Feedback on Hood Strut Kits - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

Smith · 10-31-2011, 01:16 PM

I very interested in putting a set of the bolt on Hood Struts on my Mach 1, the kit that eliminates the hood prop rod. Can you guys give me on feedback on this type of kit??
> What is the best available kit?
> Have you heard of any problems after they have been installed?
> Are they safe to put on the Mach 1 hood...being plastic rather than metal?

I don't want to install these on my Mach 1 if there are going to be problems down the road. Any advice who be appreciated!! Thanks.

Bill Hamilton · 10-31-2011, 01:56 PM

MRT's, no question. Come to Carlisle and let Scott Hoag himself install them. He's done two sets for me.

ShakeMe · 10-31-2011, 02:08 PM

MRT's struts use the stock bolts so no drilling/rivets are required. Real simple and sturdy install.

PharmDMach1 · 10-31-2011, 02:09 PM

I'm really thinking about picking up the MRT model as I don't have to drill or rivet into the hood.

Bill Hamilton · 10-31-2011, 02:15 PM

It's a very simple process. I've gotten Scott to do my Mach 1 and then my Shelby also just to get pictures of him doing it. I brought back a set for a friend of mine this past year at Carlisle and he installed his in a matter of minutes. It's very simple. My buddy has very limited mechanical skills and he did just fine. The one's on my Mach were on there seven years when I sold it and never had a problem.

TRMach1 · 10-31-2011, 02:28 PM

I second, or third, or fourth, or whatever we're up to, the MRT hood lifts! They're easy to install, because they use the stock hinge bolts, and you don't have to drill holes, or use rivets that can pop out under stress!

vertigyn · 10-31-2011, 03:11 PM

MRT's are great - I have them on my carbon fiber Mach 1 hood and they are great.

gamatt · 10-31-2011, 04:08 PM

+1 on MRT's, although I stripped two of the bolt clamp thingy's and the existing bolts were too short once you added the MRT bracket.

Italstang · 10-31-2011, 04:38 PM

+1 MRT they are bolt on and work great. No issues with the hood.

FNG · 10-31-2011, 04:49 PM

I have the MRT black kit. It installed in less than 30 mins. I took the extra time to powdercoat the nuts, washers, and fender bolts to give it the complete factory look. Then I took the blue paint off the hood studs to ensure it all looks semi-gloss black and removed the MRT stickers from the struts. They don't pay me to advertise for them. Best of luck in your choice.

24kmach · 10-31-2011, 04:58 PM

Stainless Redlines here. They have worked great for 7 years.

L.T. Smash · 10-31-2011, 05:32 PM

i got the ones from american muscle. i put those on my Mach and my dad's Mach. had to drill, but we were cool with that. they are all black and work great. no problems a year later.

Mach 1 · 10-31-2011, 05:37 PM

I've had the MRT struts on for about five years now and have had no problems.

Thunderbolt · 10-31-2011, 06:27 PM

Redline Elite. Just drill the f'n holes.

WalkrTexasRngr · 10-31-2011, 06:39 PM

I had Redlines on my Cougar and we just installed MRT's on my dads GTCS in the spring...They both do the job but Im going with the MRTs on my Mach for the simple fact of not having to drill holes...They fit great and work great. Plus I think they are cheaper....Win Win

NC Mach 1 · 11-01-2011, 07:44 AM

Redline Tuning for 7 years, no problem.

mach1of03 · 11-01-2011, 01:26 PM

Red lines with 6 years and no problems. Not that hard to put on

rich1 · 11-01-2011, 07:59 PM

I got CDC s on mine they were the first ones to make a no drill install. MRT later copied them but the CDC brackets are made of Stainless Steel !

3150Mach1 · 11-01-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1

I got CDC s on mine they were the first ones to make a no drill install. MRT later copied them but the CDC brackets are made of Stainless Steel !

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOOKnGO

interesting.

I have visited CDC and MRT. I did not know they sold the same/simular hood struts as MRT. I now wonder if MRT just gets them from CDC. CDC does do fabrication. I believe they developed and fadbricated the first shaker system for our cars. Very interesting!!!!

Big Ron · 11-01-2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOOKnGO

Cool airbox cover. Thanks for the pic.

MRT?

Big Ron

311-420 · 11-02-2011, 09:55 AM

Mrt street-smart intake. Long discontinued.

gamatt · 11-03-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 311-420

Mrt street-smart intake. Long discontinued.

My car came with one already installed.

ASH302 · 11-03-2011, 10:54 AM

i bought some back in 2008 and they are still working like brand new, i love em and they have work out great when working under the hood. the ones i bought were the Redlines Tuning quicklift from american muscle. they truly have been amazing and i wish i would have gotten em alot sooner, i made the dumb mistake though for getting the chrome finished ones when i wanted black, but still look good, but will be switching to the black down the road,
also installment is really easy on em

ASh

XSELLR8 · 11-03-2011, 11:02 AM

How hard is it to close the hood with these on? I know with all 94-04 Stangs you really have to drop it hard...

jayslx1 · 11-03-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XSELLR8

How hard is it to close the hood with these on? I know with all 94-04 Stangs you really have to drop it hard...

There is a fix for the hood close on 99-04 Mustangs............

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums...-slam-fix.html

10-31-2011, 01:16 PM	#1
Smith It's all about the Shaker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 1,249	Feedback on Hood Strut Kits I very interested in putting a set of the bolt on Hood Struts on my Mach 1, the kit that eliminates the hood prop rod. Can you guys give me on feedback on this type of kit?? > What is the best available kit? > Have you heard of any problems after they have been installed? > Are they safe to put on the Mach 1 hood...being plastic rather than metal? I don't want to install these on my Mach 1 if there are going to be problems down the road. Any advice who be appreciated!! Thanks.

10-31-2011, 01:56 PM	#2
Bill Hamilton Mustang owner since 1970 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Charleston,SC Posts: 6,248	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits MRT's, no question. Come to Carlisle and let Scott Hoag himself install them. He's done two sets for me. __________________ Bill SUPPORTING MEMBER USAF Retired My 1970 Mach 2003 Ford Mustang Mach I---Black w/5-speed --- gone but not forgotten 2011 Shelby GT-500 --- Ingot Silver Metallic and 6-speed (Sold and Now Terrorizing the residents of New Zealand) 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1---White w/351C-4v Shaker Hood scoop and T-5 tranny 2014 Shelby GT-500 --- White/red stripes and 6-speed 2019 Mustang Convertible Premium Package w/automatic ___________________

10-31-2011, 02:08 PM	#3
ShakeMe Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: TX. Posts: 2,511	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits MRT's struts use the stock bolts so no drilling/rivets are required. Real simple and sturdy install. __________________ 03 Mach DSG Build Date 07/25/03 Feb 09 N2O 10.91 @ 124.21(1.55 60ft) Feb 09 NA 11.85 @ 112.87 (1.60 60ft)

10-31-2011, 02:09 PM	#4
PharmDMach1 Whipple Blown! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 642	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits I'm really thinking about picking up the MRT model as I don't have to drill or rivet into the hood. __________________ 2003 Mach 1- Whipple 2.3 2008 GT- STS Single Turbo

10-31-2011, 02:15 PM	#5
Bill Hamilton Mustang owner since 1970 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Charleston,SC Posts: 6,248	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits It's a very simple process. I've gotten Scott to do my Mach 1 and then my Shelby also just to get pictures of him doing it. I brought back a set for a friend of mine this past year at Carlisle and he installed his in a matter of minutes. It's very simple. My buddy has very limited mechanical skills and he did just fine. The one's on my Mach were on there seven years when I sold it and never had a problem. __________________ Bill SUPPORTING MEMBER USAF Retired My 1970 Mach 2003 Ford Mustang Mach I---Black w/5-speed --- gone but not forgotten 2011 Shelby GT-500 --- Ingot Silver Metallic and 6-speed (Sold and Now Terrorizing the residents of New Zealand) 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1---White w/351C-4v Shaker Hood scoop and T-5 tranny 2014 Shelby GT-500 --- White/red stripes and 6-speed 2019 Mustang Convertible Premium Package w/automatic ___________________

