Best Model/Trim for Supercharge+Handling build?

[John's Garage]

Hello,
Looking for recommendations on which model/trim would be ideal for the following build. I want to avoid buying a trim that is loaded with equipment just to end up replacing/upgrading them. It would be a waste of money and may make the process more complicated.

Goal: Weekend spirited driving and track. Under 3s 0-60, exceptional handling. Not top speed focused. Not a daily drive.

Build:
Whipple Supercharger Stage 2 Kit
Fuel System Upgrade to support the stage 2
Long Headers, upgraded cats and complete exhaust system upgrade to 3” or a bit bigger to let the supercharged engine breathe
Upgrade intake air filters
Upgrade clutch and flywheel to handle the higher torque. Upgrade lines and fluid.
Transmission: MT82 is able to handle the new higher torque, TR3160 is not rated for it and may give me a headache at some point.
Single piece driveshaft upgrade
Heavy duty rear half axles upgrade to handle the new torque
LSD 3.73 that comes with the PP is fine, if no PP, I will have to upgrade the differential to some LSD 3.73
Shocks and struts: Magnaride can do the trick for a while, then eventually upgrade it to high performance suspension for better handling, although it's easier to upgrade if not Magnaride as I will avoid having to handle the electronics and error codes. If not Magnaride, upgrade it with aftermarket high performance right away.
“Stop the Hop” kit, upgraded end links. DH handling pack may give me decent sway bars, otherwise I would upgrade them.
Upgraded springs for handling
Wheels: 19x10 and 19x11. The only OEM wheels acceptable are the DH HP but they are heavy (~32lb). I could do better aftermarket (~23lb). If not DH HP, I would go aftermarket. May even sell the OEM.
Brakes: Performance Pack or DH would give me nice Brembos. I would just upgrade the rotors to 2-piece lightweight when they wear out. Also upgrade lines.
Seats: Recaros are nice, but you need to go high trim to get them. If not the Recaros, I would go aftermarket.
Audio: Not a priority for this car. I like to hear the rumble.
Leather in the panels, lights in the feet, leather in the backseats, gigantic long ipad radio, heated steering wheel, slightly nicer steering wheel decorations, etc, not a priority, at all…

I am thinking the Base GT 300A with PP may be the optimal trim, as it will give me Brembos, handbrake, Torsen 3.73 LSD, Rear Spoiler. Wheels and tires will be a waste, but nothing else.

GT Premium is the cheapest way to get Recaros, but it's a lot of $ just to get there. Seems a waste.

DH 600A with HP and Recaros? I could settle for the heavier wheels. I am just thinking that I would be paying for a lot of stuff that I will be removing.

Recommendations would be much appreciated. Please this is not a thread about DH vs GT or base vs Premium. Those subjects were already discussed to exhaustion. This is also not about what Aftermarket parts to get. It's about the optimal model for a specific build.

Thanks!

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[Q6543]

If you’re starting from scratch I’d hold off and see what ford announces Jan 15th

 

[John's Garage]

If you’re starting from scratch I’d hold off and see what ford announces Jan 15th

Can you elaborate?
Are you expecting them to announce revised equipment level per trim? Ford performance new parts? A Supercharged version that is not the GTD?

 

[Q6543]

Yes, that’s what I’m expecting, a new supercharged variant with insane handling.

The car you’re thinking of building… not sure but we’ll see on the 15th I guess.

 

[John's Garage]

Nice! On the other hand, I like to DIY.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Ewags81]

Nice! On the other hand, I like to DIY.

so many things are now computer controlled, i am afraid to change too much on a car without disrupting what i feel is already a close to perfect balance. i say dark horse hp and add the Whipple or centrifugal if thats your goal. ford and its engineers have a lot more experience than I. i have the non hp dh premium upgrading toward the hp (less the trofeo rs). it is extremely well balanced imo. good luck.

 

[John's Garage]

so many things are now computer controlled, i am afraid to change too much on a car without disrupting what i feel is already a close to perfect balance. i say dark horse hp and add the Whipple or centrifugal if thats your goal. ford and its engineers have a lot more experience than I. i have the non hp dh premium upgrading toward the hp (less the trofeo rs). it is extremely well balanced imo. good luck.

