*Drum roll please*

…and the winner is…

AzSonicSnake!

AzSonicSnake, or Tony, was recently elected as ModdedMustangs.com’s 2009 Ride of the Year.  This competition involved nine previous winners from different months.  After a nail biting finish, Tony came out on top once again.

His beautiful 2003 SVT Cobra has not only won our Ride of the Year competition, but has also won in its class at a National Mustang Club of America show.  This Cobra is one stunning ride and definitely worthy of both awards.  His Cobra has also been in numerous magazines all over the world including Auto Tuning Siat which is a Polish based auto magazine.  He also holds plenty of bracket racing wins and says that “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

This Snake has been built to handle anything Tony can throw at it.  His plan of attack?  Build from the ground up.  Tony made it imperative that he build his suspension to handle the torque of his ported Eaton supercharger.  With a completely built solid rear axle swap and a PSR K-member, accompanied by all supporting mods, this Cobra is able to pass the 1320 with consistent trap speeds of over 127 mph.  Tony has made it clear that the car has a 10 second pass in it, but he normally gets booted from the track after making only one pass.  He has declined getting a roll cage because of the weekend warrior and show car status, but says he may just change his mind some day.

Tony would also like to give credit where credit is due.  Thanks to the guys at Performance Solution Racing in Pheonix, AZ, Tony has been able to see this Snake’s full potential and he says he could not thank them enough for their above and beyond work.

The staff of ModdedMustangs.com would also like to honorably mention 69fastback who was neck and neck with AzSonicSnake throughout the competition.  69fastback lost by only six votes, but still has one very gorgeous car.

No, this car was not in your calendar.

Written by zinc02gt.

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Painted trim parts are one of the best ways to make your Mustang stand out in a crowd. Buying the parts and taking them down to the local body shop on the other hand, can be a major drain on your time and your wallet. Now AmericanMuscle.com is making these upgrades easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to its new state-of-the-art paint facility.

Using exclusively Ford OEM colors, AmericanMuscle’s master painting technicians have developed a 14-step process that delivers superior shine and durability in every painted part. Best of all, because AmericanMuscle is painting your part ahead of time, ALL PARTS SHIP THE SAME DAY at a price far less than having it done at your local body shop.

Better: And OEM-spec facility and 14-point painting system ensure only the highest quality.

Faster: Pre-painted parts are always in stock and ship the same day you order.

More Affordable: AmericanMuscle buys in bulk and paints in bulk, producing better parts for less $$$.

The Parts

The list of pre-painted Mustang parts that will launch on October 26 reads like a greatest hits playlist. Many of AmericanMuscle’s top sellers will be prepped and painted in all 19 OEM Mustang colors.

• Headlight Splitters
• Mirror Covers
• Hood Scoops
• Chin Spoilers
• Window Louvers
• Side ScoopS

The Booth

The AmericanMuscle paint booth is nothing less than state of the art, designed and built by Global Finishing Solutions, the exclusive supplier to all OEM-endorsed paint shops. The booth at AmericanMuscle is a fully-loaded GFS system that employs numerous innovative technologies to produce a highly efficient, clean room environment and a minimal carbon footprint. The foundation for this eco-friendly program is the next-generation water-base paint that exceeds the quality and durability of traditional toxic solvent-base paints.

Using a semi-downdraft system, the paint booth achieves optimal painting conditions by shooting air down from the ceiling to evenly coat the painting surface. This method, combined with air-powered Sata paint guns, provides an optimal formula for finished product that surpasses even OEM factory standards, not to mention a local paint shop.

To get the full story on the AmericanMuscle paint booth, check out the AmericanMuscle Blog. And for more information on ready-to-ship pre-painted parts, visit AmericanMuscle.com.

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You heard me right!  Although there is no official word yet,  it is rumored that the 2012 GT500 may in fact be carrying a twin-turbo variant of the new “Coyote 5.0″.

Why would Ford scrap the 5.4 platform?  Well the answer lies in production.  As Ford renews the F-series with the 6.2 V8 the 5.4 will be phased out.  So this brings us to the GT500.  Ford is faced with the choice of a heavy 6.2 variant from the “Raptor” or a hopped up 5.0, I myself would prefer the twin-turbo variant.

