The PSP '05 Mustang is fitted...
The PSP '05 Mustang is fitted with Cobra-clone 18x9-inch rims with Nitto rubber wrapped about. It sports 285/35/18-inch Extreme Drags in the back and 265/35/18-inch NT 555s up front.
We got the chance on a perfect fall day, and found the PSP Cobra to have plenty of snarl. The 2.3-liter Lysholm twin-screw blower, with a Metco/JDM 3.400-inch drive pulley, was developing an estimated 10-12 psi of boost pressure (there was no gauge). Meanwhile, extra fuel came by way of eight 39-pound injectors (a la the '03 Cobra). A Diablo MAFia mass air tuner was used along with SCT software to get the tune just right. The result was 430 rwhp and 405 lb-ft of tire-frying torque. All this power made for a nice sound rumbling from the Borla mufflers and tailpipes.
Our first try at the strip was more like a get-acquainted pass, which ended in a 12.442 at 113.79. It was backed up a minute later with a 12.374 at 112.21 mph. Those runs were made with the engine hot and with mild launches, practically bogging off the line. Once the Mustang was left to cool, and with a few runs under our belt, the e.t. improved to a 12.291 at 113.60 mph. That came with a 3,800-rpm launch and three crisp powershifts.
Realizing there was more, we let the Stang sit for an hour, and we tossed a big bag of ice on the intake plenum. Once the blown 4.6 chilled like a fine wine, we unleashed the horses, nailed a 1.90-second 60-foot time, and powershifted the Steeda gearjammer as quickly as we could. The Nittos gripped as the PSP Cobra jetted to its quickest run of the day, an 11.996 at a super-strong 117.52 mph. Not bad for a street Stang weighing 3,820 pounds with driver.
Having proved the Cobra had venom under the stripped and scooped hood, we made a few hot laps on the MM&FF handling course to see if the Eibach springs and Metco control arms could get us through the turns in quick fashion.
Out on the twisty track, the Mustang seemed improved over stock, but there was still a slight amount of understeer that frustrated us. After trying some more laps, we realized that while the Mustang had wide tires and a lowered stance, the sticky Nitto Extreme Drag tires in the rear were providing more grip than the Nitto 555s mounted up front. Naturally, this was the ticket on the strip, but it hindered performance on the road course. With matching tires at all four corners, handling would have been more neutral, with less push and a better balance in the corners. Still, it cornered well and didn't have any nasty habits or excessive NVH.
By day's end, we were thrilled with the performance and didn't want to give up the seat. Call it a modern Cobra II or the SVT Cobra that could have been, but we'll call it a fun '05 Mustang that looks sick and can strike like a real snake.