The Tarantula

Subtle steps to a cool upgrade

Words: Cam Benty; Photos: Jason Lewis

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The Tarantula Mustang — subtle changes are the key to an attractive and inexpensive makeover.

With great handling and performance, most late model Mustang owners are more than happy with the factory-delivered offering. But for readers of PPN, that is clearly not the case. Having witnessed more than a few dealership makeovers, car builder Jason Lewis wanted to create something that not only offered unique styling but went further than most cosmetic packages.

This 2007 Mustang makeover began by focusing on better breathing. The C & L cold air intake fits neatly under the hood, and a Borla stainless steel cat-back system completes the inlet/outlet chores. To maximize the air/fuel ratios and gear shift timing, a Diablo Sport ECU programmer was attached, and the factory computer was massaged for better overall performance.

In the handling department, the biggest functional and cosmetic change was the move to Nitto P255/45ZR-18 tires and black Hot Wheels 18-inch wheels. The Cobra red factory brake calipers are fitted with ceramic pads that clamp cross-drilled and slotted rotors.

A Steeda strut tower brace helps to stiffen the front end and improve handling by keeping the suspension from flexing and changing tire angles. In the cabin, a CDC light bar not only looks good, but holds the windscreen in place for those fast freeway blasts. The grille was changed to remove the pony emblem and to bring the driving lights front and center. The fake factory gas cap on the rear deck was removed and replaced with a Classic Design Concepts black filler panel.

The final effect of the Tarantula Mustang has been gratifying both in terms of personal satisfaction and notoriety. A subtle changeout of a few key components show makeovers don’t always require a lot of time or money.

Sources: Borla USA, borla.com; C & L Performance, cnlperformance.com; Classic Design Concepts, classicdesignconcepts.com; Nitto, nittotire.com; Steeda, steeda.com

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