In addition to being twin-turboed it’s also a big possibillty that the new GT500 engine will have an aluminium block to save weight.  While most of this is speculation, there are alot rumors and “comfirmed” facts.  But in any case, be it a twin-turboed 5.0 or a supercharged 6.2 the future for the most powerful production mustang is very very bright.

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Surely a sign of the looming apocalypse, AmericanMuscle.com recently went under the bright lights, and behind the scenes of a nationally broadcast TV show, SPEED TV’s hit game show Pass Time. Filmed on location at many of America’s favorite grass roots drag strips, Pass Time offers a chance for any would-be drag racer, whether first timer or experienced pro, Mustang or minivan, to make a run pass as two contestants attempt to predict 1/4-mile drag times to win cash. Simply put, “Guess the time, win the cash – it’s that easy,” according to show host Brett Wagner.

As the current owner of three Ponies, AmericanMuscle.com on-the-phone Mustang expert Karen Baum is no stranger to the track. In fact, she’s been drag racing Mustangs for years, but never before in front of the cameras of a popular TV show. Karen, and fellow AmericanMuscle staffer Dave Kaeck, took their Mustangs to Maryland International Raceway where Pass Time producers selected the AmericanMuscle customer service rep out of 500 candidates to “make a pass” on camera. Driving an AmericanMuscle-prepped ‘03 GT Coupe, the Mustang enthusiast put the pedal to the metal and left all expectations in the dust in her first primetime appearance.

While Karen was getting ready for her SPEED TV debut, AmericanMuscle went behind the scenes to get a first-hand look at how Pass Time producers can turn a day at the drag strip into an engaging game show. From the host Brett Wagner, to Ken “The House” Herring, to Paige the ultra-hot car wrangler, these on-air personalities form the heart of the show. Add in two long days of passionate behind-the-scenes work and somehow the dedicated Pass Time team manages to turn out nine speed-filled episodes every time they pull into a drag strip.

To get a better look at AmericanMuscle’s time at Pass Time, visit: http://blog.AmericanMuscle.com/, or go for the YouTube video go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF-6SZ6J61Q.

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Not only is Lefty this month’s member of the month but he is also MM’s newest moderator.

Enjoy the article!

MM: Tell us why you signed up at MM?

Lefty: Just searchin’ through different forums…I found this one.  Was welcomed by everybody and enjoyed the atmosphere of this site.

MM: How old are you?

Lefty: I am 19.

MM: You signed up in June of 2007, what has changed since then?

Lefty: Um…well I got another Mustang, A Cobra.  I decided I wanted to upgrade so I found a killer deal on a 01′ Cobra Vert. Couldn’t sell my GT yet, it was my first car and I still have love for it.

MM: Without MM, would your life be devoid of all meaning and purpose?

Lefty: Yes.  But seriously, it’s the first site I go to whenever I’m near a web browser.

MM: Which is more appealing to you: The 03-04 Mach 1’s or The S197 Bullits?

Lefty: 03/04 Mach 1’s.  2 reasons.  I don’t see very many of them. I’ve seen more newer bullits than I have Mach’s.  And the most important reason, ready? It’s a 4V!

MM: For the end all answer………..3.73’s or 4.10’s?

Lefty: 3.73’s.  Simply because I do more highway driving than city.

MM: Tell us about your cars, which one do you like more and why?

Lefty: First is the 1996 Black GT Coupe.  Bought it back when I was 17 for my first car.  I’ve had some good times in that car and I couldn’t have asked for a better first car.  Next is the 2001 Black Cobra Convertible.  I bought this back in July 08′.  Black exterior, medium parchment interior.  It’s such a clean & sleek car.  I love the 99/01 body styles. You don’t see many of them around.  I see more Terminator’s than I do 99/01’s.  As for which one I like the best…well…even though I have a secret love affair for the GT,  I’m going to have to say the Cobra.  Not only is it a badass car…it’s a 4V, a Cobra, and last, but most important, it’s a convertible

(Since the writing of this article Lefty has been forced to sell his GT, A moment of silence please………..Thank You)

MM: If you could borrow one, who’s would you borrow Swervo’s car or Emay’s?

