Could've had a V-8? Sure,...
Could've had a V-8? Sure, but that would've been missing the point, according to APC, which was trying to do something a bit different from the norm. That mission was accomplished by a blown and bottle-fed 3.8 six-pot, with power potential exponentially greater than the stock 190 ponies.
Under the lightweight hood, you'll find what APC thinks may be a strong alternative for a crowd raised on imported four-cylinder buzz saws. Kenny's Garage in Brea, California, installed the Vortech blower and Nitrous Express N20 system, and though the tandem power adders would no doubt turn the normally docile 3.8 into a veritable neck snapper, we figure they would also do some serious snapping of the current factory internals. Those emulating the APC theme would be best off choosing either the blower or the bottle in conjunction with a stock bottom end, yet the over-the-top theme shows what could be done given a bulletproof build. Other than the power adders, the only engine mods include a set of MAC full-length headers, which team with a MAC H-pipe and after-cat system.
One look at the interior of this '02 convert and you'll see it's easily the equal of the wild exterior. APC products abound, including the steering wheel, Speed Glo gauges, pedals, and shift knob, along with a host of custom pieces. Bush Custom Upholstery stitched the suede and leather Recaro seats, while covering the factory dash with the same. Fiberglass guru Gary Bell fabbed the console and stereo enclosure, which is filled with nearly everything imaginable from MA Audio. Multiple amps, subwoofers, and speakers bring the tunes nonstop, and should that ever grow tiresome, there's always the in-dash DVD-preferably viewed from a standstill, thank you very much.
No matter your preference for mild or wild, it's easy to be impressed by APC's dream 'Stang. Yet another take on the most successful ponycar of all time combines newly available products for the masses, with one-off custom work that's worth plenty of oohs and aahs. While it's not everything to everybody, APC's '02 V-6 is clearly an interesting alternative for those with an extroverted personality. Want to be seen? Your show pony awaits.
| 5.0 Tech Specs |
| Engine And Drivetrain |
| Block |
Stock |
| Displacement |
3.8 |
| Crank |
Stock |
| Rods |
Stock |
| Pistons |
Stock |
| Heads |
Stock |
| Camshaft |
Stock |
| Intake |
Stock |
| Throttle Body |
Stock |
| Mass Air |
Stock |
| Fuel System |
Stock w T-Rex booster pump |
| Exhaust |
MAC long-tube headers, H-pipe, and after-cat system |
| Power Adder |
Vortech S-Trim, NX Direct-Port System |
| Transmission |
Stock w/B&M shifter |
| Rearend |
Stock |
| Electronics |
| Engine Management |
Stock |
| Ignition |
Stock |
| Gauges |
APC Speed Glo and Inferno |
| Suspension And Chassis |
| Front Suspension |
| K-Member |
Stock |
| Struts |
Stock |
| Springs |
Hotchkis |
| Brakes |
Stainless Steel Brakes Force 10 |
| Wheels |
Maido GR5 three-piece |
| Tires |
Pirelli 245/35-20 |
| Rear Suspension |
| Traction Device |
Hotchkis upper and lower control arms |
| Shocks |
Stock |
| Springs |
Hotchkis |
| Brakes |
Stainless Steel Brakes |
| Wheels |
Maido GR5 three-piece |
| Tires |
Pirelli 285/35-20 |