Custom Ford Mustang Build Series

Welcome to the very first episode of the GlowShift Gauges Project Builds Series, where we customize some of our favorite cars and trucks with serious upgrades. In this edition we sign on the dotted line and pick up a 2017 Ford Mustang GT S550. From there we put it on the dyno and do a full pulls to find out some stock horsepower numbers before ordering the parts for our custom build. We got a lot of work ahead of us so let’s get started!

The parts have arrived and we’re ready to go! In Episode 2 of our 2017 Ford Mustang GT S550 Build Series we start our install by dropping the factory exhaust and replacing it with Krona headers and a Corsa Extreme catback exhaust system. We also start running the sensor wiring for our GlowShift Dual Wideband Gauge setup. You might want to grab some earplugs... things are about to get loud!

In Ep 3 of this edition of the GlowShift Gauges Project Build Series, we prep our 2017 Mustang GT S550 for the installation of our Whipple Supercharger by removing the front bumper, fuel rail, intake manifold and more as we start breaking down the motor. We also upgrade some parts like the oil drive gear and crank sprocket to make sure our Mustang can support the modifications we’re making as we get ready to drop the supercharger on the motor.

Today’s the day! In Episode 4 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series we put some finishing touches on the motor and wrap up the Whipple Supercharger install. Time to add some gauges too... First we install a triple pillar pod with GlowShift boost, fuel pressure and wideband gauges. Then we remove the dash and replace it with a GT350 that has a dual gauge pod built in for our oil pressure and nitrous gauges. Let’s fire this thing up and see if it works!

We cover a lot of ground in Episode 5 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series! We start by installing new RTR grille pieces with accent lights. Then we drop the transmission to change out the clutch. We also prep the wheels, rotors, calipers and more for powder coating. Last but not least, we pull out the Mustang’s interior and test fit a roll cage… looking pretty good! We’re halfway through this edition of our Build Series but we still got a lot of work to do!

The parts are back from powder coat and the finish and colors turned out great! But before putting everything back, we start off Ep 6 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series by changing out the clutch for a brand-new twin disk McLeod. Then we get the transmission back in and install a new one-piece driveshaft that’s stronger and more reliable. We wrap up the episode by putting the exhaust back up too. Next step will be those powder coat parts!

Today in Ep 7 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series we start by putting the Mustang on the lift and swapping out the factory axles for new aftermarket axles that are rated for about 800hp. After that we hit up the suspension and add new Pedders springs and coil-overs. We wrap up by getting the powder coated brakes back on, and installing our newly mounted and balanced tires. Oh, we also got the windows tinted at 35% all around... looking pretty good!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series we get the roll cage back in with the carpet, center console and rear seat delete. Then we add a brand-new spoiler with body color end caps and a matte black finish as well as some body panels. We end the day by installing Roush heat extractors on the hood with a matching matte black finish. Car’s looking and sounding good as we get it ready for the dyno to see what numbers it puts down after the modifications.

Only a few things left to do and we’ll be ready to go! In Episode 9 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series we install an Alky Alcohol Injection System to keep the temps down since we’re running a supercharger. Then we add a Nitrous Outlet Kit, putting the single nozzle into the intake and running the line to the tank we mount in the trunk. With both systems in place the Mustang is completely back together for the first time in months. Let’s see what kind of numbers it lays down on the dyno.

In Ep 10 of the 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series we get the car on the dyno to run some numbers. After doing some pulls, we noticed we weren’t near our RPM range… Turns out we were losing fuel pressure, dropping anywhere from about 10-12 PSI. So we upgrade the fuel system with a dual pump return style system that flows a lot more fuel. This oughta do the trick, so let’s get it back on the dyno and get the kind of numbers we were looking for.

We had to pump the brakes in Episode 11 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series after we saw that our factory rear brakes were cherry red and starting to melt! The testing on and off the dyno was putting too much pressure on the factory system so it was time for an upgrade. In comes our friends at Baer Brakes with a brand new set of front and rear Drag Race Brakes. We also added stainless steel brake lines and racing brake fluid. Let’s see how they do!

With Track Day on the horizon, we pull some final numbers in Episode 12 of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series. Not bad, but it was a pretty hot and humid day so we think our numbers were skewed by the air quality. Afterwards we get the Mustang back home for some finishing touches as we officially wrap this Build Series. With all of the modifications complete we’re ready to go. Next up is the finale… Track Day. Do you think our Mustang will hold up?

Today’s the day! It’s the final episode of our 2017 Ford Mustang S550 Build Series, where we find out if all the modifications we put into the Mustang will pay off. We head to Atco Dragway in Atco, New Jersey and test it out on the ¼ mile with drag wheels installed. Our goal’s to get in the mid-to-high 10’s with our driver Rich at the wheel. We also put the Mustang against some other cars that show up at the track. Find out how our upgraded Mustang performs!