The commuting experience isn't a lot different whether you're running a V6 or a Cobra. Barring the worst winter months, this Mach I saw me through three years of commuting.

You really have to love your Mustang to drive it every day. I’m not talking about enjoying the performance, handling or panache of driving a Mustang, for those are there any time you choose to close the door and turn the key. What I’m talking about are the ongoing daily challenges of commuting in a pony car, regardless of age, engine size, transmission or modifications.

We all know that V6-powered Mustangs make up the largest part of the fleet and were it not for those Mustangs being bought up by folks with little aspiration to be weekend warriors, the Mustang might have suffered the same on-again, off-again fate which has troubled the Camaro.

Now, that doesn’t mean that V8 Mustangs aren’t on the road from Monday to Friday by any means and those who choose to drive their GTs every day should receive a medal for their persistence and sacrifice in doing so – just like every daily V6 driver should.

The experience, however, can be far from sweetness and glory. I have spent a number of years making a 60 to 90 minute commute (each way) in city traffic, in both V6 and V8 Mustangs, and there is little long term difference between the two situations. If that surprises you, consider this: What happens around you in commuting traffic does not change according to the number of cylinders under your hood.

In fact, most everyone around you couldn’t tell the difference between a GT500 and a Trabant – nor do they care much either. For the most part, people that do annoying things in traffic would do exactly the same thing whether you were there in a brand new Shelby or a beat up minivan. It’s not personal; it’s just stupidity, inattention and incompetence.

However, there are three types of hazards that you must know of, or have already experienced, that need to be recognized as clear and present dangers to the ongoing enjoyment of your ride.

The City Racer – Some days, it seems like everybody with ‘sport wheels’ on their minivan, SUV or family sedan, needs to show you that their vehicle is better than yours. I have had a soccer mom with an occupied baby seat in her minivan blow the doors off my 2003 Mach I in an undeclared stoplight contest. So be it. It’s not a competition I needed to bolster my ego anyway.

Another time, some guy in a new Cadillac SUV thought he could do the same thing one day and got bitch-slapped for his effort. It didn’t matter. He kept on going well past the speed limit, after I had backed off when the point had been made. Well, at least I thought it had been made.

Most everyone around you couldn't tell the difference between a GT500 and a Trabant - nor do they care much either.

The Sniper – This is a tight subset of the City Racer, most often identified by many stickers on the car, as well as writing in a language that the owner can neither read nor speak. Both more clever and less secure at the same time, this street combatant knows that regardless of what engine your Mustang has, he can’t beat you in a straight up match.

So, to support his fragile ego and bring home another “kill” story, he’ll hang back for an appropriate time to pass you at speed, usually crowding your lane at the same time, then take an immediate right turn to avoid any further confrontation. There isn’t a lot you can do about such scumbags, other than to laugh at their frustration with life.

This is the most dangerous type of idiot simply because they don’t know when to give up . Ignoring them only spurs them to greater efforts to distract your attention and acknowledge their presence. You are not likely to do well by taking them on at their own game, either.

There is no self-evident best strategy for this kind of buffoon, but patiently ignoring them may work if they end up running outside of their “territory.” Pulling over and letting them move on to the next victim may also work. Just remember, it is far more important to get these loose cannons out of your lifesphere than it is to extract some kind of victory by playing their game better.

Wouldn't it be nice if all commutes looked like this? For some lucky people, they do. Then, there's the rest of us.

Are these road hazards unique to Mustang drivers? Probably not. Anyone with a nice car is likely to run across this kind of harassment. It is a sad commentary, but some days it is hard to enjoy driving a nice ride, because there are idiots that simply don’t want you to. Added to the regular driving hazards of people on their cell phones or texting War and Peace to their friends, or lighting a smoke and drinking coffee at the same time, or not signaling or putting on makeup or… well, you get the idea.

If you drive your Mustang every day, and I don’t care what year, engine, color or condition it is in, then you are a hero of mine. You, my friend, are a rock star in the Mustang world.

Part of making big power is having the proper means of putting the power to the pavement.  It goes without saying that a stock clutch isn’t going to handle making nearly three times more horsepower, but when it comes to clutches that can handle the power, drivability starts to become the gray area. That area can now look a little more blue thanks to Centerforce and their DYAD twin disk clutch technology.

Cameron Prause, the Southern California owner of this sweet ‘Stang, built the ride up to make sure that it’s performance matched its smooth looks. The 2006 GT’s 4.6-liter engine had previously been overhauled with a forged Cobra crankshaft, forged Manley H-beam connecting rods and pistons to make sure the internals were strong enough for the polished 2.6-liter Kenne Bell supercharger that would sit on top.

Complimenting the Kenne Bell installation were Ford Racing cams, an AFCO dual pass heat exchanger, 60 pound fuel injectors, GT500 fuel pump and American Racing long tubes. When all was completed and tuned, the end results were impressive to say the least. On an engine dyno, the modified V8 pounded out 650 peak horsepower and 610 ft-lb of torque.

This SoCal Stang was packing more power that it's updated clutch could handle. We found an easy solution using the DYAD dual disk clutch from Centerforce.

When installed back in the Mustang, an aftermarket clutch was added to the otherwise stock drivetrain, but it wasn’t long after that when the troubles started. Getting power to the pavement depends on a number of components doing their job right, but just like a chain, it can only be as strong as the weakest link.

The Mustang runs a staggered tire setup, with 20 x 8-inch Bose forged alloy wheels in front and 10-inch wide versions out back. Shod with massive 285/30ZR20 BF Goodrich KDW tires, the back end was doing its part in getting the power through. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the single plate clutch began slipping on hard acceleration and something needed to be done.

The Dual Disk Phenomenon

Dual disk clutches first found application in the contemporary Shelby GT500. Previously reserved for use on ultra high performance vehicles, the benefits of the dual disc design apply equally to hard charging Mustangs. Offering higher torque handling capacity without an equal increase in pedal effort, the dual design also maintains smooth engagement and driver control. “We first started building twin disc clutches in the 1980s, but the problem was, there wasn’t many street cars during this era that produced enough power to need a twin disc clutch,” said Will Baty of Centerforce. “Now vehicles come with 400 horsepower from the factory and now weigh a lot more, so the demand resurfaced.”

The DYAD Clutch components include (L to R) the pressure plate, floating clutch disc, floater plate, drive clutch disc and flywheel. With the smaller diameter clutch components, the flywheel can be lightened with extra holes.

The design approach is rather simple, needing only a small increase in mechanical complexity to achieve these benefits. A standard, single plate clutch works by squeezing the clutch disc that is attached to the transmission, between the engine flywheel and the clutch’s pressure plate. The clutch disc has friction material on both sides and the ultimate torque handling capacity depends on that material plus the clamping force that can be generated by the pressure plate.

Getting more torque capacity is a balancing act of epic proportions and some pretty extreme measures have been taken in the past. Changing the friction material can yield better results, even to the extent of using sintered iron pads, but the impact on drivability is extreme. This is a competition-only solution. “When you are making over 500-600 horsepower, people should start considering a twin disc clutch,” explained Baty.  “Most people don’t stop there and want to make even more power, and the DYAD will handle virtually anything you can throw at it.”

Increasing the contact area between the clutch disc and the flywheel is another approach, but physical limitations exist, so this can only go so far. Keeping the weight of rotating components low is a priority as well. If the clamping force is increased. typically by using stronger springs in the pressure plate, the pedal effort to release the clutch increases as well.

Pins on the driven clutch disc connect with the floating clutch disc, so that they turn as one, but can float up and down as the pressure plate engages.

Once we throw away the idea of only being able to have one clutch disc, a whole new world of possibilities opens up. First, with two clutch discs, we now have four friction surfaces to work with. Clamping forces can be reduced since they are applied to four surfaces, so pedal effort no longer requires steroid injections in your left leg. “A single disc can hold the power in a lot of circumstances, they just don’t hold it for very long,” said Baty. ” With a twin disc, you have twice the material and surface area to distribute that power.”

The arrangement of components is only a little more complex, as shown in the diagram. The pressure plate is almost unchanged, except it is deeper to handle the extra clutch disc and floater plate. The two clutch discs are connected by drive pins and the floater  plate sits between them. The drive pins allow the clutch discs to turn as one, but lets them move axially to release their grip and to accommodate disc wear. “We wanted to go with a positive drive floater type clutch system because it’s already a proven technology that we see in Top Fuel cars,” mentioned Baty.

Beyond all this, the overall clutch design can be more compact, using smaller diameter discs and components which reduce driveline inertia. The benefits just don’t stop coming.

Centerforce DYAD 2005-2010 Mustang Clutch PN 04114805

• Fully dampened clutch system designed for vehicles with extreme power levels
• Smooth engagement and light pedal effort
• High torque capacity – 1300 lb/ft at the flywheel
• All ARP fasteners
• Specification dyno card included

If attention to detail was ever a question in your mind with a Centerforce clutch, then you would be happy to know that every DYAD clutch comes with a certificate that tests the clutch through a wide range of pressure tests before it is sent to you.

Application and Install Notes

For our install, we turned to the folks at Centerforce and their DYAD product which is well suited for this particular pony. With a limit of 1300 ft-lb flywheel torque, this clutch wasn’t about the be overwhelmed by the supercharged engine’s output.

The Arizona company has products for all Mustang modular motor applications since 1996. Both 6-bolt (cast) and 8-bolt (forged) crankshaft variants are covered on the 4.6-liter V8, as well as the 2006-2009 supercharged 5.4-liter GT500 engine and now the 2011+ 5.0-liter engine as well.

Installation, as we’ll see in the accompanying photos, is virtually no different than for a standard, single disc clutch and is a direct bolt-in replacement for the original clutch. No special modifications are required. Swing by the powerTV garage now as we perform a little clutch swapping exercise.

The driveshaft is next to come out. The two-piece factory shaft has already been replaced with this one-piece aluminum shaft. The front end has already been removed from the transmission, which has a flanged input shaft, so you don't have to worry about fluid leakage.

An impact gun and socket extension will make removing the pinion flange bolts a lot easier. They are 12mm, 12-point bolts, so make sure you have the correct socket available. You can get these bolts out by hand, bit it will take some effort.

Before loosening the transmission crossmember, you'll want to have removed the bellhousing and starter bolts. A long extension (or two) and universal joint from your socket set will help a lot here. Be sure to support the transmission before removing the crossmember bolts.

With the transmission supported, you can slide it back carefully to remove. Take your time and get another set of hands if needed. You have to disengage the transmission input shaft from the flywheel pilot bearing before the front end will be free. A light hand here will avoid a bent input shaft.

Well, we got to this job just in time. As you can see. there's precious little left of the friction material on the previous clutch.

The flywheel isn't looking a lot better either. Luckily, we'll be replacing it with a new one. This forged Cobra crankshaft uses eight bolts to hold the flywheel, while a regular GT motor has six here.

Be sure to use some threadlocker on the new bolts when installing the replacement flywheel. They should be torqued down in a criss-cross fashion to avoid any possibility of warping.

Using the supplied alignment tool, the driven clutch disc is installed first. This is the one with a splined hub in the center.

Next, the floater is installed, making sure to align it with the spools on the flywheel. After that, the floating clutch disc goes on, connecting with the drive pins from the other clutch disc.

Now, the pressure plate can be installed and fastened to the flywheel. Again, use a torque wrench and multi-stage tightening in a criss-cross pattern to avoid misaligning or warping any of the parts. Getting the transmission back in will be about as challenging as getting it out, so take your time and fund some extra help if needed. Getting too brutish here could be quite unrewarding.

After putting the rest of the car back together, go back over all your work one more time to make sure you've left nothing out. Double check all wiring and mechanical connections before the key goes anywhere near the ignition switch. You'll almost certainly be glad you did.

This Pony is ready to rock. Getting power to the pavement will be a lot easier now, so long as the rest of your drivetrain is up to the job.

Results That Shout for Themselves

Short and simple, the first time out after break in with the new Centerforce DYAD clutch installed, getting that 610 ft-lb of torque past the clutch was no problem at all. “For breaking the clutch in, I recommend 500 normal and easy miles,” Baty recommends. “Try to keep away from full throttle runs.  You don’t want to generate a lot of heat, but you want to seat that friction material in by bedding that material into all the metal surfaces in that clutch.” Unfortunately, passing that motive force through the stock transmission became the next challenge. As you’ll see in the photo, the transmission’s input shaft surrendered in a pretty spectacular fashion as a result.

Installing a high torque clutch can be helpful in finding the next weak link in the drivetrain. In this case, it was the input shaft on the factory transmission, which was never designed to handle the torque this engine was supplying.

Swapping that carnage out for a GT500 six-speed gearbox resolved the torque limit issue and a Powerhouse one-piece aluminum driveshaft looks after connecting the gearbox to the GT’s rear axle. All in all, this Mustang now delivers on the promise that its good looks make. The chatter that we previously experienced with the original clutch is completely gone, plus the need to have a strong left leg to push it the clutch pedal in is no longer needed.

Centerforce’s DYAD technology really does work.  The twin disc design doubles the surface area available for the engine to transmit its power, which allows Centerforce to reduce the harshness of materials used; this is what makes this clutch last while harnessing tons of power.  The drive lug design locks both clutch discs together and completely eliminates chatter and clutch noise.  No longer was the clutch the weak link in this drivetrain and we paid the price of a broken input shaft when all the power was actually transmitted to the rear wheels.

It is a bit amazing that the Centerforce clutch can handle this amount of torque because it drives exactly like a stock Mustang – now your girlfriend can take it to work without the worrying about a cloud of clutch smoke following her.  Looking to make more power down the road?  No problem, this clutch will take it while laughing at you to bring more. An admirable balance of show and go have been built up and that makes this pony a smooth operator.

Being able to read a wider range of air fuel ratios as the engine is operating is a vital diagnostic tool. Air/fuel logging is often used for dyno tuning, in order to build ideal fuel maps for engine performance, so having the same kind of capability on board your ride can be a useful addition.

Innovate Motorsports is a leader in the market when it comes to delivering this capability and making it fast, accurate and easy to use. These are easy words for anyone to say, but the fact is that how Innovate obtains its data from the sensor is different from what other companies do. Innovate’s DirectDigital technology results in easier calibration, internal drift compensation, fast response time, as well as sensor feedback that verifies the condition of the sensor itself.

Project 666 is our 1986 5.0 Fox-body Mustang which has recently undergone a number of upgrades, including a new 427ci engine, so it made a lot of sense to keep a close eye on things as we're looking to take this car to a few PSCA races this season.

The latest product from Innovate is their MTX-L all in one gauge, which only needs power, ground and a signal from the supplied wideband sensor. “We have taken our wideband technology that is in our LC-1 and integrated inside the gauge,” said Cort Charles of Innovate Motorsports. “That eliminates multiple components to set it up and it also makes the data faster, since the wideband controller is built into the gauge now.” In addition to providing an easy to read, dual analog/digital display, the waterproof gauge allows for connection to data loggers or an electronic engine control system that uses an air fuel ratio signal.

Product Information

Innovate Motorsports’ MTX-L: Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge

• The only 100% digital wideband air/fuel ratio technology
• Water Resistant 52mm (2 1/16”) round dash-mountable casing
• Built-in Direct Digital™ Wideband Controller simplifies installation
• Wideband O2 Sensor is compatible with all fuel types, including Leaded, Unleaded, Diesel, Methanol, E85
• Ability to calibrate O2 sensor for increased accuracy
• Two 0-5v fully programmable linear analog outputs for use with engine management systems and external dataloggers
• Interchangeable faceplates and bezels
• Large digital readout and programmable needle style gauge
• Datalog using LogWorks on your PC

Installing the Goods

There’s an old saying that goes, “The less you got, the less you got to go wrong,” and the inherent simplicity of the Innovate product goes a long way to making installation a breeze. Particularly when running a competition vehicle, the last thing you want to do is add something that could lead to more headaches.

A one-time calibration of the oxygen sensor is required, but it’s a simple process. It’s probably best to do this before installing the sensor in your exhaust system. Fully explained in the Startup Guide, the process is as simple as powering up the gauge without the sensor connected for 30 seconds, then turning it off. Now, connect the sensor and power up the gauge once more. After about a minute, it will start displaying air fuel ratio values and the calibration is complete.

“We still believe in free air calibration for our meters,” explained Charles. ” The Bosch sensor that is used in this kit (and most competitors kits) can vary up to .5 of an air/fuel ratio point after 1000 hours of use on a factory-type vehicle.  Now, combine that with a high race application, that cuts down the time before that problem surfaces.”  With free air calibration, you have the ability to recalibrate that sensor until it expires. Follow along with us now as Project 666 gets a whole new information source.

When you lay out the pieces, this is what comes with the MTX-L product. The primary components are the gauge itself and the oxygen sensor. Not shown here is the 'bung' that gets welded, if needed, into the exhaust system to accept the oxygen sensor. Interchangeable faceplates, the gauge bezel and cabling with OEM-grade connectors are also supplied.

If the exhaust system in your ride doesn't already have provision for an oxygen sensor, you'll have to drill and weld in the fitting that the sensor will screw into. First, it has to be ahead of any catalytic converters, if installed. Ideally, it should also be in a collector, so that the sensor will read a mix of the individual cylinder variations. "Most people think you need to place a wideband sensor as close to the engine as possible and that is just not true," explained Charles. "Think about how fast that exhaust gas is exiting the engine; we are talking milliseconds it takes for exhaust to travel through the piping. Putting it three feet back or in an X-pipe isn’t going to effect the reading anyway."

Finding a suitable location and mounting the gauge is the next task. The MTX-L uses a standard 2-1/16" mounting hole. The supplied sensor cable is eight feet long, which should be fine for most uses, but there is an optional eighteen foot cable available.

Here's the easy part. Connect the red wire to power and the black wire to ground. The white wire should be spliced into a headlight power wire to enable gauge dimming at night. Unless you're using datalogging or an ECU interface, you're done with the wiring now.

After routing and plugging the sensor cable into the sensor, we're ready to button up this installation.

Conclusion

Innovate Motorsports makes a big deal of their digital technology and it shows through in this application. Wiring is simple, installation is quick and easy, and the chore of calibrating the system is almost trivial. With its ability to provide output signals, even more sophisticated applications are possible, whether datalogging or interfacing to an engine management system. “We understand there are a lot of other performance vehicles out there besides automotive, so that is why we made the MTX-L waterproof so you can even put it on any sort of powersports vehicles,” said Charles.

With its ability to cover all kinds of fuels, including leaded, unleaded, diesel, methanol, E85 and propane, you’re covered for most future possibilities. Air/fuel management is one thing that can help improve both performance and reliability. Getting it all in one package from Innivate Motorsports, for about $200, make this a no-brainer addition to most any high performance vehicle.

Monitoring your engine’s air/fuel ratio (AFR) is one of the most important sensors from a tuning and safety stand point. It can be so critical to a tuner, that they will stick an O2 sensor in every header primary to monitor each cylinder individually.  Now, this is overboard for most street cars, which leads us to the newest product from AEM Electronics, the X-WIFI.

The availability of wideband oxygen sensors has made monitoring AFR more accurate than ever before. The latest sensors from Bosch Electronics are said to be accurate to plus or minus .1 AFR units. Before this contemporary technology emerged, the same kind of work was done by measuring exhaust gas temperatures (EGT).  Merge that with the latest in gauge technology you have the ability to monitor a single channel air/fuel ratio and dual channel EGTs… all wirelessly from your phone!

The AEM X-WIFI wirelessly streaming air/fuel and EGT data directly from our iPhone, though the X-WIFI will work with any phone that can connect to a network with internet capability. The X-WIFI is supplied with a Bosch oxygen sensor, exhaust bung, sensor cable, control module, data cable and wiring supplies.

Typically air/fuel ratios will hover around the 14.7:1 AFR mark under cruising and idling.  This is the ideal ratio that it takes to cleanly burn all the fuel and air in the combustion chamber, resulting in the cleanest emissions and best gas mileage.  Now, under wide open throttle those ratios can change from around 13:1 for naturally aspirated combinations to 11.5:1 for forced induction.  But EGTs are an important part too…

So, how hot should your EGT be? Well, that depends on way too many factors to make any kind of general statement. Ideally, you’d monitor the temperature output from the leanest cylinder, find the highest EGT and dial in the appropriate amount of fuel. Handling this kind of tuning on a dyno will give you a good idea of how much more fuel to use.

The availability of wideband oxygen sensors, however, has pretty much made EGT-based tuning less critical for a typical street/strip car, but it can still be helpful for monitoring the engine on a cylinder by cylinder basis. Regardless, some people prefer the belt and suspenders approach, so a new product from AEM Electronics gives you the choice to monitor AFR, or AFR and EGT at the same time.

Product Information

AEM X-WiFi: Wireless Real-Time Engine Data Monitoring PN # 30-2320

• No free air calibration required
• Ideal AFR monitoring tool for EFI and carbureted applications, and engine dynamometers
• No laptop or dedicated display required for monitoring
• Includes Bosch 4.2 sensor for optimum accuracy and reliability
• Accurate to 0.1 AFR
• Optional EGT sensors sold separately
• 0-5v analog outputs included (AFR, EGT1, EGT2) for use with data loggers and virtually any engine management system
• Serial data stream included for output of AFR and EGTs via USB cable
• Detects AFR sensor problems and outputs error values which can be used to deactivate feedback
• Reads EGTs from 0-1800F

The Wireless World Arrives

There are more than a few AFR gauge kits around, but the move to digital technology is defining what new products will do. The AEM X-WIFI is based on the Bosch 4.2 oxygen sensor that plugs into the supplied controller module. The Bosch sensor must be installed in the exhaust system, either by replacing an existing sensor, or welding the supplied threaded collar to the exhaust system, ahead of any catalytic converters.

The control module itself only needs power and ground connections and can be mounted anywhere inside the vehicle. The optional EGT sensors are K-type thermocouples and will need to be installed close to an exhaust port on either side of the engine.

The X-WIFI connects to any phone that can pick up a wireless connection, though you cannot surf the web as normal when connected to the AEM. You simply enter the X-WiFI's URL into the address bar and it will load the tuner. For the iPhone, you can turn it on its side and zoom into a specific senor you might want to view over a run.

The module does provide a USB output so data can be monitored and recorded using a laptop computer, but it is not necessary to do so. If you have any kind of WiFi-equipped device that runs a web browser, you can also view the data with that. “At its core, the X-WIFI UEGO Controller is a networking device, so it will look for WiFi signals to connect to whether they are phones, computers, etc,” said John Romero of AEM Electronics. “It will connect with any device that is on an ad hoc network, and can connect to older devices and devices on an infrastructure network with a standard router.”

So, if you already have a mount for your smart phone in the car, there is little else to do but dial in the signal from the control module. When we asked Romero about going with a WiFi signal versus Bluetooth he responded, “There really isn’t any difference. The refresh rate is about the same. Plus, you are only transmitting the data for three channels, which is not significant enough to slow down the rate of transmission of this information.” Rather than having to molest your car’s pristine interior to mount a gauge, this provides a clean and easily reversible alternative.

