Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! -
Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
TRISTIN
SMITH
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RED GHOST 5OH - 2014 MUSTANG GT/CS
IT IS A SYMBOL OF HARD WORK AND THE WILLINGNESS TO TAKE RISKS.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
There is something special about a Mustang. It is not just a car, it is a statement. My 2014 Mustang GT California Special, finished in striking Race Red, embodies everything I love about the Mustang legacy: aggressive styling, raw power, and the freedom of the open road. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved Mustangs. I don’t know what it was about them that caught my attention, but something about the name Mustang and that galloping horse logo reminded me of the cowboys I admired so much growing up. Now, years later, I own a Mustang that’s truly my own and I’ve built it into something special. From its rare factory glass roof that gives it an open, airy feel to its six-speed manual transmission with the MT-82, this car was meant to be driven. It breaks necks everywhere it goes, and I always have people coming up to me and giving me compliments whether I’m at a car show, a car meet, or even just stopping to get gas.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
This build isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the community that comes with it. I’ve done all the work on this car myself, with the help of a few close friends, including bagging it just before a deep freeze and swapping the clutch days before a major show. My Mustang is more than just a project, it is a representation of my journey in the car scene and the people who have supported me along the way. Recently, I had the honor of winning Best Ford at a major show with Team Diverse, a milestone that proves hard work pays off. As I continue to refine and evolve my build, my goal remains the same: to push the limits of what this Mustang can be and to inspire others to chase their own automotive dreams.
Of course, no build is complete without modifications, and my Mustang has come a long way from stock. It sits on an Air Lift Performance 3P suspension setup, giving me the perfect stance while keeping it functional for daily driving. The front end retains the OEM California Special bumper but now features a Boss 302 splitter, adding to its aggressive and track-inspired look. Out back, a custom rear diffuser and smoked taillights complete the mean aesthetic. Every visual upgrade has been carefully chosen to enhance the car’s presence while keeping the timeless California Special heritage intact.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
When it comes to wheels and tires, the setup had to be just right. My Mustang is fitted with SVE R357s from Late Model Restoration, featuring a staggered setup with 19x10s up front and 19x11s in the rear, wrapped in Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s. This combination gives the car an aggressive stance while ensuring it grips the road when it matters most. The
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
TRISTIN
SMITH
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RED GHOST 5OH - 2014 MUSTANG GT/CS
fitment perfectly complements the bagged suspension, allowing me to sit low at shows while maintaining drivability on the streets. Whether I’m cruising through the city or lining up for a photoshoot, the wheels and tires play a huge role in giving my Mustang the presence it deserves.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
But the real magic happens under the hood. The 5.0L Coyote engine has been brought to life with a ported 1320 Junkie Boss 302 intake, a massive 120mm PMAS intake, and 47lb Ford Performance injectors, all tuned to perfection by VMP Performance on 93 octane and E85. Paired with long tube headers, a catless X-pipe, and Ford Racing mufflers, this setup doesn’t just make power, it makes a statement. The car screams like a true performance machine, delivering a raw and intoxicating exhaust note that turns heads before it even comes into view. Handling all that power is a McLeod twindisk clutch rated up to 800 horsepower, making sure the drivetrain is ready for what’s coming next. The car is prepped for boost. It just needs the boost.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
But beyond the trophies and attention, what truly makes this Mustang special to me is the memories it has created. Late-night cruises, last-minute wrenching sessions, and the friendships that have formed because of this car mean more than any award ever could. It has taken me to places I never expected, introduced me to people who have become like family, and given me a sense of pride that only true car enthusiasts understand. Every modification has a story behind it, and every mile driven adds another chapter to the journey.
Looking ahead, I have big plans for this build. A set of threepiece wheels is next on my list, with brands like Rotiform, Brada Forged, and VSS XX all in the running. Eventually, I plan to
widebody the car, taking the aggressive look to a whole new level while keeping the clean and timeless aesthetic that I’ve worked so hard to achieve. No matter what comes next, one thing is for sure... this Mustang will always be a reflection of my passion, dedication, and love for the car scene. And no matter how much it evolves, it will always turn heads, spark conversations, and remind me why I fell in love with Mustangs in the first place.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
At the end of the day, this car is more than just a showpiece, it is a symbol of hard work and the willingness to take risks. Every time I get behind the wheel and row through the gears, I’m reminded of the late nights spent in the garage, the setbacks that tested my patience, and the determination that brought this build to life. This Mustang isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it mine. Every scratch, every rock chip, every challenge faced along the way is part of its story, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
TRISTIN SMITH
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RED GHOST 5OH - 2014 MUSTANG GT/CS
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
For me, owning this Mustang isn’t just about driving, it is about the experiences, the people, and the culture that come with it. Whether it is leading a cruise with friends, parking alongside some of the best builds in the country, or simply seeing the reactions it gets from strangers, this car continues to remind me why I fell in love with Mustangs all those years ago. And as long as I own it, I’ll keep pushing it further, making it better, and ensuring it remains a true head-turner wherever it goes.
Being a part of the car scene has taught me that the build journey never really ends. It just evolves. Every car has a story, and I’m proud of the one I’m writing with my Mustang. It is not about how much money I have put into it or how many awards it has won; it is about the passion and effort behind every modification. Seeing the reactions of kids who stop to admire it, just like I used to do when I was younger, reminds me why I keep pushing forward. Maybe one day, my Mustang will inspire someone else to chase their dream build, just like others inspired me when I was starting out.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
PHOTO CRED: BRANDON HALL - @VILLAINOUS_MEDIA
ROYCE WHITLEY - @RWR_MEDIA
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
At the core of it all, this car is a reflection of who I am - bold, driven, and always pushing forward. No matter where life takes me, I know this Mustang will always be a part of my journey, representing the love I’ve had for these cars since I was a kid. And as long as I’m behind the wheel, I’ll keep chasing the next goal, the next mod, and the next adventure, because that’s what being a car enthusiast is all about.
