Slideshow: '88 Fox Body Mustang Built From the Heart

Precise execution of a simple formula

Cars should be built from the heart and there is no better example than Matt Farah's 1988 Notchback Mustang. Matt Farah is well-known among the online car community for his work in automotive journalism and specifically for The Smoking Tire Youtube Channel. After canyon carving with over 600 modified cars solicited from car enthusiasts in the United States, Matt Farah undertook the journey of building his own version of the ideal canyon carver. 

Ever since high school, Matt has always wanted a Foxbody Mustang and he was fortunate enough to stumble upon an SSP Notchback Mustang that was an ex-San Diego Highway Patrol car. Read on to find out how Matt turned a nearly stock notchback Mustang into one of the most recognizable Foxbody builds of all time. 

Widebody foxbody!

The most polarizing exterior feature of Matt's Mustang is the custom carbon-fiber over fenders that contribute to the menacing look Matt was going for. The car underwent minor bodywork to make it straight again where it was also given a new lick of paint. The overall look is simple but functional! 

>>Join the conversation about the Matt Farah's Foxbody right here in The Mustang Source.

Tried and true crate engine!

Although you might expect a Coyote swap or an LSX build, Matt Farah retained the pushrod Small Block Ford to power his canyon carver. Luckily, the car came with a brand new Ford Racing 302R crate engine that pushes over 350hp along with a new T5 transmission and Centerforce Clutch. 

>>Join the conversation about the Matt Farah's Foxbody right here in The Mustang Source.

Wheels worth as much as the car itself!

Matt's close relationship with HRE Wheels landed him with one of the most unique and valuable wheels made to fit a Foxbody Mustang. The Mustang utilizes a square 18x10.5 wheel setup with 295/30/18 tires all around. The brakes are straight off of a Terminator Mustang and upgraded with slotted rotors and Hawk HP pads.

Another extremely unique feature of Matt's Mustang is the Independent Rear Suspension from a 03-04 Cobra. This suspension setup is basically bolt-in and makes the Mustang infinitely more confidence inspiring over bumpy roads. The entire suspension has been gone through with a plethora Maximum Motorsports components and custom Bilstein shocks. 

>>Join the conversation about the Matt Farah's Foxbody right here in The Mustang Source.

Classic American Design with European accents

The interior is extremely well-executed with Autometer gauges, Momo steering wheel, and Sabelt Harnesses. Matt raves about his Recaro Profi XL seats and custom plaid interior accents by Modern Fabrics. Surprisingly, some OEM Mercedes parts made it into the interior including a G-class cup holder and a 280SL center console. 

>>Join the conversation about the Matt Farah's Foxbody right here in The Mustang Source.

The ultimate foxbody?

Even with the finest parts, any project build takes hours of driving, breaking, and fixing to make it perfectly sorted. Matt claims he had to address issues with the headers, poor idle, over-heating, over-cooling, distributor failure etc. After spending much more money than he anticipated and facing months of trouble, Matt finally built his dream Mustang which was all rooted in his heart's desire to have a Foxbody during high school! 

>>Join the conversation about the Matt Farah's Foxbody right here in The Mustang Source.

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