THE SN65 PROJECT
1965
FORD SVT MUSTANG COBRA
SN65
(es-en-siks-ti-fiv), n., a car, comprised of 1965 Mustang
fastback styling, and propelled by 2003 SVT Cobra technology,
and meant for traveling on streets, roads, highways, race tracks
and road courses

Introducing the
SN65
Project
The worlds only 1965 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra
You enter the show and are amazed by the cars on display. As
you walk the floor, a flash of yellow catches your eye. You
turn around and see what, at first glance, looks like a
tastefully modified 65 fastback. You recognize the clean
classic lines, but somehow, this car is different. You can’t
put your finger on it, so you come for a closer look. What you
find is something unique.
As you casually look over the car you immediately notice the
Flawless bodywork lovingly enveloped with 05 Ford Mustang
Screaming Yellow paint. The car looks different, but you can’t
quite put your finger on it. As you walk around the car, you
are struck by the stance. The car is low, aggressive, and
almost sinister in appearance. More and more details start to
register. The flared fenders and quarter panels. The subtle
air intake located in the lower valance. The shaved drip
rails. Etc...
Interesting…
As you direct your attention to the engine bay you expect to
see the typical 302 or 351. Instead you find a blown 4.6 Cobra
engine with updated mechanical and electrical systems throughout
(including AC, hydro-boost power steering and breaks, ABS,
traction control, etc…). As you closely examine the engine bay
you can’t help but notice how clean the installation is. All
the wiring harnesses and plumbing runs look as if they were
fabricated and installed at the factory. Also, you notice that
the car still has shock towers, but they are different than
those found in your typical 65 and these are toped by caster
camber plates usually found on MacPherson strut front
suspensions.
Fascinating…
Your curiosity gets the best of you and you look under the
car. There you see the rack and pinion system as well as the
independent rear suspension, dual exhaust with catalytic
converters, 03 gas tank, etc... As you cast your eyes from
front to back you realize that the entire car (at least from
underneath that is) looks just like a brand new 03 Cobra.
Looking to the interior you find a beautiful blend of the
past and the present. The 65 doors and rear surround have been
painted and upholstered to match the color and texture of the 03
cobra dash and center console. All the current safety features
(air bags, etc…) and electronics have been retained. As with
the rest of the car, everything looks as if it were fabricated
and installed at the factory.
Your mind races as you start to soak it all in. What the???
How did they???
What have we
done?
What we have done is taken a slightly different approach to
“rest-o-moding”.
The current trend is to update a classic car with as much of
today’s technology as possible. After all, who doesn’t love
driving a classic that has been updated with all the comforts
and conveniences today’s technology can offer.
For this particular project, we
wanted to "transplant" every last mechanical and electrical
function found in an 03 Cobra into a 1965 Mustang fastback.
We feel, as many, that the 2003 Cobra Terminator was the most
technologically advanced Mustang ever produced. And that
the 1965 Mustang fastback is one of, if not the finest example
of automotive styling ever to roll off a Michigan assembly line.
So, in our way of thinking, transplanting the heart and soul of
the 03 terminator into a 65 fastback would result in the
ultimate Mustang. The Mustang of our dreams. But,
how do you seamlessly integrate every last electrical and
mechanical system, of two cars manufactured 40 years apart, into
one?
We gave a lot of consideration to a number of different
plans, but ultimately, we decided that the best way solve these issues was to
reverse the process as most tend to approach it. To achieve our
goal we have taken a 03 Cobra and peeled away the uni-body
structure all the way down to the inner rocker panels, leaving
us with a rolling SN95 chassis. Then we took a 65 fastback and
completely removed all the uni-body structure between the rocker
panels and dropped the entire body over the 03 Cobra chassis.
While this took a great deal of up front engineering and
planning, the result is without-a-doubt breathtaking (at least
from our perspective). In effect, we were able to engineer
a totally unique uni-body and created a car that is
a perfect mix of SVT Cobra and 65 fastback.
Along with the looks comes a car that performs better than
either of the donor cars ever could individually. Modifications
to the chassis, suspension and drivetrain make for a formidable
road car. One that out performs many of the exotic sports cars
produced today. One of the benefits of the 65 profile is that
stretching the SN95 chassis 7” not only improves the
performance, but also vastly improves ride quality.
To truly appreciate this project you really need to see it in
person. Or better yet, you need to take it for a ride.
Contact Julian's today and schedule a test drive. You will
be happy you did.
