2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build: 9-Second Drag Car Meets Show Winner

Quebec's Alexandre Blier transforms his 2020 Mustang GT Performance Pack into a 9-second supercharged widebody show car. RTR kit, Vortech V-3, rebuilt 10R80 transmission featured.

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2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build: 9-Second Drag Car Meets Show Winner
2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build at Sema 2026

Alexandre (Alex) Blier – 2020 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack

Instagram: @Siick_v8

Facebook: Alexandre Blier
Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin | IG: @r0cean11 | FB: r0cean11 Photography | www.r0cean11.com

"Never give up on the best that is yet to come." – Alex Blier

From the streets of Quebec, Canada, 31-year-old Alexandre (Alex) Blier has built more than just a Mustang—he's built a reputation in both the drag racing and show car worlds. By day, Alex works as an electrotechnician at Saputo. By night (and most weekends), he's wrenching on one of the most unique S550 Mustang GT builds you'll see north of the border.

How the Mustang Passion Started

Like many automotive enthusiasts, Alex's passion ignited as a teenager, fueled by the Fast and Furious saga. His first car, a 2002 Mustang V6, introduced him to aftermarket modifications and the addictive world of drag racing. Four cars later, he made the leap into V8 territory with his dream platform: the 2020 Mustang GT equipped with Ford's formidable 10R80 automatic transmission.

"The Mustang V8 is one of the most accessible cars for performance builds, and I wanted to create my ultimate race car. The S550 platform made it possible," Alex explains.

The fifth-generation Mustang GT offered him the perfect canvas—a proven Coyote 5.0L V8 engine, a robust automatic transmission option, and an aftermarket support network that's second to none in the muscle car world.

Building a Legend: Year-by-Year Transformation

2020 – The Foundation Year

After years of waiting for stable employment and diligently saving, Alex finally purchased his Mustang GT Performance Pack. Early modifications focused on the essentials: BC Racing coilovers for improved handling, a full exhaust system to unleash the Coyote engine's throaty roar, and Roush styling parts to give the Mustang an aggressive aesthetic.

By summer's end, with just a performance tune and cold air intake, he was already running consistent 11.8–12 second quarter-mile passes. The Performance Pack's Brembo brakes and Michelin tires provided the foundation, but Alex knew this was only the beginning.

2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build at Sema 2026

2021 – Entering the Boost Era

Alex installed his first supercharger system: a Vortech V-3 JT-B unit with a billet impeller. It was his inaugural experience with forced induction, but he dove in headfirst—adding 1000cc fuel injectors, a complete methanol injection system, upgraded booster pump, polyurethane subframe connectors, differential bushings, and drag racing setup tweaks.

With downsized supercharger pulleys pushing increased boost pressure, the car ran blistering 9.5-second passes at 150 mph trap speeds. The adrenaline rush was incredible, but the factory 10R80 transmission began showing signs of slippage under the immense power and torque.

2022 – Discovering the Show Scene

Instead of immediately chasing faster drag strip times, Alex entered his first car show—and took home his first award. That pivotal moment changed everything. He was approached by MBC Elite, a prestigious automotive club that mentored him on show car culture, presentation standards, and the art of building a cohesive theme.

By the season's end, Alex's Mustang GT was consistently winning "Best Mustang" titles at regional events. The supercharged muscle car was turning heads both on the track and on display.

2023 – The Widebody Transformation and Rebuild

Alex went all in during the winter months. He spent countless hours cutting the factory sheet metal to install an RTR widebody kit, custom-fabricating the front end to accommodate a genuine GT500 front bumper, and designing his own side skirts and rear diffuser from scratch.

The reveal at a Quebec car meet was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. But tragedy struck shortly after—a flooded road in Ottawa caused him to hydroplane and crash, severely damaging the passenger side of his carefully crafted build. The widebody fenders, custom fabrication work, and paint were destroyed.

Despite the heartbreak and financial setback, Alex refused to quit. He rebuilt everything himself with even more attention to detail, determined to return stronger than before. This resilience would become a defining characteristic of both builder and build.

2024 – The Comeback and Recognition

The comeback year exceeded all expectations. With custom three-piece Rohana wheels featuring carbon fiber lips, a striking Vampire Red vinyl wrap by Wipe Garage, a completely redone suede interior, a reworked custom trunk setup with dual Android tablets, and countless carbon fiber aesthetic details, Alex stunned the show circuit.