Installation

Our test vehicle of choice happened to be our 2011 Mustang project, “Wild E. Coyote,”  and it features a Vortech supercharger and JPC header-back exhaust system that pumps out 600 horsepower to the rear wheels, however the X-WIFI will work on any gas powered vehicle.  Making this much power at the wheels on 91 octane made monitoring our EGTs and air/fuel ratios a necessity. While the new Mustangs do come with factory-installed wide band O2 sensors, there is no real way to efficiently monitor them, which is why we installed the X-WIFI.

The first thing you want to figure out is where you want to mount the wideband sensor. Remember that the sensor needs to sit at about a 10 o'clock position. We mounted it in the X-pipe to get an even mixture of both cylinders. "For non-boosted applications, the O2 sensor should be at least 18-inches downstream from the exhaust port," said Romero. "For cars with a turbo, high heat or if you plan to run race gas, we recommend installing it at least 36-inches downstream of the exhaust port. On a turbo car, you must install it after the turbocharger or the pressure differential will skew the accuracy of the unit."

Next the bung is TIG welded onto the X-pipe off of the car. AEM includes a mild steel sensor bung but we opted for a stainless version.

The EGT sensors are tapped into cylinder four and eight, which are typically the leanest sensors on a V8 engine. They are plumbed three inches from the exhaust port on each side and it is important to get both sensors located the same distance from the cylinder head; a matter of one inch could be over 100 degrees different. "We have a few suggestions for installing the EGT sensors that depend on what you want to see," said Romero. "For individual cylinder EGT, we suggest one to two inches from the exhaust port. If you want to see the turbine inlet temperature, we suggest mounting them two to three inches from the turbine inlet. For cylinder bank EGT, we recommend mounting them in the header collectors. If you are logging two banks, and I’m guessing almost anyone reading this will be, it’s important to install both thermocouples at the same distance from the port with the same tip depth, in a same diameter tube so that your readings don’t vary because of installation differences between the two sensors."

The EGT sensors have short pigtails and must be used with AEM's harness extension kit. The wires connect with a small nut and bolt and secured with shrink wrap. Make sure the metal ends of the sensor wiring aren't touching when you finish it with shrink wrap

To isolate the accessory wiring, we ran a simple trigger source relay under the driver's seat. This allows us to install three electronics with a maximum load of 10 amps each. There are three pre-made sensor harnesses that connect on the left side of the controller for the two EGTs and one wide/band. On the right side, a single plug contains 0-5 volt outputs for each of the sensors plus a power and ground. Since we aren't presently using the 0-5 volt signals, it was a simple power and ground switch that needed to be wired. Additionally there is a USB port that allows you to monitor and data log via a laptop.

Helping at the Track

The AEM X-WIFI helped us discover a problem at the track with our supercharged 2011 GT.  Plain and simple, weren’t getting the times that we expected.  By monitoring the air/fuel ratios during a run, we could see that the Mustang would get progressively richer during a run.  The problem in the end?  The catalytic converters were triggering an over temperature fault that forced the computer to add additional fuel to the tune.  With this problem fixed, we went three tenths and five MPH faster in the quarter mile.

Conclusion

Whether you are using the EGT option on this product or not, the WiFi capability sets it apart fom other products currently on the market. The resulting installation is simple and the ability to use a smart phone as a display means that butchering you car’s interior won’t be needed. “We made this for people who don’t want to add another gauge, but want to data log and have access to real-time readings if they desire,” explained Romero. “This way, they can mount their WiFi device in their car as a gauge, or simply connect our X-WIFI UEGO Controller to an EMS or Data Logger to log.” The bonus part is no special applications need to be downloaded to the phone for the X-WIFI to work. It is a clever and elegant solution based on innovative design.

Photos: ROUSH Performance

As this weekend’s Watkins Glen 200 draws closer, some interesting things are coming to light. A new entry in the GT class is being fielded by TPN Motorsports. The #11 Ford Mustang will be driven by David Ragan and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., according to the race entry list.

Racing Today has also reported that Stenhouse Jr., let the cat out of the bag last Saturday in a press conference in Iowa.  Stenhouse is currently the Nationwide Series points leader. Both he and Ragan drive cars fielded by Roush Fenway Racing.

“We’re giving David and Ricky an opportunity to test under the GRAND-AM/Roush system,” said Roush Performance team manager Brad Francis. “Watkins Glen, where the Rolex Series runs in combination with the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, is the perfect opportunity to test the waters.”

TPN Motorsports is the organization built by veteran Grand Am racer, Tom Nastasi, who took over operations of the Blackforest Motorsports team after is founder passed away. Reportedly, the #11 car has been in the Roush-Fenway Racing shops in Concord, NC, to be prepped for this weekend’s event.

An official announcement is expected on Wednesday, perhaps with additional details. Roush’s roots in sports car racing reach back to 1982, so it will be interesting to see if The Cat in the Hat is dusting off an old and very successful hat, or not.

Photos: Mark Weber/World Challenge

Last weekend’s World Challenge event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was a tough, but rewarding one for GTS class points leader, Paul Brown, of Covina, CA. Brown took the top step of the podium in each of the weekend’s double header events.

Starting from P2 in Saturday’s race, Brown pushed his #50 Mustang Boss 302S past polesitter and defending GTS Champion, Peter Cunningham driving the #1 Acura TSX, at the start and led the entire race to the checkered flag.

“We got a really good start and PD [Cunningham] was a gentleman on the outside,” Brown said. “We went through two-wide in Turn 1 and got a little bit ahead. As soon as we got the caution, it was like ‘crap’. We knew it was going to be tough and we were hoping it wasn’t going to go that way because you don’t get the rhythm.”

Eric Foss, driving the #73 Mustang FR500S and Jason von Kluge, in the #19 Mustang FR500S,  filled out the podium steps for an all-Mustang sweep.

The win kept Brown out front in the  the Pirelli GTS Championship, with 846 points. Eric Foss follows with 774 and Utah native, Ben Crosland, is in third, with 687.

Overnight showers left the track drying as GTS qualifying ran on Sunday morning. In the end, Udell, became the youngest polesitter in World Challenge history in the #06 Momentum Autosport Chevrolet Camaro.

“It feels really, really great,” Udell said. “I have to thank my team, they worked all night to get that setup perfect today. Every lap the track got a little bit better. I was working on trying to find that dry line out there, and some of the corners were completely wet and some were dry. You had to work with what you had.”

Eric Foss would start beside Udell in the #73 Mustang FR500S, with Paul Brown one place back in his #50 Mustang BOSS 302S. Brown would have to work a lot harder to get to the front this time around. Swapping paint with Foss on lap six let Ben Crosland move ahead of the pair and into the lead, as encountered mechanical problems early on.

Crosland led for 17 laps until Brown passed him for the lead. From there, it was a repeat of the previous day’s dominant performance. Defending class champion, Peter Cunninghan, took the green next, followed by Crosland. who gained his fourth podium finish in five races.

“The race was kind of a blur,” Brown said. “There was a lot of stuff going on. I just tried to put the pressure on Eric [Foss]. I didn’t think we had a car strong enough to win today.”

The win gives Brown a commanding lead in the points tally, now showing an even 1000 points, 124 ahead of Eric Foss and 205 in front of Crosland. Four races remain in the series, which heads west for another double header at Infineon Raceway, on August 26-28. A mid-September challenge at Laguna Seca, followed by an east coast return for the Petit Le Mans weekend in October will wrap up the 12-round Pirelli World Challenge series for 2011.

Somewhere in Germany, there is a newly-built car showroom with newly refinished floors. You might wonder why the floors are refinished and, frankly, so do we. For sure, the laminated hardwood look isn’t for everyone but this might be more about adding ‘character’ than anything else.

Without any explanation, the video below was posted on YouTube. Boredom is a terrible thing – perhaps these folks need to spend more time on StangTV.com.  In the video, we can see that somebody, in a Shelby Cobra replica starts doing donuts around a column inside what appears to be a newly built commercial reception or showroom space.

A lot depends on your interpretation of the word “Wohnzimmer,” which can be taken as living room, sitting room, parlor or lounge. However you take it, the car control skills demonstrated are to be admired. While we’re not sure of the end result, there’s probably a job waiting for this person as a zamboni driver on this side of the ocean.

Photos: Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Evergreen Speedway is a multi-use track in Monroe, WA, about 25 miles north and a little east of Seattle. Like many tracks in the northwest, it runs a variety of events from NASCAR Northwest Tour to sprint cars. However, with a 7,500 person capacity covered grandstand and as much again in bleachers, this is no Mom and Pop operation.

Last month, the track hosted Round 5 of the Formula Drift series, and from the video below, it looks like they packed the stands to capacity. The facility embraced the Drift phenomenon six years ago, establishing its own series, which ran an event in conjunction with the Formula Drift series.

Of course, the Formula Drift event drew top drivers from across the country and the spectators were treated to some pretty wild competition. Vaughn Gittin Jr. was there with his Monster Energy-Falken Tire sponsored Ford Mustang and was a crowd favorite. You can follow along with his progress at the event, which gave him a Top 8 finish.

On the results, Gittin Jr. commented, “I am pumped on how my team and I performed. We were all on our game and that’s all I can ask for. Seattle is always an amazing event, and the crowd and my fans more than made up for my results.”

Issues with the current Mustang’s manual transmission have been the subject of numerous discussions on enthusiast forums since last summer. Last fall, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin to correct a condition where the clutch pedal may not return to normal. Subsequent discussions, however, indicate that the recommended repair procedure was not 100% effective.

Documents released on Sunday by the Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) of the National Highway Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveal that the government agency has opened an investigation after receiving 32 related complaints.

The purpose of the investigation is to “to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect,” according to the NTSB documents. The investigation, which will focus on model year 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs equipped with manual transmissions, may involve as many as 26,000 vehicles.

The complaints are a concern to the ODI due to reports of incidents while merging into high speed traffic and others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. At least one report alleges that the erratic shifting behavior almost caused a collision with adjacent vehicles.

The MT82 6-speed manual transmission is the result of a joint venture between Ford and Getrag of Germany. Built in China, the transmission is also used in other Ford vehicles internationally. While there may be a couple of different issues clouding the concerns reported by Mustang owners, Ford is reported to have promised full cooperation with the government investigation.

Vehicle owners who feel their car has an unresolved safety defect can file a complaint of the NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations.

As the the Pirelli World Challenge GTS class season picks up again, American muscle cars, led by the Ford Mustang, have dominated their class to this point in the season.

West coaster Paul Brown, driving the #50 Mustang Boss 302S, leads the championship battle after wins at Mosport and Long Beach. Within striking distance, however, is the #73 Mustang FR500S driven by Eric Foss,  just 23 points behind Brown. Looking for another win this weekend, it would be his first since St. Petersburg.

Making a move up the point standings with a win at Mosport – his first career victory – is Utah native, Ben Crosland, in the #25 Mustang FR500S. A former Ford Racing Mustang Challenge driver, Crosland’s win and runner-up in the doubleheader pushed him ahead of defending GTS champion Peter Cunningham , driving the #1 Acura TSX. Cunningham’s car is the highest-placed car in the GTS standings that isn’t a Mustang.

Also among the Mustang contingent this weekend is Round Two winner Jason von Kluge, in the #19 Mustang Boss 302S, Brad Adams in the #75 Mustang FR500S, Chris Waterman with his #17 Ford Mustang FR500S, George Winkler in the #27 Mustang FR500S and Richard Golinello #55 Mustang FR500S.

The World Challenge Series has been on hiatus since the double header at Mosport in late May. The Mid-Ohio gathering will also see two races run – one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Up to date results are posted on the World Challenge web site.

American Muscle has completed their V6 Mustang build up and the results are staggering – four hundred horsepower to the the rear wheels and 12s at the drag strip. After passing through three previous stages of modifications, the car is, in their words, “completely transformed from a moderately responsive and  dumbed-down V6 slushbox into a hard and fast-shifting beast.”

Along the way, this car picked up some attitude in the looks department as well. OK, we’re getting ahead  of ourselves here, so let’s start from the beginning of a build that was done right and may open your eyes to just what 3.7-liters of Pony Power can do when properly motivated.

Stage 1: The Awakening

Before anything was done to the car, they needed to establish a performance baseline against which all future changes could be judged. So, the first step was to strap the dead stock V6 automatic Mustang onto a chassis dyno. The results came back at 260 RWHP and 241 RWTQ. The next step was to take the Mustang to the local 1320 and log some results. From that, they came back with a best run of 14.135 seconds @ 100.85 mph.

With that done, the mods could begin. Stage 1 wasn’t overly ambitious, but represented a good approach to finding the easy gains. After installing an Airaid cold air kit and a Bama Performance 93-octane custom tune, it was time to hit the dyno once more. With just these two changes in place, the car punched out 22 additional RWHP and 30 more ft-lb of RWTQ. At the track, these changes trimmed the ET to 13.647 and boosted the trap speed to 103.89 mph.

Cosmetic adjustments for this stage included a set of pre-painted side scoops, pre-painted Eleanor-styled louvers, pre-painted mirror covers and a magnetic rear decklid blackout panel.

Stage 2: The Gathering

Checking out the time slip from the previous track run, there was some time being left on the table at the 60-foot mark. The factory stock 2.73 rear axle gears were certainly part of this, along with the 17-inch all season tires. Before any mods were started, the Mustang was hitting a short time of 2.219 seconds.

So, for this Stage the plan called for installing a set of Ford Racing 3.73 rear gears, along with an Eaton 31-spline limited slip differential. Updated wheels and a set of Nitto drag radials for the rear end would certainly help out in the traction department. Going with a staggered fitment, they installed  machined 2010-style GT500 18-inch wheels, 9-inches wide in front and 10-inches wide in the rear. The new tires are Nitto Extreme Performance NT555, sized 255/45-18 in front and 275/40-18 out back.

The proof was in the timeslip, tough, as a return trip to the local strip confirmed expectations. With the Stage 1 and 2 modifications complete, they had shaved more than .15 seconds off the 60-foot time, with a best of 2.060 seconds. A set of Borla Atak axle back mufflers were also installed, along with some striping to add a little visual distinction.

Stage 3: The Handling

Changing focus now to street performance, the American Muscle folks completed a few exterior modifications before heading out to New Jersey Motorsports Park for some track time. These guys have tough jobs, don’t they? They used three different measures to baseline the car again.

These were 0-60 mph time, time through a slalom course they had set up and time to complete a lap of the road course from a standing start. After some initial runs, they pulled the car into a garage on site and installed  a Ford Racing Handling Pack along with a one-piece aluminum driveshaft. With that complete, it was time to heat up the tires again.

These upgrades managed to shave 0.7 seconds from the 0-60 time, which reportedly tumbled from 5.0 to 4.3 seconds. The slalom performance was similarly hit, dropping from 9.7 seconds to 8.1 seconds. Finally, a lap around the road course showed a 1.1 second improvement. When you think of that time in terms of car lengths, the number is a lot bigger than it sounds. This Mustang has come a long way from its original condition and performance. Sporting demonstrated improvement on street and strip, as well as looking good, it’s time to take this Mustang to the next level.

Stage 4: The Insanity

The exterior changes this time add as much ‘Bad Boy’ attitude as does the Procharger Tuner Kit. The Raxiom headlights and Saleen blackout grille work well together in creating a unique look for what has become a very unique pony car.

Matching the Procharger kit up with a set of 80# fuel injectors, the American Muscle took a conservative approach this time around. Dialing in just six pounds of boost, they updated the Bama Tunes programming for the supercharger. BBK full length headers and an an off-road X-pipe were also installed.

A trip back to the dyno pushed 400 RWHP and 340 RWTQ into the rollers, for gains of 156 HP and 141 ft-lb. A return trip to the track was rewarded with a timeslip showing 12.47 @ 113.5 mph. In their closing comments on this Stage, the American Muscle guys noted that, “On a cooler day, I have faith this thing would have gone low-12’s @ 115 mph or so. Hard to argue with those times, and especially at only 6 psi.”

For those of us that called for a return of the Mustang LX, it is here and its name is V6. There’s no longer any need to pretend to be something else, and those that continue to dismiss the V6 out of hand, do so because they haven’t come up against one yet… and certainly not against one like this.

Photos: Shelby American and NHRA

With 2012 being the 50th Anniversary of the Shelby Cobra, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is planning a major event in celebration.

The NHRA Motorsports Museum will host the event, which is planned to run from Thursday, April 19, through Saturday, April 21, 2012. Those planning to be in town for the Fabulous Ford Funday (April 22) might want to book a couple of extra days off.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located in Pomona,CA. approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The event is presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, with support from both Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automobiles.

The Ford-powered Shelby Cobra was introduced at the 1962 New York Auto Show. Modified by AC Cars of England to accept a Ford 260 cui V8 engine that was installed by Shelby, the MkI Shelby Cobra took the great aspects of British sports cars of the day and added more power. The cars would become a fearsome competitor to GM’s  Corvette and a legendary ride in their own right.

Event details are tentative at the moment, but you can keep and eye here or at the Museum web site for more information it becomes available. If this gathering turns out like others hosted by the NHRA Museum, you can expect an awesome weekend.

The one-of-one Blue Angels-themed special edition 2012 Mustang GT produced by Ford for auction at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)  AirVenture event this past weekend sold for $400,000. A special auction is held each year to benefit the organization’s youth program, the EAA Young Eagles.

Featuring a visually arresting blue chrome exterior finish by Creations n’ Chrome, the custom Mustang draws inspiration from other aspects of the Navy’s elite flight demonstration team. From its screaming yellow accents on  the outside to the Blue Angels crest stitched into the leather Recaro racing seats on the inside, the Mustang is a fitting tribute to the precision flight team.

Proceeds from auction and and other fund raising efforts allow the EAA Young Eagles organization to provide free introductory flights to young people interested in aviation. Since 1992, more than 1.6 million youth have flown free. The Young Eagles also encourage the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced technical skills.

Several unique one-off Mustangs have been donated for auction at previous events. Last year, a unique collaboration between Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby produced the SR-71 Mustang, a tribute to the legendary high altitude reconnaissance aircraft.  Previous years have seen the ‘Dearborn Doll’ and ‘AV8R’ Mustangs go to auction.

Ford vehicles sold at EAA AirVenture auction events, over the past five years, have raised more than $1.7 million to support the Young Eagles program.

A 54-year-old man from St. Louis County, MO, probably couldn’t believe his good fortune last weekend when he scratched the Instant Win portion of his Missouri Lottery American Muscle Scratchers Game ticket. One of seven Muscle Cars being offered would now be his.

However, Mr. William Adams of Ballwin, MO, might just have a problem. No, it wouldn’t be the taxes that would be due on his winnings, for the Lottery includes some cash to look after that as well. The problem was likely to be garage space. You see, Mr. Adams already owns two Mustangs.

Scratch card winners are able to choose from a number of contemporary American muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang GT Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Coupe, the Dodge Challenger R/T HEMI or a Dodge Charger R/T HEMI.

A brand new GT might well make a nice addition to his collection, which includes a 1969 Mustang MACH I and a 1986 Mustang GT. Then, there’s the garage space. Well, that and the fact that Adams had to replace a family vehicle that was damaged in a tornado this year. Adams chose to take the cash equivalent of his winnings, which are estimated at $57,000.

The Missouri Lottery American Muscle Scratchers Game runs until August 23. Two grand prizes have been claimed by instant win and two have been given away on second chance draws. The final draw takes place on September 1, 2011. Two muscle cars remain to be won by scratching the tickets.

Hydraulic brakes for automotive use first appeared in 1921 on the the Model A Duesenberg. Chrysler, Dodge and others followed a decade later, with Ford being the holdout on adopting the innovation until 1939.

Refinements, such as self adjusting brakes, vacuum assist, anti-lock braking, hydroboost and others have come along in the ensuing 90 years, but the fundamental operation remains unchanged since the inventor, Malcolm Lougheed, first proposed it in 1918. He later changed his name to Lockheed – yeah, that Lockheed.

Air bubbles are the enemy of effective hydraulics and shade tree mechanics. The process of bleeding is used to get rid of any air that may be present in the components. Air in the brake fluid leads to a spongy feel to the pedal and reduced performance of the braking system.

Since it all starts from the master cylinder, that is the place you have to start whether you’re doing a simple replacement or a complete brake upgrade. Wilwood Engineering has produced a video to show you exactly how to get the air out of a new master cylinder. The job is a lot easier done on your workbench than after installing it in the car, so check it out below.

Photos: LiveAuctioneers.com

The chances that a car for sale, previously belonging to someone named Richard Starkey, would draw much interest are small. Knowing that Richard’s stage name was Ringo Starr, however, might improve the prospects for selling that car somewhat.

The 1968 Mustang that did belong to Starr will come up for auction this weekend at the online site, LiveAuctioneers.com. According to the listing, the Candy Apple Red notchback has logged just 62,000 miles and the current owner bought the car directly from the Beatles’ drummer.

Now repainted and with a restored interior, the 289 cui V8 car with automatic transmission has not been driven since the purchase was made in 1991. All movement of the Mustang has been done by flatbed truck. The successful bidder will also received the original pink slip for the car, signed by Richard Starkey.

According to the auction site, the winning bid is likely to be in the range of $15,000 to $17,000, which we find a bit surprising given the car’s provenance and Starr’s familiarity across several generations. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to pick this pony up and flip it at a Barrett-Jackson event. If that’s not your scene, then you’ll probably need to pick up a “Love Peace” T-shirt for driving around in this Mustang.

The pink Cadillac has nothing to fear, but the next time some slick chick pulls up beside you in a black 2012 Mustang, it could be carrying a trunk full of cosmetics. At a company convention in Texas this week, the car was introduced and enthusiastically received by the independent beauty consultants attending.

A two year lease on the vehicle is awarded to consultants that achieve a particular level of cosmetic sales in a year. Those who hit the $100K mark will turn in their Mustang for the iconic pink Cadillac. According to reports, the Mustangs will sport some pink accessories to distinguish them from regular ponies.

The organization has seen a 9.5 per cent increase in the number of beauty consultants and April of this year was their highest sales month on record. Globally, the Mary Kay business is worth $2.5 billion anually.

After researching the alternatives available, the Mustang was selected as the car that “beautifully blends style and sport, with functionality and durability,” according to Yvette Franco, Vice President of U.S. Marketing for Mary Kay. While the Mustang may not beat out the former car, Chevrolet’s Malibu, for trunk space, the company’s beauty consultants will be able to get to their next appointment a lot more quickly.

Images and Video: Maplecrest Ford

The relationship between Ford and the New York Yankees has historically been a strong one. In 2009, Ford became the official Truck and Sports Utility Vehicle of the team. In 2010, the Tri-State Ford dealers created a one-off Yankees-themed Mustang GT convertible and built a promotional giveaway contest around it.

