What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[DFB5.0]

I have to agree, I loved my 10 speed in my S550. It was awesome and I enjoyed my time with it. That said, I did miss a manual so I see both sides of the coin. I also knew I did NOT want the MT 82, and Tremec options are limited... GT350, Mach 1 or Dark Horse. I am NOT a fan of the Voo Doo engine at all (reliability issues, and I personally do not like the sound) , and the Dark Horse is WAY overhyped and overrated so Mach 1 it was . Was extremely fortunate to find a very low mileage example, couldn't be happier...

You are the only other person who I've come across that also doesn't go ga-ga over the Voodoo. I can see the appeal, and it can sound amazing, but for some reason I prefer the more natural sounding Coyote. I'm not knocking the Voodoo, it's a unique and characterful point in Mustang history. The also have immense enthusiast appeal and respect.

For the record, neither the Voodoo powered GT350 or Predator powered GT500 ever made it to Australia, apparently Aussies don't know how to handle high-powered Ford's.............cough..................supercharged Miami V8...............cough........................Falcon GT.....................cough.................Falcon XR8....................................cough......................Barra F6 310............................

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[Skye]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jyrge3j1zo

Honest, when I began reading this article, I thought to myself, "Hmm...How would DFB5.0 restore this?"

 

[skinnyb]

You are the only other person who I've come across that also doesn't go ga-ga over the Voodoo. I can see the appeal, and it can sound amazing, but for some reason I prefer the more natural sounding Coyote. I'm not knocking the Voodoo, it's a unique and characterful point in Mustang history. The also have immense enthusiast appeal and respect.

For the record, neither the Voodoo powered GT350 or Predator powered GT500 ever made it to Australia, apparently Aussies don't know how to handle high-powered Ford's.............cough..................supercharged Miami V8...............cough........................Falcon GT.....................cough.................Falcon XR8....................................cough......................Barra F6 310............................

Agreed, they do have a place and a huge following. I just personally do not like the sound at all especially if you open them up too much. And the reliability argument, have several friends that have them, one is on engine #3, first one was a Gen 1 Engine, second Gen 2, and now on his second Gen 2 engine. Now, he does track his pretty frequently so there is that. In a street daily driving scenario they might be more reliable...

 

[Evolvd]

You are the only other person who I've come across that also doesn't go ga-ga over the Voodoo. I can see the appeal, and it can sound amazing, but for some reason I prefer the more natural sounding Coyote. I'm not knocking the Voodoo, it's a unique and characterful point in Mustang history. The also have immense enthusiast appeal and respect.

For the record, neither the Voodoo powered GT350 or Predator powered GT500 ever made it to Australia, apparently Aussies don't know how to handle high-powered Ford's.............cough..................supercharged Miami V8...............cough........................Falcon GT.....................cough.................Falcon XR8....................................cough......................Barra F6 310............................

Tell ya what, next time I drive my GT500 I’ll think of you!

 

[DFB5.0]

Got the chance to install the Ford Performance Oil-Air Separator Kit this morning. Other than the Mach1 and Bullitt kits, the S650 version includes two catch cans and double the hose count....................and double the price too.

I love how these kits just melt into the background and look like they came off the line like that.

I decided not to post the full install here as it could cause some confusion if this post landed in a search result. The full install guide can be found on Mustang7g (Post #132) -

This Just Got Real! | Page 9 | Mustang7G - 2024+ S650 Mustang Forum (Dark Horse, GT, EcoBoost, GT500, GT350, Mach 1)

 

[Bulutt]

Got the chance to install the Ford Performance Oil-Air Separator Kit this morning. Other than the Mach1 and Bullitt kits, the S650 version includes two catch cans and double the hose count....................and double the price too.

I love how these kits just melt into the background and look like they came off the line like that.

