Readers' Rides: Richard's Built Not Bought Mustang V6

Readers' Rides has gone from strength to strength recently and today (in contrast to Freddie's beautiful 1973 Datsun 240Z) we're featuring a loud and proud 'Stang that's been transformed from shell to stallion by Richard and his dad. Here's the story of the muscle car's rebirth as told by our 19 year old Richard from Canada:

Here is my pride and joy, a 1994 Ford Mustang. I acquired this father/son project Mustang when I was 12 years old for $400. My father and I were looking for a project to do together, and we came across an ad for this Mustang in the newspaper.

This is what Richard and his dad's 'Stang looked like when they bought it

The previous owner used it as a parts car for his GT, so the car had nothing going for it other than a fairly straight body. For some reason we decided we liked it and bought it on the spot. Since then I've fallen in love with the SN95 generation of Mustang.

Once we had it home, an engine swap seemed pretty obvious. A V8 would be on the top of most peoples' list, however we knew about some people doing interesting things with the V6. A good deal never came up for a V8, and we ended up finding a 1998 Ford F-150 with a 4.2 V6, and away we went.

After spending more time and money than I care to remember (here's a link to the build, if anyone's interested), the 'Stang was making a naturally-aspirated 198rwhp. Today an M112 supercharger from an '03 Cobra is bolted on with an adapter plate, so it's pushing 288rwhp and 307lb/ft torque.

The main exterior modifications include a 2000-spec Cobra R hood, Cobra bumper, stock horizontal tail-lights, Cobra headlights and 18-inch Bullitt rims with deep dish in the back.

Inside, I've fitted the interior from the 2000 Mustang and added a pool ball shift knob. Suspension-wise it's running an aftermarket K-member, Tokico shocks, Eibach springs and aftermarket control arms.

The main purpose of the car was to build something I could enjoy driving and that's exactly what I do. I like my 'Stang because I've made it unique. At the same time I think I've made it look like something that could have come out of the factory - basically making it look how I think the SN95 Mustangs should have looked when they rolled off the production line.

Yes I do get a lot of V6 hate, but I just wanted to do something different. I especially like screwing with peoples' heads. It's fun on the streets when people try to prey on an easy V6 Mustang, then when they hear the supercharger whine, their reactions are priceless! I enjoy my V6 much more than a bolt-on 5.0-litre, that's for sure. Here are a few features of the build:

Engine

4.2-litre V6 (1998 F-150) M112 Supercharger w/2.93 pulley Water Methanol Injection Lightning 90mm MAF

Drivetrain

T5 transmission (95GT) Cobra clutch 8.8 fox diff assembly 3.73 gears

Exterior

Cobra bumper and hood Cobra clear headlights Stock horizontal taillights Paint: '94 Ford Bright Orange

Suspension

Eibach Pro-kit springs Tokico D Spec Shocks Struts

My future plans? I'm not sure at the moment; the car is always a work in progress, but the nice thing about Canada is the long off-season to get my hands dirty. Watch this space!

If you want your car featured on Readers' Rides, email darren.cassey@carthrottle.com with a pic and a few words explaining why you love it so much. If we like it, we'll feature it!