1987 Ford Mustang LX Notch Restomod
FEATURED BY HOT ROD AND FORD AUTHORITY!
HIGHLIGHTS:
This 1987 Ford Mustang LX Notchback is a masterclass in the "built, not bought" philosophy, having undergone a comprehensive mechanical refresh and performance transformation from its humble beginnings as a factory non-A/C, Sand Beige survivor. At its core is a dyno-tuned powertrain pushing a verified 401 horsepower to the wheels via a 347ci stroker V8, a crisp new Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission, and a fully rebuilt Ford 8.8 rear end. This is a street-focused weapon that balances brute American force with sophisticated modern upgrades, including a full 2003-2004 Cobra brake conversion and an extensively dialed-in suspension system. Every system on this car,from the limited-slip differential to the ceramic-coated headers, has been addressed with quality components to create a turn-key Foxbody that backs up its aggressive aesthetic with serious performance.
BODY OVERVIEW:
The body on this Fox is beautifully straight! The lightweight notchback chassis has been brought down to its roots, and built from the bottom up, benefiting from significant structural and performance enhancements. It features an aftermarket K-member and a Stifflers driveshaft safety loop, providing both weight savings and peace of mind during high-performance driving. A Makers Garage front ABS splitter has been custom-fitted to the front fascia, while the rear is anchored by a Ford Performance axle girdle. But wait, there's more! Strut tower bars are installed both front and rear for added chassis stiffness. The car sits with a perfect stance on tasteful 18-inch BBS RK wheels finished in bronze, which are wrapped in brand-new BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus ultra-high-performance tires.
PAINT CONDITION OVERVIEW:
Originally finished in Sand Beige (paint code 8L), this Mustang has received a professional level of cosmetic care to match its mechanical prowess. The exterior has undergone a full paint correction and professional detail to ensure the finish pops under any lighting. To preserve this labor-intensive work, a high-grade ceramic coating has been applied to all trim, glass, mirrors, lights, and even the bronze BBS wheels. While it maintains its Foxbody heritage, the tasteful exterior modifications give it a modern-classic appearance that demands attention at any show or stoplight.
INTERIOR CONDITION OVERVIEW:
The cabin has been reimagined as a driver-focused command center, blending racing utility with modern amenities. You are held firmly in place by Corbeau racing seats paired with a multi-point harness system and a dedicated harness bar. Tactile upgrades abound, including a 350mm Monte Carlo Alcantara steering wheel and a suite of Cerakote-finished bronze billet parts, from the Steeda shift knob and A/C knobs to the pedal covers. Entertainment is handled by a Kenwood Excelon digital media receiver with Bluetooth, while reliability is bolstered by NOS OEM Ford headlight and multi-function switches.
MECHANICAL OVERVIEW:
The mechanical specification of this build is exhaustive, headlined by a short block equipped with forged internals, Comp Cams Ultra Gold roller rockers, an ATI Super Damper, and an Edelbrock high-volume water pump. The new Tremec TKX transmission features a McLeod Street Pro clutch and a Hanlon Motorsports short-throw shifter for lightning-fast gear changes. The 8.8-inch rear end has been fully rebuilt with 3.73 gears, 31-spline Yukon axles, and a Traction-Lok limited-slip differential. Exhaust notes are orchestrated by BBK ceramic-coated long-tube headers leading into a Bassani stainless steel cat-back system, providing a deep, aggressive tone.
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS CAR:
You will love the uncompromising nature of a build where "no shortcuts" was the golden rule. The 401-wheel-horsepower output transforms the lightweight Foxbody chassis into a legitimate modern performance contender, while the 2003-2004 Cobra brakes provide the stopping power necessary to reel it all back in. The inclusion of a 160-degree thermostat, a high-volume water pump, and a Contour electric fan kit ensures the car remains cool even when pushed. Furthermore, the custom LED under-car and under-hood lighting kits, controllable via smartphone app, provide a unique flair for evening meets.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HATE ABOUT THIS CAR:
If you are looking for a plush, quiet commuter, the combination of racing harnesses, Alcantara surfaces, and a high-performance exhaust might be a bit too visceral for your daily drive. Some buyers may prefer a vehicle with A/C, but we all know that when it comes to true performance, luxury always takes a back seat!
DOES IT NEED ANYTHING?
Mechanically, this car is a turn-key "ready to rip" street machine. The primary tasks remaining are largely elective or cosmetic: the new black "Ford" emblems and Makers Garage pinch weld covers are included but have not yet been installed. To make the car truly all-weather comfortable, the air conditioning system requires completion.
