TrackStar

When modifying his 2012 Kona Blue Metallic Mustang GT, Ryan Dusan was focused on performance. He wanted his muscle car to have everything it needed to hit the track. The car already looks the part coming from the factory, so rather than adding exterior upgrades, Ryan turned his attention under the hood and body. He added Eibach Sportline Springs, E85 Racing Fuel, Roush Mufflers, a Spec Stage 1 Clutch, BMR Control Arms, and new tires just to name a few!

Ryan was determined to have his car bring in more air for large horsepower gains, so he opted to install a Ford Racing Cobra Jet Intake Manifold. Featuring increased flow and RPM characteristics, this intake is the same high-performance intake used on the naturally-aspirated 2013 Mustang Cobra Jet Race Car. Ryan’s 5.0L now channels more air into the engine with runners tuned for 7750 RPM peak power with no loss of torque. The intake manifold is made from lightweight composite materials, so Ryan gets added power to his Coyote motor without weighing it down. It also improves his underhood appearance with a black finish and modern “Ford Racing” badge. The only fine print here is Ryan needed to tune his GT and pair it with a Ford Racing Throttle Body for the manifold to work properly.

To add some true American Muscle sound to his S197, Ryan installed a Pypes Off-Road X-pipe. Not only does it add a raspy race car growl to his GT, this direct bolt-on mid-pipe improves exhaust flow thanks to its 3-inch 304 stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing. There is something very liberating about removing power-robbing factory catalytic converters and letting your car do what it was made to do.

Ryan added a Driveshaft Shop (DSS) Lightweight Aluminum One-Piece Driveshaft to replace the heavier two-piece factory unit (19 lbs versus 39 lbs). The shaft itself is constructed from 6061 T6 aluminum while the CV and U joints are made from 300M alloy steel. The DSS driveshaft reduces rotating mass to improve his 1/4 mile track times and features a 3.5” diameter providing extra clearance for lowered cars like Ryan’s. It’s also high speed balanced using one of the most advanced balancing machines in the automotive arena. This driveshaft, at 9500 RPM, is rated for 900 horsepower! This gives Ryan a lot of leeway to continue modding his car in search of even more power.

Tires are arguably one of the most critical components of your car, especially when it comes to performance. Ryan chose Sumitomo tires for the front with Bridgestone Pole Position S-04 Potenza tires in the rear. He went with a staggered set of 18-inch FR500 Chrome Wheels to tie the look together, 18x9 up front and 18x10 out back. For those days when he takes his GT to the track, Ryan also has a rear pair of 15x10 Weld Racing Polished RTS Wheels wrapped in 28-inch Hoosier Drag Slicks. It seems Ryan has everything in order, whether he is taking a cruise down the highway or heading to the strip for a race.