Muscle Evolved: Modding a Mustang GT

When it comes to cornering, the Ford Mustang has always been a bit lack luster. Factory attempts to cure this have been valiant (Boss 302, SVT Cobra R), however sometimes you need to think outside the box to get to the next level. The /BIG MUSCLE garage acquired a 2013 Mustang GT last year and were thrilled, until that is, we took it to the track. There we found Cortex Racing and with that, the understanding that with the right set of legs underneath it, even an over weight pony car can be made into an evil piece of track day weaponry.

Owner:
• /BIG MUSCLE Garage

Special thanks to:

[ThatDudeinBlue]

When I first got my coyote 5.0 I said "my god this thing handles so much better than previous Mustangs I've driven." But literally everything he pointed out was true. 
The pan hard bar alone is definitely a weak link. Shoot, mine was bent when I replaced it. 
The stock springs were good for cruising but so damn bouncy around turns. Glad to see the progression of this-it was pretty cool. Great video. 

[CorteXracing]

For those of you interested in what was done to this car for Day 2 here is the list.  No welding was involved for installing this these parts.  To gain clearance for the torque arm we generally remove a tab on the exhaust mid-pipe clamp to allow re-clocking which are the sparks you see in the video.  For one person with a lift the installation time is about 10 hours plus alignment. We did it in 3 hours with 4 guys including a quick and dirty alignment and stopped for food and filming. After the track day Mike came back for a 4-wheel laser alignment and corner balance.  Next step is big, sticky tires!

1.  CorteX Xtreme-Grip street front and rear coil overs with JRi double adjustable dampers, camber plates and the ability to fit 315mm tires on all 4 corners (have not done the big tires yet).  The vehicle was lowered approximately 1.5 inch.

2.  CorteX Xtreme-Grip street watts link with poly bushings.

3.  CorteX Adjustable street tubular rear lower control arm system with geometry correction brackets.

4.  CorteX Torque arm system, which does not require aftermarket exhaust in most cases.

5.  Eibach 3-position adjustable front anti roll bar. CorteX Spec rear anti roll bar that is significantly softer than the OEM bar.

6.  Front drop ball joints to adjust the roll center after lowering the car and a bump steer kit to match.
 
The key to the performance is all the parts working together and knowing how to tune system around the driver.

[JoshAfold]

I wish you guys would have posted the lap times and cost of parts and labor.

[sirjammer]

I see some Ford butt hurt on here. you know, I used to be into that whole Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge thing...but then I grew up..and now I just love cars....just a thought.

[RonJohnCo]

What was the lap time before and after? How much did all of those modifications cost? What was the on road drivability like afterwards? These are crucial bits of information you guys should have included.

[frankez]

Whether you like mustangs or not, this was a great video and quite eye opening.

[joshuamoore]

This is probably one of my favorite videos that has ever been uploaded to youtube. You guys did a PHENOMENAL job, and it's pretty Damn cool to watch a grown man giggle like a school girl. CorteXracing, good job on the suspension build. It's absolutely amazing.

[Jordan-qlpv]

Funny cause the basic reaction from Mike is exactly the same reaction I have had after completing overhauling my '12 GT suspension. Bought the car for 40, spent 10 on doing various performance mods and now I have a car that makes me smile. Hell, it drives more like a car worth 70 grand now.

[nedaCFilms]

Can't wait for the new 2015 Mustang GT models to start hitting the tracks... thank you Ford for finally producing IRS as standard equipment, lol (not since the 99, 01 and 03-04 SVT Cobra) and I hear that it is a couple hundred pounds lighter, we shall

[haxr]

Loving the E36 chasing him, lots of cool cars out there!

[coolerdude]

two important things that were left out:

1) how much does this suspension upgrade cost?

2) does it ruin the ride quality on the streeT?

[cs]

Among all the hateful comments, I want to say this is a really helpful video. I have an 08 GT and I know personally how bad they are at handling. I honestly want to upgrade it's handling before I do any power so this is a nice guide thanks!

[jeadelmann]

This season is pretty awesome so far... the production value has come leaps and bounds from where it was prior... keep up the great work... simply the most bad-ass place to hang out on Youtube... thanks Mike and et. al.

[JoshuaCrbit]

That's why the first mod I did was a full eibach suspension, it makes the car a seriously competent track car.

[MrRoshanroshanroshan]

Hehe, the camera work during the build phase with all the people running about doing their jobs to that music gave a sense of little elfs running around in santa's toy factory. :D

[Zulu]

Awesome camera work, especially during the 'build' phase.

[cchast]

One of my favorite episodes so far. Love seeing before and after mods impressions.

[Kavh]

Always nice to see a build, hope there is more videos
to the Mustang

[taduse]

Refreshing to see a show mod a heavy street car with decent suspension first. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I only wish it was longer.

[MichaelHowald]

This guy.  I like this guy.  Specifically, the guy at the shop turning the car into a track car.  GG.

the Boss was the Boss for a reason!