

Looks like 'dis

Oh4aMach1 · 08-14-2003, 11:39 AM

Richard,

Looks like the Shaker got clogged....

Ralph Greene · 08-14-2003, 11:39 AM

My Mach does fine in the Florida snow.

Sodbuster · 08-14-2003, 08:52 PM

Yeah I know its hard to believe, but we actually do have snow here in Az. At least in some parts. Back in March we took a road trip to Prescott Az. and I ran into a pretty good snow storm. The Mach handled it expertly with the TC on with about 2" on the ground and then later when it turned to slush. No problems at all. A few pics will follow.
Tim

Sodbuster · 08-14-2003, 09:04 PM

One more pic.

jbrad88 · 08-14-2003, 09:10 PM

I do not envy you folks that have to deal with snow. I grew up in it, and although it was fun as a kid, and especially around the xmas holiday, now I am too happy to be able to drive the car 12 months out of the year without all that nasty stuff on the ground. All I have to worry about is massive flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes...

cool pics everyone...

Jim H. · 08-15-2003, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sodbuster
Yeah I know its hard to believe, but we actually do have snow here in Az. At least in some parts. Back in March we took a road trip to Prescott Az. and I ran into a pretty good snow storm. The Mach handled it expertly with the TC on with about 2" on the ground and then later when it turned to slush. No problems at all. A few pics will follow.
Tim

Don't know about that Sodbuster.........I think it borders on abuse

Totoland Mach · 08-15-2003, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sodbuster
Yeah I know its hard to believe, but we actually do have snow here in Az. At least in some parts. Back in March we took a road trip to Prescott Az. and I ran into a pretty good snow storm. The Mach handled it expertly with the TC on with about 2" on the ground and then later when it turned to slush. No problems at all. A few pics will follow.
Tim

Sodbuster: thanks for the pics! I have heard nothing but bad remarks about Mustangs and snow driving (including my neighbor who has a '98 convert). Good to see it can be done with a little care and the TC on.

Sodbuster · 08-15-2003, 10:38 AM

Actually I live in Peoria which is a suburb of Phx. We never have snow and I have only driven in it once before with poor results. So when it started snowing I was scared shi*****. My car only had 2000 miles on it. Trust me , I was being careful !

2003_shaker · 08-15-2003, 10:39 AM

Mach in the snow? Not me.

I have a Quattro Audi with Bridgestone Blizzaks for that (awesome in the snow).

I do have a friend, though, who put Blizzaks on his '97 Cobra and apparently did ok.

Totoland Mach · 08-15-2003, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andy Burkholder
Mach in the snow? Not me.

I have a Quattro Audi with Bridgestone Blizzaks for that (awesome in the snow).

I do have a friend, though, who put Blizzaks on his '97 Cobra and apparently did ok.

Andy: Now that's a winter combo! Quattro with Blizzaks! I tried a set several years ago on a Audi Turbo 5000 and could not believe the traction...unreal (but, boy do they wear fast).

08-11-2003, 05:21 PM	#1
Oh4aMach1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lowell, IN Posts: 12	Snow Driving What's everyone's experience in driving the '03 Mach 1 in winter conditions? My brother-in-law has a 5.0 and said it's impossible to do. Does the traction control help any in the '03? Thanks.

08-11-2003, 05:24 PM	#2
03mach1 Admin/Founder Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cuba, NY Posts: 6,805	Are you just nuts? Traction control should help to a certain extent along with good 'TRUE' snow tires. I Drive a 2 Wheel Drive truck ext. Cab - V8 with good snow tires, and the winters around WNY are not easy.!!! You just can't go 80 MPH with 6"+ of snow on the ground, but never got stuck. Close a few times, but with the momentum of the truck...it just plowed thru. Oh, yeh, some 200lbs of sand tube in the rear also help. __________________ David J. Wagner Founder/Admin Member #0001 http://www.Mach1Registry.com http://www.Mach1Performance.org Amsoil T-1 Certified Independant Dealer Member, MCA '03 Mach 1, '08 V6 WIP, 76 Cobra II VIN#301788

08-11-2003, 05:34 PM	#3
TRMach1 Once Bitten-Twice Shy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Castle, Delaware USA Posts: 3,370	I drove mine last winter through some of the worst snow we've had in years, I had absolutely no trouble at all. __________________ Mach1Registry.com Member #7 MCA Member #52787 Nice to meet you, my name's Jim 03 Torch Red Mach 1, 5-speed, IUP *Sold on July 21st 2012!* 2011 Shelby GT500, Ebony Black, Silver Stripes, 6-speed 550hp 510tq Purchased July 23, 2012!

