2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R - Icing On The Snake

In fact, as we write this story, the car is undergoing yet another phase in the quest for big power. An upgraded turbo unit is in the works, as is an air-to-air intercooler, a larger air meter, and larger fuel injectors. The engine is apart so compression can be dropped from the stock 9.6:1 ratio via a set of custom JE pistons (allowing for more boost). The heads will be massaged by Bud Yancer at Mach Development. Coordinating all this will clearly require some electronic tuning wizardry, but the result should be a real thrill ride.

Ray plans to frequently enjoy the car at various Phoenix-area venues-primarily road-course in nature-but there will be the occasional run through the 1,320. Leaning on the rare R in such a manner is really a reflection of the "regular Joe" enthusiast makeup Ray represents. Being a city bus mechanic by trade, he didn't rely on unlimited resources to acquire his ultimate steed, nor does he find enjoyment or value in a museum-style shrine to the almighty factory racer. Instead, Ray gets his kicks by putting the R-model through its paces-a point of view we heartily endorse. After all, don't you figure that's what SVT had in mind from the beginning?