Mid Engine Mustang GT [Archive]

JayR

04-27-2007, 01:40 PM

Mike Staveski of Time Machines and I have teamed up on what is probably the biggest project of our collective careers. When I say this is a Mustang GT, I'm talking about the actual drivetrain which is lifted from a late model Ford GT and it's going in the Mustang in the exact same configuration right under that back glass like a contemporary mid-engined supercar.

Mike has been thinking about this concept since He visited Foose's shop in 2000 and saw the partially finished Hemisfear but was still thinking Mopar for the body and the motivation when he approached me but Rad Rides just finished the best fastback Cuda of all time and a mid-engine 70 Cuda would look all wrong so I instantly suggested a Mustang for the fastback glass like a contemporary supercar and a mid-engined drivetrain already engineered.

I know from past conservations with the Ring Bros that they are playing with this idea too and it will be a cool evolution of the Kona and Reactor and is sure to be killer and have their signature look.

Attached is the rendering of what the completed car will look like as well as a couple pictures of a Ford GT that I've been staring at for ideas, inspiration and proportions. As it turns out, the wheelbase of a 69 Mustang and a GT are less than 1" different but make no mistake, there are tons of major modifications done to this body to make it more slippery and stylish while still being true to the Shinoda Mustang design, arguably the best looking Mustang of all time.

Look for a very unique rear view next week that I'm working on as we speak.

Construction on this concept will begin very soon and inquiries to own it are welcome.

Hdesign

04-27-2007, 02:01 PM

One word....SICK! Can't wait to see this one.:thumbsup:

wiedemab

04-27-2007, 02:03 PM

Wow - that sounds like a pretty significant undertaking to say the least. That's interesting that the wheelbases of the two vehicles are close. I'll bet the track width isn't as close :)

Can't wait to see some progress.

Brandon

HRBS

04-27-2007, 02:06 PM

Sounds like a very innovative piece Jason. Should handle like a true supercar.
Working on a 69 myself, I can see there is a ton of work to that front end. I like the air ducts in the lower valance. I'd like to see how it progresses.

vipercuda

04-27-2007, 04:07 PM

We are excited to be building this project. I must tell everyone how much I enjoy working with Jason. He really listens to you and makes your ideas come to life. I have wanted to build a mid-engine muscle car ever since I first saw the Foose Hemisfear project back in 2000 while I was out west.

Credit for the mustang idea goes directly to Jason but fits perfectly with what my shop has built in the past. Back in 1998, we built a 49 Merc with everything from a Mark VIII, then we built a 57 chevy with everything from a C-5 vette, then we started building the viperized mopars. So this concept fits directly into our niche of taking an OE concept and incorporating it into an old classic car.

I just wanted to thank Jason for helping me shape my vision into something so beautiful. I just can't wait to start building it. We have the mustang already and the search has begun for a GT donor car. When we built the six shooter cuda, my wife thought we were totally crazy for cutting up an ACR viper and last night she told me that we are nuts again for cutting such a nice car.

This is going to be fun. We will post more artwork next week on the rear of the car. Any recommendations to the concept are welcomed..

Thanks
Mike
owner of Time Machines

customcam

04-27-2007, 05:43 PM

thats going to be awsome!
cant wait for build pics :hail:

TonyL

04-27-2007, 06:27 PM

Now there's a good idea! that's going to be awesome right there.

dave96dcm

04-27-2007, 09:18 PM

It would be really cool to have exposed air intakes like the Bugatti Veyron, I don't know how to make it flow with the mustang, but mabye if you just use the factory locations for the side scoops and fabricate aluminum ductwork coming in from there that you will be able to see through the rear glass. Even if it is not for the air intake for the engine you could have it cool oil, or the intercooler water or a number of things, just a idea. This is a really cool project.

ottatyme

04-27-2007, 10:32 PM

Jason, I've said it before, and I'll say it again, you have the touch, my friend!
Excellent styling cues... it does a great tribute without being a "tribute-ish" car, or falling over the line into a "theme car" look. Great sources of inspiration, and with the team assembled, this should be a true landmark car!
(I'm currently laminating everything I have with your autograph for future eBay madness!)
Sincerely, though.... that thing is unreal! As always, nice job, man!

Ummgawa

04-27-2007, 10:43 PM

How's mine looking Mike?

