First up was a Vortech V2SQ, but then Mike decided that if boost was good, more boost would be better. Plans were made to acquire a T-Trim and some supercharger-friendly cams, but Mike also realized that stock Three-Valve compression is pretty high, and some of the components-notably the rods-within the factory aluminum block are marginal when it comes to highly elevated boost levels. With that in mind, he contracted VT Engines to fortify the bottom end with forged-steel hardware and forged CP pistons, which lowered compression by a full point to 8.5:1. With the aftercooled T-trim, the combo currently produces 520 rwhp and 470 rwtq at 15 psi. The T-Trim will, of course, churn out a lot more pressure, but Mike intends to upgrade fuel lines and rails before turning up the wick. For now, the combo runs 12.01 seconds at a speedy 119.94 mph.
But the strip isn't the Roush's primary mission. Mike is one of the organizers of the popular Planes, Manes & Automobiles show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, so his Roush is also well gussied-up for show duty, as our photos attest. That said, his plans for this winter include a Roush brake package and a D&D T56 swap, so this is far from a static show queen. Now, if only he can keep the deer away from this one . . .
The cabin is tastefully dressed...
The cabin is tastefully dressed for show duty. With Jack Roush's love of aviation, perhaps it's not surprising that the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture extravaganza at Oshkosh provided the venue for Mike to get the Roush autograph on his carbon-fiber dash panel.
5.0 Tech Specs
Engine And Drivetrain
Block
Stock
Bore
Stock
Stroke
Stock
Displacement
281ci
Crank
FRPP steel (Cobra)
Rods
Manley steel
Pistons
CP forged
Compression Ratio
8.5:1
Cams
Comp Cams Stage 2
Heads
Stock with Comp Cams beehive springs
Intake
Stock
Power Adder
Vortech T-Trim, 2.91-in pulley
Throttle Body
Stock
Mass Air
SCT
Injectors
FRPP 60-lb/hr
Fuel Pump
Twin GT500
Headers
JBA Shorty
Exhaust
MagnaFlow
Transmission
Stock
Clutch
Centerforce Dual Friction and Fidanza aluminum flywheel
Rearend
FRPP 4.10:1 gearset; Moser 31-spline axles
Electronics
Engine Management
Stock with SCT tune
Ignition
Stock
Gauges
Auto Meter
Chassis And Suspension
Front Suspension
K-member
Stock
Control arms
Stock
Springs/Struts
Roush Stage 2
Brakes
Stock
Wheels
FRPP M-1007-F500C 18x9, chrome
Tires
Pirelli 245/45R18
Rear Suspension
Springs
Roush Stage 2
Shocks
Roush Stage 2
Control arms
Steeda adjustable third-link and billet-aluminum lower arms
Brakes
Stock
Wheels
FRPP M-1007-F500C 18x9, chrome
Tires
BFG Drag Radial 275/40R18