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
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing Aluminum Race Seat Covers
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing Aluminum Race Seats
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing K&N 63 Series Air Intake and SCT X4 Flash Programmer Combo
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing Stainless Steel Exhaust System
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Maximum Motorsports: Sport 4-Point Mustang Roll Bar
EBC Brakes: EBC Blue Stuff NDX Full Race Brake Pads, Front
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EBC Brakes: EBC Blue Stuff NDX Full Race Brake Pads, Rear
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EBC Brakes: EBC Ultimax OE Style Smooth Vented Front Disc Brake Rotors
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EBC Brakes: EBC Ultimax OE Style Smooth Vented Rear Disc Brake Rotors
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Schaeffer Specialized Lubricants: Schaeffer's Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-20
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Summit Racing: Eibach Anti-Roll Sway Bar Kit
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Summit Racing: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 Tires
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Summit Racing: Koni Sport Shocks & Struts, Front
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Summit Racing: Koni Sport Shocks & Struts, Rear
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Summit Racing: UMI Performance On-Car Single Adjustable Panhard Bar
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Summit Racing; UMI Performance Strut Tower Brace
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Maximum Motorsports: Caster Camber Plates

[@MrLlama-rc8nj]

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

[@TheOrangeManGood]

The 3v heads are just a few cfm shy of the 4v heads as well. The blocks are also stronger than the old Teksid blocks

[@rayjay8322]

Three valves are okay, but they greatly benefit from custom cam chain components. That's mainly for longevity, especially when pushing the limits. I really don't like locking out the cams. I like the flexibility that they offer when adjustability is retained. Tuning's no big deal really. That car does need a catch can though! That video is a bit dated, I think. I'd definitely be doing the same thing but with a Coyote powered Mustang.

[@keithjones455]

You basically need to replace the entire top end of the engine just to match a stock 5.0. It's a lot less expensive to get a used 5.0 and put tires on it.

[@MrLlama-rc8nj]

@keithjones455 not so. Comp stage 2 cams are only about 750 bucks, and the stock valve springs can put up with some abuse. As long as you don't add boost, you can get really close to gen 1 Coyote numbers without spending more than 1500 bucks. That's quite the potential for so cheap if I do say

[@reaperasylum]

As a person that owned a few 3v 4.6 I can say from experience they are decent but the cam phasers are trash the timing chains and guides are trash, factory to slightly modded it will last a good amount but cannot handle 10+ psi boost. I blew one only running 10psi so the cams, phasers and timing set have to be upgraded or swap out for upgraded 4v heads. On my 07 it went through a couple 4.6's so I got tired and put in a 5.8 forged pushrod engine and never had another issue, my 06 went forged aluminum 4v with vortec sc and 20psi

[@metalted6128]

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

[@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

[@michaelbradley7529]

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. 😉

[@dwyanejetersr6470]

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

[@s197jer]

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 :)

[@nowhereman-389]

That can be said about any motor. It’s all about who has the deepest pockets when it comes to racing.

[@tristanhoffman6974]

I feel so bad for the previous owner if he’s watching this lol probably super proud of his mods just to get crapped on by power nation 😂 “Wacky exhaust” “Questionable intake” “Probably not even tuned” Give the guy a break 😂 Love, love, love the 4.6 mod motors. Would love to see a 281ci hit the boys at Horsepower and see how much reliable power they can make on a budget.

[@karatekid6026]

Thats a good buy mileage wise. It takes 26k miles to break in a 4.6. It makes a difference. They are very tight when new.

[@claynewman2213]

I’ve only been waiting for this FOREVER!

[@brando7655]

The shirt pockets filled with 12 different pens is comedy

[@dannysmith9803]

That's for making spaghetti modles! 😆

[@metalted6128]

But it’s not a t shirt! Please try and pay attention!!

[@LukeEdward]

Have you ever seen when Pat explains his pocket pens? I can guarantee that he doesn’t have a one “pin” in the non-TShirt pocket, too.

[@zachniverson8816]

​@@LukeEdward facts. They are tools and a light

[@timgunn3670]

Yeah the pocket full of pens etc. is kinda funny but Pat’s cool and very knowledgeable.

[@pheonixfps9248]

Lads, Ford recommend 5w50 for race track use in their vehicles.

[@Real-CB-News]

34:09 ok you guys made me jump LoL Love this build!

[@95Sn95]

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.

