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Feature Car: 2005 Stillen Ford GT
By: Drew Phillips
Photos by the author
September 11, 2006

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When most people think of Stillen, usually hopped-up Nissans come to mind. And it’s no surprise - the Southern California-based company has built its reputation on building some of the quickest Nissans on the street. They even had a limited edition SMZ 300ZX that sold directly through Nissan dealers. What most people don’t know is that you can buy parts for just about any make and model out there, from a carbon fiber hood for a Kia Rio to an air filter for a Ferrari F40. Many people also do not make the connection between Stillen and its owner, Steve Millen. The retired New Zealand-born driver has top notch racing credentials – wins at Sebring, Daytona, and Le Mans with a record 20 IMSA GTS wins and 23 pole positions, also a record. He’s raced anything from mini trucks to rally cars to race-prepped 300ZX’s. Millen’s racing career started way back in 1969 when he ran in hillclimbs and road rallies. Millen officially retired from professional racing in 1996, but he has recently returned to his racing roots with his participation in the New Zealand Targa Rally. The race is based on the Targa Florio that ran on the streets of Italy until 1973, with a diverse selection of cars running on closed public roads, although stages are implemented instead of having a continuous race. The race has been running since 1995, and Millen has competed in the race since 2001. He has faired well in previous efforts, although each race has left him wanting something more. In the first four years, Millen drove a SVT-prepped Ford Falcon, an Australia/New Zealand-only Ford sedan, placing as high as sixth with a turbocharged model. Last year the Millen team decided to go with a Ford Focus with a modified turbocharged Falcon motor. The car was fast, but was underdeveloped due to time constraints and couldn’t complete the race due to mechanical issues. Millen left the rally frustrated and began search for a vehicle that would be balanced, fast, and reliable.





The search for Millen’s next racecar came to an end when he helped Road and Track for the 0-1 mile shootout featured in their September, 2005 issue. After driving some of the world’s fastest cars, Millen left particularly impressed with the Ford GT. He put in an order to Ford and received a brand new GT soon after. Bringing it back to the shop, the Stillen team stripped the car and rebuilt it with the rally in mind. Weight was a priority, so the complete air conditioning system was removed, also helping to keep the car cooler. Another weight saver was the Stillen stainless steel exhaust system that is lighter and allows for better breathing than the stock arrangement. Already a powerful car, the GT’s engine didn’t need many modifications, although a smaller pulley adds a pound of boost and draws some extra horsepower out of the supercharger. The stock brakes have been replaced by a 6-piston set from AP Racing, for whom Stillen is the exclusive supplier for street cars. The BBS wheels and Goodyear tires remain on the car from the factory.

Stillen had to pay particular attention to the handling of the GT because of the varying conditions that the car will see during the race. While the rally is strictly on tarmac, the car will see anything from long smooth straights to tight and windy corners, and will rarely see anything like the groomed tarmac of a racetrack. The race will also be during New Zealand’s rainy season, so it will be important to allow for more slippery surfaces. A stiff setup won’t allow for the dips, bumps, and various climates on public roads, and a softer suspension won’t utilize time on smooth, straight roads. “You’ve got to compromise and find a happy balance,” said Millen about the setup of the car. The Ford GT comes stock with an adjustable suspension, but Millen opted for a Penske setup that was specifically developed for the car. Both Penske and Stillen spent several weeks creating and adapting a new suspension for the GT. Changes to the setup can be made quickly and easily to adapt to different stages of the rally as well as various weather conditions. Also helping the handling with additional downforce is the small rear spoiler and the more aggressive carbon fiber front spoiler.

The interior of the car was also adapted specifically for the rally. Safety was a huge priority, so Stillen built their own Chromoly roll cage and put a fire extinguisher under the passenger seat. A lighter Momo steering wheel and carbon fiber racing seats replace the stock units. A navigation system that can record mileage and time between checkpoints was an invaluable addition. Lastly, a communication system for the driver and navigator was implemented.

With the functional aspects of the car completed, Millen turned to the all-important appearance of the car. With the exception of the aerodynamic enhancements, Millen kept it simple with an eye-catching paint job and powdercoated rims. The orange paint is called Tangello, and pays homeage to the racing colors of Millen’s fellow New Zealand racer Bruce McLaren. The racing stripes are titanium, and are actually a standard Ford color.

While the Ford GT is certainly an upgrade from pervious years, Millen still has realistic expectations. Many of the participants have competed with the same car over the last several years and have the proper setup for the rally. Millen knows that this year will be experimental and that there will be a steep learning curve. Next year he hopes to bring the GT again with even more power and shorter gear ratios suited for the rally.

The best news is that many of the products developed for the car will be available for purchase from Stillen including the exhaust system and adjustable Penske suspension. After the rally, the performance parts will also be road and race tested. Stillen also has plans to develop even more products for the GT. "As we drive the car more we will find areas that can be improved," says Stillen. Stay tuned...