About Our Rally Car: Artax - The Rally Mustang

Meet Artax, our formidable 2006 Ford Mustang GT rally beast. This vehicle is more than just a car; it's a fully equipped stage rally contender meticulously built to meet and exceed all stringent ARA (American Rally Association) and NASA Rally Sport requirements. Every component has been carefully selected and professionally installed to unleash raw power, ensure uncompromising reliability, and deliver precision performance while upholding the highest safety standards on the toughest stages.

Artax isn't just built for competition; it's built as a symbol of our movement – a powerful platform to fight suicide and shatter mental health stigma. Every roar of its engine, every turn on the stage, amplifies our mission to rally for change, showcasing how passion and dedication can drive purpose.

Engineering Excellence: Powertrain & Performance

To deliver the raw power and precise control needed on dynamic rally stages, Artax is equipped with a meticulously upgraded powertrain and refined engine management.

Engine Performance & Valvetrain: The heart of Artax, its 4.6L 3-Valve engine, is optimized with a Ford Racing 4.6L 3V Performance Intake Manifold (M-9424-463V) for optimal airflow and increased horsepower. Ford Racing Hot Rod Cams (M-9926-3V) provide significant power gains and a distinctive exhaust note, supported by a Hot Rod Cam Refresh Kit (including tensioners and bolts) for longevity. Ford Racing Cam Covers (M-6582-FR3VBLK) protect the valvetrain while enhancing under-hood aesthetics.
Fuel & Air Induction System: A Twin 62mm Throttle Body increases airflow for improved throttle response, while a STEEDA Cold Air Intake System maximizes the intake of denser, cooler air, enhancing horsepower and torque.
Exhaust System: KOOKS 05-09 Mustang 3V Headers with Catted H-Pipe optimize exhaust flow for substantial power gains and an aggressive sound, while maintaining emissions compliance for competition.
Engine Management & Tuning: A Custom Dyno Tune with Air/Fuel Optimization precisely calibrates the engine for peak power and reliability. The Ford PATS System has been professionally disabled (Updated 10/2020) for seamless racing applications.

Precision Handling & Drivetrain Durability

Built to absorb brutal impacts and maintain control on unpredictable surfaces, Artax's chassis and drivetrain are engineered for rally dominance and robust power transfer.

Suspension System & Chassis Reinforcement: Artax utilizes Yellow Speed Racing - Dynamic Pro Gravel Rally Coilovers designed to absorb extreme impacts and provide consistent damping for exceptional handling and stability on rough terrain. Custom Aluminum Upper Strut Mount Spacers and GT500 Black Stud Upper Strut Mounts optimize geometry and strength. GT500 Control Arms (Front and Rear) provide superior strength and geometry, while Front Strut Tower Top Plate Weld-on Reinforcement and Weld-In Subframe Connectors dramatically increase chassis rigidity, improving steering precision and power transfer.
Drivetrain & Axle Upgrades: An AUBURN GEAR Pro Series Limited Slip Differential (31 Spline, 8.8 inch) ensures superior traction and power distribution. 3.73 Rear Gears for 05-09 Mustang optimize acceleration, and a One-Piece Aluminum Driveshaft reduces rotational mass for improved responsiveness. An 8.8" Axle Girdle Cover Kit (M-4033-G2) reinforces the differential housing for extreme durability.

Maximum Grip & Control: Wheels & Tires

Artax is equipped with a versatile selection of wheels and tires to optimize performance across various rally conditions, ensuring maximum grip and durability.

Wheels: Dedicated Sparco Terra Rally Wheels are used for competition, known for their robust construction. We also utilize GT500 Replica Wheels for street/display and lightweight STEEDA Ultralight Gravity Cast Aluminum Wheels for specific conditions.
Tires: Our tire arsenal includes BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A Tires for versatility and BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 Tires for superior traction and puncture resistance on challenging off-road surfaces.

Uncompromising Stopping Power: The Braking System

Consistent and powerful braking is absolutely critical in rally racing, where every second counts and precise control on varied surfaces is paramount. Artax is equipped with a high-performance braking system engineered for extreme fade resistance, superior stopping power, and pinpoint modulation.

Baer Brakes Twin Piston Big Bore Front Brake Calipers: These robust front calipers deliver substantial clamping force, providing exceptional stopping power and consistent performance under repeated, heavy braking in rally conditions.
Baer EradiSpeed 14” Rotor System: Paired with the Baer Big Bore calipers, this large 14-inch rotor system provides superior thermal capacity, significantly reducing brake fade and ensuring reliable, powerful braking even during prolonged high-speed stages.
Dual Caliper Rear Axle Brackets: Custom-engineered brackets allow for a unique dual-caliper setup on the rear axle, optimizing braking balance and enabling specialized control.
Four Powerstop (Ford OEM) Rear Brake Calipers: Utilizing two Powerstop (Ford OEM) calipers per rear wheel, this dual-caliper configuration enhances rear braking efficiency and provides dedicated braking capability for the hydraulic handbrake system.
VooDoo13 Hydraulic Handbrake with Wilwood Master Cylinder: This high-performance hydraulic handbrake setup, featuring a reliable Wilwood Master Cylinder, provides independent and precise rear wheel locking capability. It is crucial for initiating sharp turns (e.g., hairpins) and fine-tuning vehicle rotation on demanding rally stages.

Rally-Ready: Safety, Electronics & Auxiliary Equipment

Beyond performance, Artax is a fortress of safety and a sophisticated command center, equipped with essential rally-specific systems for endurance and reliability.

Safety & Interior Enhancements: A Custom Weld-in Full Roll Cage (Rear Strut Tower to Firewall) provides unparalleled occupant protection. Two Racetech Halo Seats (RT4009WHR) paired with Racetech 6-Point Racing Harnesses ensure maximum containment. An NRG Innovations Quick Release Steering Hub and Quick Lock (415-SRK-101MB) offer rapid egress and security. Driver and co-driver comfort and communication are enhanced by a Co-Driver Custom Foot Rest and Co-Driver Horn.
Electrical & Lighting Systems: A High Output Alternator supports all systems. Upgraded Headlights with Ballast ensure critical nighttime visibility. Raxiom Smoked Blinker / Running Lights and Raxiom Smoked Tail Lights provide modern aesthetics and road legality. Control is managed by a Custom Aluminum Switch Panel featuring a Fastronix Master Kill Switch, Ignition Switch, and Heavy Duty Push Button Start, complemented by a Master Fuse. Custom Dash Mounted Redundant Light, Wipers & Spotlight Switches w/ USB Ports offer ergonomic control and charging.
Rally-Specific & Auxiliary Equipment: Shelby Hood Pins ensure secure hood fastening. A Custom Steel Battery Box houses the Optima Yellow Top Battery safely. A Custom Hydraulic Floor Jack Cradle Mount provides rapid access for trackside maintenance.