Beginning in 1986, the late-model, fuel-injected Mustang represented the new performance icon on the block. Since that time, it has dominated the speed equipment market, and remains the most tweaked and massaged machine America has ever produced. Yet, right when it seems like we have seen it all, a new rendition suddenly appears.
Say hello to the Shadrach Mustang.
If names like The Georgia Shaker, Hubert Platt, and Mr. Big Stuff, Randy Payne, ring familiar in your belfry, there's good reason. They represent the life-blood of this particular project.
Forward motion is the driving...
Forward motion is the driving theme of these cars, so their visual impact was not overlooked. The bodywork and graphics on these cars have captured that coveted but evasive attribute of making the car look like it's going 100 mph even when standing still. The car's suspension technology is converted to traction, handling, and style with custom, 20-inch Weld Racing wheels and Pirelli tires, measuring 255/35 in front and 315/35 out back.
Hubert's blue Mustangs and Falcons thrilled spectators and competitors alike in the match-race circuit during the '60s and early '70s. We have personally seen him run low 10s at 130 mph on a damp track at Quaker City Dragway in East Salem, Ohio, back in the mid-'60s.
Naturally, Randy wasn't keen on following anybody. His race record proves that. He won every event in his class while racing for Ford, including the first sanctioned drag race held in Canada. He even won three nights in Super Stock at Daytona Beach.
But both of these competitors are true Ford-blue friends. It's no wonder someone felt the need to create a tribute for their contributions to the sport. That someone is longtime ARCA/NASCAR car-builder, racer, team owner, and fellow Georgian Mike Langston.
Mike wondered what the consummate Ford performance Mustang would look like if Platt and Payne were still building such a beast. It should be completely race ready regardless of the track, able to stun onlookers in a single bound, then capable of being driven home and locked up in the barn for a peaceful nights sleep. Mike says the Shadrach name came from a biblical reference regarding Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego.
Brembo 14-inchers up front...
Brembo 14-inchers up front and 13s on the back end whoa these ponies with authority. A six-speed G-force manual transmission with an aluminum flywheel and Ram clutch assembly are the last things the horsepower remembers as it's sent to a custom 9-inch Ford rearend utilizing Strange axles.
Mike's company is Pure Power Motorsports [(404) 964-7396; www.shadrachmustang.com] where they design, develop, and manage the creation of custom cars for the discerning car buyer, and industry unique custom automotive programs for automobile dealers and individuals wanting their own branded custom-car creations. The Shadrach Mustang program is a perfect example of the their expertise in producing muscle cars.
Except for the Boss 429 version (see sidebar), the Platt and Payne Shadrach tribute cars evolve from Ford's modern Three-Valve mod engines and offer the potential for 700-plus horsepower with a blower, and 900-plus horsepower with twin turbos. In fact, the only original components that remain basically unchanged when the complete option list is put into play are the basic body shell, dash with gauge cluster and the rear seats. But even those are reupholstered to match the new Recaros in the front.
Development began with the Shadrach Mustang suspension system. It had to represent state-of-the-science design because of the power demands that would be such a big part of the overall equation. Since Mike just happened to be a professional racing suspension guru, he tackled this portion of the project with gusto, and incorporated numerous engineering strategies learned over the years in the intensified environment of professional racing.
The third dimension of the...
The third dimension of the Shadrach Mustang is the interior. In a market segment crowded with contenders, this one offers a virtual rebirth of the Mustang interior. The only original components left basically unchanged are the dash, gauge cluster and rear seats. But even those rear seats are reupholstered to match the new Recaros up front.
Mike's suspension formula calls for Ohlin front struts and rear shocks. These units offer double adjustability and control Hyperco springs. AJE tubular lower control arms and an adjustable Panhard bar operate with adjustable sway bars and an X-Brace subframe stiffener.