The same Dealers appear to have continued building the relationship with a new television commercial built around New York City, a 2012 Mustang GT and Yankee’s superstar shortstop, Derek Jeter. The .313 hitter made national news recently, joining only 27 other players to have 3,000 career hits.

There’s no mistaking the influence of star power and this Mustang is trunning around New York City with a JETER vanity plate. It may be a different twist on the old Win on Sunday, sell on Monday approach, but if it works, bring it! GM isn’t above handing out Camaro convertibles to SuperBowl MVPs and other sports notables. That’s because it works.

Jeter also stars in a Ford Explorer, 30 second spot with a far stronger baseball tie-in. Check them both out at the bottom of this article.

The SMS 302 Mustang, shown here, is built by SMS Supercars, of Irvine, CA.

Call us cynical, but it may be no coincidence that Steve Saleen’s SMS Moorcars has released a commercial for their SMS 302 Mustang just as Saleen Performance Vehicles, of Troy, MI, is winding down production of Saleen-branded Mustangs once and for all.

If you need a guide to the players and plots, check out this article from earlier this year. After retiring from the company that bears his name, Steve Saleen formed SMS Supercars in Irvine, CA. His first product announcement was the SMS570 Dodge Challenger.

Announcements followed later for SMS-modified versions of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. The company has since began offering a private branded supercharger, as well as setting up a parts operation, SMS Superparts.

The S302 Mustang, shown above, is built by Saleen Performance Vehicles in Troy, MI.

Meanwhile, back at Saleen Performance Vehicles in Troy, the only model produced this year is the 2011 S302 which adds a performance exhaust, Saleen Racecraft suspension and styling updates. Once the final orders are filled (if they haven’t been already), SPV will become a parts-only operation, under the Speedlab name.

While there is no shortage of tuners willing to sell you their special edition Mustangs, few have the street creds to match Steve Saleen. If he has plans to take on the Mustang market again, we welcome him back. Somehow, we get a feeling that this is probably not the end of this particular story.

The S197 Mustang is probably one of the most modifiable and modified cars that ever came out of the Ford organization. The number of aftermarket parts available is huge and there are special editions of the car available from a wide variety of sources. So, did you ever wonder what the different shops do with the parts they take off the factory cars?

Typically these parts are bought up by companies that store and resell them to individual owners like you and me. The folks over at NewTakeoff.com are a good example. Since the parts really didn’t cost the original shop anything, they are often sold for very little money. Those savings get passed along, so the bargains can be amazing.

All of the parts come off the cars with minimal mileage on them, but there can be a few miles there, so the parts cannot be sold as new.

Here’s an example. The company has a 2010+ Mustang GT Front Appearance Package that includes the front bumper cover, GT grille and fog lamps. The package sells for less than $400, plus shipping, and you can request a specific factory color.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade the look of your V6 Mustang or have to deal with collision damage, that’s a lot of parts for not much money. Getting a new, painted front fascia through a collision repair center is going to flatten your wallet by at least twice that price and, more likely, three times. If you just need the bumper cover alone, you can order these (V6 or GT) for $199. The body shop will charge you way more than that just to paint a new one!

Now, if those scuffs and scrapes on the bumper comes from close quarters action on lapping days, perhaps you’ll want to consider their 2011 Track Pack Wheel and Tire package. These are the optional 19-inch rims from the Track Pack or Brembo Brake option packages. Shod with 255/40ZR19 Pzero Nero high performance tires, the $1,599 price is a whole lot less than springing for an all-new set of wheels and tires for the track.

NewTakeoff.com has other wheel and tire sets from $999, so if you’re looking for a change, this can be an easy and inexpensive way to get it. There’s lots more over on their web site, but some things are in limited supply. Parts for the 2005-2009 cars are getting scarce, but there’s some good deals as well.

What may be one of the most unique competition cars ever built, was revealed this past weekend at the Gymkhana World Tour in Los Angeles, CA. World class rally driver, Ken Block, showed a new, Ford Fiesta that is optimized to run in three different series.

Based on M-Sport’s current 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC car, the race car now sports the 600 hp/665 ft-lb 2.0-liter engine, as used in the previous Ford Focus RS WRC car. Dubbed the Hybrid, or Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle (H.F.H.V.), the vehicle is ineligible for WRC competition, but will become Block’s car for stage rallies, ghymkana and rallycross racing.

“The H.F.H.V. is the best of all worlds for me,” said Block. “The current WRC Fiesta is the greatest handling car I have driven, but it lacks the sheer grunt that the 2.0L engine in the WRC Focus created. The H.F.H.V. brings those two things together, and the result is a manic beast that is just too much fun to drive.”

Using an adjustable coilover suspension, the car’s handling characteristics and ride height can be adjusted to suit the event at hand. As well, engine mapping is updated for competitions that require restrictor plates, while replaceable body parts and other components may be switched in and out of duty as needed.

“Many people may not realize this, but despite the fundamental similarities between stage rally, rallycross and gymkhana, in order to be the best at each, you must have specific built vehicles,” explained Block. “My WRC Fiesta just can’t do what my Gymkhana Fiesta can, and vice versa. But having to campaign three separate cars is a nightmare, so we built one car that can be transformed to suit each form of racing I do on the highest level.”

migrating the car from one configuration to another depends on the requirements, but can take from a half day to a full week. Other changes may involve gear ratios, cooling system relocation, brake system replacement and installation of a passenger seat.

While the conversion process itself may seem complicated, the logistics requirements are significantly reduced, as is the need for different spare parts.

Ken Block’s Hybrid competition car will see its first use next weekend at the Summer X Games 17 in Los Angeles.

Photos: Jennabears Foundation

What’s the connection between a turbo Mustang that runs high nines and teddy bears for hospitals? It’s a tragic story that the Eades family, of Surprise, AZ, lived through after losing their 6-month old daughter to a violent traffic accident. It’s something that no parent should ever have to endure, but they have chosen to celebrate their daughter’s life by making a difference in the lives of others.

One way of bringing attention to their non-profit Foundation is through racing. With a turbocharged SN95 Mustang, Chris Eades continues to bring his message of compassion and performance to the community and has found a great deal of support in the online Mustang forums.

With dedicated work, the 1995 Mustang GT has turned out to be a performer. breaking into the nines last year and posting consistent 60-foot times in the mid-1.4 range.

A new turbo setup and headers this year promise to bump the numbers even further. Their Foundation also got a boost this year, courtesy of an appearance on PINKS All Out.

The many things that the Jennabear Foundation does revolve around providing comfort to children and their families who are involved in the aftermath of a traumatic situation, be it an accident, cancer treatment or other unfortunate development.

Jennabears are custom-made to meet hospitals’ requirements for infection control and distributed widely. The Foundation has provided 1,500 of these bears so far.

You can learn more about their efforts and achievements by visiting the Foundation web site.

Photos: John Force Racing

Following the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver, CO, the John Force Road Show will be on display at the EAA AirVenture, July 25-31 in Oshkosh, WI.  EAA AirVenture is a national gathering of aircraft enthusiasts organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Among the Force Road Show cars on display will be a P-51 Mustang Warbird-themed Mustang Funny Car that 15-time world champion John Force raced in Norwalk, OH, as well as four other 7,000+ horsepower Mustang Funny Cars from the JFR stable.

“We have taken the Road Show to NASCAR races and even the Indy 500, but I am really excited to be heading to Oshkosh for the EAA AirVenture air show. There will be over 500,000 people in attendance, and I want them all to come by and take a look at our Road Show,” said Force, who will attend the show on Wednesday, July 27, for a full day of fan appreciation, including an autograph session from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Ford Hangar.

The John Force Road Show will be in the Cruisin’ Legends area of AirVenture. In addition to the five Ford Mustang Funny Cars on display, a P-51 Mustang will be nearby and Jack Roush Racing will have its trailer in the area.

“Our relationship with Ford is a major reason we are coming to 2011 EAA AirVenture for sure, but we also want to spread the gospel for all our sponsors and help grow our sport. I love NHRA Drag Racing, and to have an opportunity to showcase it in front of so many people, I could not pass it up,” added Force.

Force will join Edsel Ford, Jack Roush and Harrison Ford as VIPs for the Ford Fly-In movie theater event on Wednesday night.

Photo: ROUSH Performance

When people ask, “Really, what do you need 500 horsepower for,” you can point them to this video and they still won’t get it. If you tell them that it’s a way to generate covering smoke during a bank heist, they may look at you a little funny, but they will understand. We’re not entirely sure what that says about them, though.

Now, if you’re a test driver in Detroit and wear out a set of tires doing your duties, what happens at that point likely depends on which car company you’re working for. At the Big Three, you probably need to fill in a requisition for new tires and a work order to have them installed, get a supervisor’s approval and submit it all through your project manager.

Some other places, however, can be a bit less formal and this video from ROUSH Performance demonstrates an end-of-life-cycle option that, apparently, is available. This is not an approved test method for anything, but we do know that The Cat in the Hat himself is not beyond laying down a little smoke from time to time.

The ROUSH Performance RS3 Mustang is a supercharged version of Ford’s pony car, delivering 540 horsepower and 465 ft-;b of torque from Ford’s all-aluminum, 5.0-liter DOHC engine. Additional enhancements in suspension, styling and interior fitment make the RS3 a unique experience that even bank robbers could enjoy.

These guys sure know how to keep pavement in its place!

Photo: Final Gear

Introduced in 1964 to fight the rising “HEMI tide” in NASCAR racing, the Ford 427 Cammer engine had a bumpy start and ignominious finish in that circle of racing. Based on the 427 side-oiler block, Ford replaced the in-block cam with an idler shaft and designed a new set of cylinder heads for the Cammer.

Designed as a racing engine, Ford made them available over the counter. Anyone could order a version with a single, 4-bbl carburetor that was rated at 616 hp at 7,000 rpm, or a dual quad version that delivered 657 hp at 7.500 rpm. These engines were available for around $2,350 each.

Successful NASCAR protests by Chrysler ended the hopes of a showdown at the 1965 Daytona 500 between the 426 HEMI “Elephant Motor” and the 427 SOHC “Cammer.” To this day, the Cammer remains the only engine ever banned by NASCAR. Regardless, the Cammer would go on to make a name of its own on drag racing, particularly in Factory Experimental and Top Fuel entries.

Now, Keith Craft Racing Engines is making a modern version of the infamous Cammer available. with a few twists. Starting with a Pond Motorsports all-aluminum, side oiler engine block, they machine it and add a forged 4340 alloy crankshaft, Eagle 4350 steel H-beam connecting rods, custom Cammer pistons from Mahle, along with Bill Coon’s cammer cylinder heads. Additional internal components read like a Who’s Who list from the performance aftermarket.

Fitted with dual quads, the engine is reported to pump out 761 horsepower and 622 ft-lb of torque in streetable trim. If you have a special project starting up, this could be just the powerplant to set it apart from the masses. Mind you, none of this comes at a discount. You’ll need to allow six months build time and carve $38K out of your Piggy bank, but you can count on a lot of discussion when people find out what you’re packing.

Some time ago, we covered the track times achieved with a dead stock BOSS 302 Mustang. The special edition pony cranked out a 12.38 at 115 mph on the factory stock tires. Then, after being fitted for a pair of drag radials and feeding the engine with 110 octane go-juice, the BOSS stomped firmly into the elevens, with a 11.72 at 117 mph time slip. Both runs were at Maryland International Raceway.

That BOSS has now spent some time at Maryland-based Woodbine Motorsports and we’ve got some followup numbers from Joseph Jones, Woodbine’s owner. Still in absolutely factory stock condition, with the Pirelli tires back on and regular pump gas back in the tank, a baseline dyno run showed the BOSS turning out 381 RWHP and 340 RWTQ.

Jones relies on SCT for tuning tools and wanted to see just how far the BOSS could be safely taken on just the SCT product. When he was done. he told us, “We have gotten 403/360 with tuning alone. What is more impressive is how much torque and horsepower we have picked up everywhere, not just the max numbers.”

Based on the new 5.0-liter Mustang engine, the BOSS variant delivers 444 horsepower and 380 ft-lb of torque direct from the factory. just as important, it does this with on a broad, flat output curve all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline. Getting 444 horsepower out of the 5.0-liter engine took more than just a warm-over. Pistons, connecting rods, intake manifold, cylinder heads, valve train, rod as well as the main and cam bearings have all been replaced.

Remember, just a few years back, it took a blower to get 390 horsepower out of the 4.6-liter engine. You know, it is sometime said that it’s not what you’ve got, but what you bring to the party. These days, it’s starting to look like this BOSS is a big time Party Animal.

Photos: Grand Am

Hey! Where did the season go? It’s not even August and we’re looking at Race 9 out of 10 this weekend. The B+ Foundation Heroes 200 will take place at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ.

Drivers’ cool suits are bound to get a workout as the heat wave dominating the Northeast shows little sign of breaking. Weekend forecasts are calling for daytime high temperatures just under the century mark and this could certainly be enough to introduce reliability issues.

Heading into this weekend, both the driver championships in both GS and ST classes could be wrapped up if the cards fall right. After a disastrous weekend at Laguna Seca, no Mustang drivers or teams are currently in a Top 3 position.

Both ROUSH Performance and Multimatic Motorsports will be out in full force at New Jersey, along with the Brad Adams/Ben Crosland duo for Race with RP, Tony Buffomante and Kyle Gimple driving the Capaldi Racing Mustang GT, and the East Coast team of Scott Panzer and Todd Snyder from Frederick Motorsports.

The herd will face off against a half dozen Camaro GS.R entries including the Stevenson Motorsports entry that took the top step on the podium in California. The offshore contingent is well represented by a bevy of nine BMW M3 entries, along with a couple of Porsches and a single Subaru.

Counting the ST entrants, 54 cars are scheduled to take to the track for the the B+ Foundation Heroes 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.

You can see the pre-race comments from ROUSH Performance drivers Billy Johnson and Jack Roush Jr. about the upcoming race, starting at 1:20 into the video below.

There are some people out there that never figured the action sport of Drifting would survive more than a couple of years in America. That thinking has certainly been proven short-sighted and, now, the sport may be migating further, in this case to Saudi Arabia.

In fact, motorsport mania has been gripping the Middle East ever more tightly over the past six years or so. From Top Fuel dragsters in Abu Dhabi to Super Stocking in Kuwait, organized competition is making inroads there. So, when Ford Middle East asked Vaughan GIttin Jr. to demonstrate professional drifting, he probably didn’t have to think about it for long.

Heading to Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Gittin Jr. would be doing his demonstration at the Al Reem Circuit and staying a few extra days to film the video below. He would come away mightily impressed with his reception there.

“Once I arrived I was completely blown away by the love of motorsports, and even more specifically, the love for drifting by the locals. Everyone I met, from Princes, to other professional drivers, to swarms of fans, treated me with amazing hospitality and kindness.”

After one of the filming days, Gittin Jr. held a spontaneous drifting-day with local enthusiasts that had shown up to watch the shoot. “I was teaching them how to drift, change tires, different driving techniques, and they were so pumped up,” he said about that day.

It certainly sounds like we have a spare Ambassador to that Middle East country. Check out their video below, titled Drifting in the K.S.A. Aside from Gittin Jr’s amazing demo, including a little barrier management, you’ll also enjoy some top flight video work.

Previously announced, Ford is taking on the nontraditional forms of motorsport – drifting, rallycross,  stage rally and off-road truck racing that have captured the fascination of many throughout the world. The Octane Academy is a program to bring action motorsports and enthusiasts together with the leading names in each category. Here, we take a moment to learn more about these professors of action sport.

Anyone can apply to be selected for one of four boot camps that will be run, starting in November. Each four-day session will unite ultimate fans with their favorite action sports driver and deliver a  unique opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the extreme excitement of performance driving.

Each camp will be run by one of the top drivers in their field. The November session is all about off-road truck competition with both the program and the course challenges designed by Brian Deegan. Already an icon in freestyle motocross competition by the age of 18, Deegan continued his meteoric rise by taking the Pro Lite championship in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, as well as finishing fourth at the first X Games. He now holds 14 X Games medals.

“I’m a Ford guy – always have been – and I’m really excited about working together. In order to be successful as a racer, I need to be with the best,” Deegan said. “When you think of racing, especially off-road truck, Ford has dominated, and there is nothing I’d rather be behind the wheel of.”

Deegan’s November program will combine the best of of two truck programs (Pro Lite Unlimited – Ranger and Pro 2 Unlimited – Raptor) and his X Games/Global RallyCross Championship program in the Fiesta.

Ken Block burst onto the rally scene in 2005, already having  become a well-known name in the worlds of autocross and skateboarding. Popularly known for his Gymkhana videos, in which he drives a Ford Fiesta, he also stood out in rally competition with his audacious driving style.

Block’s boot camp is likely to combine elements from his experiences in World Rally Championship, RallyCar, Gymkhana World Tour and X Games. The Ford Fiesta is an ideal platform for this kind of competition and learning.

A three-time gold medalist at X Games, as well as champion drifter and rally driver, Tanner Foust has also carved out a successful television broadcast career on both SPEED and The History Channel. Possibly the best rallycross driver in the world, he currently dominates the Global Rallycorss series and the European RallyCross Championship.

Foust is also the defending X Games champion. “RallyCross and X Games are a great showcase of the performance capabilities of these platforms. For Ford this is nothing new, as they have been at the top of the racing world in compact cars since the early ’70s,” Foust said.

Participants in Foust’s boot camp are unlikely to see a lot of pavement in their program, but the amount of air time could be impressive, and we’re not talking about television.

Perceptions of drifting have changed a lot since the sport first crossed the ocean to American shores. Once dominated by sport compact cars, Vaughan Gittin Jr. taught himself the needed skills and set about to dominate this most nontraditional form of motorsport.

That he did, using the V8 power of the contemporary Ford Mustang and support from other sponsors, such as Falken Tire. “I’ve been building a relationship with Ford since 2007. What I didn’t realize was that we were laying the foundation for this action motorsports movement within Ford Racing,” said Gittin Jr.

The reigning Formula Drift champion will design an Octane Academy boot camp based on his unique skills and experience in motorsports. You can bet that those selected to participate will be spending a lot of time sideways in a Mustang. After all, as Gittin Jr. says, “I have chosen the Ford Mustang because it gives me a distinct advantage out on the track.”

Check out the video below and see what else each of these champions has to say about the Octane Academy upcoming events. Then, check out the Academy web site to find out how to apply.

Just a year or so a V6 Mustang project car meant that you were working with a truck engine. The antiquated 4.0-liter mill that has powered the Ranger since 1990 spewed out just 210 hp, barely enough for rental car duty or Uncle Bob’s mid-life crisis.

For the 2011 model year, Ford changed the game with the introduction of the all-new aluminum 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine that bullies the flywheel with 305 horsepower. Hey… that was the power rating for my 2003 Mach I and it sure didn’t get 31 highway mpg like this engine does.

Any project you consider is going to smoother when its built on a solid foundation and the folks at American Muscle know that well. They’ve been messing with Mustangs for quite a while now and had no hesitation to jump in on this car.

Like any well designed test, they started out by establishing a baseline that future changes could be compared to for their effect. The good news is that the V6 Mustang delivered on its promises, punching out 260 RWHP and 241 RWTQ on the chassis dyno.

They intend to take this Pony through four stages of advancement and the first round involved a cold air intake and Bama Performance tune, as well as some look-good parts. One of the shops I work with from time to time has the following slogan pointed on the floor in front of their dyno: The BS stops here.

And, so it was for this American Muscle project car. Returning to the rollers, that mod which would take you less than a couple of hours to perform, jumped the car’s output by 22 RWHP and 30 RWTQ. They also took the car to a local drag strip for performance checks and you can see the results in the video below.

Stay tuned for the next installment or slide on over to American Muscle to plan out your own project.

Tremec Transmissions has started up their Facebook page and it looks like it’s going to be a source of up-to-the-minute news and customer applications. Paul Brown of Tiger Racing is a strong believer in Tremec products for his World Challenge BOSS 302S Mustang and is featured on the Facebook page.

Established in 1964, Tremec supplies high performance manual transmissions to all three domestic auto manufacturers, having long been used in Camaros, Mustangs and Vipers.

Tremec products span a variety of 5 and 6-speed gearbox models with torque capacities up to 700 ft-lb and are designed to work in a wide variety of uses, from cruising to all-out road course and drag race competition.

These days, many company’s Facebook pages are much more up to date than their web sites. As well, it can be much easier to get a response from their people that monitor activity on the page. So, why not slide over to Facebook and have a look.

If you’ve ever owned a T-5, TKO, TR-3650 or T-56, you already appreciate what these folks do, so let them know.

Of course, their regular web site is stall available right here where you can look up technical data for individual transmissions and download product data sheets.

Today’s high performance driving interests have expanded over the past years and Ford is stepping up to get more involved in what it calls Extreme Motorsports. Forms of motorsport like drifting and rally-cross are newer, while renewed interests in stage rallying and off-road truck competition continue to evolve and grow.

In response to these trends, Ford has announced a new initiative to bring participants closer to the leading personalities in each sport and offer a unique chance to spend a long weekend with one of these celebrities. Ford calls it the Octane Academy and the founding members include Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Consisting of four boot camps to be held over the next year, the Octane Academy is open to enthusiasts at all levels of skill and ability. Applications are made by registering at  www.octaneacademy.com and submitting a video that explains or demonstrates why you should be a part of the Academy.

Each camp will be hosted by one of the celebrity drivers, on a course designed by them specifically for the camp. Challenges during the weekend will test each participant’s attitudes, athleticism and audacity, according to Ford. Prizes and awards are part of the weekend fun and one participant will drive home in a Ford vehicle designed by the weekend’s host.

The Octane Academy will launch at X Games 17, being held July 28-31 in Los Angeles, with the first weekend camp to kick off in November. This one will be hosted by Ford RallyCross and Off-Road truck racer Brian Deegan. He will have contenders revving their engine behind the wheel of an F-150 SVT Raptor.

“Getting the chance to create my own challenges for the hardcore competitors who want to take on the challenge of Ford Octane Academy is going to be crazy,” said Deegan. “I can’t wait to bring the competitors to my spot, The Compound, to give them the ultimate Ford action sports adventure.”

To register with the Octane Academy and submit your video, check out the series web site here.

Among the waves of Mustang and Shelby rumors whirling around the Internet, something finally emerges with a purported ‘source’ attached to  it. Speculation is fine, but when it lapses into nothing more than wishes dressed up as news, things get tiring pretty quickly.

We don't need no stinkin' turbos...

So, the folks over at Motor Authority say they have information from a trusted source “source close to the Mustang project” that addresses a few recent open topics of discussion. First is that the GT500 is not going to get a twin turbo setup, but will beat the Camaro Z1L power level nonetheless. C’mon… did you really, really believe that Ford was going twin turbo on the 5.0 engine just a couple of years after introduction?

