So although the car is still in the process of being put back together as your editor types these very words, it won't be long before it's back in action. "Although I like taking it to the track, its primary role is still a very fast street car - it has a full interior, full exhaust and all stock body panels except the three inch Harwood cowl hood. It doesn't attract too much attention and I like it that way. "I can cruise on the highway all day long, thanks to the overdrive, but when I want to get on it and go - it just pulls like a freight train - all the way." And unlike some people out there, Rios isn't kidding when he says so, after all he's got the numbers to prove it. Not bad for a mega street beast that was built in his spare time and largely by his own hand. "Well if I'm being honest I should thank Jaime Vorhees and, my friend Armon Javadi from X2C motorsports who helped a lot with the turbo installation," chuckles Rios, and of course, don't forget my girlfriend Nancy. She helped me out a lot, wrenching and tightening bolts - she'd come over and hang out with me and keep me company." Sounds like Eddie's not only got a fantastic Mustang but a fantastic woman as well. We should all be so lucky.
Specifications
Eddie Rios' 2000 Mustang GT/Cobra
Engine
Ford 4.6-liter DOHC V8
Engine Modifications
Manley forged connecting rods; Fel-Pro head gaskets; ARP mains bolts and head studs; Comp Cams valve springs and retainers; Accufab single blade throttle body; Dual Walbro 255 lph fuel pumps; Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter; Garrett GT 42 76 turbocharger; Fabtech exhaust manifold and 3.5" downpipe; Tial 44mm external wastegate; Borla 3" mufflers; Spearco Air-to-air intercooler; Turbonetics' Godzilla Blow Off Valve
Driveline
Lentech 4R70W automatic transmission with 2700 rpm Stall, 10" torque converter; PA Automatics flex plate; Ford Racing 3.55 rear gears; Eaton 31-spline differential; Strange Engineering 31-spline axle shafts, C-clip eliminators
Numbers
787 RWHP, 875 RWTQ @ 26 psi
Interior / Exterior
Eddie Rios' 2000 Mustang GT/Cobra
Chassis
B&M Hammer shifter; Custom aluminum driveshaft
Exterior
2003 Cobra front and rear bumper covers, rear spoiler, side skirts; Harwood 3.5" cowl hood
Interior
2003 Cobra seats and other interior components; E-Boost boost controller; AEM Wideband O2 monitor; Auto Meter fuel pressure and transmission temperature gauges
Suspension
Maximum Motorsports 6-point roll cage; X2C Motorsports adjustable upper control arms, rear coilover conversion; D+D rear sway bar; Anthony Jones Engineering front K-member; D+D front coilover conversion; Lakewood 90/10 front and 50/50 rear dampers
Wheels And Tires
Bogart D-10 wheels, 15" x 3.5" front, 15" x 10.25" rear; Pep Boys 165/50-15 street front tires; Mickey Thompson 325/50-15 drag radials at rear.