08-11-2003, 05:54 PM	#4
Mikestang Parrot Head Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: H204D,NY AMERICA F YEA ! Posts: 4,894	Not me I had the displeasure of driving my 00 Gt in a snow storm and the car would not move with the T\C on I have never tried after market snows on a stang or the T-bird I had before the 00GT. I just dont like RWD and a V-8 for the snow __________________ Mikestang 03 MACH1 Torch Red #274 Built 11/14/02 Home 12/07/02 Payed off 09/17/07 MRT powershift, W\Hurst T-handle, Painted hood stripe, AFS 10.5 and 9.0 Crome Mach 1Wheels, Ford GT Coil Covers. "If She had a set a wings, Man I know She could fly " 2011 Kona Blue Metalic Mustang GT Premium 5.0 Rolling on 19s "2011 Will Be Known As The Year They Perfected The Mustang " 06 Victory Kingpin With more mods than I can list http://home.roadrunner.com/~crazyhorse/

08-11-2003, 05:56 PM	#5
Tony Alonso Mustang Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 5,509	I've driven in the snow (no more than 4-5 inches deep max) and had no trouble with the stock tires, 140lbs of sand in the trunk, and TC. I actually have driven the other 3 Mustangs I had without TC and got around. Ice is a different story... __________________ Tony Alonso '03 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Coupe Black (code UA) w/o IUP, 5-speed VIN 388409, Built ??/??/???? Delivered 7/12/2019 w/122,696 miles

08-11-2003, 06:03 PM	#6
davecrazy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bayonne, NJ Posts: 174	I broke the rear end lose on wet pavement this morning in 2nd gear....the TC saved me from losing it and sideswiping a semi. My focus plowed through the 2 foot+ blizzard we had last winter with no problems, no way am I taking the mach out in the snow. When I had my v6 mustang I put 200lbs of sand in the trunk and it still was nerve racking... __________________ DSG 03 Mach 1 - ordered May 16 2002. 447220 sleeping in the garage

08-11-2003, 06:28 PM	#7
badjoey former mach1 owner Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: bradford,pa Posts: 2,495	thank god for the f250 4wd the mach1 is staying out of the snow. i'd never make it to the end of my street with or without t/c

08-11-2003, 06:48 PM	#8
Totoland Mach Wax-a-holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 2,436	snow is for taking the wheels off the Mach to paint the calipers (Red) and the nasty rotor area black. That's what my UJT's are for ... nasty weather.

08-11-2003, 10:07 PM	#9
Golions Motown Muscle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Temperance, MI Posts: 468	Snow / Winter driving, WTF? That is what F150's were made for, my Mach doesn't even see rain. All that said, good luck to you guys braving old man winter and remember, don't accelerate through the curves. GiddyUp! :THUMBSUP: __________________ Azure Blue (L5) Build Date: 04-04-03 Delivery Date: 05-01-03 Delivery Miles: 5.9 VIN#410274

08-12-2003, 12:41 AM	#10
musicalmerlin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hollis, NH Posts: 307	In a word, NO I was originally planning on driving it through the winter, but I think I'm just going to stretch it's muscles on very clear days when the roads are all fine. I still need to find a good front wheel drive beater for the narsty weather tho. __________________ 2003 AB Mach 1 5spd IUP (sold February 2010) 2003 TR Mach 1 5spd IUP (sold September 2005) Wishing I had one or the other back...

08-12-2003, 02:21 AM	#11
MikeMach1 - Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 468	isn't it possible to make a chip for it where it would cripple the low end power or something, so it isn't a huge burst of power and decrease the cars low end power making it more stable in the wet stuff? I know that may sound like insane to some, but for those surprise snow storms in the winter in the NE, it could help for those 2-3 months keeping the car on the road, and when it starts warming up again, slap in the old chip or a performance programmed chip. any ideas on that?

08-14-2003, 09:55 AM	#12
Jim H. Blown Away Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 2,350	What's snow?

08-14-2003, 10:04 AM	#13
Shaker Dan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Plainfield, IN Posts: 2,191	I could not even imagine trying to drive the car in snow. It is bad enough in the rain. Hopefully I will have a 4X4 again soon.

