(above and below) Because the aftercooler's reservoir fits in the stock battery location,the battery is relocated to the right rear corner of the trunk. While inthe back of the car, the gas tank needs to be dropped and theVortech-supplied fuel pump exchanged for the stocker. Underhood, thestock fuel injectors are replaced with 38-lb/hr units, and a computerchip is installed in the service port of the computer, found in thepassenger foot-well kick panel.
Ford gives the Mach 1 a soft spring and shock tune for an easy ride and rapid weight transfer at the dragstrip, yet the strut front and live rear axle suspension is easily modified with any number of aftermarket options, if desired. The interior has difficult-to-read, retro-faced instruments, but the seats are comfy, and a bit of muted bright tones around the instrument cluster and center console relieve what could otherwise be black boredom. The Shaker hoodscoop is unique, and the power is quick and easy.
Mach 1s nominally breathe through a standard, inner-fender inlet, conical air filter enclosed in a box, along with the standard air meter, throttle body, and associated air tubing--the typical Mustang air path, in other words.
To this, Ford has added a Shaker hoodscoop. Because the standard snorkel inlet to the air-filter box is never closed, if pressure were to exceed ambient in the airbox, it would back-track out the snorkel inlet. A slight pressure rise could be detected with sensitive laboratory instruments, but nothing practical would come of it. But, hey, the hoodscoop is fun and no one gets hurt.
As for our subject Mach, to the already impressive stock mechanicals, owner Trevor Kaplan, once Vortech's marketing manager for sport-compact cars but now on to other jobs (and faster cars), has added a beguiling mix of aftermarket improvements. The supple-but-occasionally-imprecise stock suspension was completely replaced by the more-supple-yet-definitely-precise Griggs
Racing GR-40 kit, including coilover shocks. Trevor opted for a stock-style- ride spring and shock tune to preserve daily driver comfort.
Baer Brakes are found in the wheelwells for fade-free stopping, with Halibrand wheels setting a surprisingly well-considered retro-tech style to the machine. The Toyo tires are Proxes 275/35-18s with an amazingly low treadwear rating of 40 to ensure pliant traction at all times. Inside, Auto Meter Phantom gauges pick up the silver metal theme, while VinylMayhem did the tasteful add-on graphics.