:D

JayR

04-28-2007, 09:34 AM

Thanks guys! Glad everyone likes it. There were some sleepless nights this past week getting the look nailed but I love the way it turned out and now we're going to start on the technical illustrations and figuring out all the cutlines and angles.

If I was as smart as my new scanner, I could have shown more of the true detail and color but I'll get it figured out.

I love the Veyron too, Dave but the cool thing about the Mustang is the back glass and we're on the exact same page about the side intakes. They're one of the reasons we chose a 69 and if you look at the GT, it has side scoops in almost the very same spot.

Thanks for this opportunity, Mike. Working with you has been very rewarding and fun. Everyone who has ever worked with customers knows there's good ones and bad ones and Mike's a good one! Innovative and creative with great ideas but not stuck on anything and wide open to input. Thanks Mike!

XcYZ

05-02-2007, 09:11 PM

What a wicked project. I definitely want to see this come together.

Great work, Jason!!

youthpastor

05-02-2007, 09:37 PM

Just when I think our hobbie has evolved to it's fullest- Someone takes it to another level. I gotta tell you how cool it is hanging out with a bunch of inovative guys who aren't afaid to cut up a car to match an amazing concept. Nice work Jason:yes: :yes:

WHERE THE HECK DO YOU FIND A WRECKED GT?????:question: :question:

Chris

YoungGun69SS

05-02-2007, 10:01 PM

It's kinda ironic you say that... I was looking at this the other day...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-FORD-GT-BLACK-SALVAGE-CUSTOM-WE-CAN-FIX-AND-SHIP-M_W0QQitemZ300106032917QQihZ020QQcategoryZ116478QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There is only minimal body damage but it is still a pretty penny.
I CAN'T WAIT to see this car develop... it is gonna be SICK. :thumbsup:

SteveMcqueenRules

05-03-2007, 12:17 AM

pointless. if you want a GT buy one don't ruin a mustang.

zbugger

05-03-2007, 12:57 AM

pointless. if you want a GT buy one don't ruin a mustang.
Ooooohhhhh.... I sense an open mind!!!!:wow:

And now back to my regularly scheduled :willy:

TravisB

05-03-2007, 11:09 AM

pointless. if you want a GT buy one don't ruin a mustang.

pointless huh? Lets talk about pointless........pointless would be you even posting on this thread:yes:

Nice work jason

ironworks

05-03-2007, 01:10 PM

I think it is bitchen idea, kinda like the Hemi underglass race car. Do you know the distance from the axle center line to the front of the dampener? I saw one of those engines on the dyno @ westech and man those are big engines.

Should a cool deal, and just a little work, I suppose.

Rodger

va72mlibu

05-03-2007, 01:29 PM

pointless. if you want a GT buy one don't ruin a mustang.
I agree, there's nothing cooler than a stock mustang!!

http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-mustang/images/ford-mustang-1979b.jpg

Musclerodz

05-03-2007, 04:41 PM

pointless. if you want a GT buy one don't ruin a mustang.
Evidently he doesn't want a whole GT, just some of it. And I am pretty sure it will cost way more to build this Mustang than the sticker price on a GT.

SteveMcqueenRules

05-03-2007, 05:38 PM

i am sorry if offense was taken. he asked for opinion i gave it. if anything is pointless its not my post. its defensive replies to honest opinions. if you are that sensitive maybe the internet isn't the best place for you.

having an open mind has nothing to do with accepting ideas that you think are dumb.
I honestly thought about it and a mustang that doesn't sound like a mustang doesn't drive like a mustang doesn't handle like a mustang I thought it was pointless. Why not just take a new repro 68 mustang body and put it on a gutted GT?
I guess its not as dumb as the mustang in fast and furious with the nissan motor. but in the end its not my car build what you want this is all just my opinion after all.
this mustang is pretty stock. its still cool.
http://www.videovista.net/articles/bullitt2.jpg

va72mlibu

05-03-2007, 08:08 PM

i am sorry if offense was taken. if anything is pointless its not my post. its defensive replies to honest opinions. if you are that sensitive maybe the internet isn't the best place for you.

I don't think any of the replies to your post (including my own) are what you might call "defensive". If there is a group anywhere that would support hacking up a Mustang to turn it into something more trick, this board is it. This is a PRO-TOURING site, as in modified cars. You dig originality and thats cool, but to trash an idea that pushes the envelope of pro-touring on this site may not be received very well.