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AN
ENGINE THAT BREATHS DEEPLY DURING A RUSH TO THE
REDLINE. A CHASSIS THAT BALANCES POISE WITH
PREDICTABILITY. SN65 COMBINES THESE VIRTUES WITH
FINESSE, IN A VEHICLE THAT DELIVERS AN EXHILERATING
DRIVING EXPERIANCE |
|
ENGINE |
|
Configuration |
Longitudinally mounted, 90-degree V8, cast iron block
with aluminum heads, fully counterweighted forged
crankshaft |
|
Bore x
Stroke |
90.2mm x
90.0mm |
|
Displacement |
4,601
cc; 280 cu. In. |
|
Compression ratio |
8.5:1 |
|
Horsepower |
640 @
6,000 rpm |
|
Torque |
624 @
3,500 rpm |
|
Specific
output |
139.13
horsepower per liter |
|
Redline |
6,500
rpm (fuel shut-off occurs at 6,500 rpm) |
|
Valvetrain |
Double
overhead camshafts, chain drive to exhaust cams,
secondary chains from exhaust to intake cams, roller
finger followers with hydraulic lash adjustment, oval
wire beehive-shaped valve springs, four valves per
cylinder |
|
Intake
valves |
2 per
cylinder, 37mm head diameter |
|
Exhaust
valves |
2 per
cylinder, 30mm head diameter |
|
Ignition
system |
Distributorless coil-on-plug |
|
Fuel
system |
Sequential electronic fuel injection |
|
Induction system |
Eaton
Corporation Generation IV Roots-type supercharger with
water to air intercooler |
|
Boost
pressure |
8.0 psi
maximum |
|
Intake
manifold |
Cast
aluminum, tuned equal length runners |
|
Throttle
body |
90mm
single bore |
|
Mass-air
sensor |
90mm
diameter |
|
Exhaust
manifolds |
Cast
iron |
|
Exhaust
system |
Dual,
stainless steel, 2.5-inch diameter with polished exhaust
tips |
|
Drivetrain |
|
Rear
axle |
8.8-in.
ring gear with 3.55:1 limited-slip differential,
aluminum case |
|
Driveshaft |
Aluminum, with hardened yoke and U-joints |
|
Transmission |
TTC T-56
6 speed manual |
|
Clutch |
Centerforce |
|
Half-Shafts |
31-spline with increased capacity |
|
Gear |
Ratio |
|
1st |
2.66 |
|
2nd |
1.78 |
|
3rd |
1.30 |
|
4th |
1.00 |
|
5th |
0.80 |
|
6th |
0.63 |
|
Reverse |
2.90 |
|
Final
drive |
3.55 |
|
SUSPENSION |
|
Front |
Modified
MacPherson strut system with gas-charged Bilstein
monotube dampers and separate 600 lb./in. coil over
springs, 29mm tubular stabilizer bar, optional Maximum
Motorsports upgrade |
|
Rear |
Multi-link independent system, cast iron upper
control arm, aluminum lower control arm, fixed
toe-control tie rod, aluminum spindle, gas-charged
Bilstein monotube dampers with 600 lb./in. coil springs,
26mm tubular stabilizer bar, optional Maximum Motorsport
upgrade |
|
|
STEERING |
|
Type |
Rack and pinion, power assist |
|
Gear
ratio |
15.0:1 |
|
Turns,
lock-to-lock |
2.5 |
|
Turning
diameter |
41.7 |
|
BRAKES |
|
Front |
13.0 in.
(330mm) vented Brambo disc, PBR twin piston caliper |
|
Rear |
11.65
in. (296mm) vented disc, single piston caliper |
|
ABS |
Four-channel, four-sensor system |
|
WHEELS & TIRES |
|
Wheels |
17 x 8.5
in. front, 17 x 9.5 in. rear, 5 spoke, cast
aluminum-alloy, machined surface, exposed lugs, optional
18 in. Forged 3 piece, polished Forgeline Comp wheels |
|
Tires |
Goodyear
Eagle F1, Optional Toyo T1-R |
|
DIMENSIONS, CAPACITIES |
|
Wheelbase |
108 in. |
|
Length |
181.6 |
|
Height |
49 in. |
|
Width |
61.3 in. |
|
Track,
f/r |
58.8 in.
/ 60.3 in. |
|
Head
room |
38.1 in. |
|
Leg room |
41.8 |
|
Curb
weight |
3,620
lb. |
|
Fuel
Capacity |
15.7
gallons (59.4 liters) |
|
Weight
dist. f/r |
55.5% /
44.5% |
|
COLOR & TRIM |
|
Exterior |
Screaming Yellow |
|
Interior |
Dark
Charcoal with Medium Graphite Accents |
|
SN65 INCLUDES |
|
·
Driver
and passenger airbags. Always wear your safety
belt. |
|
·
Independent rear suspension (IRS) |
|
·
Anti-lock break system |
|
·
SecuriLock passive anti-theft system |
|
·
Articulated sport seats |
|
·
Tilt
Steering wheel |
|
·
Kenwood
stereo |
|
·
Power
Equipment Group: Power side windows, power door locks,
power deck lid release |
|
·
Air
conditioning |
|
·
Speed
control |
|
·
Front
floor mats |
|
·
Dual
illuminated visor mirrors |
|
·
Remote
keyless illuminated entry |
|
OPTIONS |
|
·
Maximum
Motorsports tuned suspension system
1.