[@jaspal666]

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. 😢

[@istimamrian5300]

My favorite generation of Mustangs

[@redcatxb125]

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

[@sweettooth80]

That looks like such a fun job

[@MapleHillMunitions]

Crowd control!

[@evoemperor3776]

All those handling mods and it will still take out a crowd of people.

[@davidgalloway1526]

i am a horse power to weight ratio guy...it would be nice to see gvw before and after... and the weight of parts coming of compared to the weight of the parts going on...

[@philipstewart4474]

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!🚗

[@Nam_9456]

I'm hoping to get into the 25 season, CSM will hopefully be my footwork for the real deal!

[@craigstark2712]

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.

[@withgrowinginsanity198]

33:46 🙃 relaxing music... nice

[@MarkMeadows90]

My dream is to own one of these 2005-2009 Mustang GTs and make it look similar to the concept version from 2003. Not a lot of people like the looks of the concept GT Mustang from 2003, but I do. It looks clean to me.

[@spatulaman2753]

Man, you guys really cheaped out with those flimsy seats.

[@newfie-dean5803]

You need a chin spoiler on it to get rid of the factory overbite look. A CDC classic one pre-painted with the middle section plasti-dipped black gives a front look similar to the 07-09 California Special models.

[@johnd5805]

Miller Racing Series had these spec cars with the 2006 model. Basically the same. Stock bottom end. Upgraded heads and intake. HP was around 325. Suspension was a little more "raceyish".

[@bandwagon240]

Those aluminum seats need to have the backs fixed to the rollcage as well. Most places will not let you pass tech if this is not done.

[@Sergeantgrunt]

He likes that shifter but how about that rocking chair he's in? A lot of movement in that fixed back bucket seat.

[@art-is-lazy4509]

God dam, feed that little 4.6 some boost.

[@magnus9165]

Someone was good with TIG welding to do that standing up overhead. That takes some practice. I know, I have tried that. It is not easy.

[@magnus9165]

You have to remember that it is only 280 cubes.

[@sepg5084]

Are the rear seats require for it to be compliant with the racing regulations?

[@ghunt81]

I have an '05 GT and it has always been a fun car. Not the fastest but that doesn't matter to me. 93 octane tune, headers and cams wakes these things up! I've never dynoed mine but would be cool to someday. BTW those Hurst shifters are junk. I had one and the shift pivot ball was sloppy and worn after just a couple years use, put in a Steeda Tri Ax and it's been in there almost 10 years at this point with no issues.

[@leightonpolk1731]

I just removed my hurst last week because I hated it. Replaced it with a Barton and it is a whole new car.

[@jonrstinkton365]

Not the fastest but a canned 4.6 sounds sexy!

[@millll111lllI]

The only 08 Mustang I want is a Bullitt, but for some reason they are $20K and up when any regular 08 GT is like 8-9K.

[@wsfwsf1497]

Interesting that bolt-on braces are used in the back seat area and are structually needed.

[@GC_420]

I looked at the charts, after the pipes and intake/tune, you got [roughly] +5 hp? Is that correct?

[@SamP0rterBridges]

Yeah but a gain of 24 lb/ft of torque with a much smoother power band.

[@ghunt81]

You have to think, it already had a CAI so it probably had a tune because they don't run correctly with a CAI and no tune. Considering they kept stock cats, any gain at all after doing those mods was actually surprising.

[@ethanjohnson8107]

Don't be shy, throw in a 302 stroker crank, some cams, ported heads, etc.

[@sneezinhatch]

Have a 3v with a ported whipple 3.65 liters upgraded fuel pumps and injectors, suspension pulleys makes 902 whp

[@johngidman4574]

Should have left the hood scoop off. It's air drag you don't need.😊

[@jesusm2159]

Wheel hop support kit?

[@BillClinton-x9f]

I would work on them seat mounts. Looks like the seat would just fly out

[@GrandPitoVic]

Great deal guys!!!! Great build. That looked like alot of fun. I am building a Ls3 03'Crown Vic for a street track car. It's long, its heavy as a 2010 Camaro and unconventional. Once I get the big brakes and suspension upgraded done she would handle way better. For a big car she handles pretty decent. But will be better.

[@cormaro13]

Are u assuming this is the first time someone ever thought of doing this to a Vic ? 😂 don’t worry you’ll be fast after the supercharger install 😂

[@GrandPitoVic]

@cormaro13 NAH, there are plenty of Ls/Vics out there. Not going all out trying to squeeze every bit of horsepower out of the engine. But she will be fun.

