The 2021 TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout at the NMRA Spring Break Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park on March 4-7, 2021, was packed with highlights and great stories. One of those stories features Jon Whitaker who had just finished his 1993 Cobra and was ready to hit the track and see what it could do. The car exceeded his expectations in its first event, averaging an 11.79 e.t. during qualifying and landing Jon a spot in the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout.
1. When did you first get your TREMEC equipped car/truck?
The beginning of 2021. But it has been in the works for a few years. When my buddy bought it back in 2018, I told him if he sold it, I wanted it. And he kept his word.
2. Where did you buy your TREMEC transmission?
It came with the car. My friend had already done the Coyote swap and put a TREMEC TR-45 5-speed behind it. But I’m working to get a Magnum 6-speed to install that will handle the increased power I have in mind for the engine.
3. What do you like about TREMEC transmissions?
I have had TR-56 six-speeds in previous cars, and I really enjoyed them. My 4.6-liter Terminator-swapped Mustang coupe had a TR-56 as well and held up making 700+ horsepower and countless track days.
4. What do you like most TREMEC Magnum transmission you are swapping to in the future?
I like that the Magnum can handle high levels of horsepower and torque while keeping the car very streetable for driving.
5. What does the TREMEC transmission allow you to do that you couldn’t before?
The Magnum will allow my car to make the power I need to be competitive in the True Street class and the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout. I plan to add a VMP blower, and this transmission will be able to withstand the added power.
6. What other mods have you made to the vehicle?
It has a Gen 2 Coyote V8 controlled with a FRPP setup. It has a full Team Z tubular front end and a narrowed and braced 8.8 rear axle with 9-inch ends. Full suspension including double adjustable front and rear coilovers with Strange front and rear brakes as well as a 7.50 25.5 cage.
7. Tell us about the engine your TREMEC is bolted to?
It is a stock Gen 2 Coyote long-block from a 2017 Mustang. It currently has a 2018 intake manifold, but it’ll soon be replaced by a 2.65 VMP blower. It has BBK long tube headers, mid-pipe and dumps. The only other modification to the engine is a set of billet oil pump gears.
8. Tell us the story of this car…single-owner, basket case, what have you done to the car, etc.?
The car has been through a few owners, but it is a real 1993 Cobra; number 3063. The car was originally black but along the way it was completely stripped down and repainted in the OEM Teal hue. It has 14,000 original miles.
9. Is this the only TREMEC equipped vehicle you own/owned, currently, and in the past?
This is not the only one I have owned, and currently I’m putting things together for another vehicle to build. I have a 3rd gen Hemi and TREMEC TR-6060 6-speed out of a 2012 Challenger that I am swapping into a 1990 Dodge D150 truck.
10. If you could give anyone considering a TREMEC transmission advice on making their choice, what would it be?
I would say just make sure you do the research on which TREMEC you want to use. They offer multiple transmissions that work great for their intended application, but some people (including myself) try to save money and get a cheaper version that might not be correct for the intended application. I would advise people to buy one that is more than capable for what your goals are. This way you don’t have to buy a second transmission and do the work twice.
