Weekends in mid-October aren't supposed to be cold in southern Virginia, but that was the case at this year's Super Stang Fest, which was held at Virginia International Raceway, more commonly known as VIR. Even so, some hardy souls made it out to the fabled race track to enjoy the car show and on-track theatrics of some high horsepower Mustangs kicking up their heels.inline_mediumwraptextrightMM&FF associate editor Pete Epple laid the smack down as he blew past this Vette on one of the long straight ways at the 3.27 mile natural terrain road course at VIR.31410147/events/mmfp_1003_2009_super_stang_fest_virginia_international_racewaymmfp_1003_01+2009_super_stang_fest+virginia_international_raceway.jpgTrue

It's called the Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing and pits the best of the best in heads-up drag racing competition. Many know it as the NMRA against the NMCA, and there are huge bragging rights at stake.inline_mediumwraptextrightThe coveted Nitto Tire Diamond Tree ring was awarded to the winning team members. Nitto also presents a version of this ring to the class champions at the conclusion of the racing season.30959484/events/mmfp_0912_the_4th_annual_super_bowl_of_street_legal_drag_racingmmfp_0912_03_+super_bowl_of_street_legal_racing+nitto_tire_diamond_tree_ring.jpgTrue

The world of heads-up "street" car racing is quickly advancing into one of the most popular forms of drag racing, mainly because of the outrageous cars in competition. With thousands of horsepower being applied to small tires, it's a nail-biting experience every time one of these Outlaws stages up. Undoubtedly, the Fox-body Mustang is a great platform to build one of these ultra-quick machines, but there's plenty of room for improvement to go from near stock to quarter-mile or eighth-mile rocket.inline_mediumwraptextrightWhen this Mustang entered the Smoky Mountain Chassis shop, it already had a highly modified 8.8 rearend. The crew then narrowed the rearend and slid in the custom-length Strange axles.26715196/tech/mmfp_0912_installing_an_aerospace_dual_caliper_kitmmfp_0912_02_+aerospace_dual_caliper_kit+strange_axles.jpgTrue

The Gen 2 SVT Lightning ('99-'04) has a special place in Ford performance history thanks to its supercharged 5.4L Triton engine and an enthusiastic group of owners. They have modified these trucks extensively, and despite having been out of production for nearly half a decade, the Lightning market is still advancing. One of the leading Lightning performance shops, Johnny Lightning Performance (JLP) invited us to its New Providence, Pennsylvania, digs to checkout the latest boost maker from Kenne Bell Superchargers.inline_mediumwraptextrightThe Kenne Bell 2.6H is a worthy street blower, but there are some Lightning owners who want more than its 650 rwhp.26713792/tech/mmfp_0912_kenne_bell_supercharger_upgrademmfp_0912_02_+kenne_bell_supercharger_upgrade+kenne_bell_blower.jpgTrue

When it comes to modifying your 5.0L Mustang, there are several routes you can take to improve performance. They include increased displacement, basic bolt-ons, boost, and, of course, nitrous oxide. Only your bank account will determine whether these avenues are explored alone or in tandem.inline_mediumwraptextrightDemon Engines supplied a 347 stroker kit that included a 3.4-inch steel stroker crank, 5.4-inch forged rods, and 4.030 forged (flat-top) pistons from Probe Racing.26712082/tech/mmfp_0912_demon_347_short_block_cylinder_assemblymmfp_0912_02_+demon_347_short_block_assembly+347_stroker_kit.jpgTrue

As a project gets underway, it begins to develop a personality all it's own. Some are great on the dragstrip, some seem adept at carving corners. Our project car is no exceptioninline_mediumwraptextrightThis month's upgrades started with the removal of the stock manifolds and Magnaflow X-style midpipe. With the old exhaust out of the way, we were able start the installation of our rearend parts and our new exhaust system.30951966/tech/mmfp_0912_installing_eaton_detroit_truetrac_differentialmmfp_0912_02_+truetrac_differentials+remove_stock_manifolds.jpgTrue