10-31-2011, 02:28 PM	#6
TRMach1 Once Bitten-Twice Shy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Castle, Delaware USA Posts: 3,370	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits I second, or third, or fourth, or whatever we're up to, the MRT hood lifts! They're easy to install, because they use the stock hinge bolts, and you don't have to drill holes, or use rivets that can pop out under stress! __________________ Mach1Registry.com Member #7 MCA Member #52787 Nice to meet you, my name's Jim 03 Torch Red Mach 1, 5-speed, IUP *Sold on July 21st 2012!* 2011 Shelby GT500, Ebony Black, Silver Stripes, 6-speed 550hp 510tq Purchased July 23, 2012!

10-31-2011, 03:11 PM	#7
vertigyn Azure Blue Mach Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 1,464	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits MRT's are great - I have them on my carbon fiber Mach 1 hood and they are great. __________________ '03 Azure Blue Mach 1 Built on 4/14/03 S&R Performance

10-31-2011, 04:08 PM	#8
gamatt Mustang Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dacula, GA Posts: 963	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits +1 on MRT's, although I stripped two of the bolt clamp thingy's and the existing bolts were too short once you added the MRT bracket.

10-31-2011, 04:38 PM	#9
Italstang Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 136	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits +1 MRT they are bolt on and work great. No issues with the hood.

10-31-2011, 04:49 PM	#10
FNG Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 74	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits I have the MRT black kit. It installed in less than 30 mins. I took the extra time to powdercoat the nuts, washers, and fender bolts to give it the complete factory look. Then I took the blue paint off the hood studs to ensure it all looks semi-gloss black and removed the MRT stickers from the struts. They don't pay me to advertise for them. Best of luck in your choice. Attached Thumbnails

10-31-2011, 04:58 PM	#11
24kmach My First Mach, Jan. 1969 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tacoma, Washington Posts: 13,070	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits Stainless Redlines here. They have worked great for 7 years. __________________ I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder. Mach 1 owner since January 1969. First ride in a P51D August 28,2010. Member Based in Kent, Washington, Pacific Cascade Mustang Club is the only original Mustang club in the Puget Sound Area and according to Mustang Club of America, we are the oldest in the nation.

10-31-2011, 05:32 PM	#12
L.T. Smash Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 392	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits i got the ones from american muscle. i put those on my Mach and my dad's Mach. had to drill, but we were cool with that. they are all black and work great. no problems a year later. __________________ 2004 DSG Mach 1 476rwhp and 406rwtq at 8lb Kenne Bell 2.1 blower comp cams 106100 LTs, Prochamber, catback built rear with 4.30s accufab TB, alum ds, Roush shifter AFS wheels, Nitto tires, Eibach springs

10-31-2011, 05:37 PM	#13
Mach 1 DSG guarded by a GSD Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: No. Easton, MA Posts: 2,332	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits I've had the MRT struts on for about five years now and have had no problems. __________________ Procharged P-1SC Intercooled, 9 psi, 42 lb injectors, 80 mm Lightning MAF w/MAF.ia, 255 lph GT pump, NGK TR-6 plugs, Water/Methanol injection, SCT X cal 2 tuned by DEZ Racing, 10.5" AFS Rear wheels w/Nitto DR's, AutoMeter fuel/boost guages, MGW orange handle shifter, Sequential taillights, Raptor shift light, Visus louvers, Magnaflow catted x-pipe w/Magnapacks, 4" rolled tips. Canton tank and a little bit of chrome and powder coating. 429 rwhp, 365 rwtq Dyno pic Engine bay pic

10-31-2011, 06:27 PM	#14
Thunderbolt And Leadfoot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Easy Street Posts: 6,468	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits Redline Elite. Just drill the f'n holes. __________________ '23 Fighter Jet Gray Mach 1 (Automatic, 470hp/410tq) '04 Azure Blue Mach 1 (5Spd., 305hp/320tq) '17 Blue Streak Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 (Automatic, 395hp/410tq) "She's An Underage Angel With A Dented Halo"-She Needs Rock n Roll---Motley Crue Every now and then, say What The F*. What The F*, gives you freedom. With freedom comes opportunity. Opportunity, makes your future. If you can't say it.......you can't do it.----Miles

