We’ve all been there.  You know, that special place where nothing else matters except for excitement, speed, and good clean fun.  Being behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang of any age is one of the most exciting things an enthusiast can do in his life, and piloting this special Classic Mustang build-up road racer special by Jason Swenk is no exception.  From the sparks of a new love to a lifetime of passion; this car was inspired by a blue-blooded fan and StangNet is proud to present his story to you.  Keep reading to see all the details behind Swenk’s Classic, in a direct personal account from him.

Like many folks out there, I had never been to any kind of racing event to participate. In fact, my registration for the first event stated that video games were/had been my only experience with high speed. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my Mustang. Spirited cruises through the mountains, running through the gears between traffic lights, and the occasional Cruise in or car show fulfilled my Mustang happiness.

Then several years ago, I was invited to come out to a little track in Anniston, AL and participate in an open track event. I took my 2002 Mustang convertible out and had what could only be described as the best experience a man can have with his clothes on. It was incredible! The speed, the noise, the adrenaline!!!! I wanted more!!!

At the event there were two early model mustangs participating. Both were pretty much race cars that could be driven on the street. In my mind, they were the coolest cars at the track. A buddy on mine who owned one of those cars, a ‘66 coupe, took me for a ride around the track. That did it for me and I knew I had to build one for myself.

My crew chief / car builder made me start building the car for handling and safety first, and get the car adjusted before we added power. (Thank you, Patrick.) The car was originally suppose to be a dual purpose vehicle that I had intended to drive both on and off the track. Patrick began building the car by focusing on safety equipment like the cage and fuel cell. I was furious. I wanted to go fast! Chassis improvements were next on the recipe. New springs, upgraded sway bar, and a homemade panhard bar keep the vintage chassis glued to the track. I was amazed at how well the car began to perform on track despite the junkyard motor that was in the car when I bought it.

As my first year of ownership ended I was ready for more Power! We chose to build a solid lift 331 stroker motor with 300 rwhp and 310 ft-lb of torque. Edelbrock Performer Heads and Intake are supplied fuel and air by a Holley 650 Carbureator. The engine was built with durability in mind first and foremost. I wanted to be able to race all weekend long and never have a hick-up. Behind the carbureted small-block is a World Class Tremec TKO transmission that spins a set of 4.10:1 gears in a Ford 9-inch rear-end. With all that power we added 13 inch Baer disc brakes and 12 inch brakes on the back.

After the motor and drivetrain were in place and all of modifications were done (yeah right…), It was time to paint. I had been driving and racing the car for almost 2 years in primer and it needed to go. The Terlinga paint scheme always appealed to me.

We are focusing mainly racing with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Time Trial events in the Southeast.

Solar Velocity, Kelley’s Restoration and The Color Spot are out main sponsors that we would not be able to race without them.

Solar Velocity designs and develops wide-ranging marketing and technology solutions for our clients, from creative web designs and complex web development to marketing strategies and optimal brand name awareness, our services are designed to achieve increased sales, profitability, and high client satisfaction.

Kelley’s Restoration specializes in restoring, building and maintaining early and late model Fords.

The Color Spot provides creative solutions from concept to competition in graphics, displays, banners, and vehicle graphics.

MODIFICATIONS

Exterior:

• Shelby fiberglass hood
• Shelby front valance
• Chrome front grille
• Body work
• Terlinga Paint scheme
• 16″ Torque Thrust Rims
• Fuel cell
• Lexan Windows

Interior:

• Autometer Gauges
• Kirkey Racing seats
• Racing seats
• 5 Point Harness
• Custom Built 10 Point Roll Cage

• Performance:
• MSD Ignition
• 302 stroked to 331 (300+hp)
• Edelbrock Aluminum Head
• Griffin Aluminum Radiator
• Baer 13in front disc brakes
• 12in back disc brakes
• Brake Cooling Ducts
• Shelby Quick Steering Kit
• 9″ Rear end – 4.10 Gears
• Tremec TKO Transmission