Back in the Game

SVTP member Rey Rivera teamed with Vortech to create an S550 SEMA star

By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Vortech Superchargers

What car enthusiast hasn’t dreamed of having a custom car on display at the SEMA Show. You know, your custom car. SEMA is one of the most exciting places on the planet for gearheads, as the world comes together to see all the modding gear for the coming year. However, the chance to have your fresh 2015 Mustang fully customized and in the Vortech Superchargers display at the big show is a fantasy experience.

Living that dream is longtime Mustang enthusiast Rey Rivera. Once a competitor in the NMRA’s entry level Factory Stock class, Rey dropped out of the Mustang game when he was deployed in the military. Yet, all the while, he never gave up his passion for Mustangs.

“I have been out of the racing scene for quite some time. After retiring from the Army I had a lot of therapy and hospital care to go through,” Rey Rivera explained. “So between that and work it took up most of my time. Not a day went by that I did not think about getting back into a car and looking at the clouds as a tree turns green.”

The impetus for Rey to move his Mustang daydreams into reality was the reveal of the 2015 Mustang. It’s a revelation that stirred the soul of many enthusiasts, but for Rey it was a signal to get back in the game.

“As soon as the 2015 Mustang was unveiled December 5, 2013 I called Bowen’s Garage in Eastford, Connecticut. I spoke with Jon Bowen (a.k.a. jonb347),” Rey said. “John immediately began to display his willingness to help and have a high level of customer service. He put me on an order list to make sure I was given the opportunity to order the S550 ASAP. As soon as the order banks came open, he put my order in exactly how I wanted it.”

Rey dialed up a new GT in the flashy Competition Orange hue and spec’d it out with the 401A package, navigation, the drool-worthy Performance Pack, and the classy premier-accent interior. As nice as his stock car would be, he had no plans to leave it stock. Instead he wanted to work hand-in-hand with an aftermarket manufacturer to build go-fast parts for these cars.

“I emailed a few power-adder companies about helping me go through this build. I was initially going to look for a beta program. Quite a few responded. I received an email from Vortech subsequently expressing interest in building a beta program for the 2015 Mustang GT. Once Neil Tjin stepped in, SEMA became a priority.”

How amazingly cool is that? Rey is not only back in the states and excited about owning a new Mustang, but he and his car were suddenly pushed right to the big stage at The SEMA Show. Once Neil (Automotive Marketing Director at Vortech Superchargers) got involved, the project evolved far beyond a supercharger install. As you may know, Neil has a history of masterminding highly modified project cars that tour the country as part of the Tjin Road Show. With his help, Rey’s project ’Stang will be epic.

In the next few days the GT will arrive at Vortech HQ to begin its transformation. Among the planned modifications are:

• Vortech V3si Supercharger with intercooler and supporting mods

• Magnaflow Competition series cat-back

• Matte black Forgestar F14 wheels, 20×9.5-inch (front) and 20×11-inch (rear)

• Nitto NT05 tires, 275/35-20 (front) 315/35-20 (rear)

• Steeda coilovers

• 3d Carbon splitter

• Glow Shift boost and air/fuel gauges

• Redline Tuning hood lift kit

• Baer Brakes 6S brakes with Tjin Edition custom Competition Orange powdercoat

“The car will serve as a daily driver. It will also be used to go to various veterans organizations and ceremonies,” Rey explained. “I am a veteran service volunteer in the state of Massachusetts. I am going to be working with Wounded Warrior Project to set up track thrill days for disabled veterans to get a taste of speed and excitement with high-end sports cars as well as purpose-built race cars.”

If it sounds like a worthwhile project to you, we certainly agree. SVTP will bring you coverage of the build as the car comes together for the SEMA show. After that, who knows what might happen?

“I’m also hoping a certain editor does a one-on-one test-drive of the car at the coolest Ford dealership in the country,” he hinted.

It sounds like Rey might not be the only one to live the dream again.

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