I did considered that, but I don't think you can just put a stage 2 and call it a day, even in a DH. It can't handle the power, specially with the budget Tremec they picked to keep their costs down.

And Stage 1 is kinda of a disappointment for the investment.

 

[NuclearDiode]

Can you elaborate?
Are you expecting them to announce revised equipment level per trim? Ford performance new parts? A Supercharged version that is not the GTD?

Are you willing to buy a GT500 replacement or want to build your own? That’s the question.

And every Mustang variant under Jim Farley has been overpriced and underwhelming. So unless they drop a 5.2L motor or better in an S650, this new variant will just be another supercharged Coyote Mustang. And what would be the price? $125K+?

 

[Ewags81]

agree on stage 1 Whipple. if you're going to go you might as well go all the way. I'm really considering a centrifugal on mine. not as harsh on the drivetrain. I saw upgraded half shafts on your list so hopefully you're set

 

[John's Garage]

Are you willing to buy a GT500 replacement or want to build your own? That’s the question.

And every Mustang variant under Jim Farley has been overpriced and underwhelming. So unless they drop a 5.2L motor or better in an S650, this new variant will just be another supercharged Coyote Mustang. And what would be the price? $125K+?

Agreed. I bet the new "GT500" replacement will be a DH with Stage 1 Whipple on a 5.2 and slightly better parts to hold the load. Then they decorate the car to look like it is twice as fast as it actually is. And if course, almost doubled the price as a DH.
Hard pass.

I believe I can build a spectacular mustang for base GT + PP + 20k.

 

[GrabberB]

Agreed. I bet the new "GT500" replacement will be a DH with Stage 1 Whipple on a 5.2 and slightly better parts to hold the load. Then they decorate the car to look like it is twice as fast as it actually is. And if course, almost doubled the price as a DH.
Hard pass.

I believe I can build a spectacular mustang for base GT + PP + 20k.

Not being negative here but $20.000 will not cover your list of upgrades. Referring to materials and parts only, no labor since your going the DIY route which by the way I highly recommend.


Edit add - You can build an awesome GT + PP + 20k if you pick and choose from your list and drop some items that are not a must.

I recommend a GT + PP w/manual. That combo will give you a Torsen w/3.73's. Get a base package and move the money saved to you DIY upgrades. I would opt for Recaro's too. Not sure how that is optioned (?). Adding the NP package will give a more aggressive look right off the bat.

 

[Paul's stable]

Hello,
Looking for recommendations on which model/trim would be ideal for the following build. I want to avoid buying a trim that is loaded with equipment just to end up replacing/upgrading them. It would be a waste of money and may make the process more complicated.

Goal: Weekend spirited driving and track. Under 3s 0-60, exceptional handling. Not top speed focused. Not a daily drive.

Build:
Whipple Supercharger Stage 2 Kit
Fuel System Upgrade to support the stage 2
Long Headers, upgraded cats and complete exhaust system upgrade to 3” or a bit bigger to let the supercharged engine breathe
Upgrade intake air filters
Upgrade clutch and flywheel to handle the higher torque. Upgrade lines and fluid.
Transmission: MT82 is able to handle the new higher torque, TR3160 is not rated for it and may give me a headache at some point.
Single piece driveshaft upgrade
Heavy duty rear half axles upgrade to handle the new torque
LSD 3.73 that comes with the PP is fine, if no PP, I will have to upgrade the differential to some LSD 3.73
Shocks and struts: Magnaride can do the trick for a while, then eventually upgrade it to high performance suspension for better handling, although it's easier to upgrade if not Magnaride as I will avoid having to handle the electronics and error codes. If not Magnaride, upgrade it with aftermarket high performance right away.
“Stop the Hop” kit, upgraded end links. DH handling pack may give me decent sway bars, otherwise I would upgrade them.
Upgraded springs for handling
Wheels: 19x10 and 19x11. The only OEM wheels acceptable are the DH HP but they are heavy (~32lb). I could do better aftermarket (~23lb). If not DH HP, I would go aftermarket. May even sell the OEM.
Brakes: Performance Pack or DH would give me nice Brembos. I would just upgrade the rotors to 2-piece lightweight when they wear out. Also upgrade lines.
Seats: Recaros are nice, but you need to go high trim to get them. If not the Recaros, I would go aftermarket.
Audio: Not a priority for this car. I like to hear the rumble.
Leather in the panels, lights in the feet, leather in the backseats, gigantic long ipad radio, heated steering wheel, slightly nicer steering wheel decorations, etc, not a priority, at all…

