If you’ve been following EngineLabs for any length of time, you’ve probably realized that it’s one of the magazines in the Power Automedia network, which is anchored by Dragzine, the world’s largest drag racing magazine. We have access to the racing world’s most experienced companies, the freshest parts, and the latest technology advances. In order for us to stay up-to-date with these developments, we often partner with these companies to build our very own project vehicles, the details of which get shared across our network of 15 online magazines and five print titles where applicable.

We are extremely excited to announce our next engine build series–this time with none other than record-setting engine builder Jon Bennett of Bennett Racing Engines and tuner John Kolivas of KBX Performance. For the 2018 season, the #Evil Mustang will be powered by one of Bennett’s Ford engines, as the Dragzine team will be returning the car to its all-Ford roots.

The #Evil Mustang, which races in the MX235 class on 8.50-inch radials, has run a best elapsed time of 4.70 in the eighth-mile, and with the KBX and Bennett touch applied, driver James Lawrence is hoping for big things.

“I’m excited to work with Jon Bennett and John Kolivas, as I’m known them both for more than twenty years,” said Dragzine’s James Lawrence. “We wanted to get back to using Ford engines in the Mustang, and I’ve watched KBX win a lot of races and conduct themselves as first-class members of the drag racing community.”

The engine will be based around one of Dart‘s billet small-block Ford blocks, a Callies billet crankshaft, and Edelbrock SC1 cylinder heads. One of Vortech‘s V-30 superchargers will help to provide race-winning boosted power.

“We built our reputation with championship combinations in X275 and Ultra Street,” said KBX’s John Kolivas. “We are looking forward to teaming up with Dragzine for X275 and 8.5 competition.”

You’ll be able to follow the entire engine build series right here; stay tuned for more details!

Photo by Patrick “Red” Williams — check out his work here!