Ed Moss' 1967 Ford Mustang | 2013 OUSCI Preview
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Pahrump, NV
Thousands of cars and trucks converge on Las Vegas each year for the SEMA Show, but only a handful are selected to compete in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational(OUSCI), presented by Royal Purple and K&N Filters. For those fortunate few, it can be a very stressful experience, although we always encourage them to enjoy the moment. For many of these vehicle owners and builders, the thought of tracking their car never entered their mind when they prepared it for the SEMA Show. For some, it was the furthest thing from their mind. Case in point is Ed Moss' '67 Ford Mustang, which had exactly one mile on the build heading into the 2013 SEMA Show.
When OPTIMA comes calling, those who accept the call realize what a unique and rare opportunity they have to prove the streetworthiness of their build on an international stage and in front of a nationally-televised audience. Ed's Mustang was one of the fortunate few to be selected in 2013 and from everything we've seen, it looks like both the car and driver are up for the challenge.
Moss has been building chassis and suspension systems for street rods, classic trucks and muscle cars for more than 40 years at TCI Engineering, so we think he probably knows a thing or two about how to set up a car to handle. His 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback has been a five-year project for Total Cost Involved Engineering. In early-2012, Ed and TCI Engineering General Manager, Sal Solorzano,started a business relationship with Richard Waitas and Magnaflow Exhaust. During their initial meetings, Richard presented an opportunity to sponsor the Total Cost Involved Engineering 1967 Ford Mustang at the 2013 SEMA Show and have it be included as one of Magnaflow's official vehicles.
Ed & Sal gladly accepted the opportunity and took on the challenge to have the Mustang finished in time for the 2013 SEMA Show. So what went into the build? The front and rear suspension are obviously from TCI and the exhaust is from Magnaflow. Beyond that, the engine is a 351 Windsor now displacing 427 cubic inches, thanks to the work of Smeding Performance and it now generates 540 horsepower at 6000 rpms, lubricated by Red Line Oil.
The transmission is a Tremec six-speed from Modern Driveline and it sends power with the help of a McLeod clutch, through an Inland Empire driveline and into a Currie nine-inch rear end, packed with 3.70 gears. Michelin rubber puts the power to the pavement with 295-series tires on the front and massive 335-series tires out back, all of them surrounding 18-inch LeMans wheels from Billet Specialties. Wilwood six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors can be found on all four corners. Other components include the following: