The electrified Mustang Ford should have made… S550 Mach-E build project

Well with my previous project wrapping up, it’s time to move on! (https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/s197-hybrid-2006-mustang-with-s550-guts.184284/ ) Truly amazing the things you can find on FB Marketplace.

So the goal of this project is to make an alternate reality version of the Mach E where Ford kept it a coupe. I feel like I have done enough with Coyotes and Godzillas so I want a new challenge….

Current plan is to use two Tesla Small Drive Units in an AWD configuration to produce around 600hp. Hoping for 0-60 times in the mid 3s range. Also aiming to keep the weight around a current GT (3800-4000lbs).



Enter the vehicle! Found on FB Marketplace, this was a vehicle being prepped for drag car use but as a lot of projects go, lost steam and ended up sitting for quite some time. Car itself is a 2016 Mustang and came with a load of parts. Original owner had connections with Ford Racing for a time so quite a few interesting parts were among the lot.







Step 1 is to take care of the surface rust that has accumulated over time and then move into mounting the front and rear motor. Plan to use all S550 suspension to keep the overall feel of the vehicle intact.





From there will be the challenge of fitting a large enough battery. Current plan here is to use Model S battery modules in a custom pack mounted below the floor for CG and balance benefits.

Progress may be slow at times as the personal life will be getting busy over this next year but this should hopefully be an interesting thread to follow! Might also be controversial to some going electric but hopefully I can change a few opinions!!

And by interesting parts, I mean VERY interesting….

For the interior, the plan is to maintain all OEM functions. The decision though is… Do I go “modern” with an S650 interior or do I stick with an S550 interior with a few modern updates (larger screen)? Found some cool concepts from the early S550 days that I can attempt to replicate with an S550 dash and a 12” sync 4 screen.

Another cool project!

I’m in! Definitely following this thread!

Following as well. Your attention to detail and creativity makes all of your build threads inspiring. Currently my s550 is under the knife in the garage receiving a lot of upgrades. One being divorcing the clutch reservoir based on your idea with the ranger reservoir.
Looking forward to seeing this build evolve!

zackmd1 said:

...Might also be controversial to some going electric but hopefully I can change a few opinions!!

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Please wire in all the cameras too, it would be awesome to see vids surprising Teslas with that!

Just my two cents, if it's electric, then digital gauges. That would be very fitting for this build. Looking forward to following along!

Interested in the build!

WItoTX said:

Just my two cents, if it's electric, then digital gauges. That would be very fitting for this build. Looking forward to following along!

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That’s the question! Stuck on tablet style dash which fits the electric build or S550 retro dash with digital gauges and larger screen…

Oh boy, I see you're diving into that rabbit hole again. You can't just sit back and enjoy your last project for awhile before you start another one. I'm in to see how this one develops.

If it's going to be electric, then it should have the 650 dash and screens.

zackmd1 said:

That’s the question! Stuck on tablet style dash which fits the electric build or S550 retro dash with digital gauges and larger screen…

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Definitely the latter.

The reason that some EVs have tablets only is (1) there are no analogs for ICE gauges such as oil pressure, water or oil temps, even tach since the torque curve is flatter than Kansas, (2) a tablet is better for all the additional features EVs have that I doubt @zackmd1 intends to implement. The S550 panels are more than enough for an EV Mustang and will be hard to "fill" with no need for the mentioned gauges. Makes zero sense to use S650 panels that the VAST majority of Mustang owners do NOT prefer.

Was this sitting outside? How did the interior get so rusty?

Less Weight said:

Was this sitting outside? How did the interior get so rusty?

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It was protected inside their shop for years but within the last 6 months or so it got booted outside and under a tarp. Thankfully the vast majority of the body is galvanized aside from the few interior bits seen in the pics. Most of the rust is surface level and decent sections of the floor are going to be removed and replaced due to the battery so not too much of a concern.

Eastwood Fast Etch works great! Takes some of the galvanized coating with it but not to much of an issue. Leaves behind a zinc phosphate coating that protects the metal.