New Project Car - The Civil War Mustang

[TTSaleen]

Picked this car up July 23, 2026.
Had a long history of bracket racing in Holcomb Civil War Shootouts (hence the name) and Fun Ford Weekend.
408" stroker engine in an old-school SVO A351 block
Steel crank, H-beam rods, JE pistons, Comp XR292-R10 solid roller cam.
C4 transmission and 4.10 gears.
Weight is 2800 lbs.

Here's the full video of my journey so far (getting car and taking it apart).

 

[TTSaleen]

Got the engine back from the machine shop this week and started reassembly.
Installed the solid roller cam, timing chain, lifters, heads, and rockers.
Currently waiting on a few more parts before I can drop it in.
Ryan

 

[AeroCoupe]

Nothing wrong with a little engine p orn. Looking good man! What block does it have?

 

[TTSaleen]

It's an old school Ford Motorsport SVO block, part number A351. Bored .030" over with JE pistons (-22cc dish) putting out 10.0-1 compression with a new Eagle forged steel crank (zero/internal balance), with H-beam rods.
Has old school Canfield heads (previously ported by Fox Lake Racing) that I just had new stainless valves put in (size 2.055 and 1.60).
Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XR292 R-10 solid roller cam (3,200 to 7,200rpm range, with 254/260 @ .050 and 0.621/0.627 lift).
It should make good power as the previous owner bracket raced it and went consistent 6.50's in the 1/8th mile.

 

[AeroCoupe]

Great combo!! That should sound pretty good. Any plans for a power adder or just going old NA?

 

[TTSaleen]

The PO ran nitrous on it a few times, but mostly he ran it naturally aspirated (bracket racer stuff).
I on the other hand like to build my projects to be high horsepower dyno cars that can goto the track and lay down a fast pass.
In this case, I have decided to ditch the C4 transmission and put a TKX in the car.
I may run the nitrous at first to see what it makes, but ultimately I'd like to make this a twin turbo setup.
Ryan

 

[AeroCoupe]

Look forward to the build as usual man. You do nice work!

 

[TTSaleen]

Got the rearend rebuilt -
Moser 5 lug axles in 33 spline
Moser 9" ends for axle retention
SN95 rear disc brake kit

Installed my 16x10 Bogart RT wheels and Hoosier 28x10 slicks on it.
With the Bogart Force 5 front wheels and M+H tires, it is starting to look more of my style now.

Also took the time to paint underhood factory Vermillion Red.
Won't be long and I'll have the motor dropped in.

 

[TTSaleen]

Lots of updates in Episode 2.
Rearend updated with 5 lug axles, 9" ends, disc brake conversion
Motor rebuilt with new crankshaft, intake/exhaust valves, oil pump, rings, bearings
Master cylinder replaced (Cobra) and new brake lines
Disassembled interior and trunk
Installed Moroso battery box
New tires and installed my Bogart wheels on the rear