Lefty: Um…I would borrow Emay’s to drive over to Swervo’s house to then test drive Swervo’s car.  I have yet to drive an S197 so I’m going to have to let Eleanor take me for a ride.

MM: What is there to do in Mechanicsburg, PA?

Lefty: Mechanicsburg is located about 10 minutes from downtown Harrisburg and about 20 minutes from Hershey and then about 15 minutes from Carlisle.  There’s plenty of stuff to do…a ton of car people around (I live between Hershey & Carlisle,  what do you expect ), Hershey Park is killer! You can’t beat the Carlisle car shows…and downtown Harrisburg on weekends are pretty fun.

MM: How many MM Members do have phone numbers for?

Lefty: 3, Cody, Caleb and Travis (svtkidd23, Travis_Afx and papasmurf).

MM: Who is more BA: White99stang, Drgnracin72 or Weems?

Lefty: Um can I vote for all 3?

MM: 04 SVT Lightning or 2010 F-150 Raptor?

Lefty: 2010 Raptor.  Because I haven’t ever owned a new car.  But seriously the Raptor is bad ass and I see way too many Lightnings around here…

MM: Without using the words “Gay” or “Buttsex” describe MM in three words

Lefty: MM is Awesomeness (Yes, that word is made up )

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Most car shows involve an hour or two of frantic polishing, followed by an hour or three of aimlessly walking the lot to check out the competition and then, maybe, a good nap.

But with 150 of the sweetest ’Stangs ever to hit the road stationed door to door and bumper to bumper on every corner of the lot surrounded by more than a dozen top Mustang parts suppliers, the 1st Annual AmericanMuscle Car Show and Charity Event was already set to be something different.

Add in a circling helicopter taking photos from 1,000 feet, a free dyno running from dawn ’til dusk, free food and drink for all registered cars, more free stuff than you can carry in a mid-size sports coupe and a slew of über-hot AmericanMuscle Girls strolling the lot, showing off their own fox bodies. Now that’s a car show.

Of course the central point of the July 19th event was the Best in Show competition. AmericanMuscle judges walked the lot all day long meticulously examining every show candidate. In the end, it was Tony Massimano’s fully-custom ’69 Mach 1 that took top prize. Here’s a list of the rest of the winners:

• Rick Bauman: President’s Choice Award: Torch Red ’05 GT
• Tommy Lee: Best ’05 to 2010 Mustang: Black ’06 GT Convertible
• Mike Baer: Best ’99 to ’04 Mustang: ’04 MystiChrome Cobra Convertible
• Donnie Huth: Best ’94 to ’98 Mustang: ’97 Cobra
• Rick Nagle: Best ’79 to ’93 Mustang: ’93 GT

In a day full of highlights, more than 1,000 showed up to walk and talk Mustangs and show their support for Homes for Our Troops, a charity that buys or builds homes for disabled veterans. The goal for the day was to raise $5,000 for those that given more than we could ask while defending our freedom.

When the day was done and the money was counted, AmericanMuscle wrote a check for $8015 to its favorite charity. Adding to this number, the Garden State Region Mustang Club made an additional donation of $850 and an anonymous AmericanMuscle supplier also kicked in a check for $500, bringing the total donation to $9,365 – a good day indeed.

You can find more information, plus lots of photos and video on the 1st Annual AmericanMuscle Car Show and Charity Event by visiting: http://blog.americanmuscle.com/

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As I turn the key in the ignition, the big 4.6-liter V8 turns over and actually rocks the car from side to side as it roars to life. And does it ever roar!

So often I complain about how muffled the exhaust note is on high performance cars, but that is not the case here. Even at under 3000 rpm it draws stares and gives its owner a sonorous treat. Whether it’s popping and snarling on a high rpm downshift or just rumbling like distant thunder as you crawl along in traffic – this V8 is a treat to the ears.

