Supercharged V-6I have a new '07 Mustang with the base V-6 that I'd like to put a supercharger on. I've been told that it might not be worth the investment because the stock V-6 will need several other upgrades besides the blower. Are there other things that need to be done when the supercharger and intercooler are added? Will I need to upgrade to an 8.8-inch rearend and a dual-exhaust system?David TopperDenver, CO
The current '05-'07 V-6 Mustangs are excellent candidates for supercharging, including Eaton-style blowers such as the Explorer Express MP-90 supercharger shown on Tom Rasada's '05 V-6 coupe (pictured). Already rated at 210 hp (10 hp more than an '86 5.0 and only 15 less than the '87-'93s), they'll make upwards of 300 hp with most of the typical setups on the market today.
The stock 7.5-inch rearend and exhaust will work fine with the blower, as will the stock V-6 engine with the safe boost levels those systems provide, although I recommend upgrading to a dual-exhaust system to go along with the blower. The exhaust and supercharger would make a nice package deal.
With an intercooled blower, a good electronic tune, and a true dual-exhaust system, your car will easily make as much power as a stock Three-Valve V-8 GT. In fact, it's possible this combination might make more power than an '05-'07 GT, which would get you to about 270-280 rwhp as measured on a typical Dynojet chassis dyno. This would be around 300 or more at the flywheel. Factor in your car's lighter weight and better weight distribution and you'll have a fun ride that will surprise V-8 Mustang owners at the local stoplight nationals.
5.0 This and ThatI finally decided to join those who own more than one Mustang. In addition to my '66 convertible, I now have a '90 GT convertible that I bought from the original owner. The car is in excellent shape, drives great, and hasn't let me down during the 9,000 miles I've logged in the six months since purchasing it. However, I have a few problems I hope you can help me with.
First, I have a pronounced valvetrain noise that was present when I bought the car. The original owner was a school teacher who drove it about five miles round-trip every day-hence only 66,000 miles to date. My mechanic checked out the car and said that since it was used primarily for short trips, the engine didn't have time to warm and sludge buildup more than likely restricted oil flow to the valvetrain, causing the pushrods to wear and increasing the valve lash. My mechanic said this wasn't something I should be worried about, but the noise is driving me nuts.
According to my repair manual, I should replace the pushrods. Should I replace all of them? Is there any way to convert to an adjustable valvetrain? The engine is bone stock, and I doubt the valve covers have ever been taken off. If I need to replace the pushrods, should they be the same length?
Second, the heater doesn't get very hot. Cold nights in Missouri require me to blast the heater just to stay warm, and I fear I have a clogged core. I've flushed and filled the system, and this helped only marginally. The thermostat (also apparently original) seems to be functioning properly and isn't stuck open.
A friend told me to fill the core with muratic acid overnight to strip out all the buildup inside. After reading the article you wrote ("How to Replace a Fox Mustang Heater Core," June '06, p. 98), I'm open to alternatives.
Finally, what's the highest wattage foglamp bulb I can run? I've seen 100-watt bulbs that will fit my car. What's the highest wattage headlamp bulb I can run? I'm assuming 100w/80w.Michael Clements St. Louis, MO