2008 Ford Mustang

The 2008 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang is one of the most exciting and collectible high-performance Mustangs of the S197 era. Based on the Mustang GT, the Stage 3 was transformed by ROUSH Performance into a supercharged, suspension-tuned and heavily restyled performance machine. For 2008, the Stage 3 continued as one of the premier offerings in the ROUSH Mustang lineup, combining serious V8 performance with unmistakable ROUSH styling and limited production.

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Stage 3 is Fords 4.6-liter 3-valve SOHC V8, upgraded with a ROUSH intercooled supercharger system.

Engine: 4.6L 3-Valve V8

Supercharger: ROUSHcharged/Eaton-based Roots-type supercharger

Horsepower: Approximately 430 hp

Torque: Approximately 400 lb-ft

Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

Rear Axle: Ford 8.8-inch

Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive

The supercharged 4.6-liter V8 delivered a substantial increase in performance over the standard 2008 Mustang GT. ROUSH complemented the additional power with revised engine calibration, upgraded intake and intercooling systems, and supporting cooling and performance components.

More Than Just a Supercharger

The Stage 3 was engineered as a complete performance package rather than simply a Mustang GT with a supercharger installed. ROUSH upgraded the suspension, braking system, wheels and tires to help put the additional power to the pavement.

Performance equipment included:

ROUSH-tuned suspension

Performance springs and shocks

Upgraded front and rear sway bars

Revised suspension components and bushings

ROUSH performance braking system

Large performance brake rotors

Upgraded calipers

18-inch ROUSH performance wheels

High-performance tires

The result was a Mustang capable of delivering substantially improved acceleration while also providing the braking, cornering and road-holding ability expected from a true ROUSH performance car.

Distinctive ROUSH Styling

The 2008 Stage 3 received an aggressive exterior treatment that immediately separated it from a standard Mustang GT.

Exterior equipment included:

ROUSH front fascia

Deep front chin spoiler

ROUSH hood scoop

Side rocker extensions

ROUSH rear fascia and valance

Rear spoiler

Lower-valance fog lights

ROUSH badging

ROUSH graphics and striping

ROUSH performance wheels

Inside, the Stage 3 continued the performance theme with ROUSH-specific interior appointments, including sport seating, Stage 3 identification, performance gauges, billet-style pedals, ROUSH floor mats and a ROUSH shifter.

Rarity & Collectibility

One of the most appealing aspects of the 2008 ROUSH Stage 3 is its limited production. Approximately 114 Stage 3 examples were built for the 2008 model year, making authentic cars exceptionally scarce compared with standard Mustang GT production.

The 2008 model year also represented an important period in the evolution of ROUSH Mustangs. Alongside the Stage 3, ROUSH offered other high-performance models such as the 427R, while continuing to develop increasingly powerful and specialized versions of Fords Mustang.

For collectors, originality and documentation are especially important. A genuine Stage 3 retaining its original ROUSH components, proper documentation and desirable specifications is considerably more collectible than a standard Mustang that has simply been fitted with aftermarket ROUSH parts.

A Piece of the ROUSH Legacy

The 2008 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang represents the vision of Jack Roush, whose career in racing, engineering and performance-car development helped establish ROUSH as one of the