writer: K.J. Jones, Steve Turner, Tom Wilson
photographer: K.J. Jones, Steve Turner, Tom Wilson
Horse Sense: If you've heard the SEMA show is big, it's really huge. In 2007, 2,000 exhibitors filled up more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space. That meant a lot of walking for the 5.0&SF crew.
Rolling into the aftermarket industry's biggest trade show, the '07 Specialty Equipment Market Association show, we didn't know what to expect from a Mustang standpoint. With the S197 heading into its fourth model year and the prospect of an updated version on the horizon, it could easily have been quiet on the Mustang front. But it wasn't--not by a long shot. In fact, there were Mustangs old and new all over the SEMA show floor, and Mustang parts were still rolling out in huge numbers. In short, it appears the coming year will be another great one to be a fan of Ford's ponycar. With competitive cars still off in the future, the Mustang has a lot of momentum.
KJ's Top 10
1. Agent 47 "Head Hunter"
2. Hellion Power Systems Four-Valve twin-turbo system
3. Hahn PortFueler
4. JME PRO-Series suspension
5. ACCEL Thruster EFI
6. Snow Performance Stage 3 gasoline boost cooler
7. ProCharger twin high-flow intercooler
8. Vortech bv57 bypass valve
9. Nitrous Express P-Gauge Controller
10. GoPro Motorsports HERO
Steve's Top 10
1. Hellion Power Systems Four-Valve twin-turbo system
2. G-Tech Pro expandable gauge system
3. ProCharger twin high-flow intercooler
4. CDC striped Glassback
5. Snow Performance Stage 3 boost cooler
6. Shelby shifters
7. GoPro Motorsports HERO
8. Priority Audo OEM direct-replacement head unit
9. AFCO GT 500 heat exchanger
10. JME front suspension
Tom's Top 10
1. Comp Cams intelligent traction control
2. Garrett twin-turbo kit for S197 GT
3. Snow Performance Stage 3 gasoline boost cooler
4. Hellion Power Systems Four-Valve twin-turbo system
5. ProCharger twin high-flow intercooler
6. CamLogic Digital Degree
7. Aeromotive fuel log
8. Classic Designs Glassback roof panel
9. Nitrous Express P-Gauge controller
10. GoPro Motorsport HERO camera
ACCEL
Standalone engine management systems are somewhat of a norm these days for street and race 'Stangs that put more than 500 horses on the pavement. We sat in on Elie Nahed's tutorial about the new Thruster EFI Ford V-8 system (PN 77011; $999.90 w/standard O2; 77011W; $1,399.90 w/wideband O2) from ACCEL [(248) 380-2780; www.accel-dfi.com] and were impressed by its features and, more so, its price. These affordable and user-friendly EFI setups, along with ACCEL's billet distributor, coil, and fuel injectors, make a great package for dialing in naturally aspirated or power-adder-assisted performance. We'll take a closer look at the Thruster EFI in the months to come, as the system will be calling the shots on our Boss 340 project engine.
ACT
Advanced Clutch Technology [(661) 940-7555; www.advancedclutch.com] debuted its twin-disc clutch setup for '01-'04 Mustang GTs. This unnamed organic street clutch features what ACT calls lift straps on the floater (patent pending) and pressure-plate for adjustments and fine-tuning that maintains smooth clutch engagement and even wear in high-torque (900 lb-ft) street 'Stangs.