I decided not to post the full install here as it could cause some confusion if this post landed in a search result. The full install guide can be found on Mustang7g (Post #132) -

This Just Got Real! | Page 9 | Mustang7G - 2024+ S650 Mustang Forum (Dark Horse, GT, EcoBoost, GT500, GT350, Mach 1)

Is the strut bace stock. They were deleted on the s550

 

[DFB5.0]

Battery & CTEK Pig Tail Installation

I'm sure many will remember this, but late into my ownership of the S550, I had a little hiccup with the battery. The cause and result were both my own and the dealers doing. Because these batteries are covered and hidden from view, an owner is less inclined to inspect for condition.............out of sight, out of mind. On the dealer's behalf, the car had been serviced a week prior to me discovering this problem. They supposed to inspect battery condition during scheduled services.............they even note it on the invoice and emailed condition report. If both of us had done our jobs, then perhaps the following wouldn't have happened.

As I said at the time, batteries have a lifespan, this one being the OEM fit and 8-years old. What pis.ed me off the most was that it wasn't picked up and sorted while I had the car in for service.................despite noting it was in fact inspected. It clearly wasn't! Not only had the battery failed here, even if it still started the car fine, it also ruined the negative terminal and my CTEK pig tail. I cleaned it up best I could, then slathered it with Vaseline until I could have the battery replaced.

I sent an expertly worded email with supporting images and highlighting of the service report to the service department. The service tech was scolded for his negligence, and I was profusely apologized to. In the end, they offered to replace the battery free of charge as a goodwill gesture, fitting a new negative terminal and pig tail in the process.

Except, that wasn't the end of it. When I got the car back, I noticed instead of washing the battery tray out, they used compressed air and showered the engine bay in potassium hydroxide. Which then involved a lot of work to remove and neutralize. Then throw in the oil they spilled down onto the exhaust manifolds during the service, they completely ruined my pristine car. That was the final straw with the dealer, I won't be going back unless I need warranty work on the S650.

As you can imagine, I don't want a repeat performance. I've since gone around and applied battery terminal protector to all my cars, as such it was the S650's turn today.

To gain access to the battery, you need to CAREFULLY remove the plastic fasteners that hold the rubber cover in place. These fasteners are fiddly and prone to being dropped into the abbis, ask me how I know this! If you do lose them, these are what you need....................

https://globaltrim.com.au/products/ford-mustang-clip-battery-cover-compartment-hold-down-7mm-dia

(S550 shown, but they are virtually the same)

From here, you have direct access to the battery. There are many terminal protectors on the market, I'm using the CRC version, which you spray directly onto the negative terminal. If you end up with overspray, a little mineral spirit on a rag will easily remove it.

While I had it uncovered, I decided now was a good time to fit a pig tail for my CTEK chargers. This is probably redundant now that Ford include a remote positive terminal next to the fuse box, but that would require using the fiddly alligator clips. The pig tail allows charging access to the battery without removal of the cover, negating the need for those alligators and can then be tucked back under the cover when finished.

In the past, I found the terminal nuts were captive, so I had to secure the eyelets with a second nut. CTEK have a version with open eyelets to account for this, but they weren't in stock for me today.

https://www.repco.com.au/globes-bat...eye-terminals-56-260/p/A9337381?kwSearch=ctek
https://www.repco.com.au/globes-bat...e-connector-terminal/p/A5611358?kwSearch=ctek

There are a few different ways to rig up a trickle charger line, some even do it via the fuse box. On all my cars, I just fit them to the terminals and have done so for a decade now.

With the cover back in place, and no lost fasteners, I decided to dress the engine bay plastics with Carpro Reload. I love Reload on trim, it adds richness to the finish without looking greasy or slick. It's also going to last a lot longer and won't attract/retain dust.

Now I just need to track down a badge for the strut tower brace. Ford were fitting them to all Mustang GT's, without one it looks very unfinished. From what I read, they stopped fitting them due to a supplier shortage, but probably more in line with saving fifty cents per car. Darkhorse still have them though.

