How Fast??

[tbirdman]

Last week out in the Arizona desert, I got my 2003 up to 115 before I chickened out on keeping the pedal to the metal.

I know that Ford doesn't publish top speeds, so how can I find out that the top speed is for this vehicle or at what point the governor kicks in?

[taflocks]

Re: How Fast??

i think top is 140 but i would have no idea.............even david a has gone faster than me........my top was 80mph

[Take Flight]

Re: How Fast??

110 is as high as I got her. I cut back because the governor on the Mustang shuts it down at around 130-140 mph (I believe) so I was afraid on a non-performance car like the 'Bird, it might shut down way before that.

[5bird7]

Re: How Fast??

Do a search here. Think several have had theirs up to or over 140 and have commented that the computer seems to not let it go higher than that even though they still have more room to go on the pedal. I had mine up to 120 before I chickened out - back stretches of I80 in Wyoming last summer.

[Alan Goodman]

Re: How Fast??

Chip limited to 142 MPH per R&T and other magazine data. 142 is the limit based upon the speed rating of the factory tires. Alan

[yelobird2002]

Re: How Fast??

Thanksgiving 2002 about 5 weeks after taking delivery I was out on Interstate 40 in Amarillo about 2 p.m. and the highway looked like a ghost town. Thought to myself what better time than now to see what she will do. Three lanes to myself and beautiful weather so I put the petal to the metal. Speedo showed just shy of 145 mph so I would guess the 142 mph computer cut off is accurate. Car handled so well I had my right arm on the center console and my left elbow on the door armrest with two fingers and thumb of my left hand gently holding the steering wheel. Felt like I was only cruising around 80 mph it handled the speed so well.

[MR ZIPPY]

Re: How Fast??

125 was as fast as ive had mine and that was on a divided 4 lane. been up to 100 lots!

[shildebr]

Re: How Fast??

About 135 or so on some good straight roads. It handles great at that speed. This was done with the hardtop on and I would guess top speed is with the hardtop not the convertible top or top-less.

Fun car!

[tbirdman]

Re: How Fast??

Wow! Thanks! I'm certainly going to take it back out and go for it again and see if I am willing to get it to 140.
I was very pleased with how it was handling at 115. In fact, after driving at that speed for a few minutes, I found myself very relaxed...almost too relaxed!
Also, a buddy of mine who works for Ford says that they can hook the car up to their computer and in about 1 minute turn off the computer governor.
I wonder what it would do with no governor??

Also, I got a WARNING from a Texas DPS 15 miles east of Amarillo on I-40 for going 90. Thanks, Texas!!!!

[Ladybird02]

Re: How Fast??

3 weeks after I bought mine and 2.000 miles on the odometer, Ladybird and I met up with a long stretch of road in New Jersey. At 85 mph everyone was passing me like I was standing still...so thought what the heck, I can play this game. Got her up to 110 and she handled beautifully, so just had to try and see what she was made of! She bottomed out at 140, and still handled as if going 60 mph. Was amazing tho, had some guy right along side of me in a mustang and with a grin on his face a mile wide! (Was that you Justin? LOL) Funnest car I have ever owned!

[Ladybird02]

Re: How Fast??

Still aching for a race Todd! Ladybird02 TATDC

[yelobird2002]

Re: How Fast??

I didn't mention that yes I had the hard top on also when topped it out. Our speedometers from the factory can be as far as 2% off. Given 142 mph reading it could actually be + / - 2.84 mph or 144.84 or 139.16 mph or anywhere in-between.

[Ladybird02]

Re: How Fast??

No...Ladybird promised....she was going 140 mph!

Julie

[Chuck]

Re: How Fast??

I reached 130 and chickened out -- was messing around with a BMW Z4.

[Ladybird02]

Re: How Fast??

Gee, are the "Lady"birds braver and faster than the "Men"birds?

Julie