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 . . .
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