Potential Sky RL Owner here with Questions

[Mercury83]

Hi everyone! I've been a Ford Mustang owner since 2004. Since that time, I've owned an '03, an '07, and most recently a '11 Ford Mustang (all v6 models). I've owned mustangs due to the immense aftermarket modding potential. My favorite is obviously the car I'm driving now, the 2011 mustang (305 hp at the crank, and with steeper gears and a tune/cold air intake, these cars fly).

Anyway, I've recently become quite intrigued with the prospect of trading my car in for a Sky Redline. Power-wise, the two cars are incredibly close in terms of 0-60 and quarter mile times. There are two things that would concern me about this swap however:

1. As these cars are no longer in production, how difficult is it to procure needed parts from GM?

2. What aftermarket modding potential do these cars have? For example, a gear swap, cold air intake, and custom tune on a current generation mustang could all be done for roughly 1k. That's a lot of bang for relatively little money. Do options like these exist on these cars? Or if I'm looking to mod over time and increase power output (without having to drop an entirely new engine in it, which is incredibly cost-prohibitive), would I be better off sticking with what I have?

Thanks for any information and help you all can provide!

[Crimson Avenger]

Originally Posted by Mercury83

Hi everyone! I've been a Ford Mustang owner since 2004. Since that time, I've owned an '03, an '07, and most recently a '11 Ford Mustang (all v6 models). I've owned mustangs due to the immense aftermarket modding potential. My favorite is obviously the car I'm driving now, the 2011 mustang (305 hp at the crank, and with steeper gears and a tune/cold air intake, these cars fly).

Anyway, I've recently become quite intrigued with the prospect of trading my car in for a Sky Redline. Power-wise, the two cars are incredibly close in terms of 0-60 and quarter mile times. There are two things that would concern me about this swap however:

1. As these cars are no longer in production, how difficult is it to procure needed parts from GM?

2. What aftermarket modding potential do these cars have? For example, a gear swap, cold air intake, and custom tune on a current generation mustang could all be done for roughly 1k. That's a lot of bang for relatively little money. Do options like these exist on these cars? Or if I'm looking to mod over time and increase power output (without having to drop an entirely new engine in it, which is incredibly cost-prohibitive), would I be better off sticking with what I have?

Thanks for any information and help you all can provide!

There are many options for increasing the power output of the 2 liter engine starting with a GM provided tuning change (which retains the existing warranty coverage) through larger turbo chargers, and other kits.

The GM tuning change starts at about a couple of hundred dollars, so like most things, there's a range.

You'll find many of these projects in the performance discussion section.

Gary (roadrunner) on this forum has done extensive modifications to the engines of these cars, one enhancing the existing 4 cylinder engine, and the other swapping in a V-8... He's a great guy and I'm sure he'll be happy to chat with you about what he's done to his Skys.

So, in short, YES! There is tremendous potential to improve both the power and handling of a Sky Redline.

One thing to note that will be very different from your Mustang is the four wheel fully independent suspension.

Right now, your Mustang has a live axle at the back which is not only heavy, but also means significant un-sprung mass.

By comparison, the Sky uses a double wishbone suspension with a center mounted differential. This reduces the un-sprung mass meaning that the rear tires will stay in contact with the road better over uneven or rough surfaces. It also reduces the torque lift of one side of the axle under heavy power/torque conditions as does happens with a live axle.

My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I think also that the Redline, just like the Solstice GXP came stock with a limited slip rear differential.

Now, if you're used to V6 engines that are mostly naturally aspirated, then you may feel like the 2 liter engine has a bit less low RPM torque. And that would be correct. There is, however an advantage to a turbo system, and that is that the power being a bit lower during the first part of the acceleration (off the line before the turbo has fully spooled up), you may get easier launches which don't waste engine horse power with wheel spin.

Regarding the gears, I haven't heard too many folks talk about changing the gears since the engine and transmission are fairly tightly spaced ratios already.

