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 Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation...  Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation provided us with a four-wheel disc brake package, vastly improving braking performance under the great demands of a powerful high-displacement V-8. After all, stopping is more important than accelerating, isn't it? |
 We like the billet master...  We like the billet master cylinder and power booster from Stainless Steel Brakes. This is a nice, polished piece that's easy to install and will look good for many years. |
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 Stainless Steel Brakes offers...  Stainless Steel Brakes offers a couple of different rear disc brake packages for 8- and 9-inch Ford rearends. We like the A111 kit using SN-95 ('94-'04) Mustang disc brakes. This is a proven piece with a working parking brake. |
 This is the Competition trans...  This is the Competition trans from Performance Automatic. Had Classic Creations gone with a small-block, we would have opted for a Super Streeter. The 514 needs more, including a 2,500 rpm stall-speed torque converter with furnace-brazed fins and a super-tough stator for optimum performance. |
Just imagine the wild and crazy things you can do with an old Ford classic when the creative mind runs amok. We can build them, slam them, chop them, narrow them, shave them, rake them, and yes, we can stuff them too. We are free to stuff old Fords full of raw, nasty, brute power only a high-displacement big-block can deliver.
Power swaps have been going on since the dawn of internal combustion transportation more than 100 years ago. Going after greater sums of power in our quest to go faster and impress the other guy isn't a new concept by any means. We do it with just about every type of transportation imaginable.
Classic Creations of Central Florida has built an awesome first generation Mustang sedan delivery-wagon restomod. Of course, most of us know Ford has never produced a Mustang station wagon of any kind in the marque's 42-year history. However, those with a lot of imagination have created really interesting Mustangs Ford never built; two-seat roadsters, pickup trucks, station wagons, limousines, 4x4 High-Boys, and sedan deliveries.
When Classic Creations began planning its Mustang sedan delivery, it had no real interest in building another small-block ponycar. Classic Creations wanted more. Enter Mustang & Fords magazine and Jon Barrett Hot Rod Engines of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Both were key elements in this project.
A 385-series or FE big-block can be installed in a '65-'66 Mustang by altering the shock towers and cutting a lot of sheetmetal, but if we're going to go this far, we might as well opt for a complete front suspension swap that will make the most of power, handling, and space. Don't just do an engine swap. Swap the whole entire business in the interest of safety, drivability, and handling.
In pumping up the twist in a 40-year-old Ford, a power management system must be the highest priority in the interest of safety. Horsepower and torque are worthless if you don't have the means to control them responsibly. Power out of control in inexperienced hands can get you maimed or killed, immediately ending all discussion about who has the most power.
Because Classic Creations understands the importance of building a big-block Mustang that is not only fun to drive, but also safe, it opted for a Heidt's Hot Rod Shop frontend based on the proven '74-'78 Mustang II design. This is an affordable suspension design street rodders have been using for decades, which is why it's been adapted to classic Fords like the Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, and Comet. Heidt's front suspension not only improves handling and braking, it opens up a compact Ford's engine compartment to the largest big-blocks. With it, we can enjoy big-block or late-model overhead cam modular V-8 power. Small-blocks fit with room to spare.
The Heidt's frontend is welded to the Mustang's front framerail boxes, eliminating the shock towers and the Falcon-derived coilover upper control-arm suspension system. What's more, the Heidt's frontend also does away with the outdated worm-and-sector steering gear. Instead, a precision rack-and-pinion steering system breathes new life into a good-looking classic. Classic Creations has chosen a power rack-and-pinion steering system from Heidt's, making it easier to manage the additional weight a 514-inch big-block will place on the frontend. Even with a manual rack, steering effectiveness is tenfold over the old, mid-century conventional steering the Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane and Comet had from the factory.
When you're ordering a Heidt's front suspension system, remember some items aren't included in the kit, like the steering shaft assembly, engine mounts, and other odds and ends. Discuss what's included and what is not with a Heidt's sales representative when you call, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Classic Creations decided to go with a Stainless Steel Brakes Force 10 front disc brake package. The beauty of a braking system like this is performance comparable to big-block power. It stops an old Mustang as quickly as it accelerates thanks to Stainless Steel Brakes' 11-inch vented and slotted rotors in the A148-30E kit. These guys are nearly an inch thick (0.875 inch) with unidirectional vanes for exceptional cooling. Stainless Steel Brakes offers the Force 10 four-piston caliper in a variety of custom colors, including clear powdercoat. The A148-30E Force 10 disc brake kit is $1,350, a wise investment in your safety.