Last month we tore into our resident '90 Mustang coupe and gutted the interior space to make way for a host of new components from Latemodel Restoration Supply and Corbeau. To provide a solid foundation to build on, we called Thermo-Tec for some of its sound and heat insulation material and proceeded to dampen the resonant characteristics of the Mustang's unibody chassis. This month we move ahead with this comprehensive interior restoration by prepping and painting all of the interior pieces, and then tackle the heater core and door-lock actuator installations.inline_mediumwraptextrightDon't use gloss enamel from the local store to change the color of your interior. Latemodel Restoration Supply has the correct paint for a professional result.30949794/tech/mmfp_0912_upgrading_heater_core_and_door_lock_actuator_installationsmmfp_0912_02_+restoring_heater_core_door_locks+gloss_enamel.jpgTrue

It's a common thread among Mustang enthusiasts that going fast is fun. Letting the ponies run wild can be an exhilarating feeling, and there's no easier way to get your thrill than to bolt on a nitrous oxide injection system. Ny-Trex now makes it easier than ever to add 50-150 hp to your S197 Mustang.inline_mediumwraptextrightNy-Trex's Triple-Threat nitrous oxide system for 2005 and newer Mustangs comes with everything you'll need short of the nitrous itself. The 10-pound high-flow bottle can be had in black (shown) or a venomous bright green.30940242/tech/mmfp_0912_ny_trex_triple_threat_nitrous_oxide_injection_systemmmfp_0912_02_+triple_threat_nitrous_oxide_injection_system+ny_trex_triple_threat_nos.jpgTrue

In the pursuit of big power on a low budget, our '93 5.0L SSP coupe has shown a serious improvement with just a few bolt-ons and a couple of old tricks. Last issue, we advanced the timing; installed a BBK Performance cold-air intake, mass air meter, and throttle body; swapped our stock-length belt for a short-belt, and iced the intake. For less than $600, we made 44 rwhp and 58 rwtq. Quarter-mile e.t.'s dropped from 14.522 at 97 mph to 13.669 at over 103 mph. We were very pleased.inline_mediumwraptextright25466561/tech/mmfp_0912_installing_edelbrock_e_street_cylinder_headsmmfp_0912_01_+edelbrock_e_street_cylinder_heads+cylinder_heads.jpgTrue

Most of us don't consider a V-6 Mustang when it comes to Mustang performance, but Shelby Automobiles has shown just what can be accomplished with the right planning, the right parts, and perfectly executed strategy. The Shelby Terlingua Mustang accomplishes all that, and though this is an '07 model, you can pick up your own '05-'09 S197 six-shooter and have Shelby build you your very own Terlingua-edition Stallion.inline_mediumwraptextrightWhat's more exciting-Shelby's Terlingua Mustang or model Sara Lipert? We'd like to find out!30934026/features/mmfp_0912_2007_shelby_terlingua_mustangmmfp_0912_07_+2007_shelby_terlingua_mustang+model_sara_lipert.jpgTrue

Owning a piece of Mustang history is something most of us dream about. Over the Pony car's 45-year lifespan, there have been many rare and wild factory Mustangs that any Ford fanatic would love to have in his or her garage. Lately, the rarer Mustangs show off innovation, changes, and improvements that have altered the way we look at the hobby. One of the most significant transformations in recent years has been the introduction of the modular engine platform.inline_mediumwraptextright26700907/features/mmfp_0912_1995_cobra_r_mustangmmfp_0912_05_+1995_cobra_r+front_angle.jpgTrue

The '64 1/2 Mustang galloped onto the pages of almost every magazine, into our living rooms on prime-time TV, and into the hearts of millions, turning the automotive world upside down. With its attractive styling and versatility, this new and innovative machine entranced men, women, and children alike.inline_mediumwraptextrightRoush and Cervini's body panels coupled with painted-on racing stripes definitely give Mark's Stang an original look.30930555/features/mmfp_0912_1967_shelby_gt500mmfp_0912_08_+1967_shelby_gt-500+roush_and_cervini_body_panels.jpgTrue

Since the first horseless carriage took to the road, people have been trying to get their rides to go faster. By 1932, with the introduction of the Ford Model 18, you could buy a V-8-powered two-door right off the lot, with suicide doors to boot.inline_mediumwraptextright26699554/features/mmfp_0912_1988_lx_coupe_and_1990_lx_sspmmfp_0912_08_+1988_lx_and_1990_lx_ssp+front_views.jpgTrue

"Cold air is more dense and carries more oxygen molecules," was the response Justin Burcham of JPC Racing blurted out when we asked about his reasoning for adding the new JPC Racing air-to-water intercooler to many of his high-horsepower, forced-induction customer cars. The modification is a simple solution to an increasing problem that Burcham realized while racing his popular '05 Mustang GT in MM&FF/NMRA True Street competition.

