Details

Performance

• Engine: 230 HP / 302ci
• Engine Parts: Edelbrock Performer Air-Gap
• Transmission: Stock C4 Auto
• Suspension: All new Some upgrades
• Brakes: 1969 Mach I, Front disc brakes
• Tires: Dunlop 235/45ZR1
• Exhaust: Stock Manifolds FlowMaster Dual w/crossover and chrome Borla tips

Interior

• Upholstery: Custom Design
• Seats: 1970 Mach I, Custom matched rear seat
• Steering Wheel: Lacarra
• Steering Column: Stock
• Gauges: Scavenged from a XR-7
• Pedals: Stock
• Noise & Heat Insulation: Dynamat
• Seals & Gaskets: Stock
• A/C & Heat: Classic Auto Air

Exterior

• Body Mods: Shaved, Chrome delete, Simple
• Paint: Black on BLACK
• Wheels: American Racing Torque Thrust Original
• Trim: Slim to none...
• Lights: Halogen

Audio & Electronics

• Head Unit: Sony
• Navigation: Garman
• Security: Smith&Wesson
• Ignition: MSD Pro Billet
• Battery: Optima
• Other: AutoLoc Remote Entry

About

This project is a 1968 Mercury Cougar. Body mods include removal of the side marker lights that were the finger print of the 1967 model. About 80% of the chrome has been deleted and a few pieces have been chemically stripped and painted black to match the body. The vinyl top was removed and the non rusty drip rails were also painted black. Door handles were shaved and along with the trunk, open remotely. The chrome Borla exhaust tips now exit through the rear valance and a subtle tribute to the XR-7 was added just in front of the rear wheel opening,in the form of three chrome vents. The wheels are American Racing Torque Thrust Originals with painted spokes and AR billet center caps and wrapped in Dunlop 235/45/ZR1 rubber. All of the suspension has been replaced or upgraded. I have started bracing the Uni-body with Total Control firewall and shock tower pieces. Presently I am running the original 230hp 302ci with a new Edelbrock Performer Air-Gap manifold, carb and MSD Pro Billet distributor. FlowMaster hauls the gasses out back through stock exhaust manifolds.

History of this Vehicle

This was a Plain Jane 302ci Cougar that I found on e-Bay five years ago. I was living in Atlanta at the time and the car was in Albuquerque, NM. I flew Out to inspect the car and as it turned out it was a good deal so after bolting the carburetor back down to stop a leak I took it to have the fluids changed, bought a spare tire and a fire extinguisher then drove 1400 miles back to Atlanta.

Plans for this Vehicle

I just ordered a 331ci roller cam long block from Coast High Performance. A TCI Streetfighter C4 transmission just arrived today and a new 3.55 ratio ring and pinion set with a True-Trac Limited Slip differential is also on the way. These mods will make it more reliable to go a little further from home to NSRA regional and national shows.

Sponsors & Special Thanks

Many thanks to Vintage Mustang in Decatur, Georgia for all their work on the mechanicals early on in the process. The body work and paint was done at Morey Auto Body here in Northwest Arkansas and Bob Ashley, also here in NWA built the interior exactly to my plan.