Tony Tabacchi of Albuquerque, New Mexico, really caught us off guard with his Mustang, which appeared to be a Bullitt. However, as we ventured further into his collection of photos we realized there was more to the story than just Highland Green paint. Tony bought the white '99 V-6 automatic at a Phoenix auction as a wreck for $2,000. Instead of just repairing the "slight ow-ee," Tony set out to build the car he'd wanted since seeing a new Bullitt (Tony and Publisher Shiver also remember when the original Bullitt movie came out). Teaming up with a friend who works in the parts department at Don Chalmer's Ford in ABQ, Tony got his hands on all the unique Bullitt trim items to make the car as close to the real thing as possible.
For power, he almost dropped in a 514 crate engine, but he quickly came to his senses and opted for a fresh '92 5.0 engine with the matching T5 transmission. He also bolted on a Vortech S-Trim supercharger with aftercooler and used a complete 8.8 rear stuffed with an Auburn differential, 3.55 gears, and Moser 31-spline axles. He added Bullitt brakes and wheels, Steeda springs, and a factory Bullitt after-cat to complete the look. Tony did all the work on the car, even spraying $1,600 worth of Glasurit two-stage paint. He also transferred a Bullitt instrument cluster and added a Mach 460 stereo with the six-disc CD changer. The car makes upward of 358 hp, but Tony has yet to install the Holley SysteMAX intake, GT-40X heads, and a few other goodies sitting in the garage.
Power Drink
One of our favorite drinks around the 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords offices is Mountain Dew Code Red. It gives us just the right amount of kick for getting to the track on time. Well, Bob Shumaker of Markle, Indiana, has his own code-red recipe-his '95 GT sports both a Ford Racing Performance Parts/Powerdyne 9-pound supercharger and an Edelbrock nitrous kit. In addition to the twin power adders, the GT also boasts FRPP GT-40X heads and a GT-40 intake, a Pro-M 77mm mass air meter, 30-lb/hr injectors, a Lunati camshaft, a Crane ignition, FRPP headers, a Bassani X-pipe and after-cat exhaust, a B&M Ripper shifter, 3.55 gears, chrome Bullitt wheels, and Nitto treads. On the outside, Bob added a Cervini's Cobra R hood. The killer paint scheme was applied by Cook's Body Shop with Sunshine Design handling the airbrush. Bob's GT makes 385 hp without the juice, but when he squeezes it the power jumps to 465 at the wheels. Just imagine if you could bottle that up and sell it. Bob says his code red enjoys a steady diet of Camaros, Trans Ams, Corvettes, and an occasional snake.
Jenny from the Club
Jennifer Galloway of Bourbonnais, Illinois, outfitted her GT with components from some big-name aftermarket manufacturers. Beginning with a Vortech S-Trim supercharger, she also added Kenny Brown Super Subs and adjustable upper and lower control arms, Eibach Pro-Kit springs, a Bassani X-pipe, a Borla Cat-Back, and Saleen ground effects with Speedline 18-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero treads. All the mods on the car were performed by Street Stuff in Addison, Illinois, Case Auto Body in Bradley, Illinois, and by Jennifer with help from her stepdad. Jennifer is a member of the Freaky Street Racing club.