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This Coyote-Swap New Edge Is Ready To Party Like It’s 1999

The late ’90s were a transitional period for the Mustang. The SN-95 got off to a slow start with the first iteration of the Two-Valve 4.6-liter, and loyalists were gradually adapting to the styling after the storied 14-year run of Foxes. In 1999, it was time for a refresh. Ford’s designers called the new styling motif “New Edge,” and it sharpened where the SN-95 had been round. The Two-Valve remained, but got Performance Improved updates. Still, the sting of losing the 5.0-liter lingered for some.

My kids are already claiming they will inherit my ’99 in the future. — Denny Sullivan

When his supercharged Two-Valve 4.6 met an untimely demise, Denny Sullivan decided to replace the fallen modular with a Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter engine. Power by the Hour Performance did the work and the result is a 435 rear-wheel horsepower New Edge ’Stang.

Despite its less than monstrous performance, Denny Sullivan was still head over heels in love with his 1999 Mustang GT. As much as he is still passionate about his coupe, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t room to improve the car’s performance. He had already climbed the ladder from bolt-ons to a blower with the Two-Valve combo, but things didn’t end well.

“After being supercharged for many years and blowing the motor, I wanted reliability and good power,” Denny said. “So I went with a Gen2 Coyote that was completed by Power by the Hour.”

Walking up to Denny’s 1999 Mustang GT we simply saw a really clean New Edge Mustang sprayed in striking Chrome Yellow. It is a beautiful car, but upon seeing what was under the hood, we knew it was a special ’Stang.

More Than A Swap

Having had experience with the modern 5.0-liter engine in its first-generation form, Denny knew that rebuilding the Two-Valve was a fool’s errand the answer was to upgrade to Coyote power that was even a level up from his other Mustang’s powerplant.

“I loved the Coyote from my 2011 Mustang GT,” he explained.

Denny Sullivan absolutely loves his Mustang, so when he blew the engine, the thought of getting another car never came to him. He immediately decided to Coyote-swap it and keep enjoying the ride.

The project became more than just an engine swap, however. Denny started out having the GT’s body revamped and de-rusted. Then it was resprayed with a fresh coat of striking Chrome Yellow paint. The result is a clean, striking example of the New Edge breed.

“I’ve had this car for 20 years and I love it,” Denny said. “Griffin Auto Care in West Palm Beach, Florida, did a great job with the paint and rust resto and Power by the Hour knocked it out of the park with the engine, suspension, and exhaust!”

Inside, Denny’s Mustang is largely as delivered. He can drive confidently thanks to the support offered by the SVE Sport seats, while a 200-watt audio system keeps him entertained. That system is highlighted by a Pioneer head unit, a 12-inch MTX subwoofer, and a Kicker amplifier. That yellow shift knob tops a Steeda Tri-Ax shifter which actuates the T-5 five-speed manual.

Swap Specialists

The latter outfit is a specialist in the Coyote swap world. Power by the Hour developed its own line of hardware to facilitate this popular engine transplant. Chief among these parts is a full bracket kit and curated accessories to vehicle-specific fuel systems and six-speed automatic-ready Control Packs.

This is definitely a 5.0-powered New Edge, but it features of-the-era Cobra R wheels plus a blacked out front-grille emblem.

“PBH has developed a new set of engine swap brackets that allow you to use engine accessories from a 1996-2010 Mustang on any Coyote engine. They can be used for any Coyote engine transplant for any project,” says the company. “If you are installing a Coyote in a Mustang from 1996-2010, you will be able to utilize your existing Power Steering lines and AC lines. This is possible due to the position of the accessories. PBH engineered the kit to maintain the stock location of all your accessories. This bracket kit also comes with the belt tensioner and belts required to get your project running.

1999 Mustang GT Mods

Powertrain

Block: Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter aluminum

Crankshaft: Stock Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter

Rods: Stock Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter

Pistons: Stock Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter

Camshafts: Stock Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter

Cylinder Heads: Stock Gen 2 Coyote 5.0-liter

Intake: Holley Sniper

Fuel System: 2015 Mustang GT w/ 2015 Mustangs fuel rails, 2015 Mustang fuel lines, Fore Innovations fuel-pressure regulator, and 67 lb/hr fuel injectors

Exhaust: American Racing Headers’ 1-7/8 long-tube headers w/ X-pipe and two-chamber Flowmaster mufflers

Electronics

Engine Management: Ford Performance Parts Control Pack PCM w/ Lund Racing custom remote via SCT Performance hardware

Ignition: 2015 Mustang GT

Front Suspension

K-member: Maximum Motorsports Coyote-swap K-member

A-arms: Maximum Motorsports

Struts: Bilstein heavy-duty struts and Bilstein caster/camber plates

Springs: Bilstein

Brakes: 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra

Wheels: Chrome 1995 Mustang Cobra R

Tires: Mickey Thompson 275/40

Rear Suspension

Shocks: Bilstein

Springs: Bilstein

Brakes: Stock 1999 Mustang GT

Wheels: Chrome 1995 Mustang Cobra R

Tires: Mickey Thompson 315/40

With the techs at PBH spinning the wrenches the second-gen Coyote came to life under the hood. The stock long-block is topped by a Holley Sniper intake and howls out through a full American Racing Headers exhaust. At the behest of a custom Lund Racing calibration, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter delivered 435 horsepower at the wheels on the shop’s in-house Dynojet chassis dynamometer.

Reliable Revs

This rock-solid, reliable power is a bit less than the high-strung, boosted Two-Valve produced, but it shouldn’t let him down. Plus, the high-revving Coyote gives this New Edge GT a completely new personality and Denny says the driving experience is “awesome!” The result has also made this classic Mustang a far more attractive family heirloom.

Power by the Hour handled the Coyote swap, which is fueled by a system based largely on a 2015 Mustang hardware. The front suspension is based on a Maximum Motorsports K-member, A-arms, and caster/camber plates. Denny chose Steeda gear out back and Bilstein dampers all around.

“My kids are already claiming they will inherit my ’99 in the future,” Denny added. “It will be a while before that happens.”

The kids better not get too anxious, because Denny still has some big plans for this car. He loves the natural performance, but he also knows that will fade. He plans to add a ROUSH TVS supercharger and eventually swap out the existing T-5 manual transmission in favor of a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual. So, it sounds like this car will get even more awesome, but right now it ready to party like it’s 1999 — only with a lot more power.

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