NPS197

Hey Guys and Gals! I'm new to the forum and wanted to see how this works! I own a 2008 GT with the "Powered By Ford" engine cover and factory hood. I bought a Ford Racing Strut bar off of a Shelby GT a couple of years ago and after a ton of washers I finally had it clear the engine cover. 2 months ago I was at a car show and sold the bar off my car to a guy with a '07 so now I'm in the market for a new bar. I've shopped around and so far the only one that has had my eye was the 302 bar because it looked awesome on the 2010 4.6 and its a factory looking bar! I've heard so many mixed reviews with the bar bowing the hood on 05-09 models. On americanmuscle.com a few customers have put pictures on of a '06 V6 and a '08 GT without an engine cover but you cant tell if its a factory hood or not! So if anybody is on here has one on their 2005-09 GT and has my answer it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

Scott2

Are you talking about this strut tower brace? I got it because it clears the Ford Racing Intake which is taller than the OEM intake. While I can't say for sure I am guessing it will clear your engine cover. Can't say about the hood as mine is also not OEM.

NPS197

Yeah thats the right bar! I know it will clear my engine cover because it was the exact bar used on the 2010 4.6. Some people claim the factory hood on the 2010 is taller.

Andrew Christian

I currently have the BOSS 302 Strut tower brace on my 07 V6 with factory hood and intake. I have about an inch or so of clearance. Any aftermarket hood should be a LEAST OEM clearance if not more. You should be ok man. Remember, it was originally meant to fit the BOSS 302 intake w/ a factory hood which is pretty tall itself.

NPS197

Thanks! I don't plan on doing an aftermarket hood but I know that it will clear my engine cover.

AMDanBailer

I don't think you'll run into any issues! That Strut bar will definitely fit over your intake and it shouldn't cause your hood to bow. I saw this bar on a handful of Mustangs at our car show this past year, as it's the go to strut bar for anyone who needs a little extra clearance for an engine cover, intake manifold etc.. I also run this strut bar on my 2011 GT with a Boss manifold and haven't had any issues at all!

Let me know if I can be of any assistance or if you have any further questions, I'd be happy to help you out! You can also give my CS team a call if you'd like, they can be reached at the contact information in my signature.

I hope this helps!

-Dan

Scott2

American Muscle is where I got my brace.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/boss30...race-0512.html

AMDanBailer

Awesome! I'm glad to hear we were able to hook you up with a Boss 302 Strut bar.

Let me know if you ever need some assistance in the future or if you have any questions!

-Dan

NPS197

I've bought the majority of all my stuff from American Muscle or Late Model Restoration. LMS ran it on sale a couple months ago and should've jumped on it. I know a Ford dealership on eBay has one for $148!

metroplex

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but...

I have a 2007 Mustang GT with the stock hood and was interested in running a STB that fits the engine appearance cover.
I see on American Muscle's site that the Boss 302 will fit 05-14 Mustangs, BUT there's a caveat that says it may contact the hood insulation on 05-09 with modifications possibly required.

Any ideas on what modifications this would require?

Can we confirm it just rubs the insulation and not contact the actual hood?

I believe 2010-up and those with the 5.0 have a different hood with a bigger "power dome" than 05-09. And I believe 08-09 have different hood liners because of the Bullitt special edition - these have clearances for the twin-bar strut tower brace and the Bullitt air intake.

Thanks