We’re just a few weeks away from the opening of the 2014 SEMA show, and the press releases, and car previews to tease us and the public are starting to roll in. SEMA builds are anything but ordinary, the result of planning way ahead of the show, once the sleep deprivation and hangovers of the SEMA show subside, preparation for the next year’s event immediately kicks into high gear.
Chris “Kiwi” Slee of Kiwi Classics and Customs in Franklin, TN has been hard at work lowering, widening and modifying a 1966 Ford Mustang, a project that involves cramming a 9L 557 C.I. Ford big block built by John Bouchard of Bouchard Engines into the engine bay. Featuring many Trick Flow components, the engine is rated at 750hp and 750lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission, Ford 8.8-inch rear axle with Yukon Gear and Axle 3.55 gears and an Auburn posi-traction differential.
The KSV9000 engine build also included PowerPort® 325 aluminum cylinder heads, an R-Series intake manifold, Trick Flow by Quick Fuel Technologies 1,050 cfm carburetor, 1.73 ratio roller rocker arms, Hydraulic roller lifters and 3/8 inch diameter chromoly pushrods, an upgraded harmonic damper, timing chain set, intake and exhaust gaskets.
Lowered and widened by six inches, each and every body panel has been modified in some way to incorporate unique features like the rear valance with built-in air diffusers, functional side air intakes, the three inch cowl hood, the intricate front splitter and the 17-inch Bullet-style wheels on 275 front/315 rear series rubber. “I didn’t want to do another “cookie cutter” Mustang, so everything is one of kind,” Slee explained.”
Heidts suspension components were installed up front while their wide universal rear cross member was incorporated into a custom-built five-link suspension in the rear. Torque boxes and integrated sub frame connectors were installed to eliminate the flex that those early Mustangs suffer from.
Elite Upholstery did the interior upholstery and TMI Products supplied the custom door panels and one piece headliner. Kevin Tetz painted the car using Matrix paints in colors made specifically for the KSV9000, which includes a “”ghost” warrior deep within the paint.
SEMA Show attendees can see the Kiwi Customs KV9000 Mustang in person at the Trick Flow Specialties display booth #23025.