He won multiple awards throughout the season, culminating in taking Best American Car at Importfest—Canada's largest and most prestigious automotive event. His Mustang GT was also featured prominently in the official Importfest recap video, cementing his status in the Canadian car scene.

2025 – Back to the Drag Strip

Alex is returning to his roots: drag racing. With a fully rebuilt 10R80 transmission featuring machined billet drums, reinforced high-performance clutch packs, a Circle D torque converter, an aluminum 1500-horsepower-rated driveshaft, and an upgraded dual fuel pump system with full return lines, his Mustang is now a legitimate 9-second show car ready to chase an 8-second quarter-mile pass.

The combination of BMR suspension components, including their complete "Stop the Hop" traction kit, ensures the supercharged power reaches the pavement efficiently.

2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build at Sema 2026

What's It Like to Drive a 9-Second Show Car?

Behind the wheel, the supercharged Mustang GT delivers pure adrenaline. The Vortech V-3 supercharger produces an intoxicating whine under acceleration, while the methanol injection system provides additional cooling and power when the boost controller is dialed up.

But Alex admits that seeing his creation parked at car shows—surrounded by cameras, admirers, and fellow enthusiasts—fills him with equal pride.

"When people stop, take pictures, and admire the small details, it proves all the sacrifices were worth it. This build represents both my passion and the recognition I've earned in the community."

Expert Advice for Aspiring Builders

At car shows, Alex emphasizes one critical lesson: attention to detail matters just as much as headline-grabbing modifications. The difference between a good build and a great build often comes down to wire tucking, paint quality, fitment precision, and thematic consistency.

For anyone considering mixing forced induction with air suspension systems, his advice is crystal clear: "Be safe—they don't play well together." The compressed air systems can create potential hazards when combined with pressurized fuel and methanol lines.

What Makes This Mustang GT Build Unique?

Remarkably few cars successfully balance being a 9-second drag machine with show-winning widebody aesthetics. Even fewer are largely self-built by their owners. Alex designed, fabricated, and installed most modifications himself, making his Mustang GT a genuine reflection of both mechanical engineering and automotive artistry.

The custom RTR widebody installation required precise cutting and welding skills. The GT500 front bumper needed extensive modification to fit the S550 chassis properly. The trunk build with integrated electronics showcases both craftsmanship and creativity.

2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build at Sema 2026 engine bay

Complete Build Specifications

Engine and Drivetrain Performance Modifications

  • Vortech V-3 JT-B supercharger with billet impeller (3.48-inch pulley)
  • Snow Performance methanol injection system
  • 1000cc high-flow fuel injectors
  • Dual fuel pump setup with full return system
  • Long tube headers with full stainless steel exhaust
  • Active exhaust valve system (electronically modified)
  • Custom carbon fiber intercooler with painted piping
  • Circle D high-stall torque converter
  • Fully rebuilt 10R80 automatic transmission with machined billet drums
  • Reinforced high-performance clutch packs
  • Aluminum 1500-horsepower-rated driveshaft
  • Complete BMR suspension catalog including "Stop the Hop" traction kit
  • Titanium supercharger inlet tube
  • Carbon fiber engine bay covers and fluid reservoirs
  • Hand-painted American flag custom engine bay artwork

Suspension and Handling Components

  • BC Racing ER series 3-way adjustable coilovers with external reservoirs
  • Polyurethane subframe connectors and differential bushings

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

  • Red powder-coated Brembo 6-piston brake calipers
  • R1 Concepts performance rotors (cross-drilled and slotted)
  • Custom Rohana 20-inch Trinity 3-piece forged wheels with carbon fiber lip
  • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tires

2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build at Sema 2026 interior

Interior Transformation

  • Full carbon fiber dash, door panels, steering wheel trim, and center console
  • Genuine suede replacing all factory cloth surfaces
  • Braum racing bucket seats with 4-point harness system
  • Custom roll cage for safety and rigidity
  • Custom suede trunk installation featuring dual Android tablets
  • Carbon fiber NOS bottle (decorative show piece)
  • Analog boost gauge, methanol level gauge, and fuel pressure gauge cluster

Audio and Video Systems

  • Kenwood Excelon head unit and processor
  • Five-speaker setup with component tweeters
  • Subwoofer system with dedicated amplifiers