TravisB

05-03-2007, 09:07 PM

i am sorry if offense was taken. he asked for opinion i gave it. if anything is pointless its not my post. its defensive replies to honest opinions. if you are that sensitive maybe the internet isn't the best place for you.
Nowhere in the post does it say "hey everyone give your opinion" it was simply put up to promote a project. A very cool one at that.
.
this mustang is pretty stock. its still cool.
http://www.videovista.net/articles/bullitt2.jpg

This is the problem with most armchair quarterback internet heros.....you dont have any style! There are very few cars that look good stock and a mustang, 98% of the time (making exception for boss cars late 60ish) are not one of them.

youthpastor

05-04-2007, 11:39 AM

i am sorry if offense was taken. he asked for opinion i gave it. if anything is pointless its not my post. its defensive replies to honest opinions. if you are that sensitive maybe the internet isn't the best place for you.

Speaking of honest opinions and the internet... would you have the nerve to walk up a builder or designer at say...Columbus, and badmouth thier idea in person?

If it wasn't for inovative guys like these we would still be driving '68 mustangs with "14 Americans, shackles and air-shocks.

Why is it everytime Jason wants to take the time to share what's going on in his world somebody(..who are you again? which car did you have at sema??? which magazine have you been featured in???) blasts his livelyhood. I guess thats the price for being innovative.

Opinions are fine.. like which tranny to run, LSx or 454 but to attack someone's creative idea is just that... an attack.

Sorry i should have let this one die.. but this one has been bugging me-Chris

Crankin

03-10-2008, 08:10 PM

:thumbsup: I think its a great idea! Thats what this hobby is all about. If you can't buy what you want, then build it. Take whats good from one car and combine it with the body you want. I just wish I could help build it. :cheers:

Steve Chryssos

03-11-2008, 05:55 AM

this mustang is pretty stock. its still cool.
http://www.videovista.net/articles/bullitt2.jpg

That Mustang was and will always be Steve McQueen's Mustang. Mike and Jason are building THEIR Mustang. That's what hot rodding is all about. Steve McQueen would probably dig the idea since hee was big on mid engine formula cars. The almost flat picture window on a 69/70 is begging for an engine to show off.

Steve Chryssos

03-11-2008, 06:05 AM

Yum! :yes:
http://www.callofbeauty.com/gallery/d/89013-2/Ferrari-Ferrari-F430-3-1024x768.jpg

oorange67

03-11-2008, 06:22 AM

That Mustang was and will always be Steve McQueen's Mustang. Mike and Jason are building THEIR Mustang. That's what hot rodding is all about. Steve McQueen would probably dig the idea since hee was big on mid engine formula cars. The almost flat picture window on a 69/70 is begging for an engine to show off.

Great and innovative idea, Is going to make a sick ride. I can't wait to see pics of that motor through the window!!!!!

Crankin

06-01-2008, 08:11 AM

does anyone have an update on how this is going so far? Any sites to check out?

andrewmp6

06-01-2008, 09:01 PM

vipercuda

06-04-2008, 10:03 AM

Bad mouthing anyone in person is easy when your 6'2 250lbs and carry a big gun lol.If i wanted a mid engine ford id buy a de tomaso pantera or take the trans axle and rear suspension and use it.Either a Windsor of Cleveland will bolt on it.Only problem is the pantera is wider then most mustangs.

Our concepts have always been taking the best of old and new. Merging the two together to get a car that looks like a vintage car but drives like a new modern day car. The key in our opinion is to get the car to keep all its classic lines but to incorporate the best today as to offer. We just received our new Ford Racing 5.4 supercharged engine. The chassis will be started very soon. Look for more updates soon.

Mike

deuce_454

06-04-2008, 10:17 AM

the transaxle out of a de tomaso ig JUNK.. its a transaxle out of a front wheel drive english bedford truck.... and it barely handles the 300 hp of a de tomaso.... and it shifts like a well 40 year old truck.. built in england would...

love the project by the way...

vipercuda

07-31-2008, 02:12 PM

Our concepts have always been taking the best of old and new. Merging the two together to get a car that looks like a vintage car but drives like a new modern day car. The key in our opinion is to get the car to keep all its classic lines but to incorporate the best today as to offer. We just received our new Ford Racing 5.4 supercharged engine. The chassis will be started very soon. Look for more updates soon.

