When it comes to legendary muscle cars, few can match the iconic status of the Ford Mustang. Introduced in 1964, the Mustang became a symbol of American performance, style, and speed. However, while many Mustangs have retained their classic charm, a few have been re-imagined into something more powerful and extreme. Among these modified masterpieces is the 1965 Ford Mustang known as “Vicious.” This car is a stunning example of what happens when a legendary nameplate meets radical innovation, combining old-school muscle with modern engineering to create a street-race monster.
Introduction: The Making of “Vicious” – A 1,000 HP Mustang
“Vicious” is not your typical Mustang. Born from the mind of Jason Pecikonis and his team at Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, California, this project aimed to create the ultimate road-race Mustang. With a build time of over 10,000 hours, the team transformed a 1965 Mustang coupe into a fastback beast capable of putting down 1,000 horsepower at the rear wheels.
The project cost around $1,000,000, and the end result was nothing short of mind-blowing: a Mustang that is 90% racecar and 10% streetcar. It is a no-holds-barred, twin-turbo, supercharged, carbon-ceramic disc-braked, independent-suspended, sequential-shifted Mustang that looks like it belongs on a racetrack but performs like a street machine.
Video
Check out this video on Jay Leno’s Garage featuring the 1,000 HP ‘Vicious’ 1965 Ford Mustang. Watch to see this powerful beast in action and learn what makes it so special!
The Transformation: From Classic to Radical
The foundation of “Vicious” began with a body that was essentially a heap of junk. The A-pillar is the only part of the original 1965 Mustang body that remained intact after the extensive modifications. The rest of the body was radically altered, including the addition of a widebody design, spoilers, skirts, and custom steel wheel flares.
The team at Timeless Kustoms went above and beyond in transforming this Mustang into an aggressive machine. The car’s body was converted to a fastback using Dynacorn sheet metal, and the back window was designed to showcase the car’s stunning red interior. This extensive reworking of the car’s body serves as a bold statement of what “Vicious” has become: a high-performance beast with no compromises.
The Heart of “Vicious”: The Engine and Powertrain
The real magic of “Vicious” lies under the hood. The engine, a late-model 5.2-liter Ford “Aluminator” V8, has been heavily modified to achieve an astonishing 1,000 horsepower on a conservative tune. The heart of the engine features a twin-charged setup with a Magnuson MP2300 TVS supercharger to provide extra power at lower RPMs. When the revs climb, two Precision ball-bearing turbochargers take over to keep the performance at its peak. With this combination, “Vicious” can deliver over 1,000 horsepower at the wheels and can even make 20-30% more power when pushed to the limit.
Additionally, the engine has been fitted with GT350 ported cylinder heads, a Ford Performance 302 crankshaft, custom cams, custom pistons, connecting rods, valve springs, retainers, new oil lines, and more. This detailed approach to engine modification ensures that “Vicious” is ready for both the street and the track, with top-tier performance that can compete with the best of them.
The drivetrain also plays a crucial role in “Vicious”’s performance. The car is equipped with an EMCO Gears DV46 six-speed sequential gearbox, which offers precision shifting with a dog clutch system to eliminate missed shifts. The precision engineering behind this gearbox is akin to the ones used in professional GT3 race cars, making it one of the standout features of this build.
Racecar Performance on the Streets: Suspension and Braking Systems
No high-performance car is complete without an advanced suspension and braking system, and “Vicious” is no exception. To handle the extreme power of the engine, the car is equipped with Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers manufactured by Art Morrison Enterprises, based on the suspension of the C7 Corvette. This setup ensures the car can handle corners, straightaways, and rough conditions with ease.
Stopping this powerhouse is just as important as making it go fast. The car is outfitted with massive 15.5-inch Brembo carbon-ceramic rotors, providing exceptional stopping power even at high speeds. These brakes are essential to maintaining control of such a powerful vehicle, ensuring “Vicious” can stop on a dime after blasting down a straight stretch of road. The combination of advanced suspension and braking systems makes this Mustang a truly versatile and capable machine, ready for both the race track and everyday driving.
The Interior: Inspired by Ferrari and Made for Performance
Inside the cabin, “Vicious” continues to impress. The interior is minimalist yet luxurious, with a bold red theme that pays homage to Ferrari’s design aesthetic. The seats are made by Sparco and are emblazoned with Timeless Kustoms logos. The cabin features a full MoTeC control system, including a digital dash cluster that displays crucial performance metrics. With a Vintage Air air conditioning setup, DJ Safety fire suppression system, and custom touches throughout, the interior is as focused on performance as it is on comfort and safety.
“Vicious” is a car built with no compromises, where every detail, from the racing seats to the advanced digital controls, serves a purpose. The interior reflects the car’s racing heritage while ensuring that it can still be enjoyed as a streetcar. The attention to detail in this interior design is a testament to the care and expertise that went into building this Mustang.
The Final Product: “Vicious” on the Road
The final result of Timeless Kustoms’ painstaking work is a Mustang that is truly extraordinary. “Vicious” is not just a car; it is a living, breathing performance machine that combines the best of modern technology and classic muscle car design. The raw power of the twin-charged engine, the precision of the EMCO six-speed gearbox, and the car’s aggressive styling all work together to make “Vicious” one of the most extreme modified Mustangs ever built.
Driving “Vicious” is an experience unlike any other. With its powerful engine, precise suspension, and exhilarating performance, this car brings a level of excitement that few others can match. Whether on the road or on the track, “Vicious” lives up to its name, providing a driving experience that is as intense as it is unforgettable.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Mustang Modifications
“Vicious” represents a new benchmark in Mustang modifications, combining extreme performance, radical design, and cutting-edge engineering. It is a perfect example of what happens when modern technology is applied to a classic icon. Timeless Kustoms’ dedication to creating the ultimate road-race Mustang has resulted in a car that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in a streetcar.
With its 1,000 horsepower, racecar-like handling, and unique design, “Vicious” is more than just a car—it is a work of art and a statement of the passion and craftsmanship that goes into building some of the most extreme and powerful vehicles on the road. For Mustang enthusiasts and car fans alike, “Vicious” is a car that sets a new standard for what a modified muscle car can be.
The “Vicious” Mustang proves that when it comes to performance and innovation, there are no limits. It stands as a testament to the evolution of the muscle car, showing how a classic can be transformed into something even more exciting and powerful.
Video
Don’t miss this video where we dive into why the 1,000 HP Mustang is called “Vicious.” Watch to discover the story behind this beast and what makes it so fearsome!
