When Larry Wojcik decided to purchase this ’91 Mustang, there was no doubt of his intentions, as he had owned others before. Performance is the key word for Wojcik, and he wanted to yell it as loudly as possible. Fortunately, his dad, Mark Wojcik, was able to help out in several areas—to get costs down and performance up. As the co-owner of Coast High Performance (CHP) with good friend and business partner Chris Huff, Mark is fully aware of not only what goes into today’s performance engines but also what it takes to make a difference, no matter whether it’s designed for the street or on the track. As a result of this attention to detail and commitment to doing what it takes, Coast High Performance has become a household name among Ford performance enthusiasts; the company builds hundreds of highly effective engines every year. What’s more, each one of those engines is fitted with Probe Industries forged pistons, and Probe just happens to be a division of—you guessed it—Coast High Performance.

The engine in Wojcik’s car is one of Coast High Performance’s 347ci Fords, based on the venerable 302 block. The foundation for this engine is the Probe Industries forged-steel crankshaft and lightweight rods, creating a stroke of 3.400 inches, while the 4.030 bores are fitted with Probe Industries forged-aluminum pistons running Clevite rings. This is the largest reliable configuration of this block and an ideal combination for the street. A set of Dart Windsor aluminum cylinder heads ported by West Coast Cylinder Heads is part of this package, which includes a substantial Comp Cams valvetrain matched to the Comp XE274HR camshaft. Spun by a Rollmaster timing chain, it produces 0.555-inch lift to the intake valves and 0.565-inch lift to the exhaust, with 224/232 duration at 0.050 inch, respectively.

The induction system centers on a Paxton Novi 2000 supercharger pressurizing Probe Industries’ EFI Spyder intake manifold, under the watchful spark of an MSD ignition system. Lubrication comes by way of a high-volume Melling pump drawing from a 7-quart racing oil pan, and steel-braided lines run where necessary. Similar appointments were applied to the new Tremec T56 transmission, which benefits from a Steeda short shifter and a Centerforce clutch. This provides everything necessary to transfer 454 hp to the rear wheels under 7 pounds of boost at 6,700 rpm—just enough to push this Mustang deep into the 12s.

Then again, when you check out the underside of this car, you realize it’s been built for more than straight lines, with full independence all around. In front, a D&D tubular K-member has been fitted for added rigidity and support of the special A-arms and SN95 spindles that are part of this package. Hypercoil coilover front springs with Bilstein shocks were used to tighten the suspension and steering, and powerful ’03 Cobra brakes were fitted. A similar coilover combination was used to control the action of the ’03 Mustang Cobra 3.73:1 centersection and rear suspension, and here, too, you will find Cobra brakes keeping the back in check. At each corner, 18×9-inch Center Line spun forged-aluminum wheels have been wrapped in 265/35ZR18 Nitto performance radials. 

It’s hard to miss the beautiful paint coating the sleek lines of this Fox body, and for good reason. Squirts Collision Center in Lancaster, California, went to great lengths to correct the ravages of time and careless miles, and the result is stunning. Add the Cervini front valance and hood, and these subtle touches bring some impressive results. About the only other modification you will find are the taillight lenses, but beyond that, it’s all about the rich maroon DuPont paint, accented with gold flecks and finished off with a pearl clearcoat.

Open the doors and discover an even more serious side to this slick pony, with accommodations suitable for racing but intended purely for the street. As you slide into the form-fitted non-adjustable Scat Pro Car racing seat, you have to be sure to avoid the four-point rollbar, which has been securely fastened to the chassis. Once seated, a set of Auto Meter Phantom gauges stare at you, surrounded by the added flash of Florida 5.0 dash inserts. Set against black surroundings, the array takes on a serious look, especially when the engine is at full song. Then again, there’s plenty of entertainment even at a standstill, when the JL Audio 1,000-watt amp is enhancing the signal between the head unit and the selection of Boston Acoustic 10-inch subwoofers, 6×9-inch midranges and well-placed tweeters. Set within special mountings, positioned across the rear compartment, it all provides equally impressive visual effects.

In a time when Mustangs dominate local racetracks and back roads, Wojcik’s Mustang manages to stand out, thanks to the quality components from Coast High Performance and Probe Industries. With these products, Wojcik was able to realize dizzying levels of performance at an affordable price. This has been the CHP edge, and when combined with a highly effective suspension and braking package, born from technologies of the latest-generation Mustang, as well as through the aftermarket, this old pony is an entirely different animal today. And what a ride it is!