Product Overview
Upgrade both the performance and under-hood aesthetics of your Ford Mustang S650 with this S650 Dark Horse Style Replacement Dry Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber Engine Brace Strut Bar, engineered for 2024–Present Ford Mustang models. Designed as a direct replacement for the factory strut brace, this component blends motorsport-grade materials with OEM-level fitment to deliver a refined performance upgrade that looks as good as it performs.
Constructed from premium dry pre-preg carbon fiber, this strut bar offers exceptional rigidity while significantly reducing weight compared to the factory metal brace. The result is improved chassis stiffness across the front shock towers, helping reduce flex under hard acceleration, braking, and cornering. This added rigidity translates into more predictable handling and enhanced front-end response—especially noticeable during spirited driving or high-speed maneuvers.
Styled after the S650 Dark Horse, this carbon fiber strut bar also serves as a visual centerpiece in the engine bay. The exposed carbon weave delivers a high-end, performance-focused appearance that perfectly complements other carbon fiber engine bay components. Precision-engineered to factory specifications, the brace bolts directly to OEM mounting points and reuses the original hardware, ensuring a clean, factory-correct installation with no drilling or modification required.
Quick Compatibility:
Fits ALL 2024–Present Ford Mustang models (EcoBoost, GT, GT Premium, Dark Horse).
Key Features
Dry Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber Construction
Manufactured using high-quality dry pre-preg carbon fiber for superior strength, rigidity, and lightweight performance compared to traditional materials.
S650 Dark Horse Style Design
Inspired by the Dark Horse performance model, delivering an aggressive yet refined motorsport look under the hood.
Direct Replacement for Factory Strut Bar
Designed to replace the OEM engine brace strut bar using factory mounting locations for seamless integration.
Improved Chassis Rigidity & Handling
Increases front-end structural stiffness, enhancing stability, steering response, and cornering confidence.
Lightweight Performance Upgrade
Carbon fiber construction reduces unnecessary weight while maintaining structural integrity under performance driving conditions.
OEM-Precision Fitment
Engineered to exact factory specifications to ensure perfect alignment and consistent torque across mounting points.
No Drilling or Modification Required
Installs without cutting, drilling, or permanent vehicle modification, preserving factory structure and resale value.
Reuses Factory Hardware
Installation hardware is not included—designed to reuse the original OEM bolts for a secure, factory-style fit.
Engine Bay Aesthetic Enhancement
Exposed carbon fiber weave adds a premium, race-inspired visual upgrade that stands out at shows and meets.
Built for Daily & Performance Use
Designed to withstand heat, vibration, and long-term use in both daily driving and high-performance environments.
Installation
-
Installation Type: Direct bolt-on replacement
-
Installation Manual: NOT included
-
Drilling Required: No
-
Modification Required: No
-
Hardware Included: No (reuse OEM factory hardware)
-
Recommendation: Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper torque, alignment, and optimal performance.
Vehicle Compatibility
Fits ALL 2024–Present Ford Mustang models (EcoBoost, GT, GT Premium, Dark Horse).
| Year | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ford | Mustang | EcoBoost |
| 2024 | Ford | Mustang | EcoBoost Premium |
| 2024 | Ford | Mustang | GT |
| 2024 | Ford | Mustang | GT Premium |
| 2024 | Ford | Mustang | Dark Horse |
| 2025 | Ford | Mustang | EcoBoost |
| 2025 | Ford | Mustang | EcoBoost Premium |
| 2025 | Ford | Mustang | GT |
| 2025 | Ford | Mustang | GT Premium |
| 2025 | Ford | Mustang | Dark Horse |
| 2026 | Ford | Mustang | EcoBoost |
| 2026 | Ford | Mustang | EcoBoost Premium |
| 2026 | Ford | Mustang | GT |
| 2026 | Ford | Mustang | GT Premium |
| 2026 | Ford | Mustang | Dark Horse |
About Dry Carbon
Dry Carbon Fiber vs Wet Carbon Fiber — What’s the Difference?
Not all carbon fiber parts are made the same. The biggest distinction comes down to how the carbon is processed — commonly known as dry carbon and wet carbon. Both use genuine carbon fiber weave, but the production method, finish, and performance are completely different.
Manufacturing Process
Dry carbon fiber parts are produced using a pre-preg (pre-impregnated) carbon cloth, where the exact amount of resin is pre-applied by the manufacturer. These sheets are then vacuum-sealed and cured under high pressure and temperature in an autoclave, removing excess air and resin.
The result is a light, extremely strong, and precisely formed component — the same process used in motorsport and aerospace applications.
Wet carbon fiber, on the other hand, uses a hand-lay or wet-lay method. The carbon cloth is laid into a mold and liquid resin is manually brushed or poured over it before curing. Because it’s not vacuum-bagged or autoclave-cured, there’s usually more trapped resin and air pockets, leading to a heavier part and a less uniform finish.
Weight & Strength
Dry carbon fiber is roughly 30–50% lighter than wet carbon. This is due to the controlled resin ratio — just enough to bind the fibers without unnecessary weight.
By comparison, wet carbon or carbon-over-fiberglass parts can be up to 70% heavier, since excess resin and fiberglass layers add mass without increasing stiffness.
For reference:
- Carbon Fiber Density: ~1.55 g/cm³
- Fiberglass Density: ~2.6 g/cm³
Dry carbon also offers a much higher modulus of elasticity (~125 GPa), giving it outstanding rigidity under stress — ideal for aerodynamic and high-load components.
Visual & Structural Differences
-
Backside: A true dry carbon piece will look identical front and back — you can see the same woven pattern throughout.
Wet carbon or fiberglass-backed parts often have a dull, uneven underside with visible fiberglass texture or color variation. -
Edges: Solid dry carbon has clean, uniform black edges.
Wet carbon or overlay parts may show a white or grey line along the edge, revealing the fiberglass underneath — sometimes hidden with black paint trim. - Finish: Dry carbon typically has a consistent matte or satin finish, while wet carbon can appear glossy but uneven due to hand-applied resin.
