Words: Tommy Parry
It’s a simple recipe. Take a short-wheelbased, compact ‘88 LX, stick a responsive but reasonable motor under the hood, retrofit the footwork with modern bits and hit the track. That was Phil’s approach with this stylish and functional build — which holds some real sentimental value for him.
His grandpa purchased the car new when Phil was four. He and Phil’s grandma would pick Phil up from his parent’s place to babysit, then take him on a wild ride back to their house. Gramps wasn’t even afraid to line up for a street race with Phil in the car! As a boy, Phil also helped install a lot of the first modifications. One of his distinct childhood memories: One time they accidentally set the car down on a creeper, fired it up and set the cushion of said creeper on fire!
After literally growing up with the car, Phil received it as a gift from his grandfather — who was then recovering from a stroke — in 2004. Compelled by filial piety and sentimental attachment to do this car justice, Phil gratefully accepted the gift, and sought to improve it in a way his grandfather would appreciate.
After freshening the car up, he installed SN95 Mach 1 13″ 2-piston disk brakes up front and Thunderbird 10″ single-piston rear disk brakes. With stainless lines, Phil can repeatedly brake hard without fade, and a Ford Motorsports adjustable proportioning valve helps him fine-tune the car when getting caught on a snag during setup at the autocross. To clear the 13” rotors, he installed a set of 17×8” Bullitt wheels.
Soon he started tearing into the motor, which was beginning to show its age. As it stands currently, the motor uses Edelbrock Performer 5.0 Heads, a Crane 2031 Cam, an FMS GT40 Tubular Intake w/ ported lower, Omega 1.72 Roller Rockers, FMS 24lb-hr injectors, a BBK 190lph fuel pump, an Accufab 70mm throttle body/EGR and a C&L 76mm MAF for the punch.
Keeping the whole assembly cool and functional are Ford Contour Dual Electric Fans and a Hollister Road Fan Controller; the combination of JBA Shorty Unequal Length Headers, a Bassani Catted X-Pipe and a MAC 2.5″ Catback with 3″ Blackout Tips make sure the neighbors know Phil’s on his way home – on the other side of town.
He then swapped his Moroso CAI for a factory airbox which had been insulated and a fresh K&N filter. He had been doing research on the ideal induction setup considering his level of modifications, and for a mild H/C/I 302, the factory airbox is the best option. A denser, cleaner airflow to the MAF is a good thing.
A Tremec TR3550 sends power back to a Fox-width 5-lug rear-end with 3.73 gears, welded tubes and a FMS Differential Cover. Again, nothing extraordinary, but a stronger performance part in each area makes this Mustang very capable in every department.
It had to be just as competent in the footwork department. Maximum Motorsports provides the Bilstein coilovers, camber plates, 4-point K-member brace and lower control arms. An SN95 GT sway bar in the rear keeps the car pointy and happy to rotate under throttle, and the polyurethane bushings throughout help transmit every detail on the road through the steering and seat to Phil. This clear interface helps him get the utmost out of the car when carving the cone course.
Soon, Phil upgraded for a set of stylish wheels. SVE Drift 18×9” ET24 with Hankook Ventus V12 245/40/18 tires dot the front axle while the rear axle wears the same, albeit measuring 18×10” with 275-section tires.
With his setup completed, Phil drove it to the Late Model Restoration Cruise-In at the Texas Motorplex Dragway in Ennis. Though there were roughly 100 Mustangs there; his was the only made to go around corners quickly. This ain’t no drag car.
The next modifications are a Torque Arm, Panhard Bar and Tubular Front Control arms from Maximum Motorsports. The aim is to make the car as reliable as possible, so Phil can drive it to the limits without worry. Wise man.
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