[@cormaro13]

@@GrandPitoVic no kidding , I’m just saying maybe do something different than everyone in the neighborhood lol

[@GrandPitoVic]

@@cormaro13 My next Vic will be a 5.0

[@cormaro13]

@@GrandPitoVic there you go , more power baby lol

[@shanebarron2384]

It would have been nice to see the alignment to take advantage of the suspension mods.

[@marvinbenjamin.]

Should of did a cam heads pistons single turbo 383 diff upgraded oil pump.

[@ldstirling]

You did a brake job on the car, but is it still using stock DOT3 brake fluid, rather than DOT4 or DOT5 for the track? Did you even replace the original brake fluid from 2008 with fresh brake fluid at all? No coolant flush or transmission fluid replacement at all either???

[@bu.ika8channel963]

Ferry good

[@dipe277]

Was the back seat a requirement?

[@longsleevethong1457]

Why do myopic people remove the sound deadening and seam sealer?

[@richardmann4422]

The brakes look like a weak point. Per rules. Race strategy would be to save brakes early. Pass everyone who's brakes are gone.

[@KitchinMotorsports]

Well it’s only a 30 minute race for a spec class so don’t really need to save brakes. Plus there’s really 2 spots where you need to be hard on the brakes so they would be cooled down by the time you need them again. Mid Ohio is a fun track to be at.

[@bluestangGT2001]

Surprised they didn't do any cooling upgrades. I could go swore those 3v motors were notorious for overheating

[@onescaryapothiconboi7475]

5.4 3v were notorious overheating. The 4.6 didn't have the same problem. Something about the heads or cooling system on the truck motors made them prone to clogging.

[@RepoDraghon]

I question the legitimacy of the brake rule for Mustangs cause the performance spec are Brembo Big Brakes so technically those would be a stock replacement but also an upgrade...

[@thezfunk]

Too bad you can't do something with that solid rear axel.

[@sp4604]

why did they keep the fake hood scoop after the hood stripes?

[@clarksgarageofbadhabits6803]

Why not? It’s just aesthetics.

[@sp4604]

@@clarksgarageofbadhabits6803 its tacky and looks cheap

[@nowhereman-389]

Because race car….

[@sp4604]

@@nowhereman-389 ROTFL. race cars dont have fake hood scoops that doesnt channel air inside the engine bay to cool or add HP

[@nowhereman-389]

it’s giving the competition an opportunity to catch up to it due to increased drag…

[@gilbertosegundo001]

No mention on why you changed the intake manifold??

[@cormaro13]

What do you think fool ? , it’s pretty obvious the new intake is ported and flow better than the other

[@Watchingyou-daily]

2008 Mustang GT with the 4.6 V8 300 HP at block.

[@cormaro13]

Cool now times it by 15% for drive train loss , enjoy your slow mobile 😂

[@LetsGoBrandon-FJB]

01:10 that's a 5th gen not a 1st gen

[@dean_4.6]

1st generation of the S197. There's 3 different styles, 2005-2009, 2010-2012, 2013-2014

[@Gargoyle2556]

It always seems that these builds are very easy when the parts are supplied free of charge. All you have to do is mention the name of the supplier and abracadabra the parts show up at your door. Not the same here in the real world.

[@Crodgers88]

When you do the Dyno at least stop it at the same rpm

[@josemontes9105]

Keep the engine swap the trans for a tremec t56 mag

[@wb5mgr]

3-4 years on a set of race pads 😂… Try every race my friend.

[@robertaBooey69]

When that body style came it out it was awesome now it looks so dated and chunky

[@newfie-dean5803]

It looks much better than new ones….

[@dirkdig3628]

Why did they add the ugly stripes for

[@k-rizzel9952]

> 300hp with a roll cage is down right hilarious whats next beadlocks??

[@keithgaming7027]

the window banner is backwards

[@BlickolasCage]

imma watch tf outta this when i wake up

[@micahrlusk]

5W20? for a track use 4.6??? ouchie lol

[@moehoward01]

Much nicer looking than the new, sorta, in name only, Mustangs.

[@PANTYEATR1]

Who's the oldest motor oil manufacturer between Valvoline and Schaffers? 🤔

[@cormaro13]

Both trash , amsoil all day

[@PANTYEATR1]

@@cormaro13 that doesn't answer the question, but thanks for comment😕

[@cormaro13]

@@PANTYEATR1 cause google isn’t a click away… u wanna learn how to use the computer right ? Lol And I did answer your question , both are trash for oil brands , get amsoil if u want the best and no problems , being the oldest manufacturer doesn’t make it good 😂

[@melvinharrison9138]

How much will sell them seats 💺 for? I like to buy them for my 1989 Mustang GT convertible 5 speed Manual transmission .

