Maddie Samson’s 2002 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe

Jul 11

Jul 11 Maddie Samson’s 2002 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe

2002 Mustangs

“I remember growing up with my father and older brother in the garage. I spent time holding the flashlight, turning wrenches and doing what I could. Those experiences embedded in me a deep love for getting my hands dirty. I grew up in a Dodge household, so you could imagine my father’s surprise when I drove home in a Ford!

“When I bought this 2002 True Blue 3.8L V6 5-speed manual Ford Mustang in June of 2020 it was stock, other than wearing the iconic Cobra R hood. It took me many months to decide on a name for her. When I bought her, she had a blue lace butterfly on the rear window that looked a little like a tramp stamp. So hence the name ‘Trampy’ was born. I get asked, ‘Why didn’t you a buy a V-8 Mustang?’ My answer is twofold: I fell in love with this car the moment I drove it for the first time, and it doesn’t matter to me if it’s not the fastest or has two less cylinders than some others. I love this care for what it is: a piece of American muscle car history.

“I have spent the last two years rebuilding, fixing, and upgrading this car. So far I have rebuilt the whole suspension, now equipped with BMR lowering springs, Bilstein B6 shocks, new control arms, new tie rods, and new ball joints. I have added a cold-air intake, a performance coil pack, and long-tube exhaust headers with an x-pipe, plus Flowmaster 40s. I currently have Terminator wheels wrapped in a set of Nittos. I had the rear end rebuilt with new bearings, new seals, and 3.73 gears -- a large upgrade from the stock 3.27s from the factory. I also upgraded my fuel pump from the stock 227LPH to a Walboro 255LPH. I have also replaced the brake pads and rotors to a kit from PowerStop. The car is tuned by Lund Motors.

“That’s just the fast run down of things that I’ve done -- I have lots in store for this car and can’t wait to do more! My Mustang has already given me so many memories that I will remember forever. I also have made many new friends -- thanks to Iowa Mustangs Unstabled who has given me and my car a home in the car hobby. Being involved with this group has allowed me to ask questions, talk to others about this car passion, and meet like-minded people all across the Midwest. I am so thankful for all the experiences that this car has given me -- and I’m excited for the many more to come.”