Build an 850 HP Mustang with AmericanMuscle
The Mustang has historically been a tuner-friendly car, often the weapon of choice for drag racers, autocrossers and everything in between thanks to the car’s willingness to produce more horsepower with a few bolt-on parts.
But the challenge lies in making sure your pony car can actually use its new-found power, and that’s where AmericanMuscle comes in, having over 10 years of experience in empowering Mustang enthusiasts with the right knowledge and resources to build a true performance vehicle.
The talented crew at AM recently completed their third project car, a 2015 Mustang GT sporting 850 horsepower, and they’ve put together an insightful video documenting the process from beginning to end.
With stronger rods in the 2015-and-up 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8, getting to 850 horsepower at the crank is as straight-forward as bolting on a Whipple 2.9L Stage 1 supercharger. But ensuring that power gets safely and reliably delivered to the wheels is where experience and specificity come into play.
According to Justin Dugan, a die-hard Ford enthusiast and video host for AmericanMuscle, setting a good foundation and having a specific application in mind is paramount to a successful high-horsepower build. Most people want to jump directly to the blower, but Dugan recommends starting with the basics, like a cold-air intake, exhaust system and tune.
From there, each future modification should bring you closer to your intended application — in AmericanMuscle’s case, straight-line performance. For example, their priority on easy weight transfer for hard, fast launches led them to install BMR lowering springs with a softer 150 lb. front spring and 800 lb. rear spring.
It’s not a bad idea to work backwards from the asphalt to the engine, and identify any potential weak points. With this GT making 484 lb. ft. of torque at the wheels, snapping a half-shaft or frying the clutch is highly likely, especially when using sticky drag radials. You’re better off addressing everything in advance so you don’t waste time and money redoing sections of the car.
No detail is too small to consider; for instance, the stock plastic hydraulic clutch line is susceptible to failure with high heat and aggressive track driving — it’s a cheap and easy fix if you know to look for it.
In general, knowing what you’d like to achieve once your car is on the road will help determine how many and what types of mods you’ll need to make. Always have a game plan, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
If you like the sound of an 850 HP daily driver, here’s the complete list of parts that AmericanMuscle used for their build.
» Whipple 2.9L Stage 1 Supercharger
» Whipple Billet 132mm Elliptical 2000 CFM Throttle Body
» Injector Dynamics EV14 High Impedance ID725 Injector
» JMS FuelMax – Fuel Pump Voltage Booster
» Hurst Competition Plus Shifter
» Driveshaft Shop Carbon Fiber Driveshaft & 1400HP Half Shafts
» McLeod 800HP Clutch & Flywheel
» Kooks 1 7/8” Long Tube Headers, X-Pipe & Catback
» Full MMD Styling Package
» BMR Full Suspension Kit
» RTR Tech 7 19X9.5/19X20 Wheels
» Mickey Thompson Street Comp 255/40/19
» Mickey Thompson Street Comp 285/35/19
» Raxiom Interior & Exterior Lighting Kit
While customizing your Mustang is always a rewarding experience, it’s even better when someone just gives you a completed car! You can enter to win the 2015 Mustang GT featured in the video along with a 2017 F-150 Raptor by visiting AmericanMuscle.com/win.