2017 Ford Mustang GT Build: ProCharged ElevatedStang

TL;DR

• Mike Combes turned his 2017 Ford Mustang GT into “ElevatedStang,” a ProCharged build that balances show-car looks with track-ready performance.

• Featuring a Stage 2 ProCharger kit, full Steeda suspension suite, and StopTech big brakes, this Mustang blends muscle, precision, and family spirit.

• More than a build, it’s a legacy — inspired by childhood memories, supported by family, and built to turn heads at both shows and the track.

Mike Combes

2017 Ford Mustang GT

Instagram: @elevatedstang_17

Team: @team.elevate_

Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin 

Instagram: @r0cean11 

Facebook: @r0cean11 Photography 

www.r0cean11.com

From Hot Wheels to ElevatedStang: Mike’s Mustang Story

From the high desert town of Winnemucca, Nevada, Mike Combes has carved out a personal automotive legacy fueled by nostalgia, horsepower, and family. At 44, he works as a Heavy Equipment Operator in underground mining — balancing life beneath the surface with a passion for high-performance cars above ground.

Like many enthusiasts, Mike’s love for cars began with Hot Wheels, TV shows, and local events like 50s Fever, a small-town celebration of vintage Americana just before Reno’s Hot August Nights. “I chose to build a Mustang because of a car from my teenage years,” Mike recalls. His family once owned a 1986 Mustang GT, a memory that stuck with him.

It was actually Mike’s wife who found the 2017 Ford Mustang GT that became ElevatedStang. Remembering his stories, she tracked down the platform he’d dreamed about — a gesture that sparked the build of a lifetime.

Family Roots in Car Culture

Mike’s automotive journey started with a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant — his first taste of modifications and the Las Vegas car scene. Since then, his garage has grown into a lineup that reflects his family’s shared passion:

• 1991 Nissan 240SX with an RB swap

• 2024 Lexus IS F Sport

• 2022 BMW M235i

• Mitsubishi Galant GTZ

“We all have builds,” Mike says. “My wife and kids are part of this. We go to shows together — it’s a family tradition.”

The Dual Identity of ElevatedStang

What makes the 2017 Ford Mustang GT special is its dual personality. It’s a show car that commands attention, yet it’s also track-capable thanks to carefully chosen upgrades. “I won’t lie — I always look back at it after I park,” Mike admits. “It’s the realization of an idea in my head.”

Build Specs – ElevatedStang

Engine

• ProCharger Stage 2 Kit (P1X Upgrade)

• BBK 85mm Throttle Body & Oil Catch Can

• Roush Axle-Back Exhaust + Steeda H-Pipe

• SCT GTX Tuner

• Deatschwerks 1000cc Injectors

• Mishimoto Radiator & Coolant

• ProCharger Coolant Reservoir

• APR Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

• Ford Performance Coilpack Covers

• Anderson Composites Carbon Radiator Cover

• XS Power Battery

Interior

• Steeda Tri-Ax Short Throw Shifter

• Braum Alpha-X Seats w/ 5-Point Harnesses

• AutoMeter A-Pillar Gauges

• Carbon Fiber Dash Trim

• Full LED Conversion (Diode Dynamics)

• Element Fire Extinguisher

Exterior

• Cervini C-Series Grilles

• Anderson Composites Carbon Hood & Quarter Windows

• APR Carbon Splitter & Canards

• Wicker Bill Spoiler

• Renegade Euro Smoked Taillights

• Full LED Lighting Setup

Wheels & Tires

• Velgen VMB9 20” Wheels

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tires (265/35ZR20 Front, 295/35ZR20 Rear)

Suspension

• BC Racing BR Series Coilovers

• Full Steeda Suspension Suite: sway bars, IRS support, camber arms, control arms, strut brace

Brakes

• StopTech Big Brake Kit

Audio

• Kenwood Excelon DNR1007XR

• Phoenix Gold GX 12” Sub + Amp

• Custom Installations

Installation Credits

• ProCharger Kit: Street to Sand Off-Road & Performance, Reno, NV

• Audio Install: Mo Music, Reno, NV

• Graphics: The Club Customs

• Other Work: Mike, friends, and family

What’s Next for ElevatedStang?

Mike isn’t finished yet. Planned upgrades include:

• Anderson Composites Carbon Fiber Fenders & Trunk

• APR Carbon Fiber Spoiler

• Forged Engine Internals

• BC Forged Wheels

“The best advice I can give is always do your research,” Mike says. “Go with proven parts. Cheaper options can lead to setbacks in fitment, quality, or performance.”

Final Thoughts

ElevatedStang isn’t just another modified Mustang — it’s the embodiment of passion, balance, and family. For Mike Combes, every mod carries a story, every part has purpose, and every look back at the car is a reminder of a dream realized.

For more inspiration, check out Stance Auto Magazine Japanese Classic Cars Vol2 or our special issue, Stance Auto Magazine July 2025, featuring worldwide builds that embody the same spirit.

Explore These Amazing Stance Auto Builds:

• Bagged Mustang EcoBoost Widebody - 520 HP Stance Build - Drew Jackson's incredible 2016 Mustang EcoBoost with Precision NX2 turbo, Airlift suspension, and custom interior.
• 1 of 1 Carbon Fiber Pandem MKV Supra - Hunter Ensley - The world's first MKV Supra with an all carbon fiber Pandem wide body kit.
• Liberty Walk Ferrari F430 - Jonathan Golden - The ultimate supercar transformation journey from "The Red Car" to the "Wasabi Warrior".
•  2015 Pandem Nissan GTR - Jimmy Tu - A completely custom GTR build with HKS GT800 turbos and one-off fabrication work.
• 1991 RWB Porsche 964 - Sam Saharan - Behind the wheel of an authentic RWB Porsche built by Akira Nakai himself.

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