BLUE BY YOU: Supercharged 2010 Ford Mustang GT 4.6L with 500+ Horsepower

• June 7, 2021
• Story By
  Chris Tobin

The Ford Mustang GT achieved legendary status decades ago with power and performance that were rivaled by few and desired by many. As stout as the performance is that's produced by the 2010 GT from the factory, with its 315 horsepower 4.6L V8—the car deserves much more. With that in mind Jim Lewis and his team at Pro Motorsports turned to ProCharger to make much more power with this 2010 Mustang GT build for owner, Joe Spangler. With a relatively simple “bolt-on” kit they were able to boost the performance of the 3-valve per cylinder engine by 70-75% giving the Mustang 540-600 horsepower depending on the boost level employed.

Giving the Mustang GT tire shredding GT 500-like power was just one aspect of the build for the Pro Motorsports team that was determined to build much more than just another go-fast Mustang—they wanted to build a unique machine that would turn heads while maintaining street manners and reliability. Using a combination of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories they realized their goal, then added window and body vinyl graphics to show-off the car while recognizing their partners in the build.

Starting at the front of the 2010 Mustang GT they removed the factory GT front bumper cover to make room for a Roush bumper cover that was color-matched to the factory Kona Blue paint in house at Pro Motorsports. The build team also replaced the factory headlight and driving light bulbs with Umnitza HID bulbs to pierce through the darkness but embraced the darkness at the same time by installing a black billet aluminum grille insert to frame the famous Mustang in the grille opening.

Supercharged 4.6L V8 = 500+ Horsepower

Improving the performance of the 315 horsepower 4.6L V8 was a top priority that was addressed with the installation of a ProCharger supercharger and intercooler kit specifically designed to work with the 4.6L 3-valve per cylinder engine. The V8 now makes 540-600 horsepower depending on boost level.

In addition to the 70-75% boost in horsepower with the ProCharger upgrade the Pro Motorsports team also dressed up the engine bay with Drake Industries billet aluminum caps and accessories, and polished the intake boost tubes.

The ProCharger draws in plenty of clean fresh air through the large open-element K&N air filter then sends the compressed intake charge through an air-to-air intercooler mounted in front of the radiator which hands it off to the factory intake manifold through a polished boost tube. Unseen are the stainless steel Pypes tubular headers that help spent gases to exit the cylinder heads efficiently and improve throttle response while also enhancing power and giving the 4.6L V8 a great exhaust note. The Pro Motorsports team also installed Drake Industries billet hood hinges to replace the unsightly factory prop-rod along with an Odyssey PC1200 battery to support the upgraded Sony audio system while reducing weight under the hood.

Thoroughbred Handling With Steeda Suspension and Nitto Tires 

Of course, having a modern Pony Car that can go fast but doesn’t handle the corners is not cool, so Joe asked the Pro Motorsports build team to improve the suspension with Steeda components front and rear. They also color-matched the center of the Axiom 20x10-inch wheels to pop against the polished lip then wrapped them with a set of Nitto Invo 255/35ZR20 tires to grip the asphalt. To make the GT stand out even more the build crew also installed custom vinyl graphic stripes on each side along with a ProCharger graphic on the fender and hood as well as the Nitto logo above the fender well.

In an attempt to tame the Pony’s newfound power, they installed a set of 20x11 Axiom wheels wrapped in 285/30ZR20 Nitto Invo tires to maximize the contact patch available within the factory wheel wells. Then to help control the chassis and suspension they upgraded virtually every factory component with high performance Steeda versions including billet control arms, sway bars and high-performance bushings.

Upgraded Interior

Moving inside Joe’s Mustang he had the Pro Motorsports team improve the factory Sync audio system by upgrading the speakers and amplification with new units from Sony. They also installed new Roadwire seat upholstery with black leather accented by contrasting blue stitching and blue suede centers for a comfortable ride that ties back to the Kona Blue exterior.

Of course they added Sun Gard window tint to protect the new upholstery and give Joe some privacy. Controls for the Escort radar/laser detection system are integrated cleanly into the lower part of the center stack forward of the gear shifter to give Joe ample warning of police activity without being too obtrusive.

Looks Good from the Rear and a Clean Undercarriage

Pro Motorsports dressed up the rear of the Mustang, too, with a 3D Carbon 3-piece wrap-around rear spoiler and Xenon body moldings that were also exactly color-matched in their paint booth. To give the car a more ominous look they also tinted the taillights and painted the faux gas cap black.

Dual Pypes stainless steel exhaust outlets exit in the factory location to sing the melodious ProCharged V8 sound whenever Joe mashes the loud pedal. The Escort radar/laser system is completed with a rear mounted sensor installed over the license plate frame.

Stock is Nice, But More Power is Always a Good Idea

The 2010 Mustang GT was a nice car off the lot, but Joe Spangler wanted more and the team at Pro Motorsports delivered in a big way. They nearly doubled the horsepower while also improving the looks, handling, comfort and sound system making this a great Pony Car that is sure to show off its smoked taillights to most challengers in stoplight wars. This Pony may not have the pedigree of a GT500, but it can run with virtually any thoroughbred on the street or track.

Custom 2010 Ford Mustang GT Specs