When the first modular motor-powered Mustang rolled off the assembly line and on to dealership lots in 1996, it had the same great looks, but the standard V-8 was a Two-Valve mod motor displacing 4.6L. The popular and successful 5.0L pushrod engine made way for a more complex engine with overhead cams, delicate short-blocks, and a new computer system.

With the current state of the economy, it's tough out there for a lot of Mustang enthusiasts. Finding spare cash to buy car parts can be difficult, but we think we've found some simple, yet effective bolt-on parts for your S197 Mustang that you can afford on a monthly basis. Together, they can turn your Mustang into one peppy thoroughbred.

The words "fast" and "Mercury" are not commonly used in the same context. Or at least they haven't been since the NASCAR Cyclones of the late '60s. Most MM&FF readers don't remember those cars, or like your author, weren't even born yet. In fact, you're more likely to relate a Mercury to your grandparents driving to the grocery store or bingo, than to a powerful beast screaming down the dragstrip.

Los Angeles is most commonly known for its movie stars and beaches, but it also has a dark side consisting of gangs and riots. So it goes without saying, being an officer for the LAPD is not a job for the meek or mild. Officer Ricardo Lizarraga was a well-liked and respected police officer for the LAPD. On February 20, 2004, Officer Lizarraga and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance. While at the residence, a man pulled out a gun and opened fire. Officer "Lizzy" Lizarraga was struck in the abdomen and later died from the wound.

Bringing a new product to market is a big deal for any of the companies in the Mustang aftermarket. The right debut is an effective way to highlight what's different and special-it also defines how your products separate you from the competition. Hence, when ATI/ProCharger launched its new HO Intercooled supercharger system for the Three-Valve Mustang in 2008, its introduction to the public needed to be something special, and what better place than Sin City.

Look in David Salardino's garage and you'll find two cars: a mild street car that performs well for daily driving, and a low 9-second race car that pumps out 825 rwhp and 698 lb-ft of torque. The first is a street cruiser that logs at least 150 miles a week, and the latter has run the quarter in 9.27 seconds at over 147 mph.

Over the years, car clubs have become a fixture of the automotive community. With that wonderful thing we know as the Internet, it's easy to find like-minded enthusiasts who share the same fanatical views about the cars we love. Clubs can be based around things as general as a style of car, or as specific as make, model, or color. If you can drive it, rest assured, there's a club to represent it.

There is no debating the fact that spirited driving is not only exhilarating, but also just plain fun. Although it takes next to nothing to jump behind the wheel and speed around town or race up the highway, the truth is that it's just not safe for us or anyone else on the road. It's no secret that drag racing will always have a special place in the hearts of the MM&FF staff, but sometimes going straight just isn't enough.

Makin' Mods
Sticking with our plan to kick it old school, we headed back to the dyno to make our changes. We started with ignition timing. First, we cleaned the harmonic balancer with sandpaper and marked the crankshaft at 10, 14, and 16 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). Then we removed the SPOUT connector (located in the ignition harness near the distributor), and using a timing light, we found the timing to be set at the base timing of 10 degrees BTDC. Removal of the SPOUT (for SPark-OUT) allows timing adjustments while the engine is running without the ECU interfering. Ensuring we had 93 octane in the tank, we rotated the distributor clockwise until we achieved 14 degrees of timing advance. We reinstalled our SPOUT and spun the rollers with impressive results of 219 rwhp and 254 rwtq, a 14 hp and 32 lb-ft gain. We then advanced the timing another 2 degrees to 16, yielding 221 rwhp and 255 rwtq, a gain of another 2 hp and 1 lb-ft of torque.

If we were to query a group of Ford enthusiasts-not just the late-model crowd-about the performance potential and popularity of the 351 Cleveland, we'd be overwhelmed by stories and historical events that helped shape Ford performance.

The introduction of a new project car is an exciting event. There's a certain level of anticipation as an idea becomes reality. During a conversation amongst the MM&FF staff, we realized there hasn't been a Four-Valve project since our beloved Superfly, Destroyer of Hideous Camaros graced the pages of Muscle quite a few years ago. Jim Campisano's '97 Cobra was at the forefront of Mustang and Four-Valve technology for its time, and still to this day delivers a level of performance matched by few Four-Valve SN-95s.