Project GT Stage 1

The 1995 Mustang GT is the last of the 5.0 HO cars, but rarely does it get much recognition or respect. Instead of improving upon the Mustang’s performance and continuing to exceed that of the Camaro and Firebird of that vintage, it lost ground. Although heavier and less responsive, this car doesn’t feel to me as though it’s lost much of the old 5.0's punch and has gained quite a bit in braking and cornering hold. I think that most of the lackluster performance recorded by this car has little to do with the car. I think that the people driving it have had a tough time dealing with the extra weight and the measures taken to smooth out the driving characteristics of the car.

Before I get to testing the car, I’ll need to address a few of the over due maintenance procedures, a couple of minor repairs as well as a nasty steering problem that’s come up. I’ll be working on this stage over the course of a few chapters. My goal for Stage 1 is to find out if the little 5.0 in the big Mustang is really the “gelded mare” the automotive press and other enthusiasts claim it to be or if it is still the “stallion” I think it is. Check out Chapter 1 to see how Stage 1 begins!

9/05: My vacation has forced me to get started repairing a tracking problem that is growing with the front steering as well as the warped and worn brakes. Take a look at Chapter 2 to find out how I fumbled my way through the diagnosis and repairs as well as some shots from the vacation!

1/06: While the drivetrain is in pretty good shape, it needed some maintenance. Namely an air filter, a tune-up and some fluids. The drivetrain didn’t need a lot, but the results were impressive for doing so little. Read Chapter 3 to find the results!

Plan
• Replace lubricants w/synthetics
• Replace paper air filter w/K&N
• Diagnose and repair steering
• Repair brakes
• Replace clutch pedal pad
• Replace ACT sensor
• Replace ECT sensor
• Replace idler pulley
• Replace PCV & breather
• Replace tune-up parts w/high performance parts
• Replace 02 sensors
• Detail car
• Test performance

Project GT Stage 1 Projections Vehicle 1995 Ford Mustang GT Body Clearcoat Black Interior Opal Grey Cloth Layout Front engine/rear drive Engine 5.0L V8 (302) Induction SFI; 60mm throttle body Horsepower (Projected) 225 @ 4200 (191 rear wheel) Torque (Projected) 300 @ 3000 (255 rear wheel) Transmission 5-speed manual; OD Rear End 3.08:1; limited-slip differential Steering Power assist Suspension Independant/solid Brakes Disc/disc; power assist; ABS Wheels 17"x8" aluminum Tires 245/45YR17 Curb Weight 3360 lbs Gas Mileage (Projected) 25 mpg 0-60 (Projected) 6.6 sec Quarter Mile (Projected) 14.9 @ 92 Skid Pad (Projected) .92 g 60-0 (Projected) 125 ft See Chapter 3 for the results!