Record-Breaking S650 Mustang Goes 9.53 With Whipple-Supercharged Coyote
By on Oct 31 2024
Evolution Performance pushes the new 2024 Mustang Dark Horse further with 1,045 rear-wheel hp.
A year into the S650 Mustang production and the aftermarket is beginning to push harder into the performance potential of the latest platform. For the longest time it seemed as if there would be just one group crazy enough to get their shop-backed 2024 Mustang into the 9s, but more are coming to the track, and the latest to do it is Evolution Performance.
Credit the complex ECU with holding back some of the progress, but Whipple Superchargers teamed up with Ford Performance to get through that major hurdle. Once their kits hit the streets, the big power became normal, and single-digit times are getting thrown around across social media. Evolution tends to take records seriously, and shop owner Nelson Whitlock wouldn’t have it any other way, so it was no surprise when we got word that they set the all-time quickest mark at 9.53 at 142 mph with their latest test mule.
Is This the Easiest 1,045 Rear-Wheel HP Ever?
Ford and Whipple have worked together for over 20 years, first with bolt-on supercharger upgrades for the 2003–2004 Mustang SVT Cobra and Lightning, and continuing with the S197 and S550 platforms, including the record-breaking Cobra Jet program. The S650 Mustang features a fourth-generation Coyote 5.0, and their relationship is extended to this platform.
The two companies co-released supercharger kits for both the GT and Dark Horse models, each boasting 800-plus hp and a 49-state-legal stamp. The blower system employs the dual MAF sensors and the 3.0-liter supercharger features the new Gen 6 twin-screw rotor and case package for greater efficiency. But that still wasn’t enough for the Evolution crew.
The record-breaking Mustang is equipped with the Stage 2 Whipple supercharger system, which includes a larger, 112mm throttle body and competition-bred intake inlet. And for good measure, the head chef at Evolution, Fred Cook, prescribed a 3.25-inch supercharger pulley for a little extra boost—more on that in a bit.
Once Evolution knew they were stuffing boost into the engine, they turned their attention to the exhaust side. The exhaust manufacturers were quick to get products to the market thanks to subtle changes between the S550 and S650 platforms. Kooks supplied the long-tube headers, which feature 2-inch primary tubes, and a 3-inch after-cat exhaust system from AWE rounds-out those mods. The engine was enhanced with a set of Boundary oil pump gears to prevent failure.
Shop E30-R 99 Octane Race Fuel
The calibrations are locked by Ford/Whipple, so adding more boost complicated the process; right now, it isn’t possible to change fuel enhancements via the ECU or add a return-style system for E85. The solution came in the form of a new product from Sunoco Race Fuels. A new E30 blend of ethanol/gasoline allows them to run higher ignition timing and boost without fear of detonation. The E30 blends Sunoco’s 260 GT Unleaded race fuel with 30-percent ethanol. A VMP Performance Fuel Pump Voltage Booster box increases fuel pump output to keep up with the engine’s demands.
All told, the 2024 Mustang development car laid down 1,045 rear-wheel hp and 719 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque on the company’s in-house hub dyno.
More Than Just Horsepower
Evolution didn’t just stop at adding more power—they wanted to be quick at the dragstrip as well, so their attention turned to chassis modifications. They kept the factory Magneride intact, as well as the optional (and heavy) Brembo six-piston brakes. What they did add was a BMR rear subframe support brace system and Kelltrac rear subframe “Posi-loc” system. The factory halfshafts were tossed and replaced with G-Force Performance Outlaw axles. And, finally, the two-piece driveshaft was discarded in favor of a lighter QA1 carbon-fiber driveshaft. The Grabber Blue Metallic hue is complemented by a set of 18-inch Weld Racing Drag Pack wheels, saving weight in addition to the styling upgrade. The car’s race trim is a rather heavy 4,276 pounds with driver.
Cook told us that the output during the record-setting 9.53 run was approximately 977 rear-wheel hp, alluding to the fact that they aren’t done yet. Will we see 9.30s from the Evolution crew before the summer heat ends the boost weather in the mid-Atlantic region?
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Mike Galimi - Network Director, HOT ROD Network
I’ve been fortunate enough to blur the line between career and hobby/passions for over 25 years, and it has been a rather unusual pathway to my current role... Read More
