It's still hard to believe how far the Mustang has come since the sunset of the New Edge run. As the S197 Mustang was born, it ushered in a whole new era of Mustang performance and driveability. The leap from '04 to '05 was huge. Yet in 2010, there was another big step ahead. These days the difference between the likes of a Boss 302 and its predecessors is flat-out mind-blowing.
"The '04 and earlier cars were fine, and they adapted well to aftermarket modifications," Steeda President and CEO Dario Orlando explained. "The '05-and-later platform provides an even better basis upon which we can apply our aftermarket expertise to further enhance performance. Overall, the S197 platform is a stiffer and more advanced chassis, which provides Mustang drivers enhanced overall performance levels."
When you jump behind the wheel of a Boss 302, you might assume that it is the pinnacle of Mustang performance and there's no need to go any further. Well, the factory has certainly raised the bar on what is possible from a stock Mustang, but there's still a little room left for improvement. That's why Steeda Autosports decided to take the top-of-the-line handler, a '13 Boss 302 Laguna Seca, and push its envelope with a full suspension makeover.
"The engineers at Ford Motor Company did an amazing job at developing a track-ready vehicle right off of the assembly line," Dario said. "It was only logical that we take their outstanding platform and make an even better performing track vehicle for the niche performance enthusiast. By adopting our ISO engineered and manufactured products, which are also track tested under the most grueling conditions, we were able to still substantially improve upon the Boss 302s performance levels without compromising the integrity or NVH of the vehicle."
Steeda chose these sweet forged...
Steeda chose these sweet forged HREs to really set off the Boss 302 LS. Their Satin Charcoal finish is a nice match with the factory stripes, and these 20-inch hoops are actually 10 pounds lighter than the factory wheels. Combined with the lowered ride height offered by the Steeda adjustable suspension, this black Laguna Seca presents an even more sinister visage.
After pre-routing the brake...
After pre-routing the brake cooling ducts, Steeda technician Steve Chichisola got down to business by removing the stock brake rotor and dust shield.
With a lowered ride height,...
With a lowered ride height, the Boss will require revised steering rack geometry courtesy of Steeda's Bump Steer kit (PN 555-8106; $167.95). The first step of that install is removing the stock tie-rod end and installing this Steeda beauty.
"ISO Certification establishes a high standard for all operations involving the engineering, design, manufacturing, and customer service. Translated, it is the customer guarantee that the products are manufactured to the highest possible standard with precision, quality, and durability," Dario explained. "Steeda is one of few aftermarket companies that has achieved this level of certification. While it is a costly and dedicated process for us to administer, our customers benefit with the quality of products we manufacturer." Of course, the parts improved the Boss 302's inherent handling characteristics. The good news is that this same gear can be applied to a base Mustang or Mustang GT and the gains will be even more noticeable. Even GT500s, especially the earlier versions, can benefit from this sort of suspension gear.
"(It's a) night and day difference in terms of responsiveness and forward grip," Dario enthused. "You simply will not believe how the Steeda Boss Suspension package can dramatically improve the handling of a stock Mustang GT." In fact, our own Project Vapor Trail wears many of the same parts. Obviously the spring rates differ for the lighter Boss, and PVT doesn't have the latest adjustable sway bars, but the combination is similar enough. Knowing the same parts that will better a Boss are on our project car stemmed a bit of your author's new-car envy. "While this package is optimum for the Mustang GT and the Boss 302, for the GT500 we have a different package—it compensates for the increased weight of the GT500 engine, and still delivers mind-blowing performance and grip that approaches the Steeda Boss 302 package," Dario added. So follow along as we watch this combination come together. We'll have a full report on the completed car in an upcoming issue, but suffice it to say, it's an impressive ride.
Horse Sense: Steeda is more than just a parts house. They also offer a full line of serialized Mustangs, including Steedafied versions of the Boss 302 and GT500. If that is more your speed, you can hit them up at vehicles@steeda.com for more info.
Another important geometry...
Another important geometry revision for the front suspension of a lowered Mustang is Steeda's X11 Ball Joint (PN 555-8136; $157.95). These ball joints raise the front roll center back to where it should be to compensate for the lowered ride height. This helps handling by lessening understeer and bodyroll. Steve pressed out the stock joint and replaced it with the X11.
After installing the X11 ball...
After installing the X11 ball joint and removing the factory adjustable strut, Steve replaced the strut with Steeda's adjustable suspension system (PN 555-8127; $1,574.95). It includes the necessary Heavy Duty Upper Strut Mounts (PN 55-8135; $349.95), as well as the Tokico D-spec struts and shocks. The Tokicos offer adjustment of the compression and rebound.
After installing the struts...
After installing the struts and bumpsteer kit, Steve replaces the standard dust-shield with the Laguna's included, but not factory-installed, brake-cooling version. This is part of the Laguna Seca package but must be installed post title. If you want to add this setup to your non-Boss '13, the kit is available from Ford Racing Performance Parts (PN M-2004-MBA).
One advantage of having a...
One advantage of having a completely adjustable suspension is you can manipulate the weight at each corner of the vehicle to balance the car's weight distribution and improve its handling. “Setting corner weights allows you to properly balance the car to optimize performance and driver comfort," Dario explained. “By setting corner weights, you also have the ability to optimize the vehicle's weight distribution front/rear to improve handling and traction to the highest level of performance under all conditions--accelerating, braking, and cornering. In the case of the Steeda Certified Boss 302, we were able to nearly achieve this perfect weight distribution--missing it by only less than one percent--an amazing accomplishment for a production Mustang!" To measure the corner weights, Steve places scales under all four wheels.
Should you need to adjust...
Should you need to adjust the front coilovers or the rear perches, you'd loosen the Allen locking bolt and use this spanner wrench to relocate the spring mount. This is most easily achieved with the car's weight unloaded. You'll want to make the changes in measurable turns. This also adjusts the car's ride height, so you'll want to put the car back down and make sure the pavement to fender-lip measurements match on each side.
"Ideally, for maximun traction...
"Ideally, for maximun traction and handling, you want as close as possible to a 50/50 weight distribution with equal balance left and right," dario said. Steve must have the magic touch honed from years of installind Dteeda gear on Mustangs, as the corner weights were nearly spot on without making a single adjustment. The front corners were within 3 pounds and rears were within 34 pounds.