Back to the future
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by Scott Mead
Motor Trend
Maybe you'd rather not cop to the retro craze that's so hot right now, but understanding the importance of the '03 version of Ford's Mustang Mach 1 requires an appreciation of history. Think back some 30 years ago, when big-blocks ruled the strip, long before street racing included nitrous-injected sport compacts. We've tested the Mach before, but it's now available with an automatic transmission. We felt it was worth a run down the 1320.
All time-machine cues are present: front and rear spoilers, check. Magnum-style wheels, check. Shaker hood scoop--oh, yeah. Open the hood to see the wall-to-wall 4.6-liter, four-valves/cylinder, DOHC Ford V-8 (think Boss 429). Output is 305 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. There's a choice of transmissions: a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, each connected to a 3.55:1 Traction Lock rear axle.
The engine breathes through a functional ram-air shaker hood scoop and modified upper intake. Other go-fast hardware includes specially calibrated cams, high-flow cylinder heads, a forged crank (cast with an automatic transmission), and performance exhaust manifolds. Suspension changes are a half-inch drop in ride height (as compared to a GT), new front and rear coil springs, revalved Tokico struts and shocks, Mach-specific anti-roll bars, and frame rail connectors to enhance rigidity. ABS and traction control are standard.
The Mach I cleared our 600-foot slalom at 63.6 mph, just a tick slower than the IRS-equipped Cobra (64.3) and solid-axle Bullitt (66.0). Ford engineers explained why the Mach 1 was slower through the cones: The Bullitt's engine (cast-iron block and two-valve aluminum heads) has a lower center of gravity than the Mach 1 (or Cobra) engine, with its aluminum block but heavier four-valve heads. This Mach 1's acceleration off the line is tricky, but resulted in a big-block-humbling 13.88 at 101.91. We recently tested a Mach 1 five-speed and ran a 13.2 at 106.7. This automatic-equipped car showed a slight power dip just after the 2-3 shift, which felt like timing advance being dialed back or a transmission ratio choice just a little off. The Mach 1 will still rip 'em into second. Shifts are torquey-firm at part throttle, kicking in at full throttle with downshifts just a toe-squeeze away.
The new version of the Mach 1 makes all the right musclecar moves and will satisfy anyone who's lusted after, but didn't buy, the original.
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Base price $28,680 / $30,465
Vehicle layout Front engine, rwd, 2-door, 4-pass coupe
Engine 4.6L/305-hp V-8, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
0-60 mph, sec 5.6
1/4 mile, sec@mph 13.88 @ 101.91
Braking, 60-0 ft 120
600-ft slalom, mph 63.6
Skidpad, g 0.82
On sale in U.S. Currently
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