For many automotive enthusiasts, the Ford Mustang SN95 has been a staple in the sports car world of the 90s. Today, many of these cars are undergoing major transformations, allowing them to remain competitive on the street and track. From performance suspension kits to engine swaps, there is something for every type of enthusiast.
For any gearhead, the idea of a project car is both exciting and intimidating. It can be difficult to know where to start, what parts to use, and how best to approach the task. One man who has taken on this challenge is Tyler Brunkhorst from Arlington, WA, who has been working for several years on his SN95 track build.
Except for being a professional automotive photographer, Tyler was a part of Forza game development team as a 3d vehicle artist.
The Build
Tyler’s original goal was just to complete a basic bolt-on build—but that quickly changed as he got more invested in the project. He began to focus on creating something more track-oriented instead, which introduced him to many new skills along the way.
“Pretty interesting story of where it started and then changed direction a few times. Started as a procharged 4v with some casual modifications but then after waiting over a year to get the procharger rebuilt, it took a new direction out of frustration and the NA coyote swap was the new course set. Modern engine that’s better suited for road racing than a supercharger meant for drag racing”.
The 4V engines that came in the Mustang SN95 was considered a powerhouse in its day, but it’s naturally loosing the battle with newer more sophisticated engines that are present on the market today. Many enthusiasts are taking advantage of this and swapping out the aging powerplant for something more up to date. Ford’s Coyote 5.0L is a popular choice amongst Mustang owners, as it gives the car an extra jolt of power and performance, while staying true to it’s DNA.
Performance
Tyler chose to go this route and swapped his 4V out for the Coyote generation 3 motor tuned by Lund Racing. T56 Magnum transmission with 03/04 Cobra style shift knob and Mcleod RXT twin disc clutch were installed to support the new powerplant.
The engine bay was further spruced up with Steeda adjustable clutch quadrant and cable, Mishimoto Radiator and coolant reservoir, Mishimoto oil cooler, Canton power steering reservoir, Boss 302 150 amp alternator, Aeromotive 340 fuel pump, JLT 120mm intake tube with 5” filter wrapped in gold to deflect heat, remotely located oil filter to the left front corner behind the head light, AN lines and fittings for all fuel, oil and power steering connections, JLT oil separator and other parts.
“Long tube headers, custom x pipe exhaust into Magnaflow mufflers were installed to improve the HP output and add that deep Coyote V8 rumble”.
Suspension
In terms of suspension selection, Tyler chose components carefully to improve handling and reliability. He opted for Maximum Motorsports suspension parts, which include coilovers, tubular k member and control arms, strut brace and other items. This allowed Tyler to take full control over the car’s handling characteristics while keeping up with the high speeds of track driving.
Drivetrain
To round out the drivetrain, it was decided to go with a T2R Torsen differential, 31 spline axles, and 3.5″ ARP wheel studs to keep it all together under heavy acceleration.
Brakes
Brakes were also a primary focus on this build. Tyler installed Baer 6S with 14″ two piece rotors in the front, and Baer 4 piston calipers with 12″ rotors in the rear. ABS removed, all custom brake lines run including in cabin brake bias adjuster knob. Lastly, for optimal air flow and cooling, brake ducting was ran from the Cobra fog light holes in the bumper to the front brakes.
This configuration offers excellent stopping power, without sacrificing any of the car’s agility or performance.
Wheels
Continuing with the racing theme, Tyler chose to go with Enkei RFP1 wheels popular on the JDM scene, wrapped in 305 squared Hoosier A7 tires—a slight jump up from the 275 squared he used to run. This gives his car excellent grip on the track and perfect balance between performance and style.
Interior
Custom laser cut panels were installed throughout the cabin to close out gaps left behind from gutting the dash, only the top plastic remains and empty behind shedding weight by removing the metal frame and components like the heatercore and air conditioning.
“The interior of the car was completely gutted and built up from a clean slate”.
Windows from the doors along with all mechanical hardware as well as 100% of the wiring were removed from the vehicle. Only required wires were added back in, mostly to connect lights (to keep the car moderately street legal). All lights and starting function are controlled by a custom panel near the transmission tunnel for easy driver access when strapped into harness.
