Evan Smith recently had the opportunity to get some seat time with our Guard Metallic S550 Steeda Q650 pumping out 640 RWHP! First seen at the 2014 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Steeda's Q650 Ford Mustang had a powerful impact on enthusiasts. The deep metallic paint, aggressive styling, lowered stance and HRE Performance wheels wrapped in Nitto Invo tires got hearts racing. Combined with the Whipple supercharger and Steeda modifications, this high-horsepower 5.0 Mustang had the makings of a street/track superstar.
Recently, Evan got his hands on the Guard Green SEMA Mustang for a day of cruising in south Florida. The weather was perfect and we hit the streets for a little supercharged fun. Like the previous 2015 Steeda Q650 Mustang that he tested at Sebring International Raceway last summer, this model had the full G-Trac suspension and several power upgrades. The suspension included Steeda's linear Sport Springs, fore and aft anti-roll bars with billet mounts, IRS Bushing Support system, Camber Plates, Adjustable Differential Bushing Inserts, Billet Aluminum Vertical Links, Adjustable Rear Toe Links, IRS Subframe Support Braces, Bumpsteer kit, upgraded Hawk brake pads, and HRE Classic Series 303 20-inch wheels with Nitto Invo tires. The leather interior remained mostly stock, but was enhanced with Steeda new Tri-Ax shifter designed to "eliminate shifter buzz," as Dario Orlando, President of Steeda Autosports stated.
"The S550 suspension is amazing, but there's room for improvement," said Orlando. "Our goal is to develop parts that improve handling, but don't ruin ride quality. We design and manufacture our own parts, so each Steeda package is tested and ready to perform. We'll evaluate the parts through a multitude of basic driving tests, then do on-track testing to get the perfect balance. And it all works like a system, so you can add parts as your budget allows, or we can build a complete serialized Steeda vehicle for you. Ultimately, we strive to satisfy enthusiasts looking for a Mustang that can be used as a daily driver or capable weekend track racer," he added
In contrast to the Yellow 2015 screamer, which was boosted by a Vortech, this Guard monster has a Whipple 2.9L Twin-Screw supercharger, finished with a black crinkle finish and sealed air box. Teamed with the Steeda Performance Exhaust System, the combination sounds great and developed amazing power from tip-in-to-redline.
For the full write-up, head over to hotrod.com!
Steeda - Speed Matters