The 2014 Formula Drift season is just around the corner, with the Streets of Long Beach event scheduled for the first weekend in April. While we’re sure we’ll hear plenty about the many factory-backed teams from Ford, Nissan, and other automakers, Formula Drift also sees plenty of privateer teams competing for their share of the championship points.

Doug Van Den Brink a privateer drifter rocks a SN95 “New Edge” style Mustang that stands in stark contrast to all the late-model muscle that rocks Formula Drift. For 2014, Van Den Brink is making some big updates to his older Mustang that could help him stay competitive with the big boys all season.

One of the biggest changes is a swap from the stock solid rear axle the SN95 Mustang came with to a Cobra independent rear suspension with a Tiger Racing Quickchange differential. A new Quartermaster clutch goes along with the new center-shift transmission and driveshaft for a more durable driveline, and believe us, Doug will need it.

While the setup keeps the stock block two-valve 4.6, nearly everything else will be upgraded, including a new twin-turbo system from Comp Turbos. This will help the V8 make power up past 7500 RPMs, whereas the old setup was outside of its powerband by 5600 RPMs.

Along with other chassis and suspension work, Van Den Brink hopes this new setup will help him be competitive with factory-backed racers who have dominated much of Formula Drift. Look for our coverage of the Streets of Long Beach right here in April.