Nearly five years after the Mustang’s last major redo, fervent fans of Ford’s seminal pony car might have been hoping for an all-new 2010 model—especially considering the new Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaromodels with which it will compete. Instead, Ford has launched a thoughtful upgrade, improving the areas that most needed help.


FIRST DRIVE REVIEW
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
BASE PRICE: $28,845
ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 24-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection 
Displacement: 281 cu in, 4601cc
Power (SAE net): 315 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 325 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.1 in Length: 188.1 in Width: 73.9 in Height: 55.6 in 
Curb weight: 3550–3600 lb
PERFORMANCE ( C/D EST, 5-sp man):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.6 sec @ 104 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 151 mph
PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY ( C/D EST):
EPA city driving: 15 mpg
EPA highway driving: 22–23 mpg

Owners Words: I decided to dedicate my build to my nephew Ben because my Grabber Blue Mustang has always been his favorite car.”
Blue is powered by a built 4.6L short-block by Mustang Performance Racing (MPR) complete with a Paxton Novi 2000 supercharger with Tial Q-series 50mm blow-off valve and a Paxton air-to-air aftercooler.

Accompanying the Three-Valve short-block are CNC-machined, ported RGR Stage 1 heads, Comp Stage 2 Blower camshafts, and Ferrara stainless valves, a custom RGR valve job, and upgraded valve springs. It’s all tied together with a tune from JPC, bumping the car to 606 rwhp and about 550 lb-ft of torque.

Other mods include a Kellogg forged crankshaft, CP Pistons, and Manley H-beam connecting rods. Krista also added a UPR Billet oil catch can.
Fuel is fed through a Ford GT500 fuel system and Kenne Bell dual-fuel system Boost-a-Pump through 60-lb/hr injectors. Helping with increased airflow are long-tube headers and Pypes off-road X-style midpipe connected to JBA mufflers.
Shifting power comes from the factory Tremec five-speed transmission, a McLeod RXT Street twin-disc clutch, and an eight-bolt modular lightened steel flywheel, all connected to a Barton shifter.
Improved chassis handling and hook comes from Ford Racing lowering springs, QA1 single-adjustable shocks with Metco upper control arms, Blow-By Racing (BBR) lower control arms, and a beefy Ford 8.8 rear with 4.10 gears.
Wheels of choice are 20-inch Velgen VMB8 hoops in flat gunmetal (9-inch front, 10.5-inch rear) wrapped with Nitto rubber. Factory brakes will soon be upgraded to Brembo binders.
“I wanted to prove that it was possible to make a Three-Valve just as competitive as a new 5.0,” says Krista. We think she has done a fine job. Krista added exterior mods such as a Classic Design Concepts chin spoiler modified to fit over the intercooler, and a 3D Carbon 3d500 rear spoiler. All lower plastic pieces were painted by Signature Finishes LLC of Pasadena, Maryland. Other cosmetic modifications include shaved antenna and badges, tinted taillights and marker lights, a painted Sirius receiver, a custom-painted rear decklid, black roof and mirrors, and a Saleen grille.
One of the first things to stand out on Blue are the custom headlights. Joe from 3J’s Auto & Customs worked closely with Oracle Lighting to build a custom set of Halo HID headlights that light up blue to fit the autism awareness theme.
Krista has been a familiar face on the NMRA trail and has some serious upcoming plans. “I am confident in my driving abilities and actually have gotten the opportunity to run an additional vehicle, a Ford Ranger, in Truck and Lightning class for 2015. I’d like to pursue my NHRA or IHRA license within the next few years.”
Krista’s best pass in Blue came in 11.4 seconds at 126 mph on Nitto 555R tires, but future plans involve pushing the Mustang into the 10-second range. “I want to thank my dad for introducing me to drag racing, Mustangs, and motorsports. I wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for him, plus my sister and nephew, and my husband, Charlie. Charlie deserves so much credit and gratitude. A big thank-you also goes to BBR, who helped me get my motor all the way to Maryland from south Florida. Also, JPC Racing for completing the build in time for our first show and for working so hard to make sure everything was just right and exactly the way I wanted.”
Krista has made quite a name for herself within the auto industry, and soon you may see her make a television appearance on the Velocity Challenge during the Ultimate Tuner Challenge. Good luck, Krista!