This post will serve as a build list for The Beast™; a Deep Impact Blue 2014 Mustang GT, and will be updated as mods are added. Below are a few stock shots.
Odometer: 3800mi
Odometer: 3900mi
Odometer: 3900mi
This is another one of my favorite mods so far as the difference was extremely noticeable. If you want to eliminate wheel hop, you need these control arms. The Beast™ has the Brembo package which includes the same rear lower control arms used on the GT500, however, even those weren't enough to combat wheel hop induced by 3:73 gears and a heavy foot. The J&M Extreme Joint Lower Rear Control Arms exceeded my expectations and then some! Wheel hop has been 90-95% eliminated., and as a side bonus, the rear suspension overall is much firmer. It feels as if stiffer springs have been installed, when in reality, it's just the J&M keeping the axle planted which in turn allows the springs to do their job more effectively. I highly recommend this part.
Odometer: 5200mi
These braces were welded in at the same time the LCA's were installed. I'm a fan of chassis stiffening and these bad boys fit the bill. They were a bit pricey, but the piece of mind provided by this component is worth it to me. These cleverly designed braces tie together the inner and outer frame rails and the lower control arm mount. This creates more predictable handling characteristics, helps reduce wheel hop, and will even eliminate squeaks and rattles that you may have picked up. But wait, there's more! If you order now, we'll throw in nothing else at no extra charge!
Odometer: 5200mi
Check back soon... More mods coming!
Update: 04/14/16
Yes, there really are more mods but I haven't taken the time to add them to this post yet. In the meantime, check out some pics on my Google+ gallery.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/0LyPv
The Beast™ came from the factory with the following options as standard equipment included at no extra charge:
EXTERIOR
- AUTO HEADLAMPS
- STAINLESS STEEL DUAL EXHAUST
- REAR DECKLID SPOILER
- LED SEQUENTIAL TAILLAMPS
- HID PROJECTOR HEADLAMPS
INTERIOR
- LEATHER TRIM SPORT SEATS
- POWER 6-WAY DRIVERS SEAT
- MANUAL 2-WAY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT
- CENTER CONSOLE W/ARMREST
- AMBIENT LIGHTING
- LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL CRUISE CONTROL & TILT
- SHAKER AUDIO SYSTEM AM/FM/SINGLE CD/MP3
- SYNC VOICE ACTIVATED SYSTEM
- SIRIUS SAT
- SPLIT FOLD REAR SEAT
- FRONT FLOOR MATS - BLACK
- DUAL ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRRORS
- 4.2" LCD SCREEN
FUNCTIONAL
- ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST STEERING
- EASY FUEL CAPLESS FILLER
- POWER POINTS (2)
- POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, MIRRORS, REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
- UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER
- LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE
SAFETY/SECURITY
- ADVANCETRAC W/ ESC
- DUAL FRONT & SIDE AIRBAGS
- LATCH CHILD SAFETY SYSTEM
- SECURILOCK PASS ANTI THEFT
- TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
- SOS POST CRASH ALERT SYSTEM
- INTEGRATED SPOTTER MIRRORS
- MYKEY
WARRANTY
- 3YR/36000 BUMPER TO BUMPER
- 5YR/60000 POWERTRAIN
- 5YR/60000 ROADSIDE ASSIST
Below are the additional options included:
EQUIPMENT GROUP 400A
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
- ELECTRONICS PACKAGE W/NAVIGATION
- DUAL ZONE ELECTRONIC A/C
- OVER THE TOP RACING STRIPES
- MANUAL 4-WAY DRIVERS SEAT
- RR SENSING SYS/SECURITY PACKAGE
- ACTIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
- WHEEL LOCKING KIT
- REVERSE PARK ASSIST
- 3.73 RATION LIMITED SLIP AXLE
- TAPE STRIPE DELETE
- BREMBO BRAKE PACKAGE
- ,19" PREMIUM PAINTED ALUMINUM WHEEL
- PAINTED SIDE MIRROR
- REAR VIDEO CAMERA
- SATIN BLACK TAPE STRIPE
- RECARO MANUAL LEATHER SEATS
- SHAKER PRO SYSTEM
- V6/GT COUPE ACCESSORY PACKAGE1
- QUARTER WINDOW LOUVERS
- SIDE SCOOPS
...but The Beast™ didn't stay stock for long. Let the modding begin!
