Dominator Engine & Powertrain

1989

The Dominator GTA started life as a 1989 LX 5.0L 2-DR Hatchback. It was ordered with the 5.0L HO EFI V-8 Engine and the 5-Speed Manual O/D Transmission. This original power train sat in the brand new Mustang for less than a month as did the Cabernet Red paint and Medium Grey Cloth interior.

The LX platform was selected for weight reduction reasons as it was lighter than the GT option. The hatchback body style, although weighing more than the base Notch-back Coupe, added a level of aerodynamic down-force that was going to be needed for its soul purpose in life. As you will see in the archives here, down-force was elevated by the addition of the "Bubble Hatch" addition off of the Mercury Capri. Ugly, yes, but practical, and it worked!

The Dominator GTA was transformed into a Super Car by using a classic blend of old school "brute horsepower" engine building and modern day suspension design mixed with aerodynamic understanding and application. A Naturaly asperated 302 was built by JBA Racing Engines to replace the factory powerplant. The motor speced out at 320cid and was connected to a 5 Speed Doug Nash gear-box. The "love it or hate it" wide body design was more purpose than aesthetic. Little did we know at the time that we would start a trend as this style of build would become the norm on modern day street machines. The wide body design was taken directly form JBA experience at the track Maximizing traction, handling and down-force. The Dominator GTA was also outfitted with Independent Rear Suspension. Arguably the only mustang ever built at that time with this upgrade. As a result of expense, this option was not carried on the the many Dominators that followed and the Dominator GTA Prototype remains the only Dominator ever built with IRS.

1994

Following the Road&Track High Speed Shoot Out, The Dominator GTA was involved in a massive campaign That included SCCA racing, NHRA Drag Racing and open track events. Many feature articles on the GTA followed and gave the Dominator GTA the status of the most written about FOX body of all time. As the Dominator program continued to evolve a new car was being created for mass production. The GTB. Thats another story. During the transition from GTA or GTB the Dominator GTA was sold to a collectror and focus was placed on the GTB program. AT that point the High Speed Engene was removed, and the original 5.0 EFI was returned.

2002

When the Dominator GTA was returned to JBA in 2002. The current Drive Train was installed. This time the heritage of the High Speed Shoot out was preserved and the build included a 5.8L Cobra SHort Block with GT40 Upper and lower Intake mated to a T-56 six speed gear box. Below are some images.