08-14-2003, 10:55 AM	#14
jbrad88 Original Owner Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,172	Snow??? __________________ JB 03 Torch Red Mach 1 21 FJG Mach 1 Stainless Steel Systems Adrenaline Series BBK long tube headers catted x pipe 18x9 18x10- Solid Gloss Black FR5's Nitto 555 g2 275/35r18's 285/35r18 MGW Shifter With Mach1 Shift Knob 4.10's & 31 spline Mosers and 31 Spline Posi Steeda Sport Springs Tokiko Illuminas J@M weight Jacker LCA's J@M Rear UCA's J@M Braided steel brake lines Eibach Sway Bars

08-14-2003, 11:39 AM	#16
Oh4aMach1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lowell, IN Posts: 12	Richard, Looks like the Shaker got clogged....

08-14-2003, 11:39 AM	#17
Ralph Greene Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Longwood Fl Posts: 3,724	My Mach does fine in the Florida snow. __________________ Ralph Greene SOLD 03 Mach 1 (Torch Red) 5 Speed Manual Real Ford FR 500 18X9 Wheels 255X40X18 Michelin Tires Steeda Sport Springs (isolators in) Tokico HP Struts/Shocks Steeda 4 bolt CC Plates Poly Offset Steering Rack Bushings Steeda TriAx Shifter Magnaflow X/Cats Bassani Catback with Removable Baffles

08-14-2003, 08:52 PM	#18
Sodbuster Road racer wannabe Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 882	Snow driving Yeah I know its hard to believe, but we actually do have snow here in Az. At least in some parts. Back in March we took a road trip to Prescott Az. and I ran into a pretty good snow storm. The Mach handled it expertly with the TC on with about 2" on the ground and then later when it turned to slush. No problems at all. A few pics will follow. Tim Attached Thumbnails __________________ 2003 DSG 5 speed w/ IUP Performance mods : Flowmaster Delta 40's H and R SS springs Tokico Illuminas MM c and c plates Bridgestone Potenza's (4th set of tires ) Hawk pads K and N CAI MM full length sub frame connectors FRPP 4.10 gears Diablo Predator tune

08-14-2003, 09:04 PM	#19
Sodbuster Road racer wannabe Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 882	One more pic. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 2003 DSG 5 speed w/ IUP Performance mods : Flowmaster Delta 40's H and R SS springs Tokico Illuminas MM c and c plates Bridgestone Potenza's (4th set of tires ) Hawk pads K and N CAI MM full length sub frame connectors FRPP 4.10 gears Diablo Predator tune

08-14-2003, 09:10 PM	#20
jbrad88 Original Owner Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,172	I do not envy you folks that have to deal with snow. I grew up in it, and although it was fun as a kid, and especially around the xmas holiday, now I am too happy to be able to drive the car 12 months out of the year without all that nasty stuff on the ground. All I have to worry about is massive flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes... cool pics everyone... __________________ JB 03 Torch Red Mach 1 21 FJG Mach 1 Stainless Steel Systems Adrenaline Series BBK long tube headers catted x pipe 18x9 18x10- Solid Gloss Black FR5's Nitto 555 g2 275/35r18's 285/35r18 MGW Shifter With Mach1 Shift Knob 4.10's & 31 spline Mosers and 31 Spline Posi Steeda Sport Springs Tokiko Illuminas J@M weight Jacker LCA's J@M Rear UCA's J@M Braided steel brake lines Eibach Sway Bars

08-15-2003, 10:38 AM	#23
Sodbuster Road racer wannabe Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 882	Actually I live in Peoria which is a suburb of Phx. We never have snow and I have only driven in it once before with poor results. So when it started snowing I was scared shi*****. My car only had 2000 miles on it. Trust me , I was being careful ! __________________ 2003 DSG 5 speed w/ IUP Performance mods : Flowmaster Delta 40's H and R SS springs Tokico Illuminas MM c and c plates Bridgestone Potenza's (4th set of tires ) Hawk pads K and N CAI MM full length sub frame connectors FRPP 4.10 gears Diablo Predator tune

08-15-2003, 10:39 AM	#24
2003_shaker Mach On! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 623	Mach in the snow? Not me. I have a Quattro Audi with Bridgestone Blizzaks for that (awesome in the snow). I do have a friend, though, who put Blizzaks on his '97 Cobra and apparently did ok. __________________ The Mach 1 Nut formerly known as Andy Burkholder 2003 Mach 1 2004 S4 2001 TT 225 Roadster

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