SEMA 2016: Total Cost Involved, Classic Mustang Suspension

Revology Cars created an all-new reproduction of the classic Shelby GT350 that features a Coyote engine, a Tremec six-speed, a full TCI suspension and more. (Photo Credit: Revology Cars)

Revology Cars created an all-new reproduction of the classic Shelby GT350 that features a Coyote engine, a Tremec six-speed, a full TCI suspension and more. (Photo Credit: Revology Cars)

The lines of the classic Mustang are as timeless and the Shelby name definitely says high performance. As you set out to build a reproduction 1966 Shelby GT350 designed to deliver modern performance in historic package, you need to choose your equipment wisely. When it came to the suspension for its Mustangs, Revology Cars turned to Total Cost Involved.

Revology set out to build all-new reproduction Mustangs that perform like modern cars. A 435-horsepower Ford Performance Coyote crate engine powers the company’s latest creation, so a proper suspension was required to make use of all that power.

“We basically kept the crossmember up above the rocker panel to be able to gain ground clearance, but it also drops the car substantially,” Jason Wilcox of TCI said. “Even with what we consider a stock height spindle, it is still going to drop the car 2 inches. Once you put our regular drop spindle on it, you are talking a 3 to 3 ½-inch drop…”

“We basically kept the crossmember up above the rocker panel to be able to gain ground clearance, but it also drops the car substantially,” Jason Wilcox of TCI said. “Even with what we consider a stock height spindle, it is still going to drop the car 2 inches. Once you put our regular drop spindle on it, you are talking a 3 to 3 ½-inch drop…” (Photo Credit: Revology Cars)

“We looked at a lot of different suppliers of suspension components in the development phase of the program,” Founder and Chief Revologist at Revology Cars, Tom Scarpello, said. “There are a lot of choices, but we looked for performance, reliability and we were also looking for value; just because something is more expensive, doesn’t mean it is better… We just felt that TCI offered the best combination of attributes on the market.”

We can design the geometry in-house, so we can control camber gain and not worry about any bumpsteer like you would with a Mustang II spindle.

Those positive attributes are a result of Total Cost Involved’s 1964.5-1970 Ford Mustang Custom IFS (PN 530-5102-00; $2,270) and 1964.5-1970 Ford Mustang Torque Arm Rear Suspension (PN 230-2200-00; $3,785) that is designed by TCI to deliver a unique combination of performance and adjustability.

“With our kit it has a custom spindle. There is nothing about it that is Mustang II. We designed the spindle in-house and it’s got a divorced steering arm,” Jason Wilcox, Social Media Manager at Total Cost Involved said. “We can design the geometry in-house, so we can control camber gain and not worry about any bumpsteer like you would with a Mustang II spindle.”

The TCI 1964.5-1970 Ford Mustang Custom IFS deletes the shock towers, which helps Revology swap in a modern Coyote powerplant, which is a swap they have perfected with a number of custom parts.

The TCI 1964.5-1970 Ford Mustang Custom IFS deletes the shock towers, which helps Revology swap in a modern Coyote powerplant, which is a swap they have perfected with a number of custom parts.

The system is engineered to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, reduce body roll and sharpen handling. Yet, even with all those improvements, it doesn’t give up any ground clearance. The system also deletes the shock towers, which helps Revology make way for the Coyote engine in its Shelby GT350 replica.

Of course, a front suspension like that deserves a rear suspension that will hold up its end of the bargain. At this horsepower level, the TCI torque arm was the obvious choice for the Revology GT350. This design not only improves traction, but it strengthens the chassis and lowers the center of gravity. The end result is a car that looks like a classic, but handles like a modern performance car.

Total Cost Involved’s 1964.5-1970 Ford Mustang Torque Arm Rear Suspension plants the power delivered to the Currie 9-inch rearend.

Total Cost Involved’s 1964.5-1970 Ford Mustang Torque Arm Rear Suspension plants the power delivered to the Currie 9-inch rearend. (Photo Credit: Revology Cars)

It’s a pretty sophisticated suspension, even by modern standards, but then you put it on a ’66 Mustang body and it’s kind of mind-blowing actually.

“They are on two different planets. They have nothing in common whatsoever. Our car drives better than a lot of late-model cars that you can buy off the showroom floor today,” Tom added. “It’s not really that surprising. You have a double-wishbone front suspension and very few cars until you get to exotics have that kind of suspension geometry. It’s a pretty sophisticated suspension, even by modern standards, but then you put it on a ’66 Mustang body and it’s kind of mind-blowing actually.”

You can obviously get your mind blown by purchasing a TCI-equipped Revology GT350, but if you already have a classic Mustang, Total Cost Involved can set you up with the right suspension combination for the level of performance you desire.6 Revology Mustang TCI Suspension

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About the author

Steve Turner

Steve Turner brings decades of passion and knowledge in the world of Ford performance, having covered it for over 20 years. From the swan song of the Fox Mustang to the birth of the Coyote, Steve had a front-row seat.
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