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!!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

American Muscle is where I got my brace.

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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