Mike

Progress.. We received some new goodies today for the mid-engine mustang project. We should begin to build the chassis in the next month now that we have all the big pieces. We now have a Ford GT engine, transaxle, and all GT parts to make work. We have all the wiring, dash, console, seats. This one will be a Ford GT at heart but all mustang on the outside. Look for more to follow in the coming weeks.

Thanks
Mike Staveski
Time Machines

vipercuda

07-31-2008, 02:16 PM

Progress.. We received some new goodies today for the mid-engine mustang project. We should begin to build the chassis in the next month now that we have all the big pieces. We now have a Ford GT engine, transaxle, and all GT parts to make work. We have all the wiring, dash, console, seats. This one will be a Ford GT at heart but all mustang on the outside. Look for more to follow in the coming weeks.

Thanks
Mike Staveski
Time Machines

More pictures...

JayR

07-31-2008, 02:33 PM

If anyone has tried to find GT parts, you know what an achievement that parts list is and how hard that stuff was to find. Just more details that will make this car top notch and one more reason I'm glad to be part of this project!

mosconiac

08-01-2008, 02:35 PM

Thanks for the update...I was just about to post up asking for some info. I see you're going to incorporate a GT(40) aesthetic...an ambitious choice. :bow: I can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeves.

4mm

08-01-2008, 07:58 PM

Those parts are porn. More details on the seats?

tjbruning

08-01-2008, 11:58 PM

Those parts are porn. More details on the seats?

Look like Sparco Modena's with carbon fiber frames (from the back).

Sweet build guys!

CNDbowtie

08-02-2008, 12:58 AM

Look like Sparco Modena's with carbon fiber frames (from the back).

Sweet build guys!

i could be wrong but i think those are the factory Ford GT seats..they look pretty dam close to me :thumbsup:

CNDbowtie

08-02-2008, 01:03 AM

what sort of suspension plans do you have? will this be running the full Ford GT suspension too? front and rear?

tjbruning

08-02-2008, 08:45 AM

i could be wrong but i think those are the factory Ford GT seats..they look pretty dam close to me :thumbsup:

I could be wrong too, but I doubt that Ford is making their own seats. They look identical to the Sparco Modena's which were used by different OEM's (ie Ferrari, Ford GT?)

CNDbowtie

08-02-2008, 09:42 AM

I could be wrong too, but I doubt that Ford is making their own seats. They look identical to the Sparco Modena's which were used by different OEM's (ie Ferrari, Ford GT?)

well i duno who built them for Ford but i was just sayin these are most likely the exact seats he salvaged out of a Ford GT...and ive seen similar seats but nothing ever indenticle to them

CNDbowtie

08-02-2008, 10:41 AM

I could be wrong too, but I doubt that Ford is making their own seats. They look identical to the Sparco Modena's which were used by different OEM's (ie Ferrari, Ford GT?)

You are right Sparco does make them for Ford....dont suppose you have a pic of the Modenas..cause i cant find a pic of one that looks identicle to these

vipercuda

08-02-2008, 10:54 AM

You are right Sparco does make them for Ford....dont suppose you have a pic of the Modenas..cause i cant find a pic of one that looks identicle to these

Thanks guys. We are really looking forward to this one. Everything pictured is from a 1012 mile wrecked GT. The mustang will have the heart of the GT. We have yet to find good suspension from a GT. The rebuilders use it first on the buildable wrecks. It is extremely hard to find. We are still working on it. If we do not find suspension by mid September, we plan to use 2002 Dodge Viper ACR corners. We must start the chassis. We will build the chassis here at the shop with the help of Art Morrison. They will help bend our rails on our custom made chassis other than suspension and cooling we plan to use Ford GT.

Thanks
Mike

tjbruning

08-02-2008, 11:58 PM

You are right Sparco does make them for Ford....dont suppose you have a pic of the Modenas..cause i cant find a pic of one that looks identicle to these

http://www.syborgtwinturbo.com/albums/Build/2008_05_22_Sparco_6.jpg
http://www.syborgtwinturbo.com/albums/Build/2008_05_22_Sparco_4.jpg
http://www.syborgtwinturbo.com/albums/Build/2008_05_22_Sparco_3.jpg

vipercuda

08-03-2008, 07:38 AM

http://www.syborgtwinturbo.com/albums/Build/2008_05_22_Sparco_6.jpg
http://www.syborgtwinturbo.com/albums/Build/2008_05_22_Sparco_4.jpg
http://www.syborgtwinturbo.com/albums/Build/2008_05_22_Sparco_3.jpg

They may look similar but in my opinion the GT seats are much more sexy. There is just something about the GT seats and gauge package.

Thanks
Mike

tyoneal

08-03-2008, 09:42 AM

Thanks guys. We are really looking forward to this one. Everything pictured is from a 1012 mile wrecked GT. The mustang will have the heart of the GT. We have yet to find good suspension from a GT. The rebuilders use it first on the buildable wrecks. It is extremely hard to find. We are still working on it. If we do not find suspension by mid September, we plan to use 2002 Dodge Viper ACR corners. We must start the chassis. We will build the chassis here at the shop with the help of Art Morrison. They will help bend our rails on our custom made chassis other than suspension and cooling we plan to use Ford GT.

Thanks
Mike
========================
Factory Five has a car called the GTM, "I think", it is a rear engine V8 and uses Porsche Parts for the rear. I'm wondering it that would solve your search for the rest of your car.

Take Care,

TY

tjbruning

08-03-2008, 02:18 PM

They may look similar but in my opinion the GT seats are much more sexy. There is just something about the GT seats and gauge package.

Thanks
Mike

Didn't intend to hijack your build thread Mike. The GT seats with carbon fiber frames are definitely trick.

mosconiac

09-04-2008, 03:12 PM

Any developments to share????

vipercuda

09-04-2008, 03:49 PM

Any developments to share????

Sorry,

We are in the throws of Playboy Mansion show on October 17th and then SEMA. We have four cars were are finishing right now. We will get to make some good progress in about 4 weeks on this one. I was still trying to get GT suspension corners. I gave up this week when Ford told me no. We will use Dodge Viper or C-6 vette stuff. We are leaning towards ACR viper corners.

I will post as soon as I have new pictures...

Mike

RACERAL

09-10-2008, 07:43 PM

Not sure if you have seen this, but its thinking outside the box also
http://five-hundred-news.newslib.com/story/9812-199/

mosconiac

02-17-2009, 10:15 AM

Is this project still alive?

buickfunnycar.com

02-17-2009, 10:18 AM

Is this project still alive?

yeah really...

CptKlutz

02-17-2009, 12:16 PM

Just read up on this thread. Mean and innovative! Keep it coming!

Mike Yamada

02-17-2009, 03:42 PM

What a cool idea. And also as you guys know, the original "Mustang 1" concept of the early 60s was mid-engine, the late 60s-early 70s "Mach 2" concept was mid-engine (and another Shinoda design IIRC), and the 90s Mach 3 concept as well.

So this idea has some real heritage going for it.

Keep us updated on progress!:cool:

Mike

vipercuda

02-17-2009, 06:49 PM

Is this project still alive?

Yes, it is alive. We have been trying to get Ford on board to get the Ford GT four suspension corners. We have assembled all the other Ford GT pieces. We will have stripped the car & blasted the shell. We will begin building the chassis very soon. It will be ACR Dodge Viper on the corners.

Our 900 HP 2009 Mr. Norm Dodge Challenger project and our LS9 ZR 1 67 vette project have taken a priority to this build but we will be getting back on it very soon.

We actually have eight builds going right now that should be at SEMA this year. We are extremely busy.

I will keep everyone posted as we make more progress.

Thanks
Mike

mosconiac

11-11-2009, 02:06 PM

Any plans post-SEMA?

T-Type

11-11-2009, 02:29 PM

i am not a ford guy, but this is truly a ford i can appreciate. looking forward to this one. :thumbsup:

mosconiac

02-17-2010, 01:07 PM

Time for my quarterly bump. :lol:

Al Moreno

02-17-2010, 05:00 PM

Northeast Rod Run

02-17-2010, 05:23 PM

:ttiwop:

I had to do it:D

vipercuda

02-17-2010, 08:53 PM

Mike, are you still building the 69 Camaro that's on the HUB. Looks like it was going to be a killer project.

Yes, it is in the final stages of assembly right now.. It should be done in the next month or so. We should have the car at Columbus this year with a 55 Chevy we are finishing up as well....

The rear engine mustang has taken a back seat to our Mr. Norm's new challenger program and soon to be announced new camaro program... We will be getting back on the mustang project real soon.

Thanks
Mike