Beyond this, the timing of the next Mustang appears to have reverted to an earlier thought, which would see it launched in  2014 as a 2015 model. Ford missed launching the S197 Mustang in time for the 40th Anniversary, so they’ll likely move Heaven and Earth to get the next Mustang ready, ideally, for April 16, 2014.

When it comes to the Camaro ZL1 and the Shelby GT500, both Ford and Chevrolet should be nervous about breaking the 600 HP level. This just might be enough to spook the insurance companies into doing something untoward. Somehow, our current herd of pony cars has survived gas price pressures, but could it withstand some ludicrous increases in insurance premiums? That was the second main factor that killed off the muscle car movement in the 1970′s and, frankly, it could do it again.

You can get the direct information over here on Motor Authority.

For the fourth year running, Ford has created a one-off Mustang for auction at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)  Airventure event at the end of this month. Auction proceeds go to support the organization’s youth program, Young Eagles. The program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane.

This year’s Mustang carries a Blue Angels theme and is based on a 2012 Mustang GT. A Ford Racing supercharger has jumped the output to 624 hp, balanced out by handling and braking system upgrades.  Mustang chief nameplate engineer Dave Pericak,  design manager Melvin Betancourt and Mustang chief designer Darrell Behmer all had a hand in the special design.

The custom rear spoiler’s vertical tail fins, the screaming yellow gloss accents, inclusion of the Blue Angels script and crest all are drawn from the Navy aircraft. The unique chrome blue paint, comes courtesy of Creations n’ Chrome and is unlike anything available on a production vehicle anywhere in the world.

Blue Angels crests are embroidered into the leather Recaro racing seats and the interior also features offset stripes, inspired by the pilot’s flight suits.

Many unique additional details to the Blue Angels Mustang include: updated instrument cluster graphics, performance gauges, navigation screen images, seat belt fabric, instrument panel appliqués, rear seat delete and cross-brace, Blue Angels script in the illuminated sill plates and puddle lamps that project jet images when the doors open. Ford is a long time supporter of EAA and the Blue Angels Mustang will be on display inside the Ford Hangar on site throughout the EAA AirVenture event.

Images: Tamas Jakus

The Retro design theme has had a good run and produced some inspired designs, but there is a growing contingent that feels it has pretty much run its course. Even J Mays at Ford has hinted that the next Mustang will be completely different – a statement that has some of the faithful shaking in their boots.

Well, there’s no progress without change, so bring it on. This particular example is said to be inspired by the classic BOSS Mustang of the past, but clearly, the designer didn’t get stuck there. The Jakusa Bossco concept is the vision of Tamas Jakus, who hails from Gyor, Hungary. Far from being a lone Photoshop or Maya 3D geek, Jakus already has another concept car – the Triango Revelation – being built in Hungary at the moment.

Conceptually, this two-door coupe rides on 21-inch wheels and is about the same size as today’s production pony cars. Apparently, Jakus envisions a 600 horsepower V6 engine for the concept, which would be entirely sufficient to alienate the environmentalists and turn this concept into a weapons-grade ride.

Many people see many different things in these sketches, of which the most common seems to be that this is a blend of contemporary Mustang and Camaro designs. While we’re not entirely convinced of that concept, the design does appear to have a strong, but tempered ‘Transportation Design School’ influence.

As a new generation of automotive designers begins to have an impact on what cars of the future will look like, it is certain that we’re going to move ahead with them. Perhaps the days of the three-box sedan are finally done and, if Jakus is any indication, muscle cars are going to get a lot more exciting, too.

It’s an interesting question… what happens to all those custom cars that get built every year for major aftermarket industry shows across the country? We’ve seen a few of them show up at Barrett-Jackson auctions and some cannot be registered because the OEM didn’t put a VIN plate on the vehicle before shipping it out.

Doubtless, others are jealously tucked away out of sight and some may get used from time to time for special occasions. Few likely get transformed into daily drivers, because a ‘free’ car like that inevitably ends up costing you many tens of thousands of dollars before it ever hits the SEMA Show floor.

Built for the 2006 SEMA Show by Shannon Wall and the folks at Western Motorsports, this Mustang street machine puts out 600 horsepower from a Aston Martin V12 mill, and now it’s available for you to purchase.

This Vanquishd street show car started life as a Mustang body-in-white and was put together with all the good stuff, including a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, KW coilover suspension, Baer Extreme 6-piston calipers on 14-inch brake rotors and custom headers with 3-inch Magnaflow exhaust. Without a doubt, he number of labor hours in this car aren’t even close to being covered by the $79,900 asking price.

The staggered fitment of iForged 19×9 and 19×12 Essen Wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Tires (275/35ZR19 front, 345/30ZR19 rear) give this Mustang a stance to match its prowess. Inside, you’ll find an AIM Strada electronic dashboad and datalogger, as well as Cobra Missano leather and Alcantra seats. When the sun is shining, you’ll certainly appreciate that it’s all topped off with a Classic Design Concepts Glassback roof. The deep blue exterior finish comes courtesy of BASF’s R-M Carrizma Candy Blue paint.

The car is reported to be in new condition with under 2000 kms. According to WMS, it has won many awards including World of Wheels Best in Class, ISCA Outstanding Street Machine, Popular Hot Rodding as well as appearing in many magazines including a 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords feature. Interested folks can get in touch with Shannon Wall at Western Motorsports.

The first stop on Ken Block’s Gymkhana World Tour in Vienna, Austria brought more than 25,000 people out to see Block’s smoke-filled, dangerously close, gymkhana antics. The three-stop tour, which also includes the United States and Australia, brings Gymkhana driving, made famous by Block’s hugely popular Internet videos, up close and personal to a live audience.

“Ever since we filmed the first Gymkhana video, I have wanted to be able to bring this type of action to a place where people can watch it live, and Gymkhana World Tour does exactly that,” said Block. “I’m super stoked on the staggering turnout we had in Austria.”

While the main event took place Sunday night, the actual event spread over the entire weekend with support from Ford of Europe, offering rides with Block in his Gymkhana Fiesta.

“I am always happy to be able to give people the experience of actually getting in the car with me, since, while it may be fun to watch, nothing beats actually getting in the car,” said Block. “The only bummer is that we can’t give everyone a ride.”

The next stop on Ken Block’s Gymkhana World Tour will be at at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA, on Saturday, July 23rd. Block’s next competitive event is the Summer X Games 17 in Los Angeles on July 30th and 31st. Additional team and event information is available at monsterworldrallyteam.com

Ken Block will take his Ford Fiesta and the Gymkhana party on a first-ever Gymkhana World Tour. Fans of Block’s over-the-top, on-the-edge driving style will gather at tour stops in Austria, Australia and the United States. The Gymkhana World Tour stops will coincide with key competition dates for Block in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and at X Games 17.

“I’m really excited about my Gymkhana World Tour this summer. I’m delighted that Ford is continuing to support my love of Gymkhana in the way that they are,” said Block. “It’s something that I really enjoy doing and the fans love it as well, so to have Ford on board as I go to do this sort of thing is amazing.”

The first event will be held on July 10 in Vienna, Austria. Ford of Europe is to host a two-day celebration with special displays and a Gymkhana festival.

Coming to the United States on July 23, which is the weekend before X Games 17, the Gymkhana event will be held at Dodger Stadium. A limited number of tickets will be available to the public. The event will kick off a big week for Ford, Block and the Monster World Rally Team, as the Fiesta shoots for a three-peat win at the X Games.

It is said that Ford will also unveil a major national consumer promotion which will involve Ford Racing’s action motorsports programme.

The final stop in Australia will be held the week prior to the Rally Australia at Calder Park in Melbourne on September 2-3. For more details and updates on Gymkhana World Tour, follow Ken Block and Ford Racing on Facebook or go to MonsterWorldRallyTeam.com

Photos: AM Car Guide

The brainchild of one-time SVT engineering supervisor Kip Ewing was the Ford GTX1 was first shown at the 2005 SEMA Show. Inspired by the the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster, the modified Ford GT uses four individual hard panels for the roof that can be configured as a coupe, T-top or full convertible.

Of course, there’s more to the GTX1 than just some roof panels. With conversion being handled by the Gennadi Design Group, a GTX1 arrives in your driveway shod with Alloy Corporation’s 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels covered in Pirelli PZero rubber.

Tucked behind those wheels, you’ll find Brembo’s aluminum mono-block brake calipers and two-piece rotors, as well as Dynamic Dampers’ adjustable coil-over suspension.

With a Ford Racing supplied exhaust manufactured by Borla and some additional tuning, the car now punches out about 700 flywheel horsepower. Custom Sparco carbon fiber racing seats, clad in WK Industries’ interior trim will keep you securely in place during launches into low Earth orbit.

While the orginal plan called for up to 600 GTX1′s to be built, when Gennadi closed the order books on August 31, 2008, around one hundred cars would end up being produced. The original SEMA concept car was turned out in a rather toxic Valencia Orange color that may have limited the number of checks ultimately to be signed, but this example, finished in Maroon with a Vanilla interior is certainly an eye-pleaser.

Additional custom touches on this GTX1 are reported as including the black suede dash, carbon fiber lip kit, console and door panel inserts. The carbon fiber trunk was provided by Multimatic Motorsports.

Big money and good taste don’t always come together in the right places, but when they do, cars like this GTX1 are the result.

Photos: Grand Am

There is little argument that the Laguna Seca track is one of the most memorable on the West Coast and after a one year absence, the Grand Am series returns to Salinas, CA, this weekend for the eighth event on the ten race Grand Am calendar.

Jim Click Racing returns to the fray with a Boss 302R, as do Multimatic Motorsports and Capaldi Racing. Racer’s Edge Motorsports will be running the new pony along with the pair from ROUSH Performance. Both Jim Click and Capaldi Racing will be running older Mustang GT entries as well.

Brad Adams and Ben Crosland return in the Race with RP #95 Mustang GT and this could be a pair to watch. The youngster from Salt Lake City - Crosland - has been fast through his entire Mustang racing career. Both Adams and Crosland cut their teeth in the now-defunct Mustang Challenge series.

Between ten Mustangs on the entry list, as well as five Camaro GS.R entries, the domestic contingent now makes up half of the 29-car Grand Sport (GS) field. The rest of the entrants are mostly BMW M3s – eleven in all.

At 2.24 miles inlength, series officials are running GS and ST practice sessions together, which could put 53 cars on the 11-turn track at the same time. However, the classes are being separated for qualification, also on Friday.

Going into the race, the ROUSH Performance team, with Billy Johnson and Jack Roush Jr, sits in second place, just 15 points off the lead. The #61 Mustang has six podium finishes in the first seven events, including two P1 results. Multimatic Motorsports is just seven points behind the ROUSH team with two poduim finishes for the season.

The Continental Tire Challenge race starts at 10:45 a.m. Pacific time on Saturday July 9.

As the next generation of police cruisers rolls onto the streets of America, the retiring cadre – largely made up of Ford Crown Victorias – will be finding new homes. Until recently, this meant being resold to security companies, taxi fleets and other less glamorous duties.

However, one enterprising UK-based company is snapping up late model Ford P71 Police Interceptors and importing them to England.

USA Cop Cars Ltd, in partnership with Warranty Direct, is providing the cars, which have less than 75,000 miles on them, complete with police equipment including spotlights, microphones and roof lights. Detailed recreations of federal and state police liveries can be arranged through the importer.

Advertised as having Mustang engines and F150 suspensions, the cars are said to be “Rare American Muscle.” Apparently, rentals are also available and the cars are fully legal to drive throughout Europe.

According to the company web site, “… we have investigated and researched every aspect of the cars which may conflict with European law. We therefore know exactly what modifications must be made to each car, and how to achieve them without compromising their authentic appearance and sound.”

Ready to go vehicles reportedly start from £23,000 ($37K) with external decoration being extra. We can’t wait to hear of the first one to arrive in a desert country with U.S. Navy livery applied.

Late last week, Ford Motor Company issued Technical Service Bulletin 11-7-7 regarding unapproved modifications to the 5.0-liter engines found in Mustang GT’s and Ford F-150 pickup trucks. Technical Service Bulletins are used to communicate service, repair and warranty information to the company’s dealers and their service operations.

In this case, the communication centers on modifications to the engine and how they may impact vehicle operations.

Specifically, the issue as stated in the Bulletin is that “Some 2011 F-150 and 2011-2012 Mustang vehicles equipped with 5.0L engine may have unauthorized modifications to the powertrain hardware and/or calibration which may result in exceeding component design limits. Such modifications could cause damage to the powertrain and/or void the factory powertrain warranty.”

Clearly, Ford has seen enough instances of damaged components that it feels a consistent evaluation procedure is required across its network of dealers. This may be a result of cases where improper procedures have been used at the dealer level to initiate warranty denial where modifications are involved.

Such issues are governed by federal law, specifically the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. The SEMA Action Network offers this guidance in application of the Act. “With regard to aftermarket parts, the spirit of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used. The warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarket part caused the malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought.”

The company’s action in releasing this TSB may signal a tightening of warranty enforcement on issues involving modifications, but equally or more likely are driven by a need for consistency in handling such issues at the dealership level. You can download a PDF of the TSB document here at The Mustang Source.

SEMA Photos: Mustangs Daily, Others: Galpin AUto Sports

It’s been a long time since a domestic car has seen a retractable hardtop, but this looks surprisingly good on the contemporary Mustang. Don’t go rushing off to your local Ford dealers, though, unless you’re in North Hollywood where this one-of-a-kind Mustang currently resides.

Designed by Joseph Adjwok and built by Galpin Auto Sports, a division of Galpin Ford, this project was displayed at the 2010 SEMA Show. The crew at Galpin have a long history of building custom cars, through the popular MTV show, Pimp My Ride and that experience shows in the quality of the work that is evident in the photos.

What started life as a regular production Mustang GT convertible soon became a horse of a different color. Aside from the hardtop conversion, the pony was refinished in PPG custom Orange Pearl paint and fitted with a custom leather interior with complementary orange pinstripe accents.

The distinctive front end treatment comes courtesy of a Classic Design Concepts front spoiler, while the stance is from the installed Ford Racing Handling kit and 20-inch wheels. In operation, the flush-fitting retractable tonneau cover automatically stows the roof away from the luggage area, leaving room for storage.

With its standard 5.0-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, carefree cruising will be available wherever you go, whatever the weather. If you can’t live another day without this unique Mustang in your driveway, you can get pricing details from Galpin Auto Sports at 877-GO-GAS-GO (877-353-1735).

If Mad Max were around, he’d grab this righteous ride in a second. Ford Performance Vehicles, Australia’s version of SVT, has revealed its first-ever concept car at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

Sporting a black-on-black paint scheme, the one-off concept car is powered by a supercharged Boss 5-liter V8 engine. The modified front fascia allows large brake ducts to the performance brake package, which includes larger 6-piston brake calipers up front and 4-piston brake calipers at the rear.

A unique matte-finish stripe package on the hood, rear wing and body sides compliments a paint treatment that is also carried over to the rear diffuser. Black framing has been used to enhance the rear light graphics treatment and the vehicle displays unique black GT badging.

With its a track-tuned suspension and 19-inch lightweight one-piece forged alloy rims. this predator is more than just paint and badges. Inside, the main theme continues with black leather trim throughout and an all-black dash treatment that includes the interior command center.

“We’ve equipped the vehicle with the GT’s ‘most ticked’ options, such as leather trim and reversing camera. That way, it’s a reflection of what our buyers are choosing and gives us a ‘real world’ basis to get people thinking,” explained Rod Barrett, FPV general manager. “That’s what this concept car is about. We wanted to demonstrate the possibilities, explore the future and gauge public opinion to assist us with the evolution of FPV product.”

Well, we certainly can’t believe that any red-blooded Aussie wouldn’t want to see this Falcon GT in their driveway, and there’s likely a lot of Americans that would line up to get one of their own.

Classic Recreations, of Yukon, OK, has announced plans to add a convertible option to their line of 1967 G.T.500CR continuation cars. Within the history of Shelby automobiles, there was only one 1967 Convertible G.T.500 ever built. Ordered as a replacement for Carroll Shelby’s daily driver, the prototype car never saw more than company internal use.

Within the Classic Recreations line, all G.T.500CR models feature a hand-built 427 cubic inch (7.0L) engine, modern performance suspension, model specific bodywork, custom paint and hand-stitched upholstery. Officially recognized in the the Shelby Worldwide Registry, every car comes with an official Shelby serial number and badge.

The convertible version will be available in all of Classic Recreations’ model lineup. The G.T.500CR 525 model features a 545hp fuel injected 427 engine, modernized suspension, power rack and pinion steering and a Tremec five speed manual transmission, as well as ZR rated tires on 17×8″ Shelby 427 wheels and cross drilled Shelby/Baer brakes.

The 545 adds Carroll Shelby signature rally series 1000 seats, larger 9.5-inch rear wheels and a full coilover suspension for modern sports car handling.

The top of the line 900S boosts power to 780hp with an F1-R Intercooled ProCharger supercharged engine. Additional upgrades include a 200mph speedometer and racing-style bucket seats, suspension and chassis upgrades, plus 11-inch rear wheels and ultra high performance Goodyear tires.

Each built-to-order vehicle takes approximately four months, or almost 2,500 man hours, of assembly work. Additional information is available at the company web site.

According to a report in Autoweek, car rental giant Hertz may help celebrate its 50th Anniversary by bringing back their Shelby Mustang rental program. The company first made Shelby cars available for rent in 1966.

The program was brought back in 2006 (hardtops) and 2007 (convertibles).Specially modified versions of the cars were built for Hertz use. Exterior and suspension changes, as well as special badging, hallmarked the rental cars. Minor engine modifications provided a slight power increase over stock.

The original program was a popular one, particularly for racers who would pick up the car for the weekend and return it on Monday, sometimes having changed engines or other components. Some cars, according to legend, had roll bars welded in and them removed before being sent back

The Hertz program became popularly known as the “Rent-a-Racer” deal. Initial experience soon caused Hertz to stop ordering manual transmission cars, due to high clutch failure rates.

The Autoweek reports suggests the 2012 program would see the cars available in either black or white paint, with gold stripes. The current 5.0-liter engine and automatic transmission would be the powertrain of choice. Additional modifications, as in previous versions, could be possible.

The company currently offers Mustang GT Deluxe models for rent under its “Adrenaline” program and is gauging interest in a return of a Shelby promotion in 2012. Given sufficient interest, Hertz could launch the promotion as early Spring next year.

Using a pair of Precision Billet 62mm Standard turbochargers, 80 lb injectors and an external air to air intercooler, Classic Performance & Repair has built up a Shelby GT500 that punches out almost 850 hp on 91 octane gas. Other than the obvious changes, along with a new oil pan, the engine itself is stock.

How long do you think that bottom end will last? The builder is, of course, aware of the issues and in the video capped the boost at just over 20 psi. The stock connecting rods are popularly thought to be good to around 725 rwhp reliably or perhaps a little more. This video shows that their peak capacity is obviously higher, but did someone just pull the pin on that grenade?

Beyond this, it’s one thing to have the power and yet another to get it to the pavement. An extensive thread over at SVT Performance goes into great detail of the measures being put in place to make the most of this extra power. There’s no dount that having a project like this is inspiring and a whole passel of fun.

On the more challenging side, keeping up with the ponies is always an issue and whether its a question of gears, slicks, brakes or other upgrades, each of them challenges your wallet, and sometimes your personal life, in ways that everyone has to handle in their own way. There’s no doubt that this is an inspired project and that one we’ll be keeping an eye on until its done.

By any account, the current Shelby GT500 Mustang is the best Mustang ever built, with serious horsepower, impeccable road manners and no gas guzzler tax. For the 2012 model, Ford has quietly announced some changes to the car, designed to improve driving performance and comfort.

New, optional leather-trimmed sport bucket front seats were designed by SVT in cooperation with Recaro to enhance high-performance driving. Bolsters in the cushion and seat back are provided to deliver the support needed on track during hard cornering, while still providing a comfortable ride at other times. Also also available in the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, these Recaro seats are the result of a global team effort led by SVT along with the Mustang engineering group in North America, Team RS in Europe and Recaro.

The seats sport an embroidered cobra logo and stripes color-matched to the car’s exterior stripes. A nice improvement over the regular seats is that their integrated head restraints provide ample room for drivers and passengers wearing helmets on the track. For anyone that regularly engages in high performance driving events, the $1595 option is well worth it.

For 2012, all Mustangs receive a Selectable Steering Option, which allows steering effort and response to be adjusted to the driver’s preference. For the GT500, those settings have been custom tailored for both the base car and with the SVT Performance Package installed.

This option could be made available as a result of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), first introduced on the 2011 Shelby GT500. Three steering modes are available; Comfort, Sport and Standard. Sport mode delivers the most road feel and requires the highest level of steering effort. As well, active nibble control and drift pull compensation are shut off to provide the driver with more feedback on how the vehicle is reacting to the road.

Comfort mode provides the least amount of road force feel through the steering wheel, and requires the least amount of steering effort, making it ideal for long drives. Standard mode is a balance between the Comfort and Sport settings.

Ride quality is also enhanced with the new models. Improvements in high-frequency noise soundproofing as well as new door seals and a rear wheel arch liner reduce road noise for a quieter, more pleasant drive. Having the best of both worlds just got a lot easier with a GT500 in your driveway.

Photos: Shelby American Collection

Located in in Boulder, CO, the Shelby American Collection will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special event on August 6th, focusing on the Cobra-Ferrari Wars that defined the zenith of the American auto industry in the 1960s.

“The Cobra-Ferrari Wars represent one of the greatest chapters in American automobile history,” said Shelby American Collection President Steve Volk. “Our anniversary party celebrates this history, and brings together the cars and drivers of the 1965 Shelby American team that secured the World Sportscar Manufacturers Championship for the first and only time.”

Present at the show will be two of the most significant cars in Shelby’s quest for the World Championship: the CSX 2299, the Le Mans/Sebring/Daytona-winning Cobra Daytona Coupe and CSX 2345, the SPA/ Sierra-Montana/Tourist Trophy/Rossfeld Hillclimb-winning FIA Cobra Roadster.

Attendees will also have the opportunity the participate in a special autograph session with the world championship team drivers Bob Bondurant, Jack Sears, Allen Grant, Lew Spencer, Tom Yeager and artist Bill Neale of Shelby Terlingua fame. An outdoor vintage car show and live 1960′s music will also be running.

All proceeds will benefit the Shelby American Collection by aiding in the restoration and preservation of the classic cars, and helping fund museum operations. The event will be held on Aug. 6th from 4p.m.- 9p.m. at the Museum located at 5020 Chaparral Court in Boulder. Online ticketing for the event is available here.

Photos: ROUSH Performance

Carolina Motorsports Park is a rather recent addition to the roster of great road courses around the country. The 14-turn, 2.3 mile road course opened in July of 1999. The site was an old WW II fighter-training base located about four miles south of Kershaw, South Carolina and about an hour drive south of Charlotte International Airport.

