Fox Body Mustang Cobra Restomod Devours Tires at Hoonigan’s
Hoonigan samples crazy 1993 Mustang Cobra restomod with sequential transmission.
The Fox Body Mustang needs no introduction. Basically, Ford’s legendary platform is the automotive equivalent of a canvas. It allows enthusiasts all sorts of ways to experiment with pretty much whatever drivetrain they want. We’ve previously covered a whole bunch of awesome Fox bodied Mustangs. Today’s featured Cobra is no different.
Hoonigan Daily Transmission recently got the opportunity to experience one amazing Cobra. Owner Justin Surprenant currently serves as Special Project Manager for Hoonigan Racing. He created a one-of-kind monster and let his colleagues take it for a spin. They got hooked instantly.
One Crazy Cobra Build
Surprenant is no stranger to the Hoonigan network. In fact, he customized a 1974 Ford Bronco for Ken Block not too long ago. That particular build included a modern Coyote V8 and Ford’s six speed automatic. Clearly, Surprenant is a fan of Ford’s V8. That’s probably why his 1993 Mustang Cobra contains a 5.2 liter “Aluminator” V8 from Ford Performance. Essentially, Ford Performance modified the Shelby GT350’s cross-plane engine into a crate motor. In this application, the engine is rated at 580 horsepower and 445 Ib-ft of torque. It’s obviously an absolute monster, even without a car.
Naturally, Hoonigan’s Hertrech Eugene and Zac Mertens asked Surprenant how such an engine could work in a Fox body. “It fits in the engine bay, but everything else has to be changed,” says Surprenant. That’s a bit of an understatement. The engine required an installation from the bottom. Additionally, he had to fabricate a bunch of custom parts for the engine. As a result, the Cobra puts down 600 horsepower at the wheels. This build is not for the faint of heart. However, there is one huge upside to using a $22,000 crate engine. “The nice thing about using a crate motor that’s basically in stock form is that it should be reliable,” says Surprenant. We sure hope so!
Does it Hoon?
The Hoonigan guys very much liked the Cobra. In order to fully appreciate the car, Surprenant lets them get behind the wheel. Mertens drives it first. The Aluminator’s exhaust note is absolutely intoxicating. Mertens easily gets it to slide and burn rubber. “It wants to snap around so damn fast. It’s like as soon as you get to lose it it’s gone,” says Mertens. The Cobra is basically a 2800 Ib rocket. Mertens and Eugene loved its speed and the quick-shifting transmission.
Ford’s Coyote engine is a versatile beast. Even in stock form it’s formidable. In the right hands it can morph into something completely different. Surprenant deserves credit for his unique build. However, some enthusiasts will criticize him for modding a relatively rare 1993 Cobra. As discussed in the video, the Cobra traveled 126,000 miles before its transition to racing. If anything, Surprenant saved the car. Plus, he’s kept most of the interior and exterior stock to0.
Fox body insanity may never end. Fortunately for us, that all but guarantees plenty of exciting content. Surprenant’s build towers over most restomods for its sheer uniqueness. And he’s respectful of the Cobra’s heritage too. That’s a best case scenario for a low production car. We certainly hope to see this Cobra return in the future.
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