Build an S197 Mustang for SCCA Competition with Engine Power’s Club Spec 2008 Mustang Parts Combos

The SCCA’s Club Spec Mustang program offers an exciting and affordable gateway into the world of competitive motorsports. Whether you’re interested in autocross, time trials, or road-course racing, the Spec Mustang class is designed to spotlight driver skill while keeping costs manageable. The foundation of this entry-level class is the widely available 2005-09 Mustang GT, with modifications tightly regulated to ensure a level playing field.

Our guys at Engine Power, hosts Frankie Forman and Pat Topolinski set out to demonstrate just how accessible and fun building a Club Spec Mustang can be. They chose a low-mile 2008 Mustang GT, added all the class-legal modifications, and took it for a spin at the renowned Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. To paraphrase Pat and Frankie, it was an absolute blast.

Curious to see their build and on-track adventures? Check out the full episode on the PowerNation TV YouTube channel.

Ready to Build Your Own Club Spec Mustang?

If you’re feeling inspired to start your own build, Pat and Frankie showcased SCCA Club Spec 2008 Mustang Parts Combos that provide a comprehensive blueprint. Here’s a breakdown of the parts and modifications you’ll need:

Suspension and Chassis Parts Combo

The Club Spec Mustang rules mandate the use of Koni Sport shocks and struts, which are externally adjustable for rebound. The combo includes these shocks and struts with SCCA-required anti-tamper seals pre-installed. 

Additionally, the combo features a class-spec Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Spring kit that lowers the car by about 1.5 inches, improving handling during acceleration, cornering, and braking. 

We also installed the class-legal Eibach sway bar kit and Maximum Motorsports caster-camber plates, which improve chassis stiffness and handling. The sway bar kit includes 35mm hollow front and 24mm solid rear bars, while the Maximum Motorsports plates allow for individual adjustment of caster and camber.

Rounding out the chassis upgrades, the combo includes a UMI Performance adjustable rear panhard bar and strut tower brace, essential for centering the rear axle and preventing tower flex during hard cornering.

Wheels, Tires, and Brakes Parts Combo

Tires play a crucial role in track performance. The Club Spec Mustang class requires 275/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, known for their impressive traction and lateral grip. Pat and Frankie mounted these on 18 x 9.5 Konig Dekagram wheels, which provide ample brake caliper and wheel well clearance.

For braking, the guys replaced the original rotors with EBC RK Series rotors and Bluestuff NDX pads. The rotors are made from G3000 gray iron for zero distortion, while the pads are designed for heavy-duty race applications, offering consistent braking performance and less rotor wear.

Performance and Safety Parts Combo

Engine modifications are limited to a CARB-approved cold air intake, a tuner, and a cat-back exhaust system. We chose an SCCA-recommended K&N 63 Series cold air intake, an SCT X4 Power Flash Programmer as part of a Summit Racing parts combo for improved power and throttle response, and a Summit Racing™ Stainless Steel Exhaust System.

These upgrades boosted the Mustang’s peak rear-wheel power to 289 horsepower and 306 lbs.-ft. of torque—11 more horsepower and 23 lbs.-ft. of extra torque over the baseline run while adding significant gains throughout the RPM range.

On the safety front, we equipped the Mustang to SCCA’s Safety Level 2 standards. This included Summit Racing™ Aluminum Race Seats, Summit SFI 16.1-approved five-point harnesses, and a Maximum Motorsports bolt-in four-point roll bar. They also installed a Hurst Competition Plus Shifter for quicker gear changes and a Sparco Competition Series steering wheel to eliminate the driver’s airbag on track and give the driver better grip.

Get Started on Your Build

The SCCA Club Spec Mustang program is a fantastic opportunity to hone your driving skills in a competitive yet accessible environment. With Engine Power’s parts combos, building your own Club Spec Mustang is straightforward and rewarding. Visit Summit Racing’s website to learn more about the Club Spec Mustang and Miata classes and start your journey toward the track today!

For more details and to see the full build in action, check out the PowerNation TV YouTube channel. Happy racing!