If you're looking for real excitement, the manual transmission is the better choice. You can learn how to drive a manual, even if you've never driven one before. I can tell you that I was not very happy with the way the automatic shifted--It takes a great sports car and dampens the fun a bit. However, for a stop-and-go commute in heavy traffic, the automatic is definitely a plus. Tastes vary, but I prefer a manual transmission.

Parts are still available for these cars, and service can be performed by many of the GM dealerships. There are some precautions regarding the lift points, and that is worth paying attention to.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions.

Welcome to the forum.

[LenBell]

I too had mustangs; 01 V6, Premium, Auto, Convertible, 03 GT, Auto, Convertible, 11 V6, Premium, Convertible. After the 03 Mustang was a 04 Chevy SSR, after the SSR was a used O7 Sky, 2.4 Manual, 5 wks. later purchased a new 08 Sky RL, Auto, GMPP & CAI, then the new 2011 V6 Premium Convertible, 18 mos. later, traded for a 2009 Sky RL, Auto. Had the GMPP installed. I missed the performance and driving of my 08 Sky so much, that I had to have another, hence the 09. You'll see lots of mustangs, but Sky owners are rare. Still smilin'. 😃😃😃 JMO.

Len Bell
09 SkyRL, Auto, White / Tan, Blk / Tan Int.,
Chrome Wheels, Kappa Rack, Kappa Pkg,
Freeway Blaster Horn, Side Marker Directionals,
WindRestictor.

[LenBell]

Avenger, you're a long way from CA. I miss the Central Coast & WCKCC Family.

Originally Posted by Crimson Avenger

There are many options for increasing the power output of the 2 liter engine starting with a GM provided tuning change (which retains the existing warranty coverage) through larger turbo chargers, and other kits.

The GM tuning change starts at about a couple of hundred dollars, so like most things, there's a range.

You'll find many of these projects in the performance discussion section.

Gary (roadrunner) on this forum has done extensive modifications to the engines of these cars, one enhancing the existing 4 cylinder engine, and the other swapping in a V-8... He's a great guy and I'm sure he'll be happy to chat with you about what he's done to his Skys.

So, in short, YES! There is tremendous potential to improve both the power and handling of a Sky Redline.

One thing to note that will be very different from your Mustang is the four wheel fully independent suspension.

Right now, your Mustang has a live axle at the back which is not only heavy, but also means significant un-sprung mass.

By comparison, the Sky uses a double wishbone suspension with a center mounted differential. This reduces the un-sprung mass meaning that the rear tires will stay in contact with the road better over uneven or rough surfaces. It also reduces the torque lift of one side of the axle under heavy power/torque conditions as does happens with a live axle.

My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I think also that the Redline, just like the Solstice GXP came stock with a limited slip rear differential.

Now, if you're used to V6 engines that are mostly naturally aspirated, then you may feel like the 2 liter engine has a bit less low RPM torque. And that would be correct. There is, however an advantage to a turbo system, and that is that the power being a bit lower during the first part of the acceleration (off the line before the turbo has fully spooled up), you may get easier launches which don't waste engine horse power with wheel spin.

Regarding the gears, I haven't heard too many folks talk about changing the gears since the engine and transmission are fairly tightly spaced ratios already.

If you're looking for real excitement, the manual transmission is the better choice. You can learn how to drive a manual, even if you've never driven one before. I can tell you that I was not very happy with the way the automatic shifted--It takes a great sports car and dampens the fun a bit. However, for a stop-and-go commute in heavy traffic, the automatic is definitely a plus. Tastes vary, but I prefer a manual transmission.

Parts are still available for these cars, and service can be performed by many of the GM dealerships. There are some precautions regarding the lift points, and that is worth paying attention to.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions.

Welcome to the forum.

[mstrjon32]

Regarding straight-line performance, I find the Sky RL to be a bit challenging to launch from a stop. If you really want to get going quickly, you need to build up the revs to at least 2500 and come off the clutch fairly aggressively. I find the clutch engagement to be very smooth changing through the gears, but in my opinion it lacks feel for aggressive starts.

