Bold Moves: 2008 FR500CJ Mustang rolls off assembly line, onto track

[David Burkart]

It’s been some 40 years in the making, but the Cobra Jet Mustang has officially returned. The first 2008 FR500CJ Mustang rolled off the assembly line a couple weeks ago in Livonia.

Its owner, Hajek Motorsports owner Brett Hajek, is already prepping Ford’s first factory produced dragster for the track. He’ll be entering number one along with three other FR500CJs in the 2009 Pomona, California Winternationals in February.

“The Cobra Jet is one of the transformational vehicles for Ford Racing,” said director of Ford Racing Technology Brian Wolfe when the new Cobra Jet was unveiled at SEMA 2008. “The 2008 CJ will get us more involved with the sportsmen racers in drag racing. At this point there are a lot of little guys who are running Fords from the 60s, 70s and even a few from the 80s, but those cars aren’t necessarily relevant to what we are producing today.”

If the model number sounds familiar, that's because this Cobra Jet is the NHRA-legal successor to the FR500S. Check out the full spec list for this blown 5.4L 500 horsepower beast in the reply below.

[David Burkart]

Functional
5.4 Cobra Jet engine
Cobra Jet cold air kit
Throttle body
A/C deleted
Crankshaft damper
Cobra Jet bell housing
6-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission with SFI bell housing
Stainless steel long-tube racing headers
9" rear axle assembly
One piece driveshaft drive shaft
Single hoop drive shaft loop
Cobra Jet rear control arms and anti-roll bar
Ford Racing adjustable dampers
Drag race spring kit
Cobra Jet wheels -- 15" x 4" (front), 15" x 10" (rear)

Exterior
Painted Cobra Jet body in white
Cobra Jet hood scoop
Cobra Jet Lexan backlight
Flush quarter window louvers

Interior
5" pedestal tachometer
SVT Mustang short-throw shifter with black shift knob and handle
Cobra Jet seat package

Visit www.fordracingparts.com for more information.