TONY ARME FERRARI-ENGINED 1968 MUSTANG
Cross-brand engine swaps are a common feature of SEMA builds – Chevy LS motors turn up in the most unexpected places. An even more radical transplant graces Tony Arme’s Mustang engine bay. No strained Ford v Ferrari polarity for him as a twin-turbo Ferrari 4.3litre F136 V8 powers the Corruptt Mustang. This build is by American Legends, out of Phoenix, Arizona.
More commonly known as the Ferrari-Maserati engine, the 90° V8 engine was jointly developed by the two manufacturers. Depending on the application, displacement varied between 4.2-litres and 4.7-litres with power output between 385 and 600bhp. All versions incorporate dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and four valves per cylinder. Maserati and Alfa Romeo versions have cross-plane crankshafts, Ferrari versions are flat-plane. This modified version has been fitted with two Nelson Racing T4 turbos to boot!
From a distance, the body proportions of this 14-year stop-start project appear original until closer examination reveals a 2.5in roof chop with corresponding changes to the roof pillar and windshield angles which are ‘laid-back’ to accommodate the change. Roof drip rails are shaved, and the car is longer by 3in at the rear while the front overhang is shorter by the same amount. Engine management is by a bespoke MS3Pro ECU and the entire car, engine, airsuspension and auxiliary circuits are all iPad controlled.