From Barn to Beast: 1978 Ford Mustang II 429 SCJ Build

While the 1974-78 Ford Mustangs may not have been the most beloved among Mustang enthusiasts, there are still some who appreciate the unique characteristics of this model. Steven Napier is one such person, as he owns not one, but two of these cars.

1978 ford mustang II cobra build

In this article, we will take a quick look at one of his Mustangs. Home built from a barn find, fitted with 429 Super Cobra Jet powerplant, affectionately known as the “Evil Twin.”

1978 ford mustang II barn find build

“It is a 1978 Ford Mustang II used as a billboard for a driveshaft company for an unknown number of years. It was pieced together just for looks and definitely not safe as a real car, kind of like a movie prop.”

1978 ford mustang II build

Steven cut the rear out and installed a Checkered Racing four link back half. The fat Mickey Thompson’s at the rear definitely match the “Bad II” license plate. The 1978 Ford Mustang interior looks all business as well.

1978 ford mustang II cobra 429 build

His friend Mike Patterson at Patterson Speed and Custom built the bold 429 Super Cobra Jet. The engine is bored .30 over with strengthened block, and balanced to 8500 RPM. It is dressed with forged pistons, solid lifter Comp cam with matching valve train, and 850 AED carb. New aluminum Super Cobra Jet heads are going on soon.

1978 ford mustang 429 scj build

The transmission is a built C6 with a 4,500 Transtar stall converter sending the power to 9-inch Ford rear with a full spool. Steve currently has 4.10 gears in the 1978 Ford Mustang for street and 1/4 mile and another third member with 4.56 gears for 1/8 mile runs.

429 super cobra jet 1978 ford mustang

“I haven’t had much track time with the “Evil Twin” Mustang II yet. I hope to do a lot of that this summer. So far, it has been in more car shows than races. It is definitely quick, and a real handful. It goes straight even when it spins the tires.”

1978 ford mustang 429 scj build

Steve thinks the 429 Super Cobra Jet 1978 Mustang will run 10’s on the engine only, and hopes for low 9-seconds with the 200 shot of Nitrous on it. That remains to be seen, and I hope we all will get a chance to see the “Evil Twin” in action later on this year.

Don’t Miss Dave’s Awesome 429 SCJ Ford Torino Build Story

calypso coral 1970 ford torino drag pack
Click on the Photo for the 429 SCJ Ford Torino Story
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