Ford Repair: 2002 Ford Mustang GT, rear wheel hp, andersonfordmotorsport

Question
Daer Steve,

I have a 2002 Mustang GT, 5 speed.  It is bone stock.  I really don't know much about cars, I am learning though.  I want to keep my stock engine as long as it will last me.  I plan on having this car forever.  I want the basic upgrades, intake, pulleys, throttle body, headers, exhaust, rear end, etc.  I also want to supercharge my car, procharger is most likely my choice.  I don't want to blow my engine, but I do want 8-10 lbs. of boost.  What can I do to strengthen up my engine and how much will it cost?  I also want a 4:10 rear end.  As far as the other upgrades I mentioned, what should I do, don't do?  What, if anything, should I do to my trans?  Will the stock trans hold up the power I hope to add?  I am looking for 350-400 rear wheel hp.  I live near Chicago Illinois.  Is there anywhere I can go for some tech help that you know of?  Thank you for any and all of your help.

Brad


Answer
Brad-

  Your engine should be just fine in stock form up to around 14lbs. of boost...especially with the Procharger intercooled kits.  There's always a stronger crank, pistons, and rods but you should be ok with the stock internals at the power level you're shooting for.  Do's and don'ts for the rear end...don't get 4.10 gears.  They work well for automatic cars, but in 5 speed cars they're too much.  I'd shoot for, at the highest, 3.73s.  I'd actually recommend 3.55s for mostly street/occassional strip useage.  The tranmission itself should hold up ok, but you'll probably want a better clutch at that power level.  For parts and tech info, you're actually not too far away from one of the best Ford performance places in the country, Anderson Ford Motorsports in Clinton, IL.  Check them out at www.andersonfordmotorsport.com.  Rick Anderson is a tuning god and they're insane at matching up parts, especially superchargers and cams.  Hope this helps.

Steve