With a focus on continuing improvement, the track underwent renovations in 2008, adding new alternative turn configurations, added a 200-ft x 50-ft wet/dry skid pad and repaved most of the track’s corners, providing for increased speeds, reduced tire wear and better grip.

As the fourth stage in the One Lap of America event, participants would get two shots at demonstrating their road course prowess. The challenge was not lost on Billy Johnson, who was running a ROUSH RS3 Mustang. Johnson placed first in class for both runs, as well as second and third overall.

While the ROUSH RS3 Mustangs used were built for the One Lap of America competition, no special equipment was added beyond that normally available from ROUSH Performance. The One Lap event places a high emphasis on both reliability and performance.

Johnson, who lives in San Clemente, California, is a co-driver in the Grand Am’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series with Jack Roush Jr.

On track video from the event has been assembled for you to see, including multi-camera views. If you’ve never been to Carolina Motorsports Park before, this looks like a great track. What do you think?

Citing unnamed sources, Ford Inside News has stated that the 2013 Shelby GT500 will pack a whopping 650 horsepower under the hood when it hits the pavement. Long on speculation and short on fact, the site indicates the new mill will be turbocharged, but cannot confirm a displacement for the engine.

Got room for some turbos in there?

Much of the current discussion about the next SVT Snake is driven by recent spy photos from Germany where two Shelby-based mules have been seen testing. Both photo and video evidence strongly suggest that these cars are not supercharged, but are fitted for extra cooling regardless.

Ford itself has yet to officially weigh in on the current horsepower poker game between the GT500 and the range-topping Camaro ZL1. Sporting an intercooled Eaton supercharger on top of its all-aluminum 6.2-liter V8 engine, the ZL1 will have more than 550 horsepower on tap, as recently indicated by the Camaro’s chief engineer, Al Oppenheiser. How much more? Oppenheiser was not saying.

Topping the 556hp found in the Cadillac V-series cars should be a trivial exercise and we’ve a feeling that Chevrolet is looking to a notably higher number. While the Corvette’s supercharged LS9 engine churns out 638 hp in ZR1 form, sales of the $110K sports car could be compromised if the Camaro gets too close to that power level.

Still, rumor content floating around since March of this year has suggested that, for the next Shelby GT500, 600+ horsepower is not out of the question. So, it may be that the only question is: How much more?

Originally commissioned by skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk,  designed and built by Galpin Ford in Los Angeles, this “Hawkized” 2011 Mustang was sold at auction during the 2ndAnnual Barrett-Jackson Orange County Auction this past weekend. This is the second time the car has been auctioned to benefit charity.

The Mustang is included as part of a larger Total California Experience package, which included dinner with the Hawk himself, Tony Hawk autographed merchandise, tickets to the annual ‘Stand Up For Skateparks’ event in Las Vegas and a taco party for 50 catered by Wahoo Fish Taco. All proceeds from the auction are to benefit the Center for Living Peace and the Tony Hawk Foundation.

Equipped with a custom Katzkin leather interior, Street Scene body kit, custom grille, TIS 3-piece wheels with Pirelli tires, Flowmaster exhaust and JL Audio system, the car also features a custom paint job with the “Hawkized” logo on the hood and a Tony Hawk monogram on the side

“I’m proud to have created this custom Mustang with the help of DUB and GalpinFord. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind ride, and the proceeds from this sale will benefit two great causes that support youth,” said Hawk.

Southern California native Tony Hawk, began skateboarding at age 9 and by the age of 12 he was winning amateur contests throughout California. He turned pro at age 14 and by 16 he was widely regarded as the best competitive skateboarder in the world.

The car was originally acquired by Wahoo Fish Taco owner, Wing Lam, who subsequently re-gifted the car to the Center for Living Peace. He explains the arrangements and objectives in the video below, along with Tony Hawk.

Photos: Car Advice

The pair of Mustang mules that have been captured cavorting around the Nurburgring of late have led to widespread speculation that a turbocharged setup may be under test for some future version of the Shelby GT500. That speculation just got quite a bit more solid with some video that was posted by LeftLaneNews.com

The reason is not so much the video itself, but what is notably absent from the audio portion of the clip – supercharger whine. There is plenty of opportunity during the segments recorded for a supercharger to kick in, but nothing is evident.

There would be little point in testing a normally aspirated car here, particularly given the additional cooling measures that have been added. So, what does Ford have up its sleeve? There are actually a couple of possibilities.

While there is no overt indication of this, Ford Racing involvement cannot be out of the question. So, is the new 5.0-liter engine being evaluated to replace the Cammer 5.0 engine that sees duty in a couple of racing series here at home? Maybe.

Certainly, the idea of a twin-turbo 5.0-liter powerplant to compete with the recently announced ZL1 Camaro has to be considered a very likely scenario, making it somewhat gratifying to see the horsepower wars from the 60′s resurface. GM recently confirmed that the ZL1 will deliver somewhat more than 550 hp.

The remaining possibility is that the engine configuration for a future halo car is being evaluated. There have been rumblings, and even a quasi-confirmation from Bill Ford, that such a project is in the works. Perhaps the Mustangs being drooled over here are nothing more than surrogates. That would kind’a suck, but for the greater good we suppose.

A special, one-off Mustang GT will be auctioned at the upcoming Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2011 show, being held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Wisconsin. Proceeds from the auction will go to support the EAA’s Young Eagles program.

Young Eagles, introduced in July 1992, has flown more than 1.6 million young people at no charge, making it the largest youth aviation education program ever. The special Mustang will be on display inside the Ford Hangar during EAA AirVenture.

The exterior of the ‘Blue Angels’ Mustang GT was inspired by the naval demonstration team and features a unique blue chrome finish with a yellow gloss accent and “Blue Angels” scripted along with its crest. The Blue Angels’ crest is also stitched into its leather Recaro seats. Under the skin is a super-charged 5.0L V8 engine producing more than 500 horsepower and Ford Racing handling pack, performance exhaust and track-grade brake components.

This “Blue Angels” edition joins the three other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford Design and Engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction in recent years. In 2008, the Mustang AV8R, using cues from the F-22 Raptor, delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000.

The following year, the AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” was crafted in honor of WWII aircraft. Last year, both Carroll Shelby, a former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a long-time P-51 pilot, collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang, inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet.

Held each year during the last week of July in Oshkosh, WI, EAA AirVenture serves as one of the world’s premier aviation events – attracting top government officials, corporate leaders and hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the world. For more information, check out the event web site.

Actually, this is an older video, but we love cool finds and here’s a really bitchin’ one you might’ve missed. The information provided also suggests that the finder took a curious approach to preserving the car. As an active member of the Tri-County Mustang Club of Central Alabama, he has left the car exactly as he found it.

Exactly as he found it means that he’s not washed or cleaned up the car in any fashion. You can see in the video that this Shelby is on display at an open air car show, complete with surface rust spots, missing trim pieces and bird droppings.

There’s no doubt that the cost of a restoration project to bring this example back to factory condition would be substantial and perhaps more than the owner reasonably has available. No fault in that. But, is there really any merit in bringing the barn along when you show the car? Perhaps a couple of photos on a show board would accomplish the same thing and without wrinkling the noses of passersby.

We say that this car has already had a hard enough life and that people really don’t go to shows to see what decades of abandonment can do to a classic car. What do you think? Should this Shelby have been cleaned up or not? A couple of days of work would get the car ready for showing in any ‘Survivor’ class, none of which award extra points for looking like the bottom of a bird cage.

While Ford has previously announced that the 2012 Mustang will come standard with Sync AppLink, the Shelby GT500 has also been added to the list. The AppLink software provides industry-exclusive hands-free voice control capability of smartphone apps.

First introduced for the 2011 Fiesta, AppLink was offered to owners as a download and proved well accepted with owners for popular mobile apps, such as Pandora internet radio. Pandora is reportedly one of the top five most used apps across all four major smartphone platforms in the U.S.A.

A recently released Emerging Technologies study by J.D. Power and Associates reports that 86 percent of smartphone owners say they use their device while in their vehicles.

“We understand more and more drivers are using their devices and their apps while in the car,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services Solutions. “Ford is a part of the solution, offering voice-activated options such as Ford SYNC with AppLink on a broader range of our products, which gives more customers a smarter way to access their apps while driving that keeps their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Ford has a direct connection to the app developer community through its dedicated SYNC developer website. Using Ford-supplied tools, developers can modify an existing app or create a new app to can successfully interface with Ford SYNC through AppLink. App categories currently under Ford consideration include personalized entertainment, personalized information and news, plus location-based services including navigation, traffic and business searches.

More sophisticated apps could include notifications and alerts leveraging the SYNC ability to combine vehicle information, GPS locations and more to provide the driver with customized information and guidance, and scheduling and planning apps that could include notifications of flight status.

During the next four years, Ford’s global Connected Services team is anticipated to grow by a factor of four, with a threefold jump planned for U.S. operations alone.

Now that BOSS Mustangs are getting into owner’s hands, we’re able to get a better sense of what Ford has managed to put together in this special edition Mustang. One of those BOSS Mustangs arrived at American Muscle and the folks there rented the Lightning circuit at New Jersey Motorsports Park to check it out.

To make things a little more interesting, they also brought along a stock 2010 Camaro SS for comparison. The drivers, Andrew Ball and Jim Bianco, are company employees with ten years of successful racing experience. From a standing start on the 14-turn, 2.25 mile track, the BOSS made it back to the line two seconds faster than the Camaro SS.

The lap time for the 2012 Boss 302 Mustang was 1:20.392, while the Camaro SS posted a 1:22.440 result. You’ll see in the video that the Camaro was fast off the line, but couldn’t sustain its advantage at speed. Here are some comments from the American Muscle folks.

The 2012 Ford Boss 302 Mustang was not only more comfortable on the track, but much more at home than the similarly rated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS. We realize that the Boss is a purpose-built motorsports car (even though it’s stock). To be fair, the Camaro was completely stock, as well. With a 2.048 second lap time difference, the Boss would gain more and more of a separation over time. It held up better at high speeds and extreme driving, with better handling, less brake fade and quicker acceleration.

The 2012 BOSS 302 Mustang is a special edition Mustang inspired by the late-60s BOSS 302 Mustang that dominated Trans Am racing.

The second Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Orange County starts this Friday and, for one thing, it will be interesting to see what impact, if any, the return of reserve bids has on the proceedings. Given the success of last year’s OC event, this one has been expanded to three days and part of the Scottsdale text has been brought in to expand the venue.

The 2nd Annual Orange County Auction, June 24-26 at the OC Fair & Event Center. Portions of the event will be covered live on Speed TV. For additional information, check out the event web site.

Friday Faves: The first days of a multi-day auction are normally reserved for clearing out the… how best to put this… the cars with lots of development potential, shall we say? A look through the Mustang offerings coming up on Friday, however, is revealing some pretty interesting cars.

Both classic and contemporary Mustangs are well represented, so if you’re looking for a 1970 BOSS 302, a 1969 Mach I 428 SCJ or one of a number of Shelby cars, this is certainly the place to be. There are both generations of the Hertz Shelby GT350H rental cars and a 5,000-mile 2000 SVT Cobra R to be had.

Here are a couple of cars that we’ll be watching and the reasons why. They might not be quite what you expect.

Lot 34 is a 1999 Mustang GT Convertible with 12,000 original miles. This is a 35th Anniversary edition which saw some unique parts added, later reused in the 2001 Bullitt Mustang. Equipped with the 4.6-liter engine and manual transmission, this is a good example of the breed at that time.

More to the point, however, is that this car is finished in Electric Green which was one of two green shades offered that year. Of the two shades, Electric Green turned out to be the least endearing to the public at large. So, what we have here is a low mileage, special edition, contemporary Mustang that is at least somewhat rare because of its color.

So here the questions. Is the market ready to accept SN95 Mustangs as collectible cars at this time? Certainly something like the Cobra R is because of its limited production and SVT blessing. But, is a green 11-year old convertible? We’ll know sometime on Friday.

Friday lists no Fox-body cars except for an extreme custom. Cars like that are too individual to judge market movement on, so we’ll keep watching on that front.

One of the more modern special edition cars coming on the block is Lot 342, a 2007 Saleen Parnelli Jones Edition. This one is from a private collection and holds the rank of number 11 of 500. Signed by both Steve Saleen and Parnelli Jones, the car apparently shows 949 miles on the odometer.

Past auction sales of this model proved less than inspiring despite the obvious heritage connection and long list of Saleen modifications, including the 302cui, 3-valve modular motor. So, will the market acknowledge the uniqueness of this Saleen, particularly as Saleen shutters the doors on production any moment now. Or is the very collectibility of this car holding its value back, as all collectors hold on to them? We’ll get an indication soon enough.

Lot 47 is a custom 1967 Mustang Fastback being sold to benefit the Special Olympics of Southern California. With less than 1,500 miles on it since a frame off restoration, this classic pony is now fitted with a 514 hp ROUSH crate engine and Tremec TKO 600 5-speed transmission

Although we said earlier that custom cars don’t reflect the current market well, this car may be an indicator of the current economic trends. When times are bad, charitable support suffers and when the good times return, so does our philanthropy. Being one of the most sought-after Mustang body styles ever, the 1967 Fastback is a head turner wherever it goes and this one bears more than a passing resemblance to the car from the movie Bullitt.

Will someone dig deep for a good cause? Let’s hope so. We’ve seen other signs from within the enthusiast community that things are getting better and it would be nice to find out that this custom fastback sold for a bundle. We can’t wait to see what’s coming up on Saturday!

Photo: David Newhardt/ Mustang - Forty Years

Henry Ford II officially unveiled the Mustang on April 17, 1964 at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, NY. It was a day that shifted the axis on which the automotive world turned. Ford executed a brilliant introduction strategy and was rewarded with sales of nearly 22,000 cars that first day.

One of the strategies that brought such attention to the Mustang was its mid-year introduction. At the time, model year changes were revealed to the public in August by all Detroit manufacturers. It was an annual tradition for the car buying public to flock to dealer showrooms early in August to see what was new. Showroom windows were typically covered the night before and new models revealed the next morning with great fanfare.

By breaking the pattern, Ford Mustang’s introduction had no competition to deal with. The day before the car’s unveiling, Ford ran Mustang commercials on all major TV networks at 9:30 p.m. and the public response was little short of astounding, even for the company. Original sales forecasts saw fewer than 100,000 sales in the first year – a mark that flew by in just three months. In August of 1965, one year, 11 months, and 24 days after its introduction, the one millionth Mustang was sold.

When Ford rolled out the Mustang, it was a 1965 car that would have an extended model year. Every Mustang from the beginning carried a 1965 model year Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The distinction from a marketing perspective was unimportant, but engineering and production changes continued on their normal yearly schedule and in August of 1964, several changes were introduced for the Mustang.

Likely the most significant was the rollout of a Fastback 2+2 model, which started production in Mid-August of 1964. Changes across the line saw the early car’s generator replaced by an alternator, a power steering pump which now sported an integral fluid reservoir, backup lights, a retaining ring for the gas cap, smaller horns in a new location and interior carpet that continued up the sides and under the sill plates.

Photo: David Newhardt/ Mustang - Forty Years

The selection of exterior colors expanded significantly, and an interior decor group option was added, which became known as the ‘Pony’ interior, while powertrain changes dumped the 170cui inline six cylinder engine and the 260cui V8, replacing them with more powerful 200cui I6 and 289cui V8 powerplants.

Prior to these changes, Ford had built 121,538 pony cars – 92,705 coupes and 28,833 convertibles. Clearly though, a conventional model year update had been rolled out, but as far as Ford was concerned, cars built before were just ‘early’ 1965 models. From this has emerged a debate that is almost as old now as the Mustang itself. Officially, there is no such thing as a 1964½ Mustang, yet that is what has become the common reference for those 121,538 cars that were built before the production change.

At best, this is a notation of convenience and yet, according to Charles Turner, national head judge for the Mustang Club of America (MCA), “…there is a wide range of little differences between the cars built before and after August of 1964 that make them very unique. The MCA accepts the 1964½ as a model year because we view it as a different car.”

MCA’s position makes sense when it comes to judging the originality of an early Mustang. The baseline shifted in August of 1964 and there could easily be situations where apples-and-oranges comparisons might emerge. Having been an assistant judge for the MCA before, I can tell you that no detail is too fine to be left open to interpretation.

So, as it has been, it shall remain. Ford is not about to retroactively declare a 1964½ model, nor are the so-called Mustang ‘purists’ going to relinquish their claim to the uniqueness of owning an early 1965 model Mustang. Should you find yourself being drawn into a debate on this issue, the best advice is likely nod knowingly, scratch your chin for a moment then excuse yourself, heading directly for the washroom.

A company called Intermeccanica built the original Mustang station wagon at the request of the J Walter Thompson advertising agency (some of the real ‘Mad Men’) in the sixties. It was presented as a concept to Ford management, but never the idea went any further… at least not in the hands of Ford Motor Company.

Other people have been inspired to make their own versions of the Mustang station wagon and one of those people was Joe Ramp. He set out to build a ‘driver’ as opposed to a trailer queen show car. Starting with a clean 1965 coupe, Joe took a sensible approach to modifying the car, keeping as much of the original structure intact as possible.

Extending the coupe’s roof to the new D-pillars retained the original lines and left the car with an OEM-look. Side windows and trim were fabricated, while the original back glass was reused. The deck lid was modified to meld with the rear glass, to keep all the rear end details of the car including the signature three-element tail lights.

When it came time to look after the drivetrain, Ramp chose a more modern approach. An EEC-IV driven, 5.0-liter V8 engine was dropped between the shock towers and looks like a factory built install. An electric fan was installed to keep cooling air flowing through an original 1965-style radiator, and the engine’s air inlet has been smoothly integrated into the original sheet metal.

A Borg-Warner T5 manual transmission and Ford 8-inch rear axle complete the driveline. While the original suspension configuration has been retained, it has been beefed up to handle the extra weight and load capacity available. Power disc brakes have been installed to keep the chassis and engine capabilities in balance.

The car’s interior has seen equally careful attention to detail both in modifying it for the new setup, as well as preserving the original look and feel from the factory. A Hurst shifter tops the five-speed gearbox and air conditioning has been stealthily integrated into the interior.

The car is currently being offered on eBay for a Buy It Now price of $59,900. Bidding, which has three days remaining hasn’t caught up to that level, but the bid history suggests that this car might sell within the allotted time. Currently located at RK Motors in Charlotte, NC, the reputable seller invites interested people to get in touch with any questions. Contact information is provided in the eBay listing.

Photos: John Butler

Students at McMichael High School in Mayodan, NC, have been creating quite a stir lately. With their instructor, John Butler, a group of ten students have converted an early Mustang from gasoline to electric power. Butler saw a similar project at the state fair a few years back and set out to recreate it in his school.

“Classes like these are so important,” Butler told the Greensboro News-Record recently. “Kids learn so much and they don’t even realize it. It doesn’t matter what the project is. Any cool project will get kids interested.”

Ten students of different ages participated in the buildup, each assigned responsibility for a particular part of the project. Butler, an auto enthusiast himself, donated the Calypso Green notchback Mustang, which now runs on deep cycle batteries and a nine-inch diameter electric motor.

With its new internals, the pony car can reach 70 mph, but – of course – that’s not fast enough for the team. They want to increase the battery supply from 96 volts to 156 and future plans call for either a larger electric motor or a second one of the same size.

Once the car was built, the students began taking it to car shows and electric vehicle competitions. They have won several awards and never tire of showing off their work. Performance remains a strong objective, as the boys are quick to point out that their project is a car, not a golf cart. The Mustang has second place in several categories at a recent EV competition, including slalom racing and a distance test.

The days of North Americans hogging all the muscle car glory appear to be numbered, according to a report in Auto Express in the UK. Sources to the web site have indicated that the next Mustang will be available in the UK and in a right hand drive configuration.

Apparently, dealers there have been told to prepare for the new car, which is to top the line of UK Fords. One of the Auto Express sources is said to have indicated that, “The design studios in Europe and Australia are working on it, as well as those in America. It will be smaller and closer in spirit to the original 1964 Mustang.”

Beyond this, the usual speculation about turbocharged four cylinder engines, independent rear suspension and advanced technologies are reported. News like this must certainly be making many domestic Mustang enthusiasts nervous.

It is certainly open to question if the company’s One Ford policy is being applied a little too universally. By definition, any policy is an answer in advance of the question.

Regardless, Mustang’s flagging sales of late have done little to make it the 800-pound gorilla in the Ford lineup. The comapny also faces future questions about production at the Flat Rock, MI, assembly plant. Mazda recently indicated that it would no longer use the  AAI facility once the Mazda 6 is finished. BOth cars are currently built at the facility, which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda.

You can expect to see some of the questions answered at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, if Ford stays true to form.  A final production version is likely to be shown at the North American International Auto Show in January of 2013, with public introduction most likely scheduled for the obvious date of April 16, 2013 – the Mustang’s 50th Anniversary.

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

Coming up shortly is the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Orange County Auction, June 24-26 at the OC Fair & Event Center. To handle anticipated growth for this event, the team will bring out a portion of the renowned Scottsdale Auction Tent, measuring nearly two football fields in length.

Among the cars coming to auction in Orange County are this rare, documented Hertz company-purchased Shelby GT350 that was not a rental unit. Complete with a factory 302cid V8, 4-speed manual transmission, the car is beautifully restored with plenty of pictures and documentation of the restoration.

A Kevin Marti Report verifies that this GT350 was ordered by the Hertz Company of Los Angeles, CA on 12/20/67. It is neither clear, nor documented (that we can find) as to why this car would have been purchased by the Hertz company at that time.

There were other things going on in the Shelby world, including moving production from California to Michigan, with Ford handling all promotion and advertising activities.

On a speculative basis only, we suggest that there could have been some effort by Ford to repeat the ‘Rent-a-Racer’ program from 1966, which saw Hertz buy one thousand Shelby GT350 cars for use by their preferred customers.

As it turns out, this car was a barn find, partially restored, until Dave Parker purchased the vehicle in 2007, when it was then stripped down and received a complete restoration by California Body Works. Great care was taken to return this Shelby to its original glory, including adding the iconic Shelby stripes.

Everything from top to bottom has been gone through with all new wiring, the 302ci 4V motor being rebuilt to factory specs, all new interior from the carpet to roll bar, and the entire brake system was rebuilt along with the suspension.

Some future revelations may clarify the historical role of this Shelby GT350, but for the time being, it remains an outstanding example of the breed.

Photos: Car Advice

Chevrolet’s announcement of the 550 hp Camaro ZL1 at the Chicago Auto Show this year seems to have kicked the hornet’s nest in Dearborn. The number of oddball Mustangs being caught by spy photographers these days is at an all-time high.