I find it much easier to drive a V8 without knackering the clutch. My DD is a CTS-V, and while I don't think it's much faster than the Sky in a straight line to 100, it's much easier to get it moving without abuse. You can smoothly come off the clutch and then just mash the gas down. Sometimes I get caught out by the Saturn when pulling into traffic because my instinct is to pull away with a roll and then accelerate hard, and the power isn't there. Obviously, though, once the turbo gets cooking, it moves along very nicely.

But, I didn't buy either car for straight-line performance. They're both brilliant in the corners, and I find the Sky to be particularly enjoyable to wind through the gears on a twisty road. Unless your only goal is drag racing (which a Mustang would be much better for, in my opinion--notice I didn't necessarily say faster), you'll love the Sky.

[warrenhotrod1]

I think the 2.0 is totaly better then the Mustang. Ford clams 90% of thier cars sold over the last 20 years are still on the road. That means only 10% made it home. F found; O on; R road; D dead.
My 2.0 runs 12.8 108mph in the 1/4. Have taken corners 50 mph with no sliding or tire noise. On curey roads, it's like driving on rails.

[rghoskins]

Originally Posted by Mercury83

Hi everyone! I've been a Ford Mustang owner since 2004. Since that time, I've owned an '03, an '07, and most recently a '11 Ford Mustang (all v6 models). I've owned mustangs due to the immense aftermarket modding potential. My favorite is obviously the car I'm driving now, the 2011 mustang (305 hp at the crank, and with steeper gears and a tune/cold air intake, these cars fly).

Anyway, I've recently become quite intrigued with the prospect of trading my car in for a Sky Redline. Power-wise, the two cars are incredibly close in terms of 0-60 and quarter mile times. There are two things that would concern me about this swap however:

1. As these cars are no longer in production, how difficult is it to procure needed parts from GM?

2. What aftermarket modding potential do these cars have? For example, a gear swap, cold air intake, and custom tune on a current generation mustang could all be done for roughly 1k. That's a lot of bang for relatively little money. Do options like these exist on these cars? Or if I'm looking to mod over time and increase power output (without having to drop an entirely new engine in it, which is incredibly cost-prohibitive), would I be better off sticking with what I have?

Thanks for any information and help you all can provide!

I'm also a former Mustang owner and went and test drove the 13 V6 because I was thinking about a new car. My car pretty much just has a tune, but I can assure you a R/L will smoke a new V6 Mustang like it's sitting still. It is the reason I didn't buy it.

[Rob the Elder]

I've had two Mustangs. A1988 GT and a 2006 GT. While I liked both cars and they were very reliable, neither could touch the SkySol for performance, looks and yes comfort. I am not particularly tall but headroom in the Fords was always problematic.

They were both good going straight ahead, but cornering was never a strength.

Out of the box the turbo kappa would always be my choice

There are many options for kappa owners. NAs with super chargers or turbos, 2.0 cars at 260, 300+ WHP with little effort. Then you can dial in what ever power level you want up to the 400 WHP range with mods to the factory motor.
LS cars take you to 460 WHP easily. Slap on a SC and strap on 600+ HP.

[MidniteBlues]

I've NEVER owned a mustang in my life and God willing never will!
BTW welcome to our little unique world..
Avenger, where the hell have you been? a rare post from a lurker...LOL

[Leppyxr2]

Test drove a 12 v6 five speed before i bought my redline, didnt much care for it, wasnt near as much fun as the redline, but it wasnt a convertible, tested alot of "sporty" cars, miata, audi a4, a few ecliples 350z , kia koupe, the stang n a few more, the sky was just so much fun and as i recall it was cheaper than most of them

[Elff]

My sister in law owns tje same Mustang you Do.
Its a really nice car. Good looks, not as brutally fast as the V8 but very quick and to my surprise, it handles extremely well, but that requires some effort and skill to really push. I like that so no issue
The Sky is just different. Smaller, more nimble and a tuned turbo with hiflo cat is very quick for a relatively small price in the upgrades to get it there.

So its a tough call. You would need to drive a sky to see if you would like it over the mustang.
Most people do but its not for everyone.
I obviously would recommend it, especially for the unique factor.

If you want to see upgrade and aftermarket options Check out
DDmworks.com
Lots of goodies