These cars utilize the bedrock theory to ensure strength and long-life. But this bedrock is comprised of Manley racing pistons, Manley H-beam connecting rods, a forged-steel crank, ported aluminum heads with three-angle valve job, and ARP fasteners. Every other engine component was selected for its inherent strength and inclination to laugh at abuse. Be Cool radiators, Metco pulleys, SFI dampers, twin Precision turbos and twin aluminum air-water-air intercoolers in conjunction with an oversized AFCO heat exchanger set the stage. The blown version utilizes a Whipple twin-screw supercharger and a 5-inch aluminum intercooler. SPO was tapped for stainless steel exhaust components.
Exterior design for all three cars is aggressive and distinct. Front and rear fascias are restyled specifically for these models. A front carbon-fiber air splitter leads the way for upper and lower billet grilles, front brake-cooling ducts, fender flares, and side exhaust skirts. Quarter window scoops and trim-line side-view mirrors further improve aerodynamic continuity. Rear air diffusers and a Pro Stock rear wing round out, or smooth out, the visual tricks. Magnum Collision Repair Center takes credit for the incredible paintwork on these machines.
With the unique paint and bodywork of the Platt & Payne 'Stang, odds are you won't see yourself on the other side of the road. It's more likely you'll see plenty of competitors in your rear-view mirror-just like Hubert and Randy did.
The Boss Option
The newest addition to the Shadrach program is a Signature Edition Boss 429 drivetrain option. To maintain this particular machine's exclusivity, only seven examples of "The Boss" Signature Edition will be built on a first-come, first-serve basis. For those not lucky to get one of these seven fully optioned "The Boss" Shadrach Mustangs, Pure Power Motorsports offers all the components for the discriminating enthusiast to option their own "Shadrach," and have it built by either Pure Power Motorsports or an assembler of their choice.
This Boss 429 offering is methodically designed around a complete plug-in package. Included is the required bracketry to allow all standard factory accessories to operate correctly, making this system the only one of its kind in the industry. Depending on the customer's desires, the Boss 429 can be configured to displace 600 to 900 ci, with power ratings ranging from 800 to over 1,500 hp. These fabulous examples of civil disobedience come with a three-month, 3,000-mile warranty.
Hubert Platt (left) and Randy...
Hubert Platt (left) and Randy Payne stand proudly with the car they inspired.
Ford 4.6 aluminum block
Bore 3.552 in
Stroke 3.543 in
Displacement 281 cid
Crankshaft Ford Racing Performance Parts forged
Rods Manley H-beam
Pistons Manley forged
Camshafts Stock
Heads Ford ported and polished aluminum with three-angle valve job
Intake Kinsler eight-stack
Power Adder Twin Precision turbos
Wastegates Tial, low boost, 11 psi; high boost, 19 psi
Blow-off Valves Tial
Throttle Body Kinsler
Injectors Primary: Ford 28-lb/hr Secondary: Bosch 65-lb/hr
Fuel Pump FRPP
Headers Pure Power Motorsports custom w/1 3/4-inch primaries
Exhaust SPO stainless steel
Transmission G-Force six-speed
Rearend Ford 9-inch with Strange axles
Electronics
Engine Management DiabloSport Predator
Ignition Ford ECU with Diablo tune
Gauges Defi Heads-up gauge display
"Imposing detail" is the best...
"Imposing detail" is the best phrase to describe under the hood of these Shadrach Mustangs. The Three-Valve mod-motor simply reeks of it. It's easy to see that aesthetic packaging was just as important as in-your-face power to the design philosophy of these machines.
Hyperco
Struts Ohlin double-adjustable
Brakes Brembo 14-inch
Wheels 20x9 PPM custom Weld Racing
Tires Pirelli P-Zero 255/35R
Rear Suspension
Springs Hyperco
Shocks Ohlin double-adjustable
Control Arms AJE tubular
Brakes Brembo 13-inch
Wheels 20x12 PPM Weld Racing
Tires Pirelli P-Zero 315/35R