Underhood, a single or a double overhead cam Ford V-8 would've required cutting out the shock towers and installing a Mustang II frontend, something that Brook feels turns a Mustang into a hot rod, not a restomod. "Even the new Mustang still has shock towers," Brook says.
His choice was a small-block 351 Windsor stroked to 427 ci, readily available from the aftermarket. Keith Craft built this carbureted 427, which dyno'd at 575 hp at the flywheel.
For the chassis, Brook deleted the upper A-arms in favor of late-model Mustang struts, which allows the use of readily available hubs and brakes from the Gen 4 Mustang. Brook upgraded the frontend to double-adjustable QA1 struts.
The rearend setup is Martz, featuring the familiar four parallel bars and a Fab 9-inch rearend from Chris Alston packing a set of 3.73:1 gears.
"The TPI shop includes 12 guys who give 110 percent all the time," Brook says. "They could all go to work in either collision or aircraft, make more money with better benefits, and work less hours. With their hard work and commitment, I believe we build some of the best cars in the country." It's an outgrowth of one man's rehab that started with 1,000-grit sandpaper on a '67 Mustang fastback.
Pit Viper Specifications
Drivetrain
427-cid Keith Craft aluminum small-block, 575 hp Be Cool aluminum radiator w/dual electric fans Tremec TKO 600 six-speed manual transmission by Standard Transmission 31-spline, 9-inch Posi-Traction differential w/3.73:1 gearsExterior
'05 Mustang GT grille Custom recessed side inlet gas lid '67 Cougar sequential taillightsInterior
Scat Enterprises Shelby-embroidered Hi-Back bucket seats Five-point quick-release harness Custom dash cluster by Classic Instruments Shelby Signature gauges 200-mph speedometer Billet Specialties steering wheel w/ididit tilt steering column Vintage Air Products A/C Electric Lite power windows and door locks Stereo w/CD, 10-disc DVD changer, and 10-disc CD changerWheels & Tires
HRE wheels: 19x9 front, 20x11 rear Michelin Pilot sport tires: 235/35ZR19 front, 325/35ZR20 rearBrakes
ABS power w/Electric Master Front: Baer 13-inch track system, PBR 2 piston aluminum Rear: Baer 13-inch track system, PBR 1 piston aluminum Vented air ducts to brakesSteering
Total Control Power rack-and-pinion Bumpsteer adjustable tie rodsExhaust
Lemons headers Dual 2.5-inch exhaust w/H-pipe 2.5 inch aluminum side pipe exhaust system w/tipsCowboy Mustang
Total Performance's Pit Viper Mustangs are custom built for power, speed, and overall performance that puts the limited edition muscle cars in a league of their own. The same characteristics can be used to describe professional athletes, especially those who suit up in the NFL.
It was that connection that attracted Terence Newman of the Dallas Cowboys to Pit Viper No. 002. The Pro Bowl cornerback admits that he wasn't in the market for a '67 Mustang, but he couldn't keep his eyes off the metallic charcoal gray Pit Viper inside J. Andretti Motors in Dallas, where the car was on display.
"I saw it and instantly fell in love," Terence says. "Within minutes I was on the phone with Brook Phillips to discuss the details of the car."
Brook, a former defensive end at Oklahoma State University and Utah State University, quickly hit it off with Terence and was in Dallas in less than 24 hours to get his new prospect behind the wheel of No. 002.
"Terence was enamored with the beefy build of the Pit Viper and the attention to detail," says Brook. "He liked it even more when we took it for a drive. For once, people were staring and pointing at the car instead of him."