 

[DFB5.0]

Is the strut bace stock. They were deleted on the s550

Strut tower brace is stock, they now fit them to all S650's bound for Australia. Some of the early cars had a badge, but sadly Ford deleted it due to "supplier constraints" (yeah right). The holes left behind make it look unfinished.

 

[Evolvd]

Strut tower brace is stock, they now fit them to all S650's bound for Australia. Some of the early cars had a badge, but sadly Ford deleted it due to "supplier constraints" (yeah right). The holes left behind make it look unfinished.

There’s a few companies out there that make aluminum badges for the strut brace. Could get something custom.

 

[DFB5.0]

There’s a few companies out there that make aluminum badges for the strut brace. Could get something custom.

Anchor room do them at a seemingly good price........................

2018-2024+ MUSTANG STRUT TOWER PLATES – Anchor Room

But................................

Badge - $51.79 AUD
Shipping - $141.92 AUD
Total - $193.71

Yeah, not worth $200! That's a third of the price for a replacement strut tower brace that also includes the badge.

 

[DFB5.0]

Love the colour contrast between these two.....................

 

[Bulutt]

Anchor room do them at a seemingly good price........................

2018-2024+ MUSTANG STRUT TOWER PLATES – Anchor Room

But................................

Badge - $51.79 AUD
Shipping - $141.92 AUD
Total - $193.71

Yeah, not worth $200! That's a third of the price for a replacement strut tower brace that also includes the badge.

I’m sure you could get one made for less.

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/128...MIgprB2NDgiQMVpxeDAx12VyGhEAQYAyABEgIJAPD_BwE

https://signsplus.com.au/badges/ali-badges/

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Got the chance to install the Ford Performance Oil-Air Separator Kit this morning. Other than the Mach1 and Bullitt kits, the S650 version includes two catch cans and double the hose count....................and double the price too.

I love how these kits just melt into the background and look like they came off the line like that.

I decided not to post the full install here as it could cause some confusion if this post landed in a search result. The full install guide can be found on Mustang7g (Post #132) -

This Just Got Real! | Page 9 | Mustang7G - 2024+ S650 Mustang Forum (Dark Horse, GT, EcoBoost, GT500, GT350, Mach 1)

Now you need to install the factory metal cam covers that can accept drain hoses for catch cans. You'll need to tap the bottom of yours to attach a drain hose.

 

[Evolvd]

Anchor room do them at a seemingly good price........................

2018-2024+ MUSTANG STRUT TOWER PLATES – Anchor Room

But................................

Badge - $51.79 AUD
Shipping - $141.92 AUD
Total - $193.71

Yeah, not worth $200! That's a third of the price for a replacement strut tower brace that also includes the badge.

It’s a flat piece of aluminum, hell I could ship it to you for a quarter that price or less.

 

[skinnyb]

Well this afternoon was wash day for both my cars. I am terrible at taking pictures, but I can say that after taking a few spirited drives in my Mach 1, I had some leftover DIY Detail Incredible suds in my IK foam 12, I pumped up and used on my wheels that I recently coated (Gyeon Q2 Rim), and I put a slug in my wash bucket for my tools. I must say they bead water incredibly well, and cleaned really good with just soapy water, they weren't that dirty either, normally after that amount of driving they are filthy. I rinsed afterward and did a thorough blow dry, then a spin around the block to dry out the brake pads and rotors. I then cleaned the paint with ADS Hero and dried with Amplify. Man, that is an awesome combination...

Moved to my daily driver, I must say the wheels on it did pretty well (NV Rim), but its only been a week, I just did a rinseless wash of the faces with DIY Detail Rinseless, no barrels this week, I was pooped after doing the Mach 1 . I did the paint with ONR Wash and Wax (Green ONR), I forgot how much I love that stuff. I really dislike the OG ONR (Blue ONR V5) but the green is pretty nice...

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