WHAT BUYER IS LOOKING FOR THIS CAR?
This Mustang is for the enthusiast who demands a Foxbody with a pedigree of quality parts and documented professional tuning. It is perfect for the buyer who wants to bypass the years of headaches associated with a project car and jump straight into a high-horsepower, reliable restomod. Whether you are looking for a weekend canyon carver, a high-end show car, or a platform for the occasional drag strip visit, this Sand Beige sleeper offers the perfect blend of 80s nostalgia and 21st-century performance.
UPGRADE/MOD/REPAIRS/PARTS LIST:
Engine
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Core: R & R Short Block, Aftermarket K-Member, Motor Mounts (Grind tabs for K-member), Energy Suspension Engine Mounts, ARP Motor Mount to Block Bolts.
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Valvetrain & Timing: Comp Cam Ultra Gold Rockers (1.6/7/16), Adj Roller Rockers, ARP Camshaft Bolt & Thrust Plate Retainer Bolts, Ford Performance Double Roller Timing Chain Kit, Ford Timing Pointer.
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Fuel & Air: New Fuel Filter & Mounting Bracket, Clean/Replace Air Filter (In Passenger Fender), JLT Replacement Air Filter (3.5" x 8"), SVE -6AN Fuel Pump Hanger Conversion Kit, Fuel Rail to Lower Intake Bolts.
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Ignition & Electrical: New Distributor Cap (Black MSD), Spark Plugs & Wires (Davis Unified Live Wire), Billet Wire Separators, SVE Billet Aluminum Distributor Hold Down, Screamin' Demon Ignition Coil, New Ford Performance High Torque Mini Starter, New Starter Wiring/Brackets/Relay, Rebuilt A9L ECU, Under-hood Red LED.
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Cooling: Flush Radiator, Radiator Drain Cock & Cap, Ford Electric Contour Fan Assembly & Bracket Kit, 160 Degree Thermostat & Housing Hardware, New Heater Hose & Clamp Kit, Motorcraft Upper/Lower Radiator Hoses, "Cobra Style" Heater Tube Assembly, 382132S2 Fan Clutch to Water Pump Bolts.
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Oiling: New Oil Pump & ARP Bolt Kit, ARP Oil Pump Driveshaft, Canton Stock Appearance Drag Race Oil Pan (Black 5.0), Canton Universal Steel Dipstick Tube, Oil Catch Can, Oil Pan Reinforcement Rails, 1-Piece Engine Oil Pan Gasket, Schaeffer 20W50 Racing Oil, Auto Meter Oil Pressure Sender.
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Belts & Accessories: New Serpentine Belt, Steeda Billet Idler Pulley, Black Underdrive Pulley, ATI Super Damper (28 oz), Edelbrock High Volume Water Pump (Black), Power Steering Pump Retaining Bolts.
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Seals & Hardware: Ford Performance Complete Engine Gasket Set, Front & Rear Main Seals, ARP Stainless Steel Header Bolts, ARP SS Valve Cover Bolts, ARP Water Pump Bolts & Studs, ARP 12 Point Head Bolt Adapters.
Drivetrain
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Transmission: New Tremec TKX 5-Speed (2.87/.68 Ratio), Tremec Manual Transmission Fluid, Hanlon Motorsports TKX Short Throw Shifter, Bellhousing Bolt Kit.
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Clutch: New McLeod Street Pro Clutch (86-98), New Pressure Plate & T.O. Bearing, Roller Pilot Bearing, Adj Clutch Quadrant Kit, ARP Flywheel & Pressure Plate Bolt Kits.
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Driveshaft: Ford Performance Aluminum Driveshaft, Stifflers Driveshaft Safety Loop, Driveshaft Bolt Kit.
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Rear End: Full Rebuild with 3:73 Gears, 31 Spline Ford Performance Traction-Lok Differential, Yukon 31 Spline Hardened Axles, Ford Performance Axle Girdle (Diff Cover), Rear Axle Housing Vent Hose Kit, Ford Performance Friction Modifier, Ring & Pinion Install Kit.
Braking
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System: Full 2003/04 Mustang Cobra Brake Conversion, Ford Performance Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Cap, Moroso Aluminum Brake Reservoir Cover, Motorcraft DOT 4 Fluid.
