• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

New member here from chicago

  • Thread starter Thread starter Canyonred86
  • Start date Start date Sep 25, 2023
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Sep 25, 2023
#1
  • Sep 25, 2023
  • #1
Hello all ...I have 86 GT for over a year that is mostly stock rust free and unmolested ( unmodified) looking to to go the restomod route with it .also looking to connect with those who have made improvements with a stock 86 engine (E6)
 

Attachments

  • 20230410_132627.webp
    411.8 KB · Views: 93
Reactions: Willybill32 and DeathProof88

Mstng93SSP

You have a nice rear end there Dave.
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
2,993
3,500
184
Mililani, Hawaii
Sep 26, 2023
#2
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #2
Welcome. Your car looks nice. I have done heads, cams, intakes, turbos, etc. Best bang in my opinion is leave it right the way it is and put either a turbo or a supercharger on it.
 
Reactions: Noobz347 and AeroCoupe

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,890
10,550
203
polk county florida
Sep 26, 2023
#3
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #3
Cruise around here and you'll get an idea of what members have done to their stangs, the issues and what works or not.
I would update the brakes, wheels-tires, fix the interior if needed, heads, cam, intake and then enjoy the ride. Remember it's like 40+ years old. Don't start comparing it to the new cars on the road.
 
Reactions: Canyonred86

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,837
3,967
183
Claremore, OK
Sep 26, 2023
#4
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #4
Also, it is a speed density car so they are a little more finicky with mods. You have the option to switch it to mass air but that all depends on what your wanting to do with it and your level of electrical and mechanical aptitude.
 
Reactions: Canyonred86

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Sep 26, 2023
#5
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #5
AeroCoupe said:
Also, it is a speed density car so they are a little more finicky with mods. You have the option to switch it to mass air but that all depends on what your wanting to do with it and your level of electrical and mechanical aptitude.
Click to expand...
My performance goals are going to be pretty modest so I'm going keep it speed density and sticking with the 19 lb injectors and mild camming The car currently has a 2.73 traction lock rear end which will be changed...The heads are the real bottleneck for power production...for me switching to mass air will be easy for me but I'm not there yet
 

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Sep 26, 2023
#6
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #6
General karthief said:
Cruise around here and you'll get an idea of what members have done to their stangs, the issues and what works or not.
I would update the brakes, wheels-tires, fix the interior if needed, heads, cam, intake and then enjoy the ride. Remember it's like 40+ years old. Don't start comparing it to the new cars on the road.
Click to expand...
Already on that road with that doing the interior and Brakes new carpet new calipers and slotted rotors paired with ebc red brake pads ...May replace the spindles with later model 87 -93 ones ,so I can run bigger front brakes ....will definitely look for any ideas or advice
 
Reactions: General karthief

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Sep 26, 2023
#7
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #7
Mstng93SSP said:
Welcome. Your car looks nice. I have done heads, cams, intakes, turbos, etc. Best bang in my opinion is leave it right the way it is and put either a turbo or a supercharger on it.
Click to expand...
Thanks she a has a few dents and dings but overall pretty solid and straight ...which can hard to find with these cars now pushing 40..lol
 

85GTStangGuy

5 Year Member
May 19, 2021
1,000
625
133
Jax, Florida
Sep 26, 2023
#8
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #8
Welcome. Looks clean.

More pics please.

What's up with the antenna?

And, imo, ditch the 50RESTO sticker(s) and the mud flaps.
 

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Sep 26, 2023
#9
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #9
Had a 8 inch antenna mast laying around after installing a aftermarket head unit speakers and antenna unit this car had some CB / two way radio mast...needed to go...the stickers well..matter of taste lol
 
Reactions: Rdub6, General karthief and 85GTStangGuy

OldManRiver

Active Member
Feb 14, 2015
238
131
53
Central Wisconsin
Sep 26, 2023
#10
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #10
86' speed density cam, the best stock cam in any year Fox, leave it be and just add boost.
 