Exterior Styling and Aerodynamics

  • Shelby GT500 front bumper (custom-fitted)
  • RTR widebody fender flares (custom-installed)
  • Extensive carbon fiber aerodynamic components:
    • Carbon fiber hood with functional vents

    • Adjustable carbon fiber rear wing

    • Carbon fiber front canards

    • Carbon fiber side mirror caps

    • Carbon fiber door handles

    • Carbon fiber trunk lid

    • Carbon fiber window louvers

    • Carbon fiber rear deck lid panel

  • Oracle Lighting blacked-out LED headlights
  • Custom prop hood system
  • Hand-painted American flag rooftop design
  • Vampire Red vinyl wrap by Wipe Garage (Quebec)

Build Credits and Professional Services

  • Mechanical work, design, and suede installation: Alexandre Blier
  • Vinyl wrap: Wipe Garage (Quebec)
  • Paint correction and detailing: Joce Pro Peintre

2020 Ford Mustang GT Widebody Build at Sema 2026

The SEMA Journey: Taking Quebec to Las Vegas

Alex's road to SEMA—the world's premier automotive specialty products trade show—required 40 hours of driving, massive logistical preparation, and personal sacrifice. Encouraged by Paulo of Petrol Descendants, Alex connected with Jeoffrey Maldonado of Sevenfortytwo Marketing, who helped coordinate the opportunity.

For SEMA display standards, he added additional carbon fiber touches and completely refined his trunk setup to meet the show's prestigious presentation requirements. Walking the SEMA floor with his own build represented the culmination of years of dedication.

Community Support and Automotive Culture

Alex credits MBC Elite for their early mentorship in show car culture and presentation standards. He acknowledges Petrol Descendants for continuous motivation and community support. Most importantly, he's grateful for the countless supporters, followers, and fellow enthusiasts who have followed his build journey across social media platforms.

The Canadian muscle car community, particularly in Quebec, embraced his unique vision of combining drag racing performance with show car aesthetics.

What's Next for This Mustang GT?

Next on the horizon: breaking into the exclusive 8-second quarter-mile club with his Mustang GT. The rebuilt transmission, upgraded fuel system, and refined suspension setup have prepared the car for this goal.

Beyond that, Alex dreams of hand-building a Ford GT40 replica inspired by the Ruffian GT40—or, if that proves too ambitious, taking on a C7 Corvette project that blends modern performance with custom fabrication.

Final Thoughts: When Passion Meets Perseverance

From drag strip passes to Importfest trophies to SEMA's global stage, Alexandre Blier's 2020 Mustang GT Performance Pack is proof that passion, resilience, and relentless attention to detail can build not just a car—but an automotive legacy.

His journey demonstrates that setbacks—whether mechanical failures or accident damage—don't define a builder. The comeback defines the builder. For anyone considering their own automotive project, Alex's story provides both inspiration and practical wisdom: start with a solid platform, learn as you build, don't fear setbacks, and never compromise on the details.

The supercharged, widebody Mustang GT stands as a testament to what's possible when an owner commits to doing the work themselves, learning new skills, and pushing both their car and themselves to the absolute limit.

Call to Action

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r0cean11 Photography began as a simple hobby for me—something I explored out of pure curiosity and passion. Twenty-four years later, it has grown into one of the defining parts of my life. Before stepping fully into automotive photography, I spent years building cars for SEMA. I photographed my own builds and projects long before I ever considered taking the craft seriously. That all changed when my last build was totaled; from that moment, photography became more than an interest—it became my purpose. ----------- Today, I shoot and write for Stance Auto Magazine, PASMAG, 742 Marketing Events, Super Lap Battle, Global Time Attack, RACEWORZ, and a wide range of automotive events across the United States. ----------- To me, automotive photography is more than capturing a vehicle—it’s about telling the story that lives within it. Every builder leaves a piece of themselves in their car, and my job is to honor that by showcasing their vision through my lens. ----------- You’ll find my event coverage, feature shoots, and automotive storytelling across all my platforms. I’m always open to connecting, answering questions, and collaborating with builders, enthusiasts, and fellow creatives. ----------- I am also a Partner with Stance Auto Magazine, serving as the Director of Marketing and Media. ----------- Facebook (Personal): Donald Rochin (Donnie Roc)