Custom fuse panel with MSD solid state relays make the wiring as efficient as possible. Among other noticeable upgrades are Custom road race cage, Sparco Pro ADV seats with 6 point harnesses, Schroth cage net on both sides of drivers seat, Sweet Manufacturing steering column and a quick release steering wheel.
Exterior
The exterior was also given attention with a few upgrades to make it look and perform better. C2Aero front and rear splitter, along with Nine Lives Racing aluminum wing, are perfect add-ons to improve the downforce on the track. TrackSpec hood and fender vents help to evacuate air trapped in the wheel wells when cornering.
“A project I have been working on for several years now in my “free time” is this SN95 coyote swap track car. It’s been a learning experience building new skill sets and the epitome of a feature creep, originally slated to be just a basic bolt on car morphed into something a bit more track focused. It sounds amazing and is finally ready to start testing, breaking in of all the new parts and start laying out lap times. Most importantly, hoping to give some rides and smiles on faces”.
Performance Results
It goes without saying that all of Tyler’s hard work paid off! His Mustang not only looks amazing but performs even better than expected when out on the track. All in all, it’s safe to say that Tyler achieved exactly what he set out to do when he started this project – create a reliable yet powerful track monster!
Spec List – Ford Mustang SN95 Track Build
Engine & Performance
- Ford Performance crate motor directly from Ford- Coyote generation 3 tuned by Lund Racing
- Long tube headers
- custom x pipe exhaust into Magnaflow mufflers
- T56 Magnum with 03/04 Cobra style shift knob
- Mcleod RXT twin disc clutch
- Steeda adjustable clutch quadrant and cable
- Mishimoto Radiator and coolant reservoir
- Mishimoto oil cooler
- Canton power steering reservoir
- Boss 302 150 amp alternator
- Aeromotive 340 fuel pump
- JLT 120mm intake tube with 5” filter, wrapped in gold to deflect heat
- Remotely located oil filter to the left front corner behind the head light,
- AN lines and fittings for all fuel, oil and power steering connections
- JLT oil separator
- MMD hood struts
Exterior
- C2Aero front and rear splitter
- Nine Lives Racing aluminum wing. So sturdy you can stand on it! (and I have!)
- Trackspec hood and fender vents
- Fender vents are meant to evacuate air trapped in the wheel well
- Aerocatch hood latches
Suspension
- Maximum Motorsports caster/camber plates and adjustable tie rod ends
- Maximum Motorsports tubular k member and control arms
- Maximum Motorsports coilovers
- Maximum Motorports panhard bar Maximum Motorsports strut brace
Brakes & drivetrain
- Baer 6S with 14″ two piece rotors in the front, Baer 4 piston calipers with 12″ rotors in the rear
- ABS removed, all custom brake lines run including in cabin brake bias adjuster knob
- Brake ducting from the cobra fog light holes in the bumper to the front brakes
- T-2R Torsen Differential
- 31 spline axles
- 3.5″ ARP wheel studs
Wheels
- Hoosier A7 tires – 275 squared. Moving up to 305 squared on Enkei RFP1.
Interior
- Racepack IQ3s digital dash – all analog gauges removed
- Custom laser cut panels in the cabin throughout to close out gaps left behind from gutting the dash, only the top plastic remains and empty behind shedding weight by removing the metal frame and components like the heatercore and air conditioning.
- 100% of the wiring was removed from the vehicle and only added in exactly the wires required back in, mostly to connect lights to keep it moderately street legal. All lights and starting function controlled by a custom panel near the transmission tunnel for easy driver access when strapped in to harness
- Custom fuse panel with MSD solid state relays to make the wiring as efficient as possible
- Sparco Pro ADV seats with 6 point harnesses
- Schroth cage net on both sides of drivers seat
- Sweet Manufacturing steering column and quick release steering wheel
- Custom road race cage with dimple die gussets connected to increase strength and reduce weight
- Windows removed from the doors and all mechanical hardware reducing weight
- Interior stripped down to metal removing as much weight as possible including the surprisingly heavy sound deadening material
Conclusion
Tyler’s Ford Mustang SN95 Coyote swapped track build is an impressive example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to something—even if there are some feature creep surprises along the way! His dedication over the years has resulted in a beautiful ride that looks great and performs even better out on the track or street alike.
Watch the progress and find out more about this Ford Mustang SN95 track build by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @tylerbrunkhorst !
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