Reactions: Noobz347

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues
5 Year Member
Dec 29, 2017
3,953
2,932
153
Long Island, NY
Sep 26, 2023
#11
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #11
I am definitely following this build!
I have an ‘86 myself (even though it doesn’t look like an ‘86). My motor is all stock at the moment but my wish is to add power at some point.
I’ve already done the 5 lug conversion, full suspension upgrade, and just an overall cleanup on the car. Hopefully I can lend some advice, and learn a thing or two as well. I’m still speed density, and always contemplating where I want to go with this car.
Ok, enough rambling about me……. With your car as original as it is, I would leave it just as it sits (but I guess that’s my age talking). But if you start to modify, I’d be happy to let you know what worked for me.

Here’s a link to all I’ve done along the way:

Progress Thread - 2nd Fox Body - Enjoying the car this summer!

ok guys, I prob have a similar story to many of you. Had an 86 GT back in the early 90’s. Fast forward 20 something years, and I now have an 86 LX 5.0. It was fitted with the 87 and up front clip and I’ve just realized that it has 90-93 rear inner hatch panels that have round shock access...
stangnet.com
 
Reactions: Canyonred86

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,991
21,176
234
Box behind Walmart
Sep 26, 2023
#12
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • #12
OldManRiver said:
86' speed density cam, the best stock cam in any year Fox, leave it be and just add boost.
Click to expand...

I wish I could +1 this post again.


Seriously, there are two paths to performance on an 86.

Path 1 includes swapping out the weakest link... The heads. You can't swap heads without doing everything else through the inlet and out the mass air meter that you don't want to swap to. It stacks up fast. Heads, exhaust, springs, pushrods, rockers, intake, throttle body and spacer, the list goes on. Trick Flow Twisted Wedge is the bolt-on option but the support!

Path 2 includes and blower, Fuel Management Unit, and high volume/high pressure fuel pump. Down the road: Larger injectors, Tune or stand-alone, and removal of FMU.

I would turn you onto a Kenne Bell kit but they are [hard] to come by these days. My second pick would be an ATI centri blower. Either one will run just fine on Speed Density.
 
Reactions: Canyonred86 and General karthief

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Sep 27, 2023
#13
  • Sep 27, 2023
  • #13
That a funny looking 86..lol ...
Noobz347 said:
I wish I could +1 this post again.


Seriously, there are two paths to performance on an 86.

Path 1 includes swapping out the weakest link... The heads. You can't swap heads without doing everything else through the inlet and out the mass air meter that you don't want to swap to. It stacks up fast. Heads, exhaust, springs, pushrods, rockers, intake, throttle body and spacer, the list goes on. Trick Flow Twisted Wedge is the bolt-on option but the support!

Path 2 includes and blower, Fuel Management Unit, and high volume/high pressure fuel pump. Down the road: Larger injectors, Tune or stand-alone, and removal of FMU.

I would turn you onto a Kenne Bell kit but they are [hard] to come by these days. My second pick would be an ATI centri blower. Either one will run just fine on Speed Density.
Click to expand...
I definitely agree with the two paths to make power outside of swaping in a later motor like a E7 ...I have not shut the door completely on changing to a mass air set up to take advantage adding
 

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!
5 Year Member
Jul 16, 2019
627
348
83
Lexington, KY
Sep 30, 2023
#14
  • Sep 30, 2023
  • #14
Canyonred86 said:
Hello all ...I have 86 GT for over a year that is mostly stock rust free and unmolested ( unmodified) looking to to go the restomod route with it .also looking to connect with those who have made improvements with a stock 86 engine (E6)
Click to expand...
I’m the original owner of an ‘86 GT. I’ve done the MAF conversion, added TFS TW 170 heads, cam, headers, intake, larger throttle body and MAF, 24 lb injectors. I added ‘87-‘93 front spindles/rotors, rear disc conversion as well as new springs and new suspension rubber. Changed th stock 2.73 rear gears to 3.55 gears.

My car dyno’d at 315 HP/349 lb ft. My only regret is the cam, as it affected driveability. On the other hand, keeping the car stock would also have been a good choice.

Bill
 
Reactions: Canyonred86 and General karthief

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Oct 1, 2023
#15
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • #15
Willybill32 said:
I’m the original owner of an ‘86 GT. I’ve done the MAF conversion, added TFS TW 170 heads, cam, headers, intake, larger throttle body and MAF, 24 lb injectors. I added ‘87-‘93 front spindles/rotors, rear disc conversion as well as new springs and new suspension rubber. Changed th stock 2.73 rear gears to 3.55 gears.

My car dyno’d at 315 HP/349 lb ft. My only regret is the cam, as it affected driveability. On the other hand, keeping the car stock would also have been a good choice.

Bill
Click to expand...
The trick Flow heads has been recommended to me before how was your bottom end clearance with these heads and what type of cam you are using?
 
Reactions: Willybill32
M

Monkeybutt2000

Mustang Master
Aug 11, 2019
1,387
849
133
Lafayette,IN
Oct 1, 2023
#16
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • #16
Do gears FIRST. 3.55 or 3.73s, you'll feel like you added 50hp.
 

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!
5 Year Member
Jul 16, 2019
627
348
83
Lexington, KY
Oct 1, 2023
#17
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • #17
Canyonred86 said:
The trick Flow heads has been recommended to me before how was your bottom end clearance with these heads and what type of cam you are using?
Click to expand...
The piston-to-valve clearance wasn’t exactly measured, but verified there was no clearance issue. The cam was the Ford E303, the only thing I’d change, as mine seems to make the engine jerk/surge at low RPMs (just above idle.). Haven’t been able to fix it via tune. The TFS heads were known to work well with the ‘86 pistons.

Bill
 

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues
5 Year Member
Dec 29, 2017
3,953
2,932
153
Long Island, NY
Oct 1, 2023
#18
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • #18
Willybill32 said:
The piston-to-valve clearance wasn’t exactly measured, but verified there was no clearance issue. The cam was the Ford E303, the only thing I’d change, as mine seems to make the engine jerk/surge at low RPMs (just above idle.). Haven’t been able to fix it via tune. The TFS heads were known to work well with the ‘86 pistons.

Bill
Click to expand...
Did you go aftermarket ECU or an A9L?
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,991
21,176
234
Box behind Walmart
Oct 1, 2023
#19
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • #19
Willybill32 said:
The piston-to-valve clearance wasn’t exactly measured, but verified there was no clearance issue. The cam was the Ford E303, the only thing I’d change, as mine seems to make the engine jerk/surge at low RPMs (just above idle.). Haven’t been able to fix it via tune. The TFS heads were known to work well with the ‘86 pistons.

Bill
Click to expand...

That sounds very similar to my old setup. I clayed it up, there was space, and I pressed on with pride. Never did bother to actually measure. The only reason I did clay at all was because dudes here [insisted]. lol

I had this setup running on SD for nearly a year.
 

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
Oct 1, 2023
#20
  • Oct 1, 2023
  • #20
Noobz347 said:
That sounds very similar to my old setup. I clayed it up, there was space, and I pressed on with pride. Never did bother to actually me andasure. The only reason I did clay at all was because dudes here [insisted]. lol

I had this setup running on SD for nearly a year.
Click to expand...
I will probably do the same to be safe the e cam was also my choice lift wise both heads and cam is on my list which will be a big part of my budget ...
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
New here from Maine
  • lobster
  • Mar 2, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
19
Views
500
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Mar 5, 2026
lobster
L
N
New Member from New York
  • NYFox
  • Jan 19, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
882
The Welcome Wagon Jan 25, 2026
AeroCoupe
5
Foxbody Intro
  • 5.0Sucio
  • May 26, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
1
Views
96
The Welcome Wagon May 26, 2026
Noobz347
6
New Member 1969 Mach 1
  • 69Resto
  • Sep 19, 2025
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
2
Views
160
The Welcome Wagon Sep 19, 2025
69Resto
6
Electrical Issues with my 2006 mustang gt
  • VerneVdV
  • May 22, 2026
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
0
Views
74
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech May 22, 2026
VerneVdV
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?