Burnout King: LS-Swap 1990 Ford Mustang Street Machine

Holley’s LS Fest West event in Las Vegas is known as the warm-up event for Chevy fans, signaling the start of a summer filled with mischief and excitement. However, for Jon Waterfield and the crew of Jon Waterfield Motorsports from Paso Robles, California, LS Fest West is more than just a warm-up. It’s the biggest show for them, and they were determined to make a statement with their 1990 Ford Mustang hatchback, despite facing a few setbacks along the way.

As we made our way through the pit area of LS Fest West, we couldn’t help but be captivated by Waterfield’s flamboyant Fox Body Mustang. Adorned with giant American flag graphics, the car stood out among the crowd gathered at the Hoonigan-sponsored sideshow pit, which attracted a younger audience. It was our fortunate fate that HOT ROD was chosen to judge the 1975-1995 Street Machine class, and the spotlight seemed to shine on Waterfield’s Mustang at just the right time. While LS engine swaps are common in Fox-body Mustangs, what caught our attention was the 5.3-liter LS engine, sourced from a Chevy Suburban, topped with a 6-71 GMC supercharger and a bug-catcher scoop. It hit us like a ton of bricks, leaving a lasting impression.

Approaching the hatchback Mustang, we already knew that the original 5.0 Windsor small-block had been replaced. The question was, how extensively had the Ford’s mechanical components been swapped out, and what was the overall purpose of this machine? Sporting a big American-flag straw hat and Oakley sunglasses, Jon Waterfield greeted us with a warm handshake. Despite being in crisis mode, with a blown head gasket and a damaged cylinder head, Waterfield remained composed. With parts and tools scattered around the pit, his shop employee, Pierson Ochoa, and his girlfriend, Ashlee Sobczak, assisted him in coordinating the necessary repairs.

Like many enthusiasts who perform LS engine swaps, Waterfield has no brand loyalty. He is a true hot-rodder, scavenging wrecked cars, discarded engines, and various driveline parts whenever an opportunity presents itself. As a businessman, every part needs to prove its worth, and his Fox Body Mustang is no exception. If you’re in the Paso Robles area and dare to have Waterfield work on your ride, you can reach him at 805-825-8907.

The old 5.3-liter LS engine from the Suburban has been rebuilt and overbored to 332 cubic inches. It now features a vintage 6-71 blower that dates back to Car Craft magazine’s August 1980 cover. The blower, originally used on a 1969 Camaro, now works in conjunction with a pair of alcohol-fed, 850-cfm double-pumpers and an upgraded fuel system for E85 fuel. Instead of Ford’s AOD-E four-speed automatic transmission, Waterfield opted for a reliable Hydramatic Powerglide two-speed, transferring power to a 3.55-geared Ford 8.8-inch posi-equipped rear end. The stock suspension setup handles the power adequately, allowing the blown LS engine’s torque to be put down for extended burnout sessions—an essential goal for Waterfield. To sustain the intense heat generated during burnouts, the cooling system in the Mustang is designed with two separate systems, ensuring the LS engine stays cool.

Typically, high-performance cars have elaborate plumbing setups for cryogenic cooling, pumping coolant to and from intercoolers to maximize air-fuel charge density. However, Waterfield took a different approach. His cooling