2002 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Space Coast Performance's project car Yellow Fever is a 2002 4.6L Mustang GT Convertible. The goal of this project is to test products and build a mild performance car that will tackle the quarter-mile and the daily commute equally as well. Yellow Fever was purchased in 2004 in completely stock trim. Over the next couple years, all of the typical bolt-on modifications were implemented. This car is a lot of fun to drive around town and has put up a best ET of 14.0 sec. in full street trim.

Recently during a routine spark plug change, SCP found oil in cylinders 6 & 8. During the diagnosis process, we determined that the issue was caused by leaking valve stem seals. In order to correct the issue, the heads have to be removed and after a few days of "bloody knuckles" we decided to go all out, pull the motor and re-build from the bottom up. The goal with this rebuild is to produce a strong motor naturally aspirated motor that can handle up to 500HP. We decided to go with forged Pistons and Rods from DSS Racing along with a mild cam from Comp Cams. This will allow us the most bang for the buck while maintaining driveability. Now that the motor is out we found the two troubled cylinders and were glad to see that the damage wasn't as extensive as it could have been. Apparently we caught it early!

The motor is completely diassembled, down to the bare block, and the good news is that the cylinder walls appear to be in excellent condition. Our initial measurements tell us that the block is still within specs, but we sent it to a local machine with a good reputation just to make sure. We also sent the crankshaft to be measured and polished and the heads to be cleaned and have a triple angle valve job done on them.

While waiting for the block, crank and heads to return from the machine shop, we had some paint work done on the Intake Manifold, Valve Covers and Coolant Reservoir. Now it's time for the fun part to begin, reassembly!

Engine:

Block: Stock 4.6L Romeo
Pistons: Forged DSS Racing, 10cc
Rods: Forged DSS Racing
Crankshaft: Stock 6 Bolt w/ ARP Bolt
Main Bolts: ARP Studs
Rod Bolts: ARP
Heads: Stock PI (gasket matched)
Camshafts: Comp Cams 270AH
Valve Springs: Comp Cams
Intake Manifold: Stock (gasket matched)
Intake Plenum: Trick Flow - with Steeda Spacer
Air Intake: Steeda Cold Air Intake
Throttle Body: Accufab 75mm
Plugs: NGK TR6
Underdrive Pulleys: Steeda

Exhaust:

Headers: BBK Shorty
Mid-pipe: BBK Off-Road H-pipe
Mufflers: Flowmaster 40 Series

Drivetrain:

Shifter: Steeda Tri-Ax
Transmission: Stock T45, 5 Speed Manual
Clutch: Centerforce Dual Friction
Rear End Gears: FRPP 3:73

Suspension & Brakes:

Springs: Vogtland
Shocks: Tokico
Brakes: PowerSlot Rotors

Tuning:

Custom ECU Tuning: Dan DeSio of Pro-Dyno

Cosmetic:

CDC Light Bar
MGW Interior Accessories
Sequential Tail Lights
Cobra R Chrome Rims
White Face Guages
Custom Paint on Rear
2003 Cobra Front Bumpver and Side Skirts