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Tristan has a medical problem. Regardless of the damage keeping up with payments causes him, he has a hard time passing up on pretty cars. One of his less regrettable purchases is this ‘68 Mustang, dubbed “EvilNoir” in reference to the Gone in Sixty Seconds hero car.
Unlike the GT500 used in that flick, this particular car is a little on the rough side as it’s made for the road course. Still, considering it came to him as just a ‘68 Mustang shell with a Maier Racing trunklid, a GT style hood, and GT500 front bumper and side scoops, it’s come a long way.
Quickly after acquiring the primered shell, he welded in a set of Kindigit door handles. More importantly, he procured a Rod and Custom crossmember and front MII suspension with adjustable damping coilovers, as well as 2" drop spindles, and a set of 13.2” Brembos off a 2011 Mustang. For a little more confidence over crests and undulations, he went with a Rod and Custom Quadrabind 4-link kit with adjustable coilovers.
A quick inspection revealed that the original motor had spun a front main, so he picked up a 2012 F150 Coyote 5.0 and mated it to a 2002 TR-3560 gearbox. At the outset, his plan was to build an intuitive, simple car with manual steering, manual brakes, and a manual transmission. Simplicity was key, which meant that weight wouldn’t be too much of a problem. For that reason, the basic motor would be sufficient; he was only after 380 horsepower.
Instead of spending money on any other adders, he sought what’s more important to a tracked car: reliability boosters. With an MMR high volume oil pump and pickup, a few wear items, and a Griffin radiator-fan combo, he wouldn’t have to worry too much about lapping abuse, even in the summer.
Despite buying things designed mainly to make his motor last, he got to enjoy some bump in grunt thanks to a MMR Road Runner, powdercoated by the police, which was included in the engine package. Though this is designed for forced induction, it should help shift the powerband to the right. Though many like to think massive torque at low revs would help on the road course, a motor that delivers the goods closer to the top is usually easier to use.
Now, though this Mustang’s modifications have been chosen with simplicity in mind, there is one item which breaks with the build’s ethos. Tristan, someone who appreciates what truly pays off on the road course, wanted an independent rear suspension that would help him use curbs, change direction faster, and provide more confidence over crests.
After studying a Hyundai Genesis’ rear and finding it too narrow, he measured out the rear of a 1990s Nissan 300ZX and found it to be a good fit. Though the conversion hasn’t been finished yet, it looks promising; the WMS to WMS is ~60", which will put the outside of the tire with the wheels he has at a perfect ~68 1/4". In addition, his wheels have the right bolt pattern and the rear end is fitted with an LSD, although it is a viscous type. The whole package should be more than sturdy enough for the modest 380 horsepower.
Tristan, a man whose daily is a Tesla P85D, clearly has an appreciation for well-engineered machines. Though not promising big numbers, this Mustang is the result a comprehensive build plan and should turn faster laps than cars quicker down the straights. To keep tabs on this well-rounded build’s progress, visit this link HERE
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