I am thinking the Base GT 300A with PP may be the optimal trim, as it will give me Brembos, handbrake, Torsen 3.73 LSD, Rear Spoiler. Wheels and tires will be a waste, but nothing else.

GT Premium is the cheapest way to get Recaros, but it's a lot of $ just to get there. Seems a waste.

DH 600A with HP and Recaros? I could settle for the heavier wheels. I am just thinking that I would be paying for a lot of stuff that I will be removing.

Recommendations would be much appreciated. Please this is not a thread about DH vs GT or base vs Premium. Those subjects were already discussed to exhaustion. This is also not about what Aftermarket parts to get. It's about the optimal model for a specific build.

Thanks!

Sounds like you know what you want. Your not going to find what you are looking for. You want a good car with no crap. However unless you Go a Dark Horse R that you can't drive on the street. Back to your desires Ford does not offer that car. Each model has pluses and minuses. Now do a reality check how are you going to use the car you say some track are we talking drag or road race track? The Dark Horse HP is already good for the track. No one is complaining about there trac ability They are complaining of heat soak. If for drag racing just get a GT auto you don't need PP option. Road race Tremec drag race auto. Just don't forget the Ecoboost you can throw cash at it to make it fast. Well have fun.

 

[John's Garage]

Sounds like you know what you want. Your not going to find what you are looking for. You want a good car with no crap. However unless you Go a Dark Horse R that you can't drive on the street. Back to your desires Ford does not offer that car. Each model has pluses and minuses. Now do a reality check how are you going to use the car you say some track are we talking drag or road race track? The Dark Horse HP is already good for the track. No one is complaining about there trac ability They are complaining of heat soak. If for drag racing just get a GT auto you don't need PP option. Road race Tremec drag race auto. Just don't forget the Ecoboost you can throw cash at it to make it fast. Well have fun.

Thanks. I am settling for a base GT, Manual with PP and build from there. It will give me Brembos, nice handbrake to play with, spoiler and the LSD 3.73, which is a pain to change later. The added cost of the PP is much lower in reality when you get some of the discounts.

Then I can take my time to mod the rest on my own terms. A beer, a friend to help with the heavy lifting, keep teaching the kids how to use a wrench, the research on parts, the perception of improvement on every mod, etc. Not trying to beat records, not looking for a car that flashes like a Xmas tree to show off, just old school rumble.

 

[John's Garage]

Not being negative here but $20.000 will not cover your list of upgrades. Referring to materials and parts only, no labor since your going the DIY route which by the way I highly recommend.


Edit add - You can build an awesome GT + PP + 20k if you pick and choose from your list and drop some items that are not a must.

I recommend a GT + PP w/manual. That combo will give you a Torsen w/3.73's. Get a base package and move the money saved to you DIY upgrades. I would opt for Recaro's too. Not sure how that is optioned (?). Adding the NP package will give a more aggressive look right off the bat.

Good suggestion. I think I will get way, except for the Recaros. They are not a option for the base GT. You need to go Premium to get them.

I agree 20K may not give everything but will cover most of it. Also remember that everything you take off the car you can sell to help with the aftermarket parts, especially the wheels and tires. There is also good aftermarket alternatives that are not necessarily the major brands and they do a very good job with the glamour. For instance, you can ditch the 2" kooks long headers and go with a 1 7/8 from another alternative brand for half of the price or less. At ~800HP you don't need 2" long headers, they are for +1,200HP.
I don't want to make this a thread about aftermarket parts, just giving an example that if you have time to do your research and wait for items to go on sale, you can do a lot with 20k.

 

[Stanzi]

$4k gets you the special edition Recaros from Ford Performance with better side bolstering than the “Premium” Recaros j

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