[@MarkusTammel]

Second here

[@antz19coyote73]

270 Hp and the first mod is a rollbar 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@vickypratamaputra4363]

Ford Mustang GT 2005

[@reaperasylum]

The scca races that come by local said i needed a full exhaust on my car they also said i needed cats, what i did was run a set of high flow cats but i cut and welded the stock shields back on to fool those idiots and just put glass packs in backwards to keep it legal with specs but kept it loud lol.

[@douchedidit9222]

Man with the stuff u guys handle/build it had to be hard to try and act like what that mustang made was impressive at all lol that 4.6 is junk period

[@cuzanater2027]

The power increase was pretty nonexistent bruh🙄. You didn't really do anything🤷‍♂. Like those aren't impressive numbers. If you guys had gotten like 350 or 375 hp or torque then it would've been cool! Well, I did love the rims and the rubber you put on and the stiffing. Like the strips👍!!!

[@rickpotera3942]

They built it for a specific class. Can't go any more than that.

[@cuzanater2027]

@@rickpotera3942 Yeah, I saw the video😒. I heard what they said. They never did specific what the limit was either🤷🏻.

[@cedricwilson2055]

Now you need hi temp brake fluid , synthetic oil and possibly a better pan for g forces.

[@adamjanowski84]

Y'all pretty hard on that previous owner 😂

[@waden404]

4.6 and the words "performance orientated" don't make a link o sense.

[@docdew50]

These two guys are only reason I watch Powernation. The rest are boring.

[@swizlstik]

Tommy is better than both of these two and Galley had them all beat

[@NWI_Steel]

​@swizlstik whatever happened to Galley? Someone said he got busted stealing from the company?

[@zachniverson8816]

Love them too. However I will have to say I would have loved to see Mike stay with Pat, or Pat move on and Mike stayed n showed Frankie the ropes or whatever. Nothing against either Pat or Frankie Pat was just my guy! But this my DREAM job I would do it 12 hour a day 6 days a week and love it.

[@zachniverson8816]

​@@NWI_SteelI never heard that. I heard he was offered a killer job that he couldn't turn down. My guess is it was doing what he already has, probably paid more, and most importantly wad probably way closer to home. I don't know I could be wrong!

[@paulgillings7062]

Do a 2020 dodge challenger

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

Too heavy for track work

[@KurtBenning]

Only good for drag racing i guess.

[@road_warrior_1]

Step one ls or 5.0l coyote swap it former 08 gt owner here

[@chrisbouchard4719]

Spec class doesn't allow that though. The coyote would be an easy and huge improvement over the 3v

[@GrizzySC]

do you guys not blow the grass off the road when you are done around that area?? what a bunch of cave dwellers... motorcycles beware

[@XxXNyMpHoXxX]

Man .. to think that when that mustang came out. It was still getting spanked by a 4th gen Camaro.

[@BlueByYou07]

It was all in the driver and mods done to the car. With just a handful of mods I was running 12.30's with 3.31 rear gears. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH7Cl4OCj9Jomsksi=j_G604Iiof1h__V3

[@JMAC479]

So lame! I saw the word RACER and thought you were actually adding some power.

[@Mahaney82]

Junk. All that money for 5 peak HP and a minimal amount of torque. Sure the powerband is raised throughout, but that isn't enough to even feel.

[@lumbeewarrior2560]

All in the tune and cold air intake they used. I made 325rwhp and 345ftlb with my 07 3v GT that has a JLT intake and JPC racing 93 tune.

[@nowhereman-389]

The 4.6 is meh. People could argue, yeah if it’s built but that can be said about any built motor.

[@MSDA20]

Third

[@paulgillings7062]

Gt with a v6

[@Firestang89]

Clearly you don't know what a v6 looks like or you can't count.

[@JohnDavis-uj8tv]

That mustang is garbage.

[@newfie-dean5803]

Much better looking than newer ones and much better sounding. Your comment shows you don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@nowhereman-389]

@@newfie-dean5803 not really. It’s honestly to each their own.

[@cormaro13]

⁠@@newfie-dean5803😂 I own a new one , it’s 10x louder stock than this baby motor without no mufflers , it’s ok enjoy your 300hp , that’s all you can handle 😂