10-31-2011, 06:39 PM	#15
WalkrTexasRngr 2003 AB Mach 1 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SW Pennsylvania Posts: 872	I had Redlines on my Cougar and we just installed MRT's on my dads GTCS in the spring...They both do the job but Im going with the MRTs on my Mach for the simple fact of not having to drill holes...They fit great and work great. Plus I think they are cheaper....Win Win

11-01-2011, 07:44 AM	#16
NC Mach 1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: N.C. Posts: 475	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits Redline Tuning for 7 years, no problem. __________________ Dennis - 34Ford in other forums. Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville I sell IAC restrictor plates. Here on Ebay

11-01-2011, 01:26 PM	#17
mach1of03 #1052 of 9652 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: sioux city iowa Posts: 994	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits Red lines with 6 years and no problems. Not that hard to put on

11-01-2011, 07:59 PM	#18
rich1 AUTOMACHTIC Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: RTP/ N.C. Posts: 4,813	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits I got CDC s on mine they were the first ones to make a no drill install. MRT later copied them but the CDC brackets are made of Stainless Steel ! __________________ UPGRADES...Tokico Illuminas Borla SS Catback , Steeda Underdrives , Strut Brace , HPM Lower K Brace , L /C Arms , U /C Arms , HPM PanHard Bar, K&N FRPK 2, GOODYEAR GT1 , MRT- H-Pipe , JLT VaporTraps , SLP-12'" Tips! , FRPP Shorty 1 5/8 Headers , Brembo D/S & PBR D/S Rotors ,FRPP Alum.DS ,Roys 3/8 Spacer , SVT Focus 255 pump SCTsw Chip PRO-DYNOjet NA 300.01hp /315tq (Auto) ,Innovate W/B ,Compucar Wet Kit (90jet) + Heater and E Gauge * 360 hp/385tq 12.5 -1/4 @112

11-02-2011, 09:55 AM	#21
311-420 Can't be bridled Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 7,006	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits Mrt street-smart intake. Long discontinued. __________________ 2004 Mach 1 #6956 5spd w/IUP Eaton swap, longtubes, built 3.73 SRA 452hp/409tq dynojet🏁

11-03-2011, 10:54 AM	#23
ASH302 Soldier for Christ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Willis, TX at The Daddy ASh Ranch Posts: 30,596	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits i bought some back in 2008 and they are still working like brand new, i love em and they have work out great when working under the hood. the ones i bought were the Redlines Tuning quicklift from american muscle. they truly have been amazing and i wish i would have gotten em alot sooner, i made the dumb mistake though for getting the chrome finished ones when i wanted black, but still look good, but will be switching to the black down the road, also installment is really easy on em ASh __________________ 2001 lazer red v6 Mustang coupe sold in Aug 2006 2004 screaming yellow 5.0 sc Mach 1 sold in Oct 2012 2013 grey 6 speed coupe GT Mustang Sold in Feb 2014 2013 RED Dodge Charger R/T Sold Nov 2014 2002 custom Blue 02 Auto Trans AM Sold June 2015 1998 Cobra Black Sold summer 2016 Current 2009 Ford F350 FX4 March 2017 (work truck) 2003 OW 5.0 Mach 1 Aug 2020 ASh

11-03-2011, 11:02 AM	#24
XSELLR8 Mach-o-holic Join Date: May 2010 Location: La La Land Posts: 1,276	Re: Feedback on Hood Strut Kits How hard is it to close the hood with these on? I know with all 94-04 Stangs you really have to drop it hard... __________________ 2003 Mach 1 TR 5 Speed IUP Bolt ons: You name it! 4.10s too 2004 Cobra Screaming Yellow 2.3L Whipple Gear install vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJrAIDCpbDI Clutch Replacement Vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFr0Rur_EWc Wideband Install Vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmL1KBmWyhg

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