Ever since the Mustang was introduced over 48 years ago, owners have enjoyed modifying and updating their cars to meet their individual desires. The current generation Mustang is no exception; Ford has provided such a good base with both the GT and V-6 Mustangs that the addition of aftermarket equipment enables them to achieve amazing performance levels.
Robert Parker always wanted to work for Ford Motor Company and we, as enthusiasts, can be glad he was hired. During his time at Ford Division, which included a stint as Performance Car Marketing Manager, Robert was the driving force behind the Ford, Shelby American, and Hertz program that resulted in the '06 Shelby GT-H. Robert worked closely with Ford Engineering and Product Planning to make the '10 Mustang GT Track Pack a success. He was also instrumental in the marketing of the '11 Mustangs, as well as the Boss 302. He's currently the Southeast Area Market Director in Atlanta.
Growing up as a Mustang enthusiast in Arizona, Robert had enjoyed working on his '67 Mustang fastback, performing both mechanical upkeep and performance modifications. When he purchased a 2013 Mustang GT, he not only wanted to enhance its already stellar performance with parts from Ford Racing, he also wanted to perform the work himself. After arranging to “borrow” the shop facility at Ford's Marietta, Georgia Training Center, he was assisted by Southeast Operations Manager John Galbraith, along with Jim Johnson and Wes Triplette. Jonathan Mirabal, who was attending classes at the training center, lent a useful hand or two as well.
Making it a family affair, Robert's sons, Jordan, 14, and Dean, 8, also helped with the project. His daughter Katie, 8, lent moral support.
Robert used the lift at the training center; similar projects can be accomplished in your garage with jack stands. An air compressor, impact wrench, and air grinder do make certain parts of this project easier, but are not required.
Robert wants to thank Ford Motor Company's Joe King, Mustang Marketing Coordinator Steve Denby, and the Ford Racing team for a fun and relatively easy project that boasts huge results.
Looks like most other 2013...
Looks like most other 2013 Mustang GTs on the street, right? Robert Parker had some better ideas for his 5.0L Mustang. Compare this shot to the finished car in the lead photo.
The hop-up was also a father-and-son...
The hop-up was also a father-and-son project. Here, Robert and his son, Dean, remove the factory wheels. They’ll be replaced by ’13 GT 500 forged aluminum wheels, 19x9.5 front and 20x9.5 rear, from the SVT Performance Package and wrapped with Goodyear Eagle F1s, P265/40ZR19 front and P285/35/ZR20 rear.
Robert wanted to set his black...
Robert wanted to set his black GT apart from the crowd with Ford Racing’s Side Exit Exhaust kit from the ’12-’13 Boss 302. It comes with three sound options—a solid block off plate for no sound, a restrictor plate for minimal sound, and full open for glorious sounds. Robert opted for full open, at least until he gets home and the “boss” has her say.
The new-style exhaust band...
The new-style exhaust band clamps are a lot easier to use than the old U-bolt clamps. A peg aligns with the clip before it gets bolted tight.
Wes Triplette holds the H-pipe...
Wes Triplette holds the H-pipe while Robert tightens the clamps.
It was all hands and arms...
It was all hands and arms on deck to help Robert install the Shelby mufflers from the ’11-’12 GT 500. They’ll add a deep, throaty sound at the rear of the GT.
Ford Racing’s Handling Pack,...
Ford Racing’s Handling Pack, part number M-FR3-MGTA, has everything needed for Mustang GT front and rear suspension improvements. It’ll provide a one-inch drop as well for improved handling and stance.
Jonathan Mirabal gave Robert...
Jonathan Mirabal gave Robert a needed hand when installing the Ford Racing strut tower brace. While under the hood, Robert also replaced the factory coil covers with Ford Racing’s black covers, part number M-6067-50BK.
Following the Ford Racing...
Following the Ford Racing instructions for lowering the Mustang by one-inch, Jim Johnson notched the lower strut mounting hole with an air grinder to allow camber angle adjustment.
It’s always good to have experience...
It’s always good to have experience by your side when swapping front springs and struts. Robert felt confident—and safe—with assistance from Ford Southeast Operations Manager John Galbraith.
Robert lends a hand—er, finger—to...
Robert lends a hand—er, finger—to help son Jordon with the rear shock and sway bar installation.
The Handling Pack’s larger...
The Handling Pack’s larger front sway bar will keep Robert’s Mustang GT flat in the turns.
Ford Racing’s Mustang GT Brake...
Ford Racing’s Mustang GT Brake Upgrade Kit, part number M-2300-S, includes everything needed to upgrade the front brakes to 14-inch rotors with Brembo calipers and braided brake lines. New rear brake pads are part of the package as well.
Even though Robert’s ‘13 Mustang...
Even though Robert’s ‘13 Mustang GT was a new car, the rear brake pads had worn enough to require the calipers to be spread apart to make room for the new pads. The brake calipers use a screw-type piston. Don’t try to compress them with a c-clamp; you have to turn the piston to get it to retract. There is a special tool available for rent at most auto parts retailers (shown here) or you can gently use a large flat screwdriver and a rubber hammer to ease the calipers back into position.
After a fun father-and-son...
After a fun father-and-son project day, Robert’s ’13 Mustang GT looks great with its new lowered stance over the 19- and 20-inch SVT wheels.