Text by Mike Semira. Photos by Luke Munnell
For several years, I’ve heard the urban legend about a group of automotive mad scientists capable of injecting turbocharged Nissan performance into almost any possible platform. The most interesting part about this tall tale is that these guys didn't call the West Coast home (like many would assume), but rather called a remote town in the heart of Virginia home. Having known about the JGY Customs crew for a while now, I’m glad that we’re finally shedding the spotlight on the shop’s crown jewel – an RB-powered 1993 Ford Mustang LX.
Jason Young, the front man for JGY Customs, has been spearheading the creation of their Nissan-swapped customs for quite some time. Having initially started out as an SR20 / Sentra-based shop, JGY’s expertise has quickly expanded to other Nissan platforms over the past few years. Young is quick to point out the shop’s previous creations like an SR20DET-powered 1980 Datsun 210 and boosted Nissan pick-up truck as precursors to the Mustang.
Built in less than a year, Project Mustank (as JGY calls it) is the shop’s most complicated and famous build-up to date. Motivated by a Nissan RB25 pulled from a scrapped Skyline GT-S, the team carefully shoehorned the 2.5L inline-six motor into the ’Stang’s engine bay. This was no easy task, as JGY fabricated a custom set of motor mounts, driveshaft and made the difficult conversion from hydraulic to cable clutch to make the transplant work.
“We wanted to use the Mustank to display JGY’s vast Nissan knowledge,” cites Young. “No matter what car we’re working on, JGY can make it fast using Nissan power.” Speed comes in the form of the heavy artillery fitted under the hood, highlighted by the Precision GT3582R turbo upgrade hanging off the custom exhaust manifold. The breathing process is further aided with the addition of the modified GReddy intake and custom three-inch, side-exit exhaust. The Mustang’s operating temperatures are kept optimal courtesy of the Koyo racing radiator and JGY frontmount intercooler.
The thirsty setup’s fueling needs are met by JGY’s own fuel rail paired with a Nismo fuel pressure regulator, with a set of MSD 733cc injectors spraying the octane into the cylinders. The crew scored an upgraded MAF off a Ford Lightning and used a Jim Wolf Technology (JWT) custom-tuned ECU to ensure all the components work in harmony.
The Mustang’s claimed 560 or so horses and 520ft/lb of torque are sent to the rear wheels via an LSD pulled from a 5.0L Ford Mustang. Making the Mustang easier on the eyes is a custom paint job and graphics. JGY installed a Saleen rear wing to sit atop the trunk, while the front and rear ends received new headlight and taillight assemblies.
The Mustang sits on a set of black 18-inch Enkei PKR wheels that measure 7.5 inches wide up front and 9.5 inches in the rear. Currently, the car uses a mixed tire setup, with a pair of Kumho Ecsta ASXs up front and Dunlop Direzzas out back, most likely a result of too many burnouts.
Lowered by one inch at all four corners, the car’s suspension features a number of custom components like relocated sway bars and reinforcement bars to accommodate the engine swap.
Completed in less than a year, the JGY Mustank made quite a debut at the 2006 NOPI Nationals by taking home the top prize for Best Engine Swap. With $15,000 and countless man-hours poured into the project, you can bet that the crew couldn't be any happier with the investment. It took us many months and numerous failed attempts in scheduling the photoshoot in the shop’s town of Atkins, VA, but we couldn't be any more excited about finally getting this truly unique ride in the pages of PAS.
ESSENTIALS // Owner: Jason Young / JGY Customs, Location: Atkins, VA, Vehicle: 1993 Ford Mustang LX
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE // Nissan Skyline RB25 motor, Precision GT3582R turbo upgrade, GReddy (modified) intake with JGY air filter, Custom exhaust manifold, Custom three-inch side-exit exhaust, JGY fuel rail, Nismo fuel pressure regulator, JGY intercooler and end tanks, Turbo XS RFL blow-off valve, TiAL 38mm wastegate, MSD 733cc fuel injectors, NGK spark plugs, Ford Lightning MAF, Koyo radiator, JWT ECU, Ford Mustang 5.0L LSD
EXTERIOR // Saleen wing, Custom intercooler scoop under front, bumper, Dual projector headlights, Clear taillights, Black / orange graphics
WHEELS & TIRES // Enkei PKR, Kumho Ecsta ASX (front) and Dunlop Direzza (rear) tires, Front: 18- x 7.5-inch, 225/40-18, Rear: 18- x 9.5-inch, 275/35-18
SUSPENSION & BRAKES // Lowered one-inch (front and rear), Relocated front sway bar to clear motor, Custom chassis reinforcement bars, Ford Mustang 5.0L brake calipers
INTERIOR // Corbeau TRS seats, Nissan Skyline shift knob, Grant steering wheel (13 inches), GReddy gauges (boost, fuel pressure, air / fuel ratio), GReddy gauge pod, AutoMeter tachometer, GReddy turbo timer, GReddy Type S boost controller
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