Last month, we learned that the team at Midnight Performance took their twin-turbocharged 2018 Mustang GT to the drag strip and click off a run of 9.42 seconds at over 150 MPH. With just a custom turbo system and the proper supporting cast, the stock 2018 Gen 3 Coyote engine was able to hit 907.88 horsepower and 749.11 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels on the dyno.
Tuners across the country are discovering that the high-compression, dual-fuel combo, Ford engineers bestowed upon the Gen 3 engine help make 900-plus horsepower achievable with less boost than was necessary for the previous-generation Pony.
This week, the same car, which recently lowered its e.t. to 9.11 seconds, dominated the street scene by taking on not one, but four heavily modified vehicles. Those challengers included an 850-horsepower Paxton 5.0 Mustang, Vortech YSi-boosted C6 Corvette, a twin-turbo Camaro, and a 900-horsepower ZR1. While each of these battles was in no way an official race, the fact that the 2018 Mustang clearly pulled away from each of the vehicles on multiple passes is a strong testament as to just how well the Gen 3 engine responds to boost.
Midnight Performance 2018 Mustang Mods
• Aldo Welds custom twin-turbo kit w/ air-to-water intercooler
• AMS2000 boost controller
• BMR Suspension complete upgrade
• DSS driveshaft
• DSS 1,400-horsepower halfshafts
• E85 fuel
• Fore Innovations dual-regulator return fuel system w/ three Walbro 465-lph pumps
• Injector Dynamics ID1300x2 port injectors w/ factory direct injection
• Lund Racing remote calibration via nGauge
• Mickey Thompson skinnies (front) and 17-inch ET Street SS Drag Radials (rear)
• Precision Turbo 6466 turbos
• Viking Performance shocks and struts
• Watson Racing K-member
• Wilwood brakes
While we in no way condone unsanctioned street racing, with some of the announcements made by Ford over the past couple months, the video does put a smile on our face knowing that at least for now, our beloved Mustang will remain a staple in the Ford repertoire. It wasn’t too long ago that enthusiasts feared the dual-fuel Gen 3 Coyote would be resistant to upgrades. But as we dive deeper into the year, we continue to see the top tuners in the country unlocking the potential of this engine.