MacPherson strut front suspension featuring custom
offset tubular lower control arms with delron bushings
and 350 lb./in. coil over springs
2.
IRS rear
suspension featuring factory upper and lower control
arms fit with delron bushings and 525 lb./in. coil over
springs, aluminum differential bushings with adjustable
pinion angle |
|
·
Mystachrome Appearance Package Includes
MystaChrome color-shifting paint; color shifting leather
interior trim (seat inserts and steering wheel); and
polished wheels |
|
·
18”
Forgeline 3 piece polished comp wheels |
|
·
Rear
spoiler |
|
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Click Here to see all the products and services we offer on
our on-line store.
Click here to see the IO&M manuals for
our products.
Ford Racing Performance Parts
For create engines, engine blocks and assembly components,
suspension, electrical, etc... Ford racing is always my
first choice. They have the knowledge and expertise to
make any project car a success.
DSS Racing
These engine building experts know all the ins and outs of
building reliable high performance Ford engines. If
you are in need of a state of the art, high performance Ford
engine, built to the highest quality standards, these are
your guys.
Bowler
Performance Transmissions
If you are looking for a transmission for your project car,
look no further than Bowler. They know the ins and
outs of transmissions like no other. Before making any
decision on a trans call Bowler. You will be happy you
did.
HTP Welding
We have been using their welding and plasma equipment in the
shop for quite a while. They are a quality product
that we have found them to be rugged and very reliable.
We recommend them highly. If you are looking for
welding equipment for your shop or home check out the line
of equipment offered by HTP.
Whipple Superchargers
Quality, durability, performance and style all played a
part in choosing Whipple as a supplier. Those things
combined with their customer service and the fact that Ford
uses them as a supplier made them the obvious choice for the
SN65 project.
MagnaFlow
We chose them as a supplier because of their sound, but we
have been blown away by their quality and ease of
installation. If you like the sound as I do, you
cannot go wrong with their products.
CenterForce
They are the first name I think of when the topic of clutches
come up. The product we are using on this project is
new, so we cannot comment on the quality as of yet, but I
have never been disappointed in the past.
Toyo
We were referred to Toyo by a racing friend of ours and are we
ever grateful. We have tried two different versions of
the Toyo Proxies and these tires grip like no other tire we
have ever used. I have recommended them to a few
friends and they all say the same thing. These tires
are the best they ever mounted to a set of rims.
NPD
They have always been my choice for early mustang restoration
parts. They offer competitive prices, friendly staff
and fast delivery.
Riggs Brothers
We have used custom upholstery shops in the past, but none can
compare to Riggs Brothers. The attention to detail and
the quality of the work is beyond compare. If you need
upholstery work of any kind (marine, automotive, etc...) and
you want it done right call on Riggs Brothers.
Forgeline
When we first realized that the stock 03 Cobra rims were not
going to give us the final fit we desired, we scoured the
net for alternatives. Nothing that was available as a
"stock" rim was going to solve our particular wheel fitment
issues. When Forgeline heard that we were having
troubles, they stepped up with the best possible solution.
Doug is great to work with and their product is exceptional.
If you are looking for a custom set of wheels to solve any
type of issue, give them a call.
Speed Inc &
Kurgan Motor
Sports
The fellows at Speed Inc really helped us out when we were in
a pinch. We needed dyno time and they bent over
backwards to help us out. On top of that, the tune on
the car is fantastic. Bob Kurgan did the tune and I really
could not ask for more. Excellent attention to detail
and they work hard to achieve your personal goals. If you are in the Chicago area
and need your late model Stang tuned, these are the guys to
go to.
The Color Shop
The Color Shop is our major supplier of auto body supplies.
We cannot recommend them highly enough. If you need
it, they have it. There service and expertise are both
exceptional. If you need auto body supplies, go to The
Color Shop. You will be happy you did. (708) 547 -0855
3M
3M's automotive aftermarket division offers a complete line of
products covering frame and body repair, paint preparation
and everything in between. We use all their masking,
sanding, plastic repair and paint protection products in our
shop. Quality products at a reasonable price.
PPG
As far as we are concerned, there is only one paint system
worth using and that is PPG. They offer everything
from factory correct paint systems to full out custom paint
products. For those looking for something a bit
different, look at their "Hot Wheels, Spectraflame and
Vibrance" series paints.
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