And it does more than just sound powerful; the Mustang’s V8 generates 315hp at 6000 rpm and 325 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm. In total, that’s 15 more horsepower and five more ft-lbs of torque than the previous model, which is achieved through a more efficient air intake system, as well as a 250 rpm increase

More: 2010 Ford Mustang GT Review on AutoGuide.com

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When Ford launched it’s all-new retro-inspired Mustang in 2005, the car received plenty of improvements, but according to a recent report in Motor Trend it could have been even better. The chassis, the S197, was originally scheduled to have a fully-independent rear end which would have provided superior performance and comfort, but that plan was scrapped late in development so Ford could save $100 a car.

When the car was first introduced in 2004 the automotive press (and enthusiasts) almost assumed that Ford would do away with the live rear axle in favor of the more modern independent setup and when that never happened questions were asked. Back then we were all told that it would have cost Ford thousands to go this route.

Now, that story appears to be exaggerated. Originally the S197 chassis Mustang was supposed to get a fully-independent setup that was to be shared with the Ford Falcon in Australia. The problems with that setup stemmed from the very different purposes that both cars were designed for, with the Mustang needing just two seats and not much rear space, while the Falcon needed three seats and usable passenger room. Eventually the engineering teams in both Australia and the U.S. came up with their own separate designs.

That U.S. plan for an independent rear-end was, however, scrapped when project boss Phil Martens convinced Ford execs that the company could save $100 per car if they went with a solid rear axle. And so the retro looking Stang got a genuinely old school piece of equipment out back.

The Motor Trend report also points out the eventual irony of the decision to stick with old technology, claiming that it actually ended up costing Ford $98 extra per vehicle due to all the engineering required to make the setup livable by modern standards.

More: Independent Rear Scrapped for 2005 Mustang so Ford Could Save $100 a Car on AutoGuide.com

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Industry legend Lee Iacocca, the man who first introduced the world to the Ford Mustang, is now getting his own special edition of the iconic car. But this is far more than a badge and a decal packaged slapped on to a GT model, it’s a fully redesigned pony car by Iacocca himself, with help from designer Michael Leone, the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters and Galpin Ford.

Titled the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang, just 45 of the coachbuilt creations will be available through Galpin Ford.

The car sits lower than stock and has a completely redesigned front end with a slanted grille and recessed headlights. The wheels are 20-inch Iacocca Design models with center caps that feature a bold “I” in the middle. Other markings, including an Iacocca Design hood badge and Iacocca lettering on the rear, will help distinguish this car as a rarity – as will the special Iacocca silver paint.

Inside the choachwork continues with special leather seats, a new leather wrapped steering wheel with an “I” badge, Iacocca-lettering on the door sills and a numbered dash plaque.

As for performance, the 45 cars will be outfitted with a Ford Racing handling package and optional 14-inch Ford Racing brakes.

Power will come from either the standard 4.6-liter V8, which boasts five extra horsepower for a total of 320hp, thanks to a Ford Racing air intake. An optional Ford Racing supercharger will also be offered with an output of 400hp!

The Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang will be offered exclusively through Galpin Ford starting in July.

More: Lee Iacocca Gets His Own Special Edition Mustang on AutoGuide.com

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The 2011 Ford Mustang looks like it will get a boost in performance, while at the same time a drop in displacement. According to a report on The Mustang News, Ford is about to replace the aging 4.0-liter V6 with a new 3.7-liter unit. A Mustang with the new 3.7-liter engine was put on display recently at an employee town hall event at Ford’s Dearborn Development Center.

Currently the V6 makes just 210hp and 240 ft-lbs of torque – a far cry from the 265hp in the new Dodge Challenger and a far, far cry from the 300hp output of Chevy’s new V6 Camaro.

Output for the new 3.7-liter unit in Lincoln’s new MKS is an impressive 273hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque. It isn’t likely to be that high in the Mustang for several reasons. Primarily, the cost associated with building a more powerful engine and the fact that those numbers are getting a little too close to the 315hp output of the V8-powered GT. Additionally, the Mustang doesn’t need all that power to keep up, as in V6 trim it already weights several hundred pounds less than cars like the Camaro.

More: 2011 Mustang to Get Small But More Powerful 3.7-liter V6 on AutoGuide.com

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