Magnaflow Competition Catback Exhaust
The Beast™ needed to be able to growl before it could bite, and so exhaust was the number one priority after bringing it home. I considered both Borla and Bassani as I've had personal experience with both of those exhaust manufacturers. In the end, I took a chance with Magnaflow as they were the only company to also produce a catted X-pipe which I knew I would be installing soon after.
In particular, I chose the Magnaflow Competition catback which employs a straight through design. I personally prefer the sound of the straight through design as opposed to chambered. I ordered from Stage3Motorsports.com which had a price I couldn't refuse at the time.
Odometer: 3800mi
Magnaflow Catted Tru-X X-Pipe
The Beast™ could definitely growl after adding the catback, but was still missing that deep menacing snarl I was after. The Magnaflow Catted Tru-X X-Pipe solved that problem and put a big smile on my face. A catted X-Pipe will create a deep, snarly, growling tone without being too raspy. However, there is a price to pay for buying a catted X. Catted mid pipes are more expensive then their offroad counterparts, but the cost is worth it in my opinion for several reasons.
- It's loud without being obnoxiously loud
- Street Legal (technically replacing a working cat is illegal)
- No need for mil eliminators
- No excessive popping
- No gas smell
- No tune required
- Unique sound
Odometer: 3900mi
Aluminum One Piece Driveshaft
Next up was an aluminum one piece driveshaft. This has to be one of my favorite mods from a daily driver perspective. The one piece driveshaft made the drivetrain much more snappy, tight, responsive, and smooooooth. The slack, slop, and clunk was gone. I only have but one regret. At the time I purchased my aluminum driveshaft they were only available in 4inch models and now they are available in 3 1/2 inch models. A half inch might not sound like much, but it's a world of difference in clearance underneath the vehicle when taking into account the increased diameter of the Magnaflow exhaust. I may purchase the smaller diameter driveshaft when I get around to lowering The Beast™ as I have a sneaking suspicion I will need the additional clearance.
Odometer: 3900mi
J&M Extreme Joint Lower Rear Control Arms
This is another one of my favorite mods so far as the difference was extremely noticeable. If you want to eliminate wheel hop, you need these control arms. The Beast™ has the Brembo package which includes the same rear lower control arms used on the GT500, however, even those weren't enough to combat wheel hop induced by 3:73 gears and a heavy foot. The J&M Extreme Joint Lower Rear Control Arms exceeded my expectations and then some! Wheel hop has been 90-95% eliminated., and as a side bonus, the rear suspension overall is much firmer. It feels as if stiffer springs have been installed, when in reality, it's just the J&M keeping the axle planted which in turn allows the springs to do their job more effectively. I highly recommend this part.Odometer: 5200mi
Steeda Mustang Frame Rail and Torque Box Brace
These braces were welded in at the same time the LCA's were installed. I'm a fan of chassis stiffening and these bad boys fit the bill. They were a bit pricey, but the piece of mind provided by this component is worth it to me. These cleverly designed braces tie together the inner and outer frame rails and the lower control arm mount. This creates more predictable handling characteristics, helps reduce wheel hop, and will even eliminate squeaks and rattles that you may have picked up. But wait, there's more! If you order now, we'll throw in nothing else at no extra charge! Odometer: 5200mi
Blowfish Racing Shifter Bracket
If you have a manual transmission equipped Stang, this bracket is a must! Not only does it improve shifting 100%, it also doubles as a driveshaft loop. A bit of warning though, if you plan to install this in your garage like I did and you have an 4inch aluminum driveshaft and a Magnaflow X-pipe, get ready for some fun times! Clearance is extremely tight due to the increased diameter of the aforementioned components. In the end, it was worth it. No more nibbles, bites, or missed shifts due to lockouts.
Odometer: 8025mi
Check back soon... More mods coming!
Update: 04/14/16
Yes, there really are more mods but I haven't taken the time to add them to this post yet. In the meantime, check out some pics on my Google+ gallery.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/0LyPv
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