The most recent capture comes from the Nurburgring in Germany, where an otherwise normal-looking GT500 has fueled new speculation about upcoming powertrain possibilities. The horsepower wars between Mustang and Camaro apparently know no limits and some details from these photos suggest that neither is going to settle for second best… for long.

Sporting additional hardware behind the upper and lower grilles, this test Shelby is all about cooling. The question is... cooling what?

The pictures here come courtesy of Car Advice, an Australian site with a commendably long reach. This Shelby appears to be all about cooling, evidenced by the partially visible intercooler in the lower bumper inlet, as well as a couple of tube and fin coolers that have been tucked in behind the upper grille. Some adjustments have apparently been made to the front fascia to accommodate the changes, or possibly to improve airflow in the area. The significant presence of universal repair material, a.k.a. duct tape, is a giveaway here.

While Car Advice speculates that the intercooler shown strongly suggests a turbocharged setup, others don’t necessarily agree. On examining the same photos, Motor Trend says that, “…a prominent front-mount air-to-air intercooler that would be indicative of a turbo doesn’t seem to be present.”

The driver's side fog light opening has been re-tasked to deliver cooling air to what appears to be yet another fluid cooler.

Beyond these items, there also appears to be something behind the driver’s fog light, now being used as a cooling air inlet. Divining the purpose of this is entirely guesswork, but it adds to the notion that the next Shelby GT500 has cooling issues, or is about to. However, the powertrain upgrades may work out, the ZL1 is squarely in the sights of this snake.

Our StangTV project car, the Wild E. Coyote 2011 Mustang GT, has some ambitious goals set out for it, one of which is the ability to eclipse 1G on the skidpad, while remaining entirely street drivable. Previously, the car has gone through some upgrades, but this is the first set of mods to address the road handling aspects.

It is often said that “racing improves the breed” and the Ford Racing Performance Parts suspension kit for the 2011 Mustang GT is a prime example. Ford returned to road racing activities with a vengeance for the 2005 season, following the introduction of the S197 Mustang and its development into the FR500C Grand Am Cup racer.

Working in conjunction with supplier Multimatic Motorsports, racing activities have continued to evolve, just as the contemporary Mustang has. In fact, a significant portion of the development work that went on for the upcoming Boss 302 Mustang was done in conjunction with Ford Racing and Multimatic. That work has spilled over to this kit.

“For all our FR3 Handling Packs, Multimatic, under their Dynamic Dampers brand, worked with Tokico to provide us dampers that use the OE housing and deliver OE quality, ” explained Ford Racing’s Jesse Kershaw. “The quality control achieved by using original equipment manufacturers helps set us apart and is a big reason we are used on the Shelby up-fit kits.”

Contents of the Ford Racing Adjustable Handling Pack (M-FR3-MGTAA )

FRPP Adjustable Handling Pack – M-FR3-MGTAA

• Adjustable Dampers M-18000-C
• Lowering Springs M-5300-K
• Sway bars M-5490-A
• Front Strut Mount Upgrade M-18183-C
• Jounce Stops M-5570-A
• Strut Tower Brace M-20201-S197

The struts and shock absorbers are a joint product of Ford Racing, Dynamic Suspensions and Tokico.

You may not know this, but you’ll find the FR3 contents listed above are the same as installed on a new 2011 Shelby GT350. Ford engineers worked with the Shelby organization to build an integrated package for their car and Ford Racing now makes it available for 2011 Mustang GT owners. In particular, this kit is for the owner that prefers a streetable performance suspension with some adjustability for high performance driving events, such as open lapping, driving schools or autocross.

A supplied tool allows the dampers to be adjusted from full soft to full hard, and stages in between, in seconds. A total of eight turns of continuous adjustment are available. Fully seated in the clockwise direction, the dampers are at their stiffest setting. Care must be taken not to overtighten the adjuster. Unwinding by eight full turns puts the dampers at their softest rates.

The standard lowering springs provided in the kit drop the car by one inch. If you prefer to go lower, and we did, you can use the optional M-5300-K springs for a one and a half inch drop instead. When ordering a kit for yourself, be sure to specify this up front. According to Kershaw, the additional half inch of drop is for looks only. “With the 1″ drop it maintains excellent road manners. We offer a 1.5″ drop also but this offers virtually no improvement in handling but does decrease the ride quality substantially,” he explained.

The front and rear shocks are adjustable from the top of the shocks. FRPP includes an adjustment tool to dial them in as well. No clicks here - you can now dial in the shocks with even partial turns.

Holding Sway at Bay

Also included in the kit are replacement front and rear sway bars, links and bushings. According to Kershaw, “The sway bars in our kits are also used on the Boss 302S turn-key race car we sell. Our kits are a tad stiffer than those on any any current production Mustang including the Boss 302.”

While the bars themselves may not look much different from the originals, it only takes a small change to get a big difference. For example, the solid rear bar has increased from 24 mm to 25 mm diameter. This 1 mm increase actually changes the stiffness by 18 percent. The tubular front bar has increased from 34.6 mm to 36 mm diameter. Heavier mounting hardware, billet rear link bars and urethane bushings throughout improve the consistency of roll resistance through all types of driving.

Adjustability is key to dialing in front versus rear grip, otherwise known as understeer and oversteer.

The GT’s standard upper strut mounts get replaced by the ones used in the 2011 Mustang SVT Track Pack option. The mounts use a harder rubber for less flex and more consistent performance at the limit. Replacement jounce stops are provided to accommodate the lower ride height and keep ride quality reasonable. While the sourcing strategy might sounds like this kit is a bot of a mash-up, nothing could be further from the truth.”We spend hundreds hours on track and thousands of miles on the street developing every FR3 handling pack to ensure the components are balanced and flat out work,” explained Kershaw.

The last component in the FRPP kit is a Ford Racing strut tower brace. This is the same one that is standard on the Shelby GT500KR. While it fits nicely over the engine dress up cover, if you’ve installed a Boss 302 intake manifold or supercharger, you may end up using the brace to decorate your garage or den.

The Redesigned Falken Azenis RT-615K Tires

Getting the suspension work done was important, but taking full advantage of the new capability also required we update the rubber on this project car. For that, we turned to our friends at Falken Tires for a solution in the form of a set of AZENIS RT-615K tires, the modern replacement for their venerable RT-215.

In talking with Jonathan Bradford, Falken Tire Drift Motorsports Supervisor, about the RT-615K, he told us, “The biggest difference in the RT-615K tire is the new advanced compound that translates to more grip in spirited driving. The tires capabilities are limitless as they can perform well in an array of motorsports disciplines.”

Falken's new RT-615K tire is lighter and the new compound has increased heat tolerance for harder driving.

“The RT615K is the third generation of the Azenis RT family and is leaps and bounds better than the original RT-215. They offer a great amount of wet traction due to the three water channels as well as a large outside contact patch for hard cornering. The new compound found in the RT615k is the biggest improvement made as you are able to push harder and longer due to the increased tolerance to heat.”

The modern design leverages this new motorsport grade rubber compound with a new, proprietary casing design to eliminate steel components which results in a tire that is lighter, reducing unsprung weight. A thinner tread (8/32″) helps to provide almost-shaved consistency in adhesion as the tire heats up.

Just as in our case, the Falken tires will need to be capable both on the track, as well as the highway. Bradford concurs with the choice.

“Due to the recent economic times, the 2011 car consumer is forced to shop smart requiring a performance car to pull double duties as a weekend warrior on the race track and a commuter car during the week. The 615k meets these needs as they are sticky enough to challenge your personal bests on track yet capable enough to endure the elements of a daily driver street tire all while maintaining the creature comforts found in the modern muscle car.”

Once these were installed, we were ready to take on some real competition.

… A Word From Editor Mark about his experience with the StangTV 2011 GT

On the Street

As soon as we finished up the install of the suspension kit I immediately took it out for a test drive.  With the shocks set on medium, a slightly harsher ride than stock could be felt, but the suspension was still very quiet.  During hard braking though, virtually all the horrible nose dive associated with a stock Mustang’s suspension was completely eliminated. When adjusted to the fullest soft setting on the shocks, the Mustang will ride just slightly firmer than stock.  There is no additional noise created from the suspension, other than some light bearing squish from the back of the car over speed bumps and driveways, due to the stiffer bushings included with the kit.

At the Track

It has been nearly seven years since I had been on a road course or autocross, though in my heyday, use to be a decent threat in my local SCCA division. When I purchased my 2011 Mustang, my goal was back to get into road racing with it and the Run to the Coast 2 event was going to be my return.

In the grand spectrum of the Run to the Coast event, I knew I was going to be at a disadvantage. Most folks brought their race cars in trailers, equipped with fully built suspensions, a wide set of wheels and tires, 500-1,000 hp, and a set of big brakes. I would load my stock wheels and tires in the trunk and back seat along with a bare set of tools, helmets, wife (she was in the passenger seat, not the trunk), and drove the car to the event. The Mustang still has the temporary tags on it and is simply equipped with a FRPP Adjustable Handling Pack, SVT 18×9.5 wheels wrapped in Falken RT-615K tires, that sat in front of my stock (non-Brembo) brakes. An axle back, Airaid intake and SCT tune would be the extent of my added power.

In addition to the suspension, a set of 18×9.5 SVT wheels were wrapped with Falken’s new RT-615K tires. I have owned many sets of Falken Azenis tires, including their very first design that was released in the early 2000s. They were among some of the meanest tires allowed in the Street Tire-based classes. The biggest beef with the second revision of the Azenis (the original RT-615) is that they worked awesome when they were cool, but would get slippery if they became overheated. I can attest that after five back-to-back laps on the RTTC2 road course with speeds as high as 120mph and as low as 40mph, the new Azenis compound is just as predictable on the first lap as it is on the last lap. When compared to the stock wheel and tire package, the Azenis picked up over two full seconds around the road course.

When it came to the handling felt from the Ford Racing package, there is nothing bad that could be said about the kit.  While the sway bars are adjustable in the front, all of the adjustments I needed to get the car to respond the way I wanted were made directly to the shocks.  There aren’t any clicks with the FRPP shocks – so you can make partial turn rotations and there is a noticeable difference between one turn to another.

I first started the shocks on six turns on the front and five turns on the rear.  I wanted the rear end to be a little softer so the Mustang would rotate slightly.  With the front end that tight, I was fighting a bit of understeer, so I adjusted from six turns to four in the front and left the rear settings the same.  This allowed for far better weight transfer on the front and allowed the tires to bite harder in the turns.  With the rear setting as is, I was able to dial in slight oversteer by just rotating the gas pedal.  Both the tires and suspension performed flawlessly and there were no surprises on how the car reacted.

At the end of the day I was very happy how the Mustang and I performed, 8th place on the Detroit Speed Road Course and 4th place in the Baer Speed Stop competition out of 70+ cars. The autocross I finished in the middle of the pack and never got a run that I deemed was decent enough to my standards.

FRPP Adjustable Handling Pack – M-FR3-MGTAA Installation

Disassembly starts with removal of the front struts. The car is on a hoist and the wheels have been removed. Large bolts here and on the spindle need to be removed.

It is a good idea to remove and protect the wheel speed sensor.

When you get the bolts out of the spindle, support the brake and hub assembly. You can remove the nuts at the top of the strut and then pull the entire strut as one piece.

You'll appreciate the extra space, so go in and remove the sway bar now.

We're doing one extra step here and that is to install a camber adjustment bolt. This requires that the lower mounting hole become a slot, so its off to work with the grinder.

The offset bolt that gets used in the lower mounting hole provides for some range of camber adjustment.

Now, the strut can be assembled outside the car with the help of a spring compressor.

The original strut is on the left. You can see the difference in overall length, which causes the car to drop.

The blue replacement front sway bar has heavier hardware, brackets and so on. It is the same bar used in the Boss 302R race car.

Be sure to apply the provided lube between the sway bar and its urethane bushings or you are likely to encounter some squeeks.

Now, mount the new sway bar before installing the strut.

Now, the strut can go back in place and you don't need the spring compressor.

Using some high strength threadlocker on the spindle bolts will make sure they don't loosen up by accident or competition use.

The same common sense applies at the top end of the strut.

Next, we fit the strut tower brace.

Then, torque everything down to spec. It will be helpful to have a copy of the shop manual to get the needed torque specs.

There, everything is looking good now. Take a minute and double check tightness on all fasteners as we're done here and heading for the back end now.

Off come the rear wheels, so we can get at the hardware. You'll also have to remove some of the inside trunk trim to get at the top of the shock absorbers.

Everything is pretty accessible here. You'll need to support the axle while the shocks are off. Remove the rear sway bar and loosen the shock absorber bolts.

You can see that the rear sway bar links are much sturdier than the originals. Again, use the provided grease on the urethane bushings to prevent squeaks. Additionally they are shorter to adjust for the lowered stance.

With the axle supported on jack stands, we're using the hoist to position the car for removal of the shock absorbers first. Raising the car now releases the compression on the springs allowing for easy and safe removal.

The FRPP springs slide right in and the bump stops can be replaced easily.

Inside the trunk, you can see the cap that protects the shock's adjuster. The front looks exactly the same. A special tool is provided to make the adjustments.

It's time to button up the sway bar and we're pretty well done.

What a beautiful job. Things are a lot sturdier here and less likely to do anything unexpected. After double checking all fasteners for tightness, it's time to get the wheels back on and go for a road test.

Billy Johnson, in a 2012 ROUSH Stage 3 (RS3) Mustang, takes on the Summit Point Raceway as part of the 2011 One Lap of America event. Johnson is co-driver with Jack Roush Jr. in the Grand Am Continental Tire series, however for the One Lap of America event, each had their own RS3 car, along with another co-driver.

Both of the 2012 ROUSH SRS3 Mustangs that were entered in the One Lap competition were ‘stock optioned’ vehicles. ROUSH Performance chose to run the optional 6-piston front brake upgrade, as well as the 2-way adjustable competition coil-over package on both of these cars. These are regular production options that anyone who purchases as ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang can have added to their car.

The RS3 comes fully-loaded with body styling upgrades, including the ROUSH front fascia with driving lights, chin spoiler, side rocker splitters, rear valence, rear deck-lid spoiler, and newly designed square exhaust tips. Interior enhancements include ROUSH leather seats with embroidered logos, four-piece performance pedals, newly designed shifter grip in either black or white and more.

The Summit Point Circuit is a ten turn, two mile road course that includes a 2900 foot straightaway and 400 feet of elevation change. The road course provides challenging high speed turns with ample run off areas and gravel traps along with a challenging and technical carousel section.

Both Stage 3 Mustangs topped their class during the One Lap of America event, ahead of a factory-sponsored 2011 Dodge 392 Challenger SRT8 and a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

While it may be a little presumptuous to suggest that drifting prodigies may exist, here is an example of getting them while they’re young. There’s no doubt that this young drifter in training has mastered the technique appropriate to his ride, whether he’s carrying a passenger or not. When it comes to power sliding and reverse steering, this one’s got it all down tight.

It’s hard to tell if this Power Wheels’ Mustang has been modified or not, but the hard plastic tires would certainly make this kind of performance possible. These are great products that deliver enough power to be exciting, while teaching skills that will be relied on in the future.

Halfway through the video, the youngster abandons the cones and takes on some freestyle stunts, including donuts around one cone at the end after dropping off his passenger. It seems this one has been studying the showmanship aspects of his idols as well.

Whether or not we’ve got another Justin Pawlak on our hands here remains to be seen, but clearly this driver is ready to step it up a grade. With her reaction to all that is going on, the young girl already shows she’s got the bones to be a flag starter in one of the professional drift series.

Would you like to win a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS? Of course you would. Well, the Kansas Lottery is going to give one lucky person the keys to their very own Camaro coupe with their Muscle Car Money promotion.

The Missouri Lottery is offering people a chance to win one of four new muscle cars. The Muscle Car Mania promotion runs through August 23 and there is a chance to win a new Chevrolet Camaro SS, a Ford Mustang GT, a Dodge Challenger R/T or a Dodge Charger R/T.

Meanwhile, a couple received the keys to their new Dodge Charger R/T Hemi at Auto World in Big Stone Gap on Friday thanks to a winning Muscle Car Money game Virginia Lottery ticket.

There’s no doubt about it – muscle cars draw and when you can grab one for a pittance, people are lining up for tickets. Sometimes though, the end result isn’t the dream you thought it would be. Reading the fine print is often illuminating. We’ve previously reported a casino whose “muscle car” prizes were V6 versions of the named cars.

Even when the model is specified, for example a Camaro SS, it is likely to be a 1SS model and not the 2SS level. While we certainly wouldn’t complain about taking over the keys to a 1SS Camaro, knowing what you’re getting into helps to avoid disappointment later.

Depending on the rules of the game, the winner may be able to take a cash equivalent prize, which is exactly what a lady from Terre Haute, IN, did in the Hoosier Lottery’s Muscle Car Money second chance drawing last week. Meanwhile, an instant scratch winner in the South Dakota Lottery’s Camaro Cash game pans to sell her new car before the snow arrives.

“It’s not a practical car for a South Dakota winter,” she said. “I could use the money to pay some bills and take the family on a vacation.”

Tax implications can also reduce your enjoyment of a new muscle car, at least if you’re thinking ahead. Using the car fora while and then selling it will bring depreciation into play, with the result that tax on the full retail price of the car becomes a significant portion of the depreciated price you may get on the open market.

If you’re lucky enough to win the actual car of your dreams, then put the wind at your back and enjoy your good fortune. If it’s just a nice car that you could get to like, check out the cash equivalent option, pay the taxes and put a nice down payment on what you really want… or need.

Now for the third time now, Ford Racing has built a limited run of 2012 Cobra Jet Mustangs. The NHRA-legal race car can also be used in IHRA and NMRA classes. Packed with an all-aluminum 5.4-liter modular motor, a choice of superchargers is available.

The 2.3-liter TVS supercharger pumps the output level to 430 flywheel HP, while the 4.0-liter Whipple blower makes 500 HP out of what its given. The engine is also modified with Manley H-beam connecting rods and a double keyed crankshaft snout.

Since its legendary introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, the Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power and performance that is carried on through its contemporary descendants. The first of the modern Cobra Jet cars, introduced in 2008, took the NHRA Winternationals victory in its inaugural race.

Another limited edition run of Cobra Jet Mustangs was announced in 2010, has been competitive in racing across the country, setting a number of class records along the way. In addition to the modified V8 engine, the 2012 edition features a race-prepared automatic transmission, drag-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50-certified roll cage and Aeromotive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

The 50-unit run was recently completed on the niche build line at the Auto Alliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, MI, and have started arriving at Ford Racing authorized dealerships. So, what does the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet sound like from a cold start? Thanks to Karl Flammer Ford in Tarpon Springs, Florida, we get the rare opportunity to listen to this motor purr!

It won’t be long before that same throaty bark will be heard at race tracks across the country.

It seems like we’ve all been talking about the special edition BOSS 302S Mustang for quite a while now, but the fact is that the first run of twenty cars is happening right now. We were invited to Flat Rock, MI, to see this group of cars being put together and we’ve got lots to tell you.

This special production line had just finished its run of 2011 Cobra Jet Mustangs and switched over for the BOSS 302S. This edition, you may recall, is a track-only Mustang sold by Ford Racing for use in the NASA American Iron series or the GTS class of the World Challenge series. Not to be confused with the BOSS 302 Mustang, or the BOSS 302 Laguna Seca Edition cars, both of which are road-legal, the BOSS 302S

This Mustang uses the same 440 hp, naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter engine that you’d find in the road-going BOSS, except for a remote mounted oil filter. While the 6-speed transmission also is stock, the rear axle differential is changed up to a Torsen unit – universally favored by road racers. The BOSS 302S was first announced as having a maximum production of fifty units, however, George Goddu, head of Ford Racing Performance in North America, indicated today that Ford is willing to be flexible on that number if the market demand justifies it.

The BOSS 302S starts as a Mustang body-in-white. To reduce weight, the factory seam sealer, sound deadener and interior panels are deleted prior to body build. The body in white is sent to a local company, Wilson Engineering, to have a 6-point FIA-legal roll cage installed for driver safety and chassis rigidity. A number of additional changes are made before returning the bodies to the Auto Alliance plant, where the cars are then painted in either Performance White or eye-searing orange.

From there, they are wheeled over to the Ford Racing build line. That is where we pick this story up.

Before a BOSS 302S Mustang gets looking this good, there is a lot of work that goes into getting it ready

After arriving from the paint line, assembly work begins, while the car is still on its dolly. Here, some of the front end pieces such as the ducting, energy absorber and front tow hook hardware have been installed.

There are two parallel build lines in the facility. Now on a cradle, this BOSS 302S has been fitted with reinforcing plates for the rear spoiler. Note the reinforcing bars as well that were installed by the contractor. Interior preparation has started and flank protection is in place to keep those dings and scratches at bay

As the car moves along the line, wiring is installed along with the required auxiliary equipment, such as the Ford Racing aluminum radiator and oil cooler. The steering column is put in place. All of this is in preparation for the last step along this stage, when the car is lifted to receive the front subframe assembly and rear axle.

By the time the front fascia is installed, much of the underhood preparation is complete. The ECU and it's wiring along with the master battery disconnect are in place. Cooling ducts have been installed, just waiting for the front subframe to appear.

And... here it is. If Santa Claus were to leave something special in our garage, this would be the second choice. Of course, the entire BOSS 302S would top our list. The front subframe assembly holds the engine, transmission, steering, suspension and front half of the exhaust system.

An AAI worker prepares to bring it all together. The rear axle and front subframe are in place and the body is ready to receive the new components

Once the body and the rest are together, there are lots of things to connect. In the front, the brake cooling ducts get finished off, along with brake lines and ABS connections. In the rear, the suspension will be assembled, including the upper and lower control arms, as well as the adjustable panhard rod. Installing the driveshaft and wheels make for a major milestone in the build.

Here are the big rollers, just waiting to be installed. It probably won't be long before the new owner has those Pirelli tires shaved.

Finally, the BOSS 302S is standing on its own, err... wheels. There's still plenty of work to do, but the end is in sight.

The center stack was started earlier, but now its time to finish off the inside. Just the bare necessities are included, but the AIM all-in-one instrument panel with GPS logging is a major aid for driver feedback, both during and after a hot session. The Ford Racing quick release steering wheel wraps it up nicely.

Additional interior work involves installing the fire supression system, bottle holder and lines. A remote trunk release cable is installed as well. A sensor package for the ECU is visible on the tunnel, where it is nice and easy to get at.

There's not much left to the doors after removing weight, but they still have to go in. Here they are waiting for a new home.

Now, with glass installed, it's time to finish dressing the engine. A crankcase ventilation system is installed along with the airbox and other necessities.

These cars don't get a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) because they're not road legal, but they do get an authentic build sequence number instead.

The last steps are to install the adjustable carbon fiber rear wing and the BOSS 302S graphics. Now, its lookin' good and ready to race. This car is ready to race as delivered, so the $79,000 price from Ford Racing is very good compared to what you would spend building it yourself. Considering that the BOSS 302S is fully sorted when you receive it, you'll be having fun sooner than you can say, "Hey, BOSS!"