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Lines & Cables: New SS Brake Hard lines and Soft Lines, J&M Stainless Steel Hose Kits, SVE SS Rear Disc Conversion Plumbing Kit, New Front/Rear Parking Brake Cables, E-Brake Baer Cable Kit, E-Brake Handle Adjuster Lockout.
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Pads & Rotors: PowerStop Z17 Evolution Plus Ceramic Pads (Front & Rear), Raybestos R-300 Performance Rotors (13" Front, 11.625" Rear), Rubber Bleeder Caps.
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Hardware: New Front Brake Dust Shields & Rivets, Rear Upper Brake Hose Bracket, Parking Brake Cable Guide Brackets.
Suspension
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Setup: Coil-overs, Upper and Lower Control Bars (Arms), Aftermarket K-Member.
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Handling: Eibach Anti-Roll-Kit (Front & Rear), 36mm Front Swaybar & 25mm Rear Swaybar (Powder Coated Bronze), Steeda Lightweight Front Sway Bar Brackets, Stabilizer Link Bushings, Front & Rear Strut Tower Bars.
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Steering: New Power Steering Rack (LMR), MM Steering Shaft Assembly & Rack Bushings, Prothane Offset Steering Rack Bushings, New Power Steering Hoses (Pressure & Return), Power Steering Cooler Tube & Hardware, Power Steering Hose Bracket.
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Bushings & Hardware: Grease Ball Joints, Prothane Coil Spring Rear Isolators, QA1 Lower Control Arm Hardware Kit, Steering Rack Limiters.
Exterior
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Body & Aero: Makers Garage Front ABS Lip (Splitter), Makers Garage ABS Pinch Weld Covers, Ford Air Dam Deflector & Hardware, Restore Wiper Arms & New Wipers, Wiper Motor Cover, Adjustable Hood Bumpers.
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Lighting: LX Headlight Switch, Multi-Function Switch, 3rd Brake Light Harness, Reverse Light Harness, Flasher Relay, Diode Dynamics RGB LED Underglow Kit.
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Finishing: Full Paint Correction and Detail, Ceramic Coating (Trim, Glass, Mirrors, Lights), Black "Ford" Emblems, Bronze Billet Hangers, Powder Coat Battery Box Black.
Interior
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Seating & Safety: Corbeau Racing Seats, Corbeau Harness, Harness Bar, New Rear Seat Padding, Seat Track to Floor Pan Hardware for Subframe Connectors.
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Controls: MonteCarlo Alcantara Steering Wheel (350mm) with Adapter, Steeda 5-Speed Shift Knob, Steeda Shifter Bezel, Steeda Manual Pedal Covers, Steeda Steering Wheel Tilt Bar, Manual Door Lock Pulls, Billet Window Cranks, Steeda A/C Knob Set.
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Electronics: Kenwood Excelon Digital Media Receiver, Metra Stereo Dash Kit, Crutchfield Wiring Harness, NOS HVAC Damper Door Switch.
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Upholstery & Trim: Custom Interior (Seats, Door Panels, Boots), New Rear Deck Panel and Carpet, Interior Panel Hardware Kit, H3R Fire Extinguisher & Brackets.
Wheels & Tires
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Wheels: Classic BBS RK 18" Wheels (Bronze) with BBS Center Caps.
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Tires: BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus (Front: 255/35/ZR18, Rear: 275/35/ZR18).
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Hardware: ARP Axel Studs (Rear), Moroso 3" Wheel Studs, Tuner Spline Acorn Open End Wheel Nuts.
Trunk
- Components: Rear Seat To Trunk Sound Deadener (Coupe), Rear Seat Sound Deadener Push Pins.
- Black Battery Relocation Box
Contact Rare Rides Company at 980-306-8100 or info@rarerides.com for more information
Rare Rides Company does not collect tax, tag or title fees.
Title Status: CLEAN
Standard Features
Audio System:
- Radio: AM/FM
Brakes:
- Power brakes
Convenience Features:
- Cargo cover
- Power steering
Exterior Features:
- Rear spoiler
Instrumentation:
- Clock
- Gauge: tachometer
Lights:
- Exterior entry lights: approach lamps
Seats:
- Front seat type: bucket
- Upholstery: cloth
Windows:
- Front wipers: intermittent
Rare Rides Company
Business Hours
| Mon: | CLOSED |
|---|---|
| Tue: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Wed: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Thu: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Fri: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Sat: | 9:00am-3:00pm |
| Sun: | CLOSED |
Location
Statesville, NC 28677
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