Swapping a high horsepower V-8 engine into a classic 1965 Mustang Fastback is a fairly common occurrence – unless, of course, you’re talking about a modern Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine.

So that’s precisely what FRPP engineered to wow show goers at this years Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show: a fully restored 1965 Mustang 2+2 powered by a special version of FRPPs hot new 5.0-liter, four-valve Cammer crate engine producing 420 horsepower. It’s the perfect marriage of Ford’s Mustang performance heritage and the very latest in advanced modular V-8 engine technology.

After the introduction of the 5.0L Cammer at last year’s SEMA show in the FR100 pickup truck, many hot rod enthusiasts were not looking forward to dealing with the modern-day electronic fuel injection system, so Ford Racing engineers took note, and this year’s Mustang Cammer crate engine features a classic downdraft carburetor setup, with four, two-barrel Webers sitting atop a custom Ford Racing intake. Using the carburetors also necessitated a switch from a fully electronic to an MSD distributor ignition system.

Ford Racing didn’t just pay attention to the engine compartment, so the donor 1965 Mustang was totally disassembled and rebuilt from the ground up. National Parts Depot Convertible Chassis Components were installed in place of the stock running gear, and a Heidt’s Double A-Arm front suspension was employed to provide some modern handling ability. Helping to put the Cammer’s power to the pavement is a Ford Racing / Centerforce Clutch Kit and a Heavy Duty Tremec five-speed manual transmission. Handling the tire-churning duties out back is a Strange-equipped Ford Racing nine-inch Ford rear axle with a 3.75:1 ring and pinion gearset. Ford Racing supplied a prototype anti-roll bar and a set of traction bars to complete the upgrades. It all rides on a set of 15-inch BBS wheels wearing BFGoodrich Radial T/A P205/55-R15’s up front and P235/60-R15s in the rear.

While much of the project’s appeal rides in the fact it’s all cloaked in classic Mustang sheet metal, Ford Racing custom-crafted a prototype cold-air induction hood to help funnel fresh air to the Webers, as well as to signal that there’s some seriously modern technology lurking underneath. The masterfully massaged bodywork is finished in PPG Gloss Black and buffed to a mirror finish. Special 5.0-liter Cammer badges complete the look.

Inside, all the stock trim was replaced with a complete National Parts Depot Reproduction 1965 Mustang interior. Naturally, no Mustang restoration upgrade would be complete without a set of Rally Pack gauges, as well as a thoroughly modern A/C system supplied by Vintage Air.

Story by Ford Motor Corporation