The 15th Annual Carlisle Ford Nationals will honor the Shelby brand with the largest GT500KR car display ever, presented by the Team Shelby Northeast Region. The three-day celebration of everything Ford, Lincoln-Mercury and Euro Ford is running this weekend, in Carlisle, PA.

The Hall of Kings display, which includes both classic and contemporary GT500KR examples, is located in Building G, near Gate 1. In addition, the Shelby American team will show its latest product lineup, including the 2012 Shelby GT350 convertible and coupe, the 800 horsepower GT500 Super Snake and the new-generation Shelby GTS.

“Shelbys from every era will be exhibited at the Carlisle Ford Nationals including the latest Shelby GT350, GT500 Super Snake and GTS,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “We encourage the public to stop by our tent and sit behind the wheel of these American Legends.”

The 15th anniversary Ford Nationals provides indoor displays of concept cars, custom Fords and other historically-significant vehicles; test drives by Ford Motor Company; a burnout competition; kids’ activities; industry guests; a car giveaway; NHRA drag racing; autocross for all skill levels and club gatherings.

Adult admission for the weekend (Thursday through Sunday) is $10. Children under eight are admitted free. Gates open at 7:00 a.m. each day.

When Ford approached Carroll Shelby to prepare a high performance version of the Mustang, Shelby got the idea to prepare a race-ready Mustang intending to dominate SCCA’s B-Production class and bring home an SCCA National Championship. With some suggestions from SCCA’s executive director, John Bishop, Shelby used the organization’s current rules to his advantage.

In order to be considered a production car, either the engine or the chassis could be modified, but not both. So, in working up the specifications for the GT350 Mustang, Shelby used suspension, brake, steering and other components that together would make the production GT350 perfectly suitable for competition. Potential warranty issues were also avoided by not modifying the 289cui K-code engine.

This left Shelby free to make what engine modifications he wished on the GT350R race cars. While only 34 of them were ever built, they could literally be driven from the showroom to the track and then home with a winner’s trophy in hand.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

The example here is the seventh R-model built, VIN SFM5R098. Delivered in May, 1965, to Ned Owen of Malvern, PA, the car was immediately given what became its trademark single wide Black stripe with Orange borders. This was to acknowledge Scott’s sponsor, Essex Wire, who was a supplier to Ford of wire and wiring harnesses. Owen would race the car in SCCA Northeast competition through 1967, winning at Bridgehampton and gaining several podium finishes.

Late that year, the car was sold to a Canadian racer, whose skill and luck held for two years before backing it heavily into a barrier. Without the resources or will to repair the car, it became a barn find waiting for discovery. That happened in 1981, when Rick Kopec found and purchased the car for $5,000.

In 1975, Kopec had founded the Shelby American Automobile Club with three other principals. He began the laborious process of collecting pieces for the restoration, which took another five years, but then Kopec handed the car over to Shelby noted restorer Chris Liebenberg.

It took three years for Liebenberg to complete the total restoration, which included sending the engine out for rebuilding by former Shelby service manager at Harr Ford of Worcester, MA, Gus Zuidema. Rebuilt to original specifications, the engine turned out a reliable 360 hp. The racer was refinished in original Wimbledon White paint and the Essex Wire stripe and graphics were reapplied.

During the next 18 years, he competed in over 100 races as well as dozens of conventions, open tracks, drivers schools, shows and other events and functions. For many of those years it was the only R-Model in the country being actively campaigned. Kopec explained his approach as, “I believe that a historical race car like this should be driven – not stored in a climate controlled garage and put on display at car shows. It would be like having a race horse like Man o’ War and keeping him in a small stall. You have to let him out in a big field to run. 5R098 likes to run.”

Having raced at every prominent track in the United States, 5R098 is likely the most high-profile, widely-exposed and historically accurate competition Shelby of all. The car was put up for auction in May of 2009, but did not sell with a high bid of $500,000. There are few competition Shelbys that would be more desirable than this one, certainly any of the six Daytona Coupes would be among them. The last one of those that sold went for over $7.2 million last year at a Mecum Auction.

If you’re looking for a collectible Mustang or Shelby, the next Mecum auction is scheduled for June 17-18 on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, in St. Paul, MN. You can get more details at the Mecum Auctions web site.

If there is a blues or R&B band in this country that doesn’t have their own particular version of the song Mustang Sally, they likely haven’t had a gig yet. America responded mightily to the Mustang’s introduction and Detroit blues and gospel singer, Della Reese, was not immune to it.

According to music historian, Tom Shannon, this prompted Mack Rice to write Mustang Sally in 1965. It was Rice’s only hit as a solo performer, making it to 15th spot on the R&B charts.

Rice had worked previously with Wilson Pickett, as part of the band, the Falcons, from 1957 to 1963. Pickett’s later cover of the song would eclipse the original, hitting 6th place on the charts in 1966. Mack originally called the song Mustang Mama, but changed it at the suggestion of singer Aretha Franklin.

When it comes to 1965 Mustangs, some things that might set your eyes to weeping could include coming across an Indianapolis 500 Pace Car edition from that year, of which only 222 were made. However unlikely that might be, the rarest production car is a model 76C convertible, built with bench seats. Only 2,111 of those were built.

The model 76B convertible, equipped with the Interior Decor Group option – the Pony Interior – took the #2 rarest spot with just 5,338 built. However, don’t run to the bank if you find one without checking more deeply, as refitting the Pony interior to cars built without the option is a common practice.

If you thought your model 65A 2door Hardtop Coupe was a rarity, you’ll be reaching for a tissue, as this was, in fact, the most common Mustang, whether or the early-1965 model (92,705 built) or the late-1965 version (372,123 units). In any case, you can take a break from the challenges of the modern world and slide back in time to when these cars were new. Just click the video below.

It’s not often that an import tuner is able to successfully cross over to the notoriously xenophobic Mustang aftermarket, but that is exactly what Neil Tjin after spending a decade with the import crowd. Tjin’s world started expanding when he was given a new Camaro to prepare for the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Although Tjin had built a custom Pontiac G8 the previous year, being one of eight tuners selected to help showcase the new Camaro’s modification potential created a far more visible stage for his work.

For the 2010 SEMA Show, Tjin built a new 2011 Mustang GT, bringing new and unexpected styling cues to the show floor.

More recently, Tjin has been building his relationship with Vortech Superchargers, showing the Vortech Anniversary Edition Supercharged Tjin Edition Ford 5.0L Mustang at events across the country.

Recent stops have seen the car well received along the East Coast, with stops at the New York Auto Show, the 5th Annual Sonic meet and the Carlisle Power & Style event, as well as others.

At the CBRD Dyno Day, a big modern muscle event near York, PA. The Tjin Edition Ford Mustang was the talk of the show, since it put down 655 horsepower on the dyno earlier that week. Announced last fall, the Vortech Anniversary Edition Superchargers are limited to just 100 produced. Impressive in their stealthy black finish on the supercharger, ducting and intercoolers, these are a sure way for Vortech fans to set themselves far apart from the rest.

Upcoming events for the Tjin Roadshow include the Carlisle Ford Nationals and the OC Car and Truck show, in June, with more to follow through the summer.

The presence of loud, noisy vehicles along the main street of Sturgis, SD, is not restricted to the annual motorcycle rally held there for the past seventy years. For the last four Labor Days, those same streets have been graced with the thunder of four wheeled vehicles as well, specifically Ford Mustangs of every variety.

It will all happen again this year in the famous Black Hills of South Dakota, as Mustang owners arrive from all parts of the country to join an extraordinary event, the Sturgis Mustang Rally, beginning with a Welcome reception and burnout competition on Thursday evening and finishing up Monday with a Mustang Rodeo.

In between, the whirlwind schedule can have you running in a Poker Run tour, participating in autocross competition, a launch box competition (that’s not lunch box), parades, a show and shine event, grabbing some hot laps, attending a Mustang auction, drag racing, an Awards Banquet and rolling the dice to win an SMS Supercars’ Mustang.

If you’ve got a few spare minutes after all that, you can also visit Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore at your own pace. There’s a lot to see and do in this area of the country, at least if you driving a Mustang on Labor Day weekend.

Registration packages start from $40 and range up to $175 or more, depending on content. Online registration is available at the event web site.

SAAC-36 is the annual convention for Shelby and other Mustang enthusiasts being run this weekend at Virginia International Raceway, near Alton, VA. Starting tomorrow, participants will have access to the track and skid pad at VIR, as well as a judged concours car show, vintage racing, parade laps, a swap met, a judged car show and a popular vote show as well.

Ford Superfest 2011, the national event hosted by SVT Owners Association and the SCMC (the SVT Cobra – Mustang Club) is also running this weekend at VIR. All the clubs have combined their eforts to create a memorable Memorial weekend experience.

SAAC has previously held their national convention at VIR and is happy to return. By combining their efforts with the other clubs, much more of the track’s facilities have been opened up, including the full 4.2-mile circuit at VIR. Nestled in the woods of southern Virginia. VIR is without a doubt, one of the great driver’s tracks, with high speed sections, fast but technical portions, elevation changes and, or course, the famous Oak Tree corner.

Southern hospitality is at its best in nearby Danville and Martinsville,VA. For a Mustang event that just keeps on going, you might want to stop by and check out the action. All the event details can be found here and the full weekend schedule is available here.

Whether you bought new or used, if you picked up your recent Mustang or other Ford vehicle and need to get the original Ford window sticker for it, you may be in luck. Whether yours went missing or someone forgot to keep it for you, there’s no better way to prove your car’s factory build details than the window sticker.

The Ford Performance Group Info Center has just announced a program through which you can obtain an exact, official replacement new-car window sticker for your 2007 – 2012 vehicle. You can verify the availability of a replacement window sticker for your vehicle by visiting the FordShowParts.com web site.

By entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your ride, availability can be confirmed and your sticker can be ordered online. A replacement sticker costs $15. You may lose some time browsing through their web site if you haven’t been on it previously. Aside from window stickers, this is the source for certificates of authenticity for SVT, GT500 and Mach I Mustangs. There is also a broad range of books, posters brochures and other interesting things for your car.

You can also contact the Ford Performance Group Info Center by phone to order your replacement sticker and other items that you’re after.

The replacement window sticker program also applies to Mercury and Lincoln vehicles for the 2007 through 2012 model years.

A new web site, SpeedDealz.com,  is currently offering daily deals on aftermarket products and discount certificates. Right now, there’s a $50 discount card from Lunati that can be bought for $25. According to the web site, the certificate is good for any factory-direct purchase and has no hidden restrictions. The certificates are only for factory direct use and will not be accepted by dealers, though.

Up to four certificates can be purchased and all can be applied to a single Lunati purchase, but must be used by December 31, 2011. You must register on the site to access the deals and optionally receive emails with the latest daily deals. An app for Smartphones is also available.

Lunati, known mostly for its racing camshafts, also provides a range of internal engine components including valvetrain parts, pistons, rods and crankshafts. Founded in 1969, the company developed a reputation for being racer-friendly and providing premium parts.

According to SpeedDealz.com, they will be offering a single deal each business day. The deals come from some of the performance automotive aftermarket’s biggest names and are offered at 40 to 75 percent off published retail prices. Deals may involve older or distressed product, or as in thee current case, discount certificates from manufacturers.

Automotive enthusiasts and deal seekers can view the daily sale through any internet browser at www.SpeedDealz.com

Rounds five and six of the Pirelli World Challenge series were fought at Mosport International Raceway this past weekend, with GTS-class wins split between Mustang drivers Paul Brown of Covina, CA, and Ben Crosland of Salt Lake City, UT. Tiger Racing’s Brown was fast in early qualifying on the 10-turn, 2.459 mile track, posting a lap of 1:26.578 before an oil filter gasket split, causing him to spin in Turn 8. Brown nursed the #50 Lucas Oil/K&N Filters Mustang Boss 302S back to the pit in lane, but had to be pushed from there.

The #50 Mustang needed a hand after an oil filter gasket let go and drained the engine.

“We were up until midnight cleaning the car, but I’m still getting oil on the windshield today,” Brown explained after the Saturday morning qualifying session. “Still, we’ve got pole by a half second.” It was his third pole in five races this year and a new track record on the series’ Pirelli slicks. Starting beside Brown was Ben Crosland in the #25 Interbank FX/RacewithRP.com Mustang. Third on the grid was Eric Foss in the #73 Traxxas/St Jude Hospital/SPX Mustang FR500S. Starting beside Foss was Alec Udell, a 15-year-old rookie making just his third Pirelli World Challenge start. Udell took the #05 Momentum Autosport Chevrolet Camaro to a fastest time of 1:28.163.

Eighteen-year old Ben Crosland would take his first Pirelli World Challenge win in just his eighth career start.

Foss and Udell passed Crosland early in the race, while Brown ran ahead of the pack. By lap 5, though, Crosland and Udell moved past Foss just before Brown’s engine let go on lap 6, passing the lead to Udell. Crosland and Udell ran nose-to-tail for a handful of laps. With Crosland pressuring the younger driver, Udell ran off course in turn two, damaging the front right corner of his Camaro and handing the lead to Crosland. The next time around, on lap 10, Udell found more difficulties in turn two and had an even bigger crash in the fast, descending left-hander, bringing out the caution flag.

When the green flag returned on lap 18, Foss chased Crosland for several laps before his tires started to go away and then watched Crosland run to a 0.873-second victory. The 18-year-old Crosland earned his first Pirelli World Challenge win in his eighth career start after two previous podium finishes in the #25 Interbank FX/RacewithRP.com Mustang FR500S.

Chris DeSalvo and Brad Adams tied their best finishes of the season, coming home in third and fourth-places respectively. DeSalvo’s podium came in the #19 Rehagen Racing/Hawk/BBS Mustang GT, while Adams finished fourth in the #75 VooDoo Music/RacewithRP.com Mustang FR500S.

Sunday morning qualifying for Race 2 saw Ben Crosland set an early benchmark of 1:28.620 that would stand through the session, giving Crosland his first series start from pole. After changing the engine overnight in his #50 Lucas Oil/K&N Filters Mustang Boss 302S, Paul Brown would settle for a P2 start, just 0.027 seconds off the pace.

A light mist at the start of Sunday’s race wasn’t enough to force any tire changes. At the race start, Brown quickly pulled ahead of Crosland, with Foss, DeSalvo and Adams following. By lap 8, Brown, Crosland and Foss had pulled away from the pack and by lap 12, Brown led Crosland by 2.5 seconds. Brown continued to pull away, building up a 7.7-second lead before a full course caution slowed the field. Brad Adams and a number of others fell victim to oil on the track, leading to a major incident in turn 9. The GTS order at that point was Brown leading Crosland, Foss, DeSalvo and Cunningham. The race would finish under the full course caution.

Brad Adams just missed a podium finish on Saturday. The following day would not go as well after encountering oil on the track.

For Paul Brown, it was his first chance to stand on the top step of the podium. His Long Beach win was awarded after the first place car was disqualified following technical inspection. Brown moved back to the top of the point standings with the win, leading Foss by 23 points.

“This one is official,” Brown said. “This one is pretty good. As always, we came prepared. We definitely had some issues in practice and in yesterday’s race and this just feels good. I can’t thank my crew enough.”

The Pirelli World Challenge series now enters a summer break and will return to action with a doubleheader at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, August 5-7.

Paul Brown led almost all of Sunday's race to claim victory after changing an engine overnight.

Eric Foss holds second spot in the series' championship points race after this weekend.

While this is one of 1,628 BOSS 302′s that were built for the 1969 model year, it is the only one that was sold by Vel’s Parnelli Jones Ford dealership in Torrance, CA. Coupled with a documented 8,473 miles on the odometer, this Mustang is a special case, indeed. Epitomizing pony cars of that era, the bright Calypso Orange paint and contrasting black graphics leave no doubt about what this car was built for.

Trans Am racing was a popular sport in the mid to late 1960s and Parnelli Jones was deeply involved as a driver. A see-saw battle between Ford and Chevrolet had each pulling out all the stops for dominance in the series. Carroll Shelby and Ford tool an early lead, but GM countered with the Z/28 Camaro in the hands of Roger Penske and Mark Donohue.

Ironically, a couple of the names behind the BOSS 302 were those very ones that had created its nemesis in the first place. Larry Shinoda, who had designed the Z/28, moved to Ford after Bunkie Knudsen had been recruited from GM to be President. The Z/28 would continue its winning ways in 1969, but victory in the following year would belong to the BOSS.

Currently located on the East Coast, in New Jersey, the car is largely unmolested, but for one repaint and underhood detailing. Even the word survivor hardly describes this BOSS correctly, as that would imply some wear and tear, which the photos show no evidence of. This is much closer to a museum-grade acquisition and the asking price of $145,000 is not unreasonable for that level, as well as the Parnelli Jones connection.

The eBay listing for this 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 302 has expired, but the seller can still be contacted through the “Ask a Question” function. Investing in a car of this apparent caliber surely justifies a personal visit, but if you can’t get there in person, an independent inspection is always a good idea when buying vehicles online.

Auctions America by RM held its second auction in Auburn, IN, following their purchase of the former Kruse Auction Park in July, last year. As expected, the highlight of the event was the sale of Hall of Fame baseball player Reggie Jackson’s Shelby GT 350 Mustang.

Jackson has an extensive automobile collection and has been divesting some of it over the past 18 months. RM Auctions spokeswoman, Amy Christie, had previously indicated that Jackson’s car had an estimated value between $175,000 and $225,000. The $247,500 figure includes commissions.

Jackson’s car was characterized as a “highly original, well maintained and completely unmolested American icon.” The car’s selling bid came in at the historical high end of the range for the 1965 Shelby. A couple of examples have hit higher levels, including the last Shelby GT350 Advanced Prototype, which sold for $282,500 in Spring of 2009.

Another GT350, from the Don Davis collection, also hit the $225,000 mark (before commissions) last year. It was an early production unit, built with a trunk mounted battery, which is characteristic of the first 300 GT350′s built that year.

This is not the first Shelby to pass through Jackson’s hands. At one time, he owned the 18th GT350 ever built. This so-called “two-digit” (serial number) car is among the most valued category of early Shelby cars. Jackson sold it some time ago. A subsequent owner may have done well from it, as this car sold for $324,500 at a Russo and Steele auction in August of 2005.

The Mustang Club of America’s River City National Mustang Show arrives Friday at the River City Market Place located at I-95 and Duval Rd in Jacksonville, FL.

The National gathering is a three-day show with an estimated 400 Ford Mustangs from all over the U.S. participating. MCA National Shows are open to all years of Mustang, with participant judging typically used for the two most recent model years. Classes are available for stock, lightly modified and heavily modified Mustangs.

The show will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (May 20 to 22) at the River City Marketplace, 13141 City Station Drive, off Interstate 95 and Duval Road. This show is free for spectators and $60 for show cars. Show cars will also head out on a police-escorted cruise to downtown’s Jacksonville Landing at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Future MCA National events include the Mustangs at the Beach at Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point, NY, June 16 – 19; the Midwest National Mustang Show, Des Moines, IA, August 12-14; and the 2011 Grand National Show, Monuments & Mustangs at Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD, September 2-4.

For more information or to register for any of these shows, check out the MCA web site, where you’ll also find a list of the many other regional car shows run by local MCA-affiliated Mustang clubs across the country.

Oh, yeah… what Harley did for motorcycles is exactly the same as what Flowmaster Mufflers did for the Mustang. Flowmaster’s patented Delta Flow performance technology delivers increased horsepower, better torque and improved throttle response, along with a signature exhaust note.

When it comes to the early SN95 Mustangs, the exhaust system of choice is Flowmaster’s American Thunder 2.50″ Cat-Back 409S product. With the Flowmaster Super 44 Series mufflers, you’ll get an aggressive and interior and exterior tone that’s unforgettable. It’s even worth letting someone else drive your car (for a bit), so you can hear what it sounds like on the outside.

This exhaust system is built from durable 409S stainless steel, using 2.50-inch mandrel-bent tubing for unrestricted performance and is backed by Flowmaster’s 10-year warranty. All instructions and needed hardware are included to make installation an easy job, whether at the shop or in your driveway.

The full length 304 stainless steel tips, laser-etched with the Flowmaster insignia, exit in the factory location for a smooth, finished look. There’s no better way to hear what this exhaust sounds like than when it’s being run on a dyno. Check out the video below for the awesome results.

Photos: Carlisle Events

Early June will bring the 15th anniversary Carlisle Ford Nationals event to Carlisle, PA, with an ever-growing range of features and activities for everyone to enjoy. Over 2,200 Ford, Mercury, Lincoln and Euro Ford vehicles are expected to be on display during the June 3 – 5 weekend.

Indoor displays of Ford concept and other significant vehicles highlight the list, along with test drives of current Ford products, an epic burnout contest, NHRA drag racing, autocross competition, club gatherings, a car giveaway, swap meet, manufacturer’s midway, install garage and more. Whew!

On the show field, there’s more than 50 classes for Mustangs alone. If you bring your Cyclone, Merkur or Ranchero, you’ll not be left out either. There’s show iron for everyone. In case all that isn’t enough to keep your interest, there’s still more going on that weekend.

The Hall of Kings brings you the most complete collection of Shelby King of the Road Mustangs ever assembled. From the classic to the contemporary, you’ll be able to see them all and meet with Shelby American factory representatives. Other special displays will focus on the Ford Starliner and the 40th Anniversary of the Ford Pinto.

In case you are between Mustangs at the moment, more than 250 Ford cars and trucks will be available for sale in the Ford Nationals Car Corral. The best part about the car corral is that you can meet with the seller, drive the vehicle, negotiate your price and see the car in person. Purchase services including notary, financing, insurance and temporary tags are available right in the car corral. How handy is that?

When you’ve had your fill of Ford cars (Is that possible?), you can take break and head out near Gate 5 where you’ll find rock crawlers doing their thing on Saturday only. Back on the show field, you’ll keep finding new things like the Yellow Mustang Club, a display by the Special Service Mustang Owner’s Association, book opportunitiess and a whole lot more.

Once you’ve been to Carlisle the first time, its hard to keep you from going back… and back… and…

According to Comp Cams R&D engineer, Bradley Brown, the number one killer of rocker arm life is valve train instability. Determining the correct pushrod length is critical to proper installation. Brown takes you step-by-step through the process using a Comp Cams adjustable length pushrod tool, also known as a checking pushrod.

COMP Cams’ checking pushrods make it easy and economical to determine proper pushrod length during any high performance engine rebuild. Precise length measurement is necessary for correct valve train geometry in order to obtain the desired results from the cam and to ensure damage is not done to the rest of the valve train.

Extensive research at COMP Cams previously determined that factors beyond simple strength become more important as camshaft profiles become more aggressive and valve spring forces continue to grow. According to company engineers, the frequency of the pushrod must match that of all the rest of the parts in the valve train, as well as the rpm at which the engine will be run.

Beyond the design phase, exacting standards have long been in place to ensure that Comp Cams’ pushrods exceed all requirements and provide consistent performance from one lot to the next. Made from SAE 4130 chrome-moly steel, the company uses sophisticated manufacturing equipment and processes to deliver the best product possible.

COMP Cams manufactures a wide selection of precision pushrods to handle any application from street performance to hardcore race. Although COMP Cams’ pushrods are superior in every aspect, their engineers are never satisfied. R&D continues in the quest of making them better and, when there’s a way to improve pushrods, COMP Cams will be first to make it happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqx8Cs6O6Vo

Why is it that Winter takes so long to pass and Spring is half done before you know it? This temporal anomaly affects all auto enthusiasts, so the Midwest clans should take notice that about eight weeks remain until the Heidt’s Performance Car Challenge arrives. The event is intended provide a dynamic proving ground, challenging the handling and road manners of some of America’s best-built muscle cars.

This recent emphasis on overall performance has changed the game for many car builders, with the result that today’s muscle cars have become far more capable and interesting as well.

If you’ve not had a chance to see the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL, this would be a great time to plan for it. A Friday afternoon BBQ and facility tour at the Heidt’s HQ, in Wauconda, IL, starts off the weekend, followed by a cruise to the Joliet hotel.

The three day extravaganza uses the 1.46-mile north track for hot lapping on Saturday, with an Autocross event scheduled for Sunday, along with a car show and other activities. You can save $40 on the driving event registration before June 20.

After that, it is $395, which is still very reasonable. Car show participation is $25 and includes two adult admissions, a t-shirt and goody bag. The Heidt’s Performance Driving Experience is an Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational qualifier event, so you know the competition is going to be great. Check out the event web page for additional information.

As part of the Woodward Dream Cruise weekend near Detroit, MI, Ford’s Mustang Alley is the largest single nameplate event during the weekend. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, MI, is typically lined with 500 Mustangs of all years.

For the 13th edition of Mustang Alley, the get together has grown beyond a single day car show. On Friday, participants will be able to take a tour of the AAI Assembly plant on nearby Flat Rock, MI, where Mustangs are built.

Meanwhile, planning is ongoing for a Dearborn Development Center Track Event on the Saturday. This event is limited to 200 participants, but by all accounts, past activities were out of this world.

Part of the Mustang Alley charter, in sync with the rest of the Woodward Dream Cruise, is to support local charities. Last year, the Alley raised $10,000 through T-shirt sales, raffles and the Charity Auction.

You never know what’s going to show up at the Auction, but chances are pretty good that it has to do with Mustangs and some things may have fallen off a truck near the assembly plant or one of the engineering labs.

At the moment, almost 250 cars have already registered, which puts the event near half capacity right now. The Woodward Dream Cruise is always scheduled for the third Saturday of August every year. Access to Mustang Alley will open around 7:30 a.m. that morning and the entry fee is $20 per car. For more information, or to regsiter your Pony, check out the event web site.

According to the folks at COMP Cams, valve springs are the most highly stressed components in any engine. Improper handling of valve springs can lead to reduced life, because of the how stresses occur during operation. As the spring is compressed, the coil also twists with the result that the outside surface of the wire is in tension.

Valve trains are designed as a system, so it's important that the spring is compatible with other components being used.

COMP Cam’s R&D engineer, Bradley Brown, explains in the video below that anything which damages the outer surface of the wire can reduce the number of cycles over which the spring will reliably operate. Keeping valve springs light is an ongoing challenge, but lighter springs reduce camshaft wear and allow for higher engine RPM, which can mean more power.

To achieve the lightest, high performance valve spring, COMP Cams’ springs are designed and manufactured for a specific number of cycles depending on their intended application – drag race means this many cycles, street means this many cycles and so on. As a result, any mishandling that damages the outer surface of the wire can cut down the number of cycles that the spring is capable of handling.

While handling of the springs during installation, removal and storage is important, getting the right springs and other valvetrain components is equally critical to success. Such components are not universally interchangeable. Valve trains are designed as a system, so it’s extremely important that the spring be matched to the other components being used.

COMP provides extensive information in their printed catalog, as well as through their free tech line, to help you get the right stuff into your engine. Check out the video below to see what else Bradley has to say. You’ll be quite surprised at how easily you can improve your valve spring life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6wIHb1d4Qo

Most SVT-massaged Ford products are hits, but it seems like the SVT Raptor is one that is simply out of the ballpark. The high powered, off-road inspired truck is selling well these days, despite the price of gasoline marching ever north of insanity.

Ford SVT spokesman Henry Platt told the folks over at PickupTrucks.com that Ford sold 1,183 Raptor pickup trucks in April. Platt added that eighty percent of Raptor sales were the new SuperCrew model and that black was the most popular color.

PickupTrucks.com also points out that Raptor sales exceed those of the Honda Ridgeline by well over two hundred units, based on figures reported at month-end by Honda. The two models of course are not comparable, but the irony lies in Honda’s initial expectations that the Ridgeline would be selling at a rate of 50,000 yearly.

The 6.2-liter V-8 Raptor delivers 411 hp and carries EPA ratings of 11/14 mpg city/highway. By comparison, the Ridgeline’s 250 hp, 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 15/20 mpg. While neither’s performance in this area is spectacular, it appears that Ridgeline sales need more help than the EPA can provide.

Even from the beginning, order rates for the SVT Raptor have been gratifying to the company, with luxury options being added to almost 80 percent of all deliveries.

You can’t help it. Your heart is pounding. You’re staged and waiting for the tree to light up. You know that you need to start slipping the clutch when the last amber lights up. Your focus narrows to just that bulb…

If you’re running a new 5.0-liter Mustang, or most other mod-motor ponies, help is here. Two-step technology for launch control isn’t new, but getting it to work easily on modular motors with their coil-on-plug ignition system is. MSD Ignition has released two new 2-Step modules and getting them working is pretty easy, so we’re going to install one on our 2011 GT project car.

According to Kyle Niesen at MSD Ignition, the new module “…is a unique product designed to get the most out of a new Mustang and the best light every time.” Well, that’s a pretty tall order, so we’re going to install the 5.0-liter specific part, which just started shipping just recently. There is another version for other modular motors, such as the 4.6 and 5.4-liters.

Two rotary switches on the housing are used to set the launch rpm.

A 2-Step module is designed to limit engine speed, when activated, to optimum launch RPM. Once at the starting line, you can activate the 2-Step and then floor the gas pedal. The module acts as a secondary  limiter and you’ll hear the effect quite distinctly.

Inching Towards our 10-Second Goal

Our 2011 Mustang project car has a couple of high level objectives – to remain daily driven, but with the ability to beat 1G on the skidpad as well as consistently logging 10-second runs in the quarter mile. The 5.0-liter engine has shown to be fast right out of the box, but as much as we all think we can shift gears with the best, a little help never hurts.

The GT has seen a few upgrades now and is putting out over 400 rwhp. New Mickey Thompson 18-inch drag radial tires help keep things under control at the strip, but there are bigger plans ahead for power, as well as track time and testing. Improving launch control will solve the issue of consistency and will help us evaluate subsequent changes more accurately.

Installing the 2011 GT MSD 2-Step Module and Harness

MSD 2-Step Ford 5.0L Mod Motor 2011 P/N 8731

• For Coil-On-Plug ignitions only
• Connects to factory coils for easy install
• Adjustable from 1,800-9,900 RPM  in 100  steps
• Improves launches, 60 foot times
• Can be triggered by the clutch switch or manually
• LED shows when the module is active

You'll be pleasantly surprised when you open the box. Aside from the 2-Step module itself, you'll just find a wiring harness and a small parts bag. This isn't going to take long. Regardless, a little prep work is going to make things even faster, so the first thing to do is open the hood and remove the coil covers. This will expose the wiring that you need access to.

Lay out the wiring harness, so you can see where there may be a good point to mount the module. We used the factory intake heat shield bolt to secure one side of the module and a short self-tapper to hold the other side to the plastic. Make sure that the harness with the grey and black wires can reach all the coils and the module. The rotary switches that you'll use to set up the rev limiter are on the same side as the wiring harness, so make sure you can access these easily.

Make sure that the ignition is off, ground strap on the battery is disconnected, and then unplug the car's wiring to the individual ignition coils. Plug the eight individual connectors from the MSD wiring harness to each of the coils.

The factory harness is secured to the jumper and the new female connector from the MSD harness is installed onto the coil pack.

Do NOT plug the factory wiring back in at this time. Instead, plug the module connector that has just a single red wire, into the harness connector with all the black wires. You're going to run a quick test now. Turn the ignition key to the "on" position, but do not try to start the car. Look for an illuminated LED on the MSD module. If it’s lit up, then you're ready to carry on. If the LED did not light up, swap the harness plugs and re-verify.

The last connector coming out of the module has three wires in it. The black wire needs to go to ground. The other two wires are for activation, one blue (ground switch) and one white with a blue stripe (12v switch). We chose a simple, momentary contact switch that was wired between the blue wire and a solid body ground. The easiest way to access a hole through the firewall is where the intake sound tube comes into the car. We made a simple slit in the bottom of the grommet to run our ground switch wire through.

We'll have to run the activation wire in through the firewall and under the console. When not in use, the switch can be tucked out of the way between the seat and console for the time being.

If there is any trouble starting or running the engine, you may need to switch the two 8-pin connectors from the module into the harness. Once the engine is running correctly, activate the module. You should see the LED illuminate. Now, try increasing the engine speed to more than what you set on the module. You should now hear the engine sputtering at that speed. Don't run like that for too long, as it could trigger a Check Engine Light, or damage your catalytic converters.

If all that looks good, you’re ready for the next weekend at the track. Just remember to reset the module switches for the launch RPM you’ll want there. Some trial and error may be needed to find the best setting, but before you know it, you’ll be launching consistently… just like a pro.

The competition season is fast arriving and if your ride isn’t ready, perhaps you need to pickup an Aluminator 4.6-liter V8 to finish up the job. If you’re staying old school, then perhaps you’ll be looking for a 347 cui small block that just needs some long tubes and a Holley 650 to start cranking out 415 hp.

Downs Ford, of Toms River, NJ, is a long standing distributor of Ford Motorsports and Ford Racing Performance Parts. They are also one of the largest distributors for these lines and are currently offering free shipping for all crate motors, most superchargers and big boost kits, as well as selected short blocks. Delivery has to be to a business address.

In addition to the Ford product lines, Downs also carries top name products from Superchips, Moser Engineering, Shelby American, Aeromotive, ROUSH Performance, Kooks, QA1 and more. Their trained staff can help with selection issues and help get your ride performing the way you need it to.

If you’re heading out to the NMRA All Ford event this weekend at Atco Raceway, be ready for plenty of action, sponsored by Downs Ford. If you’d ordered your crate engine in time, you’d be racing, not watching. Check out the line of Ford Motorsprts and Ford Racing products at Downs Ford’s The Ford Store.

Kentucky Speedway, located about 50 miles southwest of Cincinnati in Sparta, KY, has been undergoing some changes in preparation for the upcoming Quaker State 400 NASCAR race weekend in July. New 19,000 seat towers were built on either side of the main grandstand tower, bringing the facility’s capacity to near 106,000.

Now, Ford has announced a three year extension, through 2013, as the Official Vehicle of Kentucky Speedway. The company has held that role for the past eleven consecutive years. The Ford Mustang GT will continue its role as the Official Pace Car as well.

In addition, the two organizations announced that a special edition Mustang GT 5.0 convertible has been built to help commemorate the inaugural Sprint Cup NASCAR race on July 9. The special edition Mustang is limited to only 43 vehicles, matching the number of drivers in the Quaker State 400 NSCS race. The Mustangs will go on sale at local Ford dealers starting today.

All of the special edition Mustang GT 5.0 convertibles are white, with feature unique badging that includes the Official Pace Car designation, NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway logos. Each unit will be numbered for collectible purposes.

Buyers of the 2012 Pace Car Mustang will also have the chance to participate in portions of the July race weekend. Each will receive four tickets to the event, have the opportunity for a Ford team driver to sign their car, and drive a Ford driver around Kentucky Speedway during the parade lap before the race start. AJ Allmendinger, driver of the number 43 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports, was on hand for the announcement.

According to Ford, select individuals will also get a chance to wave the green flag during qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series event on July 8.

Initial plans called for a relatively short wheelbase, around 100 inches. But, drivetrain issues would mandate a longer one.

Both vision and ambition are fueled by starting a layout on the garage floor.

Using the often proven, plan it as you build it approach, he begins with cutting up the Caddy’s roof and laying the car out on his garage floor.

A little hunting and gathering at the local bone yard scored the builder an engine, overdrive transmission, radiator, driveshaft, rear axle, front spindles, knock-off wire wheels, steering parts, gauges and switches from a vintage Jaguar.

Of course, the devil’s in the details and once you’re trying to get salvaged parts working together again, there’s plenty of details to work out. Figuring out exactly how the vintage Jag rear suspension actually functioned was one of those.

Now, as if there weren’t challenge enough in a ground-up project like this, our intrepid builder also decided to abandon the typical body-on-frame approach and build his own monocoque chassis.

Nobody said that this lad is short on ambition, but the good news it that his fab skills and inventiveness certainly appear to be on par with his aspirations. A healthy dose of imagination helps, as in the lead photo, to get you through the more challenging phases of the build.

First starting out in March, 2009, this project still has a way to go, but progress continues. There have been plenty of challenges along the way and that particular road isn’t clear just yet. For now, enjoy a portion of the build below, but for the full story (all 35 pages of it), head on over to KillBillet.com

Built for competition and proven in 2011 Pirelli World Challenge Championships, Baer Brakes’ new GA-4 caliper was designed from the beginning for the peak demands of professional road racers. The GA-4 caliper is built in conformance with World Challenge and Grand Am series requirements.

The GA-4 is also designed with the racer in mind. The high stiffness caliper fits any standard 14-inch by 1.25-inch thick brake rotor and accepts the standard DR-11 racing brake pad.

Versions are available either for 18mm or 25mm thick brake pads. The Baer GA-4 caliper was also designed to use a quick release brake pad retainer, because less time in the pits means more time racing.

These brake calipers are being proven on Paul Brown’s #50 Boss 302S Mustang, which currently leads the GTS class of the 2011 Pirelli World Challenge Championships. Characterized by short (50 min.) races on fast tracks, the importance of consistently high performance levels and reliability cannot be overstated. This is where Baer delivers with their GA-4 brake caliper.

Tiger Racing, out of Covina, CA, has long been associated with World Challenge competition. Brown and the rest of the Tiger Racing team built the Boss 302S Mustang in just a few weeks before last year’s SEMA Show.

Photos: ROUSH Performance. Drivers Billy Johnson (left) and Jaime Lyons (right) receive their awards from Brock Yates.

Finishing third overall and first in class, ROUSH Performance drivers Billy Johnson, of San Clemente CA, and Jaime Lyons, of Madison, WI, persisted through the 8-day, 3,500-mile event, taking a backseat only to a 2010 Nissan GTR and a 2011 Porsche Turbo S. Billy and Jaime were also awarded Rookie of the Year honors from Brock Yates at the end of the event.

A second ROUSH Performance entry, driven by Jack Roush Jr, of Livonia, MI, and “Jay” Ronald Velthoven of Brighton, MI, placed second in class and eleventh overall. Both teams were driving newly-built ROUSH Stage 3 Mustangs, assembled as any customer can order through their authorized Ford dealer.

Finishing third in class behind the Mustangs was a factory-backed 2011 Dodge 392 Challenger SRT8, driven by Erich Heuschele, an SRT vehicle dynamics manager, with two co-drivers.

The Tire Rack One Lap of America started early on Saturday morning, April 30, at the Tire Rack headquarters in Indiana. The event also finished up there one week later, on May 7th. In between, participants drove from one venue to another, competing at each for points.

Well rounded performance was a key for all, as competitions included wet and dry skid pad results, time trials at several different road courses, bracket and drag racing. Many of the runs between different stops were in the range of fourteen to eighteen hours, emphasizing endurance and reliability as well as competitive performance.

According to the company, it’s been more than 42 years since Ford management gave its engineers the green light to build a special car, and the resulting 1969 Mustang Boss 302 remains one of the world’s most sought-after examples of American performance.

At their Spring Challenge, members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) met last weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway north of Fort Worth to evaluate invited vehicles on the Speedway’s road course. As a result of their evaluations this year, the Association has named the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 the High Performance Car of Texas.

“This recognition is a sign of the iconic status Mustang has achieved,” said Steve Ling, Ford Large and Performance Car Marketing manager. “It is successful and exciting new products like Mustang that continue to differentiate Ford as an automotive leader.”

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is a limited production, high performance edition of the Ford Mustang, developed with a particular emphasis on high performance, road course driving. Piloting the Boss 302 is visceral experience, filled with raw, unbridled performance. Acceleration, handling, braking and top speed are equally matched for perfect balance, while operating within the framework of legally defined safety, noise and emissions requirements.

An optional Laguna Seca edition is aimed at racers more interested in on-track performance than creature comforts. The Boss 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis setup and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Photo Sources: Roush Performance

Participants in the 2011 One Lap of America may have not have got a surprise on arriving at Tire Rack HQ last Friday, but the first event in the series certainly would affect most participant’s choice of tires for the program.

Tire Rack has their own evaluation course at their headquarters in South Bend, IN, and one capability that is built in is wet handling. For the arrival of One Lap competitors on Friday, the company turned on the sprinklers for all to enjoy. We have a few shots of the ROUSH Performance cars heading into the wet performance sections.

A total of 96 cars registered to start the competition, of which 73 posted a result in the first day’s activity. Upcoming events in the series include bracket and drag racing at Gainesville Raceway, as well as time trials at several courses including Daytona International Speedway, Circuit Grand Bayou, Barber Motorsports Park and the Autobahn Country Club.

The Tire Rack One Lap of America is an outgrowth of the original Cannonball Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, first created in the early 1970′s by Car and Driver Magazine senior editor, Brock Yates. As it has always been, the competition places a heavy emphasis on vehicle preparation and endurance. Support crews are not allowed and teams only have one set of tires. This means that the tires used on the street must also raced on.

When all remaining teams return to the Tire Rack HQ again on May 7th, they’ll do the skid pad challenge all over again, but in the dry.

For 2011, Ford’s SVT group updated the F150 Raptor with a crew cab option and a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine that pumps out 411 horsepower at the flywheel. Designed for off road competition, there’s little doubt that the Raptor is one of the baddest production pickups to hit the pavement. There’s also no doubt that it could be badder yet and an Airiad cold air intake is part of that change.

Torq, a speed shop in Miramar. FL, had a customer that wanted more, though. Don’t we all? The results from Stage 1 of this process are shown in the video below. They started by installing an Airaid cold air intake, plus a set of long tube headers and custom, rear exit cat-back exhaust. These changes are all about letting the engine breathe, and the difference shows.

The Airaid CAI has previously been shown to deliver a 12 RWHP increase plus 14 RWTQ on a 6.2-liter Raptor. When doing a number of upgrades at the same time, you can’t really just add up the individual manufacturer’s claims, so this is a good run to get a feel for where the combined results are going.

As is always good practice, the shop completed a baseline dyno run, which showed the Raptor pushing out 304.55 RWHP and 332.43 RWTQ. After installing the goodies, another run was made. You can sure hear the difference on the dyno, and if you’ve never had a car or truck with long tube headers installed, you won’t believe the distinctive sound.

When the dust settled, the new levels from the 2011 Raptor were 337.16 RWHP and 376.44 RWTQ. That’s a 10 percent increase in rear wheel horsepower and a 13 percent bump in rear wheel torque. Overall, these were pretty simple installations. The Airiad product can be fitted with just normal hand tools in your driveway or garage. Installing long tubes can be a bit more challeinging for the shadetree mechanic, but it’s certainly worth the effort as you can see.

Every new car on the North American market these days is capable of extra-legal speeds, but for may drivers, the thrill is how fast you get there. What you do when you hit the limit is up to you. Some will back off, others will back off “soon,” and the the rest keep on going.

So, looking at making up a list of fastest cars is, first of all, a matter of definition. Really, top speed is a pretty theoretical measure, since few of us will ever actually get to experience that rush. The next best statistic is probably zero to sixty acceleration time, and that is exactly what the folks over at Yahoo! Autos used.

Again, leaving the list without some restriction is going to put a bunch of supercars at the top – car’s we’re unlikely ever to see in person. So, they constrained the list to a more practical limit and capped the MSRP at $30,000.

The resulting list is interesting in that it highlights the choices available for those on a budget, or those who prefer not to spend unnecessarily. To keep the effort credible, they used performance data generated during tests by Edmunds.com and, as it turned out, the Top Five cars all showed 0-60 times of less than six seconds.

In as much as you have to set the price cap somewhere and setting it at $31,795 might seem odd, the $30K cap has excluded the 6.2-liter Camaro SS as well as a couple of Euro imports that bumped their list prices recently. So, here are the top contenders for affordable performance in today’s market, showing name, 0-60 time and MSRP.

1. Ford Mustang GT, 4.8 sec, $29,145
2. Subaru Impreza WRX, 5.2 sec, $25,495
3. Ford Mustang Coupe (V6), 5.6 sec, $22,145
4. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, 5.8 sec, $27,695
5. Hyundai Genesis 3.8 R-Spec Coupe, 5.9 sec, $26,750

What the list also shows, is that there’s more than one approach to delivering performance. Short, lightweight and turbocharged characterize the Subaru and Lancer entries, while displacement is the answer for the remaining three, all of which have power ratings north of the 300 mark.

Having long been the reference standard for factory information on classic Mustangs, Marti Autoworks has expanded their range of available reports to include 1980 through 1986 Ford vehicles, which includes the Mustang car line.

“We are pleased to offer our new, expanded Marti Reports for owners who desire to know about their Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in detail,” Kevin Marti, Marti Auto Works’ president, commented on the announcement. “Later this summer we plan to offer even more expanded reports for Ford vehicle owners up to 1993 and by the end of the year for newer models,” he added.

While most well known as the supplier of factory build reports – Marti licensed the 1967-1979 records from Ford many years ago – Marti Autoworks also develops and supplies a line of quality restoration parts. Marti has also published two books, Mustang… by the Numbers and Cougar… by the Numbers, each each containing over 12,000 reference statistics on the vehicle’s production.

Individual reports are available based on a vehicle serial number and range in cost from $15 for a standard report, $40 for a Deluxe report, to $200 for the Elite report. The latter provides the complete factory option list and door data plate info and a reproduction of the door data plate. A reproduction of the window sticker and personalized production statistics that show how unique your car is provided, all mounted on a Ford blue matte board and installed in a 16″ x 20″ black frame.

Plans call for further expansion later this year, to include models years through 1993, which would include the entire production span of Fox Mustangs.