A Coyote in Sheep’s Clothing Has All the Makings of a Crazy Mercury
Despite the popularity of the Ford Mustang, recent years have seen more and more builds on the Ford Fairmont / LTD and Mercury Marquis platform. Whether owners wanted the sedan body type, the extra space a 4-door availability offers, or just to be different, there’s been some interesting builds on drag-and-drive events.
This 1985 Mercury Marquis build is a direct result of Bryon Buchanan’s interest in the drag-and-drive format, combined with his current race car, a turbocharged Fox Mustang, being unable to participate.
“These type events appeal to me because it’s something different from what I’m used to,” Bryon admitted. “I have done a lot of drag racing, but nothing of the drag-and-drive style.
My other car is a dedicated drag car that is not streetable in its current form, a small block Ford methanol big turbo Foxbody Mustang that is currently down for upgrades.”
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Bryon acquired the Mercury just over a year ago, and it was all too easy to think of the name “Bad Papi” for the car after acquisition. “I purchased the car in spring of 2022 from an elderly gentleman to specifically do an engine swap, and have a street car / drag-and-drive toy,” said Bryon. “The car retains all the factory interior, and even air conditioning.”
To make an upgrade in available power, a Gen 3 Coyote was plucked from a 2020 Mustang, and a pair of 67-millimeter turbochargers was added for an even bigger boost in power.
Transmission of choice is a 6R80 6-speed automatic out of a 2012 Mustang, with billet intermediate shaft and upgraded clutches stuffed inside, and a Circle D Specialties torque converter in the bellhousing.
Bryon didn’t want to leave anything to chance on rear end or frame, so he built and braced an 8.8-inch rear end, and did extensive chassis work underneath the car to stiffen the chassis for the Coyote powerplant.
Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes will not only be this car’s first event, but also Bryon’s first drag-and-drive event. Although he’s looking forward to it, a few things will keep him from exercising the Marquis to its full potential. “The goals for 2023 are to complete the car, and complete Sick Summer,” said Bryon.
“Since the car is not caged and I won’t legally be able to run the numbers the car is capable of, I just want to experience the event, and from there complete the necessary things to get the car into the faster classes.
I plan to also compete in a local drag-and-drive event here in Michigan called ‘Back to the Streets’ as well.”
Bryon plans to bring girlfriend Antonette Howey, who is also a big racing fanatic, along as his co-pilot. “She has a 2001 Dodge Dakota with a 392 stroker motor,” said Bryon. “My goal with this event is to get her hooked, and possibly enter her truck into sick events in the future. Last year we got her into Roadkill Nights with the truck, and she had a blast.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Bryon Buchanan.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com