Six-speed 1986 Mustang GT Is One Sentimental Sleeper
We’ve got a feeling this Fox GT could run with just about any ‘Vette with it’s a twin-turbo, Boss block-based 331 cubic-inch V8.
Is there such a thing as a sleeper on a drag strip? Because if there is, then Mike Niehaus of Columbus, Ohio’s ’86 Mustang GT would be it. It’s white with stock graphics, a red velour interior, and a stick shift. And yet, the thing runs 8s all day long.
YouTube channel REVan Evan caught up with Mike at the NMRA Intergalactic Ford Fest at Bowling Green, Kentucky. Yes, Bowling Green is the home of the Corvette, so these Ford fans are really in the belly of the beast here.
We’ve got a feeling that Mike’s Fox GT could run with just about any ‘Vette. A brief rundown: It’s a twin-turbocharged Boss block-based 331ci Ford V8. There’s a solid roller cam, and it runs on 25 pounds of boost and pump E85 gas. It’s heavy at 3,400 pounds, but it also runs about 1,100 horsepower.
The Goods
What’s more, this was Mike’s first car. He bought it in 2000 at a Pontiac dealership when it was just a 14-year-old, bone-stock used car. He quickly added in 3.73 gears and took it to the strip. On his first pass ever, he ran a 14.33. Again, today, the thing runs 8s. That’s quite an improvement.
Inside, the car is still stock down to the seats. Shifting is done through a stock Tremec T-56 Magnum with a Hurst handle and a stock shift pattern. The suspension is relatively stock with a few bolt-on modifications. It’s enough to make it a savage on the strip, and a joy to drive on the street.
Then, we see the car in action, and well, we’re at a loss for words. Mike and his prize pony take first place in the Tremec Stick Shift Shootout Winner. The car is just incredibly fast for an ’86 Fox.
In all, Mike’s car is just about perfect. It’s near unbeatable on the strip, and yet, he can still comfortably cruise around in it in town. Plus, there’s the sentimental value of it being his first car. An ’86 GT as a first car is cool enough. One that’s been held onto, modified, and raced for nearly 20 years in something entirely different. Here’s hoping Mike and his lightning-fast GT continue to dominate the strip for years to come.
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