A build to keep memories alive...

[PBarkley]

I have to start this thread off by stating that this is a build I never would've anticipated, or would have ever wished to have taken on.

The subject car is a 1993 Ford Mustang LX, began life as a 4 cyl/4 lug car.



I say that I never wished to take this project on, as it was my best friend's car. My best friend from 4th grade, best man in my wedding, and my closest confidant even over most of my family and my wife. There were no secrets between us. Jonathan bought the car as pictured above, and in 10 months it went from missing virtually everything to this:



It was his first full-fledged project car and he had assembled an absolute UNIT of a foxbody. Air conditioning, power steering, complete interior and a very capable 306CID engine built by a very reputable engine builder local to us. Just as he was getting the final mechanical tweaking done, he passed away in July of 2020. I am glad I had the foresight to take some pictures of him during the build.







A few months after his passing and things cleared up, his family permitted me to buy the car from his estate. Again, no secrets between us, so I knew what his intent for this car was all along. When I acquired it, it was still on the stock (and heavily used) WCT5 transmission, which didn't last much longer. Previous discussions revolved around a TKO setup, but by this time the new TKX had been released...




And needless to say...with the car making 340whp on motor alone, the new transmission is an absolute godsend over the T5.



So far, the only changes I've made to the car have been the transmission and the addition of these Recaro Trophy seats (sourced from a Volkswagen GTi of the same era) as the original seats left a lot to be desired in terms of bolster support...plus these are virtually a perfect match for the black leather trim and grey cloth interior of the car.




Long term plan is to go Vortech V1 as this was his intent. The engine was built with that intention, the transmission will handle it. Paint work will be completed by a friend we graduated high school with that has SEMA builds on his resume.

Short term goals...daily drive it, and seat time. Acquired some 17x8 Cobra wheels for track days, and the StopTech pieces just showed up. Nothing fancy, just OEM SN95 replacement parts for now.


I figure this is just one way to keep his memory alive, to put this car out there for all our friends to at least see what he built. It will never fulfill the loss, but anytime someone sees the car in traffic or at the gas station and asks about it, I get a chance to tell them about how and why the car is special to me.

[Vegas69]

He sounds like a once in a lifetime friend. You are certainly honoring him.

Those are great little cars. Enjoy!

[ScotI]

The Fox couldn't have went to a more appropriate home then.

Condolences on your loss. I can only imagine....

[egoman]

Always nice to see a new build. Nicer that its a blue oval!

[zz430droptop67rs]

Touching story, best of luck with the future plans.

[Roscoe03]

I couldn't think of a better way to honor a best friend than to keep his pride and joy going. My condolences.

[PBarkley]

The comments/love is certainly appreciated from y'all. Jonathan and I had been attending races together since we were kids (aka our families went) but for the past decade, he and I would attend the major enduros together. The Rolex24 at Daytona and Petit Le Mans were our mandatory hits.

In 2020, we did our usual routine of camping outside NASCAR Turn 1. The foxbody was still in work, and he swore his goal was to drive it down to Daytona for the 2021 Rolex24. As stated previously, he passed away prior to seeing that dream realized. I was personally torn about going to a race without my boy...but at 9pm Friday night of the last weekend in January, I threw together an overnight bag and departed at 4am Saturday, determined to uphold his wish.







Sunrise was always our favorite time...anyone who has attended the Rolex knows the feeling of when that sunrise breaks through. I have always positioned myself at the beginning of the grandstands at the point between NASCAR 4 and the Tri-Oval to catch that moment.

2021...I upheld his wish to get the foxbody to the Rolex at the zero hour. The Rolex is less than six days away, and this is the first time in over 10 years I won't be there in person. I'm torn, but I'm at peace knowing I did it right last year.

That being said, I will see y'all at the Rolex in 2023. Just look for the silver foxbody on gold mesh wheels...

[ScotI]

Very awesome follow through for your 'brother'. Kudos to you for seeing it through & completing that goal for him.

[sru1436]

Cool car, I’ve always had a soft spot for fox bodies. Sorry about the loss of your friend.