OK, we admit we're a little late on this one. But when it comes to Mustangs created by Scott Hoag, formerly the Team Mustang Customization engineer who spearheaded the 2001 Bullitt GT and 2003 Mach 1 projects, we figure it's better late than never. Built as a showcase vehicle for his company, Mustang Racing Technologies, the Surfchaser '04 Cobra convertible was completed in time to make its grand debut at the 2003 SEMA Show.
The Surfchaser Cobra was built with a combination of MRT components and parts from other aftermarket companies, all available through MRT (www.mrt-direct.com). The surfing theme takes a page from the '68 Shelby convertible with its factory rollbar that theoretically provided a place to tie down a surfboard. Utilizing a Classic Light Bar from Classic Design Concepts and a matching yellow surfboard from Ocean Gear, Hoag has incorporated the eye-catching theme into his Surfchaser Cobra. CDC also supplied its sequential turn signals, power fuel-filler door, and Shaker hoodscoop, which was adapted to the Cobra's supercharged 4.6 four-valve engine.
Speaking of the Cobra 4.6, the already potent powerplant is further enhanced with a Pro-M 93mm mass air meter, an Accufab throttle body, and a performance exhaust system consisting of JBA headers, an MRT H-pipe, and MRT after-cat mufflers. As if the factory supercharger on the high-winding four-valve engine weren't enough, Hoag added more juice in the form of a Nitrous Express nitrous-oxide system. The package has been documented at 460 rear-wheel horsepower-without the nitrous.
For dependable launching with all that horsepower, Hoag reached into his Mach 1 bag of tricks to pull out a live rear axle to replace the factory independent rear suspension. The Cobra's six-speed transmission remains stock, with the exception of an MRT performance shifter, while the rearend is beefed with Ford Racing's Torsen differential and 3.73 gears. For braking, Hoag replaced the factory binders with Baer Racing 13-inch rotors and calipers all around.
Inside, Recaro carbon-fiber seating, front and rear, provides comfortable yet firm support during handling maneuvers. Kicker designed the kicking sound system, which includes a custom color-keyed trunk with subwoofers.
Although Hoag has since turned MRT's attention to the '05 Mustang, the Surfchaser Cobra remains an exciting exercise that showcases Hoag's abilities as a car designer.
As if the Bullitt and Mach 1 weren't enough...
Surfchaser Cobra EquipmentEngineSupercharged 4.6L four-valveCDC Shaker hoodscoopMRT stainless H-pipeMRT after-cat exhaust w/Classic rolled tipsPro-M 93mm MAFAccufab throttle bodyJBA Racing headersNitrous Express nitrous systemDyno-tuned by Scott BeerRear-Wheel Power: 460 hp, 500 lb-ft torque w/o nitrous
DrivetrainMRT 6-Speed shifter w/MRT shift ball Exedy chrome-moly dual-friction clutchLive rear axleFord Racing Torsen differential and 3.73 gearsFord Racing aluminum driveshaft
SuspensionMRT Street Performance suspensionPro3 caster/camber platesPro3 framerail connectors
Wheels/Braking/TiresBaer 13-inch, front and rearRaceline GTGoodyear F1 Super Car
BodyCustom MRT front fasciaMRT Bullitt concept wingCDC custom light barCDC power fuel doorCDC sequential turn signals
InteriorRecaro custom seatingOcean Gear surfboardStewart-Warner gaugesCustom Kicker stereo system