Turning A Stock Mustang GT Into A Weekend Racer - Engine Power S11, E7&8

Engine Power embarks on a new project for SCCA’s inaugural SPEC Mustang class. We’ll take a 2008 Mustang GT and begin getting it ready for this entry level, but competitive class. After we finish our upgrades, we head to a Summit Racing Event and put it to the test.

PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:

Forney Industries: Forney 220 AC/DC Tig Welder

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Aluminum Race Seat Covers

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Aluminum Race Seats

Summit Racing: Summit Racing K&N 63 Series Air Intake and SCT X4 Flash Programmer Combo

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Stainless Steel Exhaust System

Maximum Motorsports: Sport 4-Point Mustang Roll Bar

EBC Brakes: EBC Blue Stuff NDX Full Race Brake Pads, Front

EBC Brakes: EBC Blue Stuff NDX Full Race Brake Pads, Rear

EBC Brakes: EBC Ultimax OE Style Smooth Vented Front Disc Brake Rotors

EBC Brakes: EBC Ultimax OE Style Smooth Vented Rear Disc Brake Rotors

Schaeffer Specialized Lubricants: Schaeffer's Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-20

Summit Racing: Eibach Anti-Roll Sway Bar Kit

Summit Racing: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 Tires

Summit Racing: Koni Sport Shocks & Struts, Front

Summit Racing: Koni Sport Shocks & Struts, Rear

Summit Racing: UMI Performance On-Car Single Adjustable Panhard Bar

Summit Racing; UMI Performance Strut Tower Brace

Maximum Motorsports: Caster Camber Plates

[overtorque]

I have a 2006 Mustang GT, all bolt ons (minus underdrive pulleys and shorty headers), full suspension, full performance synthetics and tune, EBC dimpled/slotted rotors with blue stuff. The car makes 368hp at the crank, 376hp with Octane Booste. The car is extremely fun to drive and you are so connected to it. It's very analog but so solid it gives you confidence in the corners. Such a well balanced car. These old 3 valves get a bit of hate, but they are literally bulletproof.

[OriginalTrev]

3-1/2 minutes in..."lets see what this thing can do!" Cuts to a shot of the car going down a straight stretch of country road at 30mph. Leaves lots of room for improvement LOL

[Beanszo]

this was filmed like those mechanic shows my dad watched in the 2010s, very nostalgic lol

[metalted]

As a 08 gt, manual. 60k miles.
I’m very much enjoying this!!
Video.
A lot of fun!
Even stock!! For now!!

[Meat-Gzer]

I love 3v content! One of the biggest underdog/unloved motors. When built and setup correctly....it can hurt A LOT of feelings this I know first hand :)

[MrLlama-rcnj]

KEEP THAT 3V. They've got some astounding endurance under boost even with stock parts and a normal blended synthetic oil. These things benefit a lot frombig cams, a supercharger, and a lot of other bolt ons. I really hope to see more Modular content with these things

[brando]

The shirt pockets filled with 12 different pens is comedy

[michaelbradley]

Here's an easy tip for more stability and confidence in your steering inputs (to break some bad street driving habits). Keep both hands on the wheel at all times (except when shift gears), ideally at the 9 and 3 positions. Sit slightly closer to the steering wheel than you normally would daily driving, it allows you to put more torque into the steering with less effort and cuts down on muscle fatigue over multiple laps of racing. That's it, simple but effective. I raced with SCCA for over a dozen years, and it's the little things that make the biggest difference. Also, if you are going to have multiple drivers, spend the extra few bucks for adjustable seat mounts. 😉

[dwyanejetersr]

The 1971 Fastback Mustang was my first car, 302 & the Mustang will always be my favorite, love watching you guys work, giving me goosebumps 😊

[MrMurph]

I have a 3v from a 2008 GT going in my 1952 Ford F1 pickup…also picked up a Magnuson MP112 supercharger for $650 a few years ago specifically for the s197. Should be around 425rwhp when done. Can’t wait!

[jaspal]

The 1st Gen S197 is solid.
3v is a workhorse, tremec with Hurst is perfect. Brakes and suspension are cheap and easy to install.
I miss my Legend Lime ‘08.
Tracking a 2012… I miss the Tremec. 😢

[myclassiccarstory]

Looks like this car would be a blast to drive both daily and on the track! My dad bought a 2005 Mustang new off the showroom floor and I've always loved this body style.

[claynewman]

I’ve only been waiting for this FOREVER!

[philipstewart]

I’ve always thought giving your machine more ability to BREATHE in and out (Cold Air, Injectors Headers, High Flow Exhaust) should do the trick, is a MUST. Anything after that, is up to the User, of course you gotta upgrade your suspension and brakes to handle the EXTRA performance upgrades that you installed. Fasten your seatbelts and GO BABY GO!🚗

[craigstark]

Love how competition brought out the best in this class of sports car. Ford would have ran with the 4.6 for much longer if it weren't for Camaro coming out with the 6.2. Same with Dodge with their 5.7 Hemi. Meanwhile, Camaro wouldn't have done the ZL1 if not for the Hellcat or GT500.

[paullane]

I’m not anti-mod motor but I’d like to see a Godzilla swap in a car like this at some point. Nice project either way!👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[Sn]

From what i can figure is the advent of swirl port heads and a bump in compression of oem engines changed the sound, every old school V8 like the ford windsor and the sbc pre TBI have a smooth rumble sound andthe ford mod motor up through to the coyote and the GM Tbi truck engine all have a raspier sound that starts as soon as throttle is applied vs older engines only get snappier with RPM. I put duals on an 88 c1500 with the tbi 5.7 and it was obnoxious other than idle yet all my older chevys with the same exhaust sounded great and very muscle car like.

[redcatxb]

Love that you chose konig dekagram wheels! I have the exact same ones on my project

[waynerohde]

Tony Angelo got 600+ horsepower out of that same motor in his sleeper Lincoln Mark VIII. His motor is built and turbocharged

[MUSTANGMAN]

Have a ‘70 coupe and a 2014 V6. Just got a ‘06 GT from auction I am rebuilding. Already had cold air intake, Pypes H style exhaust. Not sure what else has been done, but have to put a radiator in before I can properly play. This car is going to be fun!