The "Stalker Vert" Is One Low, Mean Fox Body
Chris Boss’ 1987 Mustang GT Convertible has been a decades-long pursuit of perfection for the well-traveled builder who now calls Texas home. Having owned the car multiple times over the years, Chris has guided it through numerous iterations, each time pushing the boundaries of performance and styling for a Fox body. At the core of this low and mean Fox's upgraded performance and appearance is its fully upgraded suspension, a system designed to blend street performance with an aggressive, lowered stance and greatly improved ride quality.
Chris didn’t cut any corners when it came to suspension, opting for a complete QA1 setup that redefines how a Fox body Mustang can ride and handle. The front end benefits from QA1’s tubular K-member, control arms, and sway bar, reducing weight while improving rigidity and geometry. Adjustable coilovers paired with QA1’s caster camber plates give him the control he needs for dialing in the perfect stance and responsiveness. "The difference in handling is night and day. The QA1 setup eliminated the sloppiness you get with stock suspension. The car feels planted, predictable, and way more confident in the corners. It’s the kind of control you want, especially when you’ve got big wheels and low ride height," Chris explains.
Out back, the QA1 theme continues with MOD Series rear coilovers and adjustable control arms, allowing Chris to fine-tune ride height and stiffness to match the aggressive look and feel he was after. QA1’s sway bar further stabilizes the chassis, helping the convertible stay composed in turns. The setup not only improves cornering but also keeps the ride compliant enough for long drives — something this Mustang has seen plenty of. "I’ve been through countless suspension setups over the years, but QA1 nailed it. Whether I’m cruising, hammering it on the highway, or just trying to get the stance perfect, it does exactly what I need. You can fine-tune everything to your exact preference. That’s what sets QA1 apart," Chris says.
Chris first picked up this 1987 Mustang GT Convertible in 2003, initially planning to find a coupe but stumbling upon this clean drop-top instead. Over the years, the car’s journey has been nothing short of interesting. It’s changed hands multiple times, has gone through three major overhauls, and traveled cross-country as part of Mustangs Across America in 2014. After selling it in 2014, he repurchased it two years later, making sure it stayed in the family. Each rebuild has taken the Mustang to new levels, with Chris tackling unique modifications that set it apart from other Fox body Mustangs.
The exterior features a fully shaved body, eliminating the factory door handles, antenna, and emblems for a sleek and streamlined look. The most striking element is the custom Stalker front bumper—a blend of the stock GT upper half and an aftermarket lower section. The fuel door has been relocated behind the license plate, which is another nod to Chris’ attention to detail.
Under the hood, this Mustang stays true to its roots with a 306 cubic-inch small-block Ford. Starting with a factory 302 block, the engine is bored .030” over and paired with an E303 camshaft for a more aggressive powerband. The GT-40 iron heads and GT-40 intake manifold ensure solid airflow, while a Vortech S-Trim supercharger adds boost to elevate the power output. A 65mm throttle body and upgraded fuel system, featuring a 255lph pump and 30 lb. injectors, keep the engine well-fed.
Backing up the 306 is a T5 manual transmission with a Tri-Ax shifter and a Centerforce clutch, sending power through an upgraded driveshaft to a fortified 8.8-inch rearend equipped with Yukon five-lug axles and a 3.55:1 gear ratio. SN95 Mustang disc brakes front and rear provide ample stopping power, ensuring the Mustang can handle the increased performance.
One of the most striking parts of Chris’ build is the wheel and tire setup. Sitting on 18x10 OZ Opera wheels with a 19mm offset, wrapped in 255/35/18 tires, the stance is aggressive but still plenty functional. The combination of the QA1 suspension and carefully selected wheel specs gives the Mustang an undeniably menacing presence on the road. "I don’t care about quarter-mile times—I build my cars to sit right and drive right. It’s all about fitment and stance. If you get that wrong, nothing else matters," Chris states.
Inside, the car features a full interior swap from a 1993 Mustang, including a black leather-wrapped dashboard and factory leather seats upgraded with netted halo headrests. White face gauges and an Autometer triple-pillar pod provide Chris with all the essential readouts. The attention to detail continues with a blacked-out theme that matches the car’s sinister exterior. Over the years, this Mustang has seen its fair share of events, from Speedorama in Toronto — where it placed runner-up after a month-long rebuild — to multiple Mustang gatherings across the country. Its ever-evolving attention keeps it fresh and relevant in the Fox body community, whether it's pored over in-person or liked and shared on social media.
"This car has been a part of my life for so long, it’s like an extension of who I am. It’s been through so many phases, but every iteration has been about improving it, refining it. And with the suspension dialed in and the stance exactly how I want it, I’d say it’s the best it’s ever been," Chris says.
With QA1 suspension underneath, a refined powertrain, and an unmistakable, aggressive presence, the Stalker Vert Fox